Monday, July 18, 2022

In Daniel

 

“But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.” Therefore Daniel 3:6 

 

[Jesus teaching] “’The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father, He who has ears, let him hear.’” Matthew 13:42-50 

 

Daniel is an important book of end times prophesy and Jesus quoted from this book when speaking of judgment of the unredeemed. If you remember the story in Daniel of the three young followers of the One true God who were threatened with being thrown into a blazing furnace of fire if they did not worship the king. Their answer was inspirational for all of us. 

 

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning the matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.’” Daniel 3:16-18 

 

It is an important reminder for all of us. as we see the world deteriorating into chaos and confusion about what is Truth and righteousness...we must be willing to follow through shadowy times and know that whatever happens it is in our Father’s control and our relationship with Him is secure for eternity. He will save us out of it all. 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily) 

 

PS:  For those not aware, I’m still struggling with my ageing technology so sometimes the devotion may look different.  I apologise and am working on it. Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.).  For the books, go Amazon books.   

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?) 

 

  • War in Ukraine Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, especially strength for Christians of the country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from potential devastation of a third world war. 

  • Simon and Tamara and their children Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision. 

  • Christinegive her strength as she journeys to heart-healing. 

  • Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made. 

  • Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.   

  • Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her. 

  • Hans – a dear friend in Germany, has lung cancer and unable to work.  Pray for his financial situation and that his new social worker will be able to help him through this difficult time.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love. 

  • Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart. 

 

Pray for those in full-time service 

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families. 

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns 

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time. 

Pray for the World 

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