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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCc7TCmKcwQ
Or search YouTube for ‘Casting Crowns –
Scars in Heaven (Official Lyric Video)
(The following verses are from The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips)
[Jesus sharing] “’Now you are going through pain, but I shall see you again and your hearts will thrill with joy – the joy that no one can take away from you – and on that day you will not ask Me any questions.’” John 16:22
[Jesus sharing] “’You must not let yourselves be distressed – you must hold on to your faith in God and to your faith in Me. There are many rooms in my Father’s House. If there were not, should I have told you that I am going away to prepare a place for you? It is true that I am going away to prepare a place for you, but it is just as true that I am coming again to welcome you into My own home, so that you may be where I am.’” John 14:1-4
“For living to me means simply ‘Christ’, and if I die, I should merely gain more of Him. For me to go on living in this world may serve some good purpose. I should find it very hard to make a choice. I am torn in two directions – on the one hand I long to leave this world and live with Christ, and that is obviously the best thing for me. Yet, on the other hand, it is probably more necessary for you that I should stay here on earth.” Philippians 1:21-24
“And just as surely as it is appointed for all men to die once, and after that pass to their judgment, so it is certain that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many and after that, to those who look for Him, He will appear a second time, not this time to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews 9:27-28
“See! The home of God is with men, and He will live among them. They shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death shall be no more, and never again shall there be sorrow or crying or pain. For all those former things are past and gone.” Revelation 21:4
It is important to remember that life is fragile and held in the hands of God. Those we love and who have loved us over our lifetime can leave us in a flash. This WeakEnd Assignment should bring a tear or two to your eyes.
- Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be interrupted.
- Bring your Bible, notebook, something to write with, some Kleenex and a refreshment.
- Settle in and pray, thanking the Lord for His amazing compassion and love and that He knows the time.
- Open your notebook to a fresh page and date it.
- Watch the video (afresh).
- Write the names of three people who you love in a very special way at the top of the page.
- Write your thoughts about each of the verses above in the notebook and why it is important when you think about the message it has in relation to those three you’ve listed.
- Write out a plan to express your love to those three people within the month of July 2022. (Best is to visit. If not possible then a phone/video call. If neither is possible write a letter or email and send it).
- After each visit, call or letter/ email response, write how the Lord used it to bring you closer to these precious ones.
- Pray and thank the Lord for the time He has provided for you to express your love.
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.
Thanksgiving - Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife and a cancer survivor for many years, has had two small basal cell carcinomas successfully remove. She is once more cancer free and is healing from the surgery. Pray for her patience.
Thanksgiving - Denny – Marci (my lifetime friend)’s husband Denny, had successful quadruple bi-pass surgery 30 years ago. Recently there have been new concerns, however, a series of tests have shown that he is doing alright and doesn’t need any additional surgery. Thank you for praying for Marci and the family. Continue to pray especially for Denny that he will realise, in a new way, his need for the saving grace of the Lord.
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.
Christine – give 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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