Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Not the Prince of Peace


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Or search YouTube for “Before the Second Coming, 

These Four Signs Will Take Place 

By Grace Digital 

 

“The godly person has perished from the land, and there is no upright person among men; all of them lie in wait for bloodshed; each of them hunts the other with a net.  Concerning evil both hands do it well.  The prince asks, also the judge, for a bribe, and a great an speaks the desire of his soul; so they weave together.  -- For son treats father contemptuously, daughter rises up against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own household.” Micah 7:2-3, 6 

 

[Jesus speaking] “’Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.   

 

“’He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.’” Matthew 10:34-39 

 

In Jesus’ day, the Israelites expected a military conqueror who would restore Jerusalem to their rule by might and destruction.  Instead, they wondered at a Man who was kind, soft, mild-mannered, loving and thought-provoking.  A Man who let Himself be arrested and died.  Certainly, Jesus of Nazareth could not be the Messiah! 

 

Today, many believe Jesus’ wants a world at peace – that that, is somehow the ultimate goal.  Yet, those who read the Word are not surprised by the deterioration of our world today, because sin still rules this world, now.  Jesus will return one day.  Before He does, there will be continuing, astounding deterioration and destruction.  Then He will bring peace.   

 

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

 

PS:  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?) 

 

  • Floods in Kentucky - more than 25 people have died and no one can yet estimate how many remain missing.  Pray for the rescue workers and those supporting those who now have lost everything. 

  • Barbara (my sister-in-law) recovering from surgery to remove two cancerous growths.  One became infected and she is now on antibiotics but not well yet and for Tim who is caring for her. 

  • Elizabeth and Dan – planning their wedding.  Please pray that they both are firm in their commitment to Jesus Christ as a priority. 

  • 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 for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to support them. 

  • Peyton and Carter  - Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is eldest granddaughter and now in her third year at college.  Carter is a senior in high school.  Both are exceptional students and love the Lord.  Please pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases with each day.   

  • Sophie four-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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