WeakEnd Assignment – Benefits of Being Alone

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Lsj7jalm0

or search YouTube for ‘Why God Wants You to be Alone

The Secret that Moses Knew

by Grace Digital Network (15 min 15 Sec)

 

“And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’  Then he will say, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’  Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man, My Associate,’ declares the Lord of hosts.  Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; and I will turn My hand against the little ones.’” Zecharia 13:6-7

 

“After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’” Matthew 26:30-31

 

“And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I will strike down the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.’” Mark 14:27

 

Assignment

Have you ever felt lonely?  Have you ever been alone and felt comfortable with the space?  Have you ever been surrounded by lots of people and still felt very lonely?  This assignment is about remembering those times and unravelling what you sense is the difference and how there are benefits to grow from.

1.    Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be interrupted.

2.    Have your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.

3.    Settle in and pray that the Lord will bring new insights to you about how being alone and being lonely are different.

4.    Date a fresh page in your notebook and listen to the video, taking note of Bible characters who benefitted from being alone.

5.    Read a bit more of the Matthew quote above, from verses 30-35, Luke 39-46 and 54-62 and consider how alone and lonely Jesus felt.

6.    Finally, read and consider Hebrews 4:14-16.

7.    Write your learnings about loneliness and being alone.

 

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.

·      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 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