Monday, July 11, 2022

Not a Disguise!


“Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth, say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Lo, your salvation comes; behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.’  And they will call them, ‘the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord’; and you will be called, ‘Sought out; a city not forsaken.’” Isaiah 62:11 


"When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me.


"'If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them.' This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 'Say to the daughter of Zion, behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.''" Matthew 21:5


Jesus quotes Isaiah to highlight the disconnect between God and the people. He also quoted Isaiah to remind people of the comfort God will bring through Him as the Lamb of God and the reigning King.


However, because He did not come as the military leader they expected (Who was to lead the fight and defeat the Romans) they chose not to 'see' Him. Their perspective was focused on self and not on the people of the world.


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?) 

 

  • Third wave of historically unprecedented Floods in New South Wales, Australia rain is expected to continue for the next week.  Pray for weary rescue and support workers.  Pray for those with the resulting devastation and loss of loved ones, homes, livestock (livelihood) and all their possessions.     

  • 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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