Monday, August 8, 2022

The Last One of 750


 

Click the image or the link of 

Copy and paste the link into your browser 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzYm-bWITJo 

Or search YouTube for ‘Malachi 4 – New Living Translation 

By Ryan Morgan (1 min 18 sec) 

 

[God speaking] “’Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commended him in Horeb for all Israel. Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.’” Malachi 4:5-6 

 

“As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’ And His disciples asked Him, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’  

 

“And He answered and said, ‘Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognise him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also, the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands. Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:9-11 

 

When we started this series in January this year, it was difficult to imagine we would cover the 750 times Jesus words are recorded in the Gospels of Him quoting Old Testament verses. It is apparent He did this because in His day, the common man had no access to the Scriptures. Even those who did – the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees – for the most part -- only believed the bits that would benefit themselves.   

 

Yet, Jesus never gave up unfolding, amplifying and contextualising the Scriptures to remind His followers -- and those who fought against Him -- of the true identity of the Messiah.  

 

The words of Malachi are the last in the Old Testament. Then, God was silent for 400 years. Then came John the Baptist. Then came the Messiah! 

 

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 35 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 

No comments: