“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
“‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who sets its measurements? Since you know, or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars and together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Or who enclosed the sea with doors when, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; when I made a cloud its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and I placed boundaries on it and set a bolt and doors, and I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop’?” Job 38:1-11
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn of many brethren;” Romans 8:28-29a
Assignment
Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be disturbed.
Bring your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.
Settle your heart and pray the Lord gives you His heart about the unfolding effect of Hurricane Ian.
Watch the video above and or find an update of the progress of the hurricane as it is not over yet.
As you watch, write down some observations and specific prayer points.
Re-read the Scriptures above.
List the blessings God can bring out of this situation for our good and His glory.
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?)
Devastation from Hurricane Ian - please pray for those in the path of this amazing hurricane. It is too early to estimate human losses, but the destruction is breathtaking. Pray for rescue workers and those supporting those affected by this storm that is still raging.
Patrick - a wonderful Bible scholar who is presently part of an English Translation Review Committee, working to review a new translation of the New Testament, Antioch Bible (translating from Syriac to English). Pray for their hoped for goal of finishing the entire NT this calendar year and that he has increasing skill in the complicated languages he is working with.
Iran - The country is in turmoil and many are in danger for seeking freedom. Nearly a hundred have been killed. Please pray especially for J and for Ryan's family and friends there.
Bettina – Please pray for her strength, courage and wisdom and for the Lord to comfort her as she remembers the loss of Jim, her husband who passed on 7th of October, seven years ago. Pray also for her five, married daughters and 17 grandchildren, that they remain faithful and caring of Bettina. Pray the Lord captures the hearts of two of her daughters’ husbands who are not yet believers and for one of her daughters who is working her way back to the Lord.
Robin – just lost her beloved mother (was 93 years old), please pray for strength and healing for her as she navigates through this time of mourning and for her daughter who comforts her during this time.
Tom and Elizabeth - planning their wedding. Please pray that they both are firm in their commitment to Jesus Christ as the priority and that Sue and Grant have wisdom in their advice to them.
Andrew – is growing stronger after the cancellation of his wedding. Please continue to pray for him. He is supported by his Christian family and friends, but needs our supportive prayer to get through this loss in a gracious and hopeful way.
J and M – who were planning a life together and have just broken up. She is returning to Japan to regroup. Please pray for both of them that they remain civil and grow through this difficulty.
Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing and pray her husband gives his heart to the Lord.
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 the eldest granddaughter and is 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 to do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases with each day.
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 and remain bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Simon, 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.
Andrew – a man devoted to leading a worldwide ministry to the deaf is currently separated from his family. Please pray for this time that Andrew will discover new insights.
Pat and Isobel –as they serve tirelessly in challenging times. Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.
Jasper and Bec – the new youth pastor. Still studying at Moore College and living on campus there. Pray for balance between academic studies and common-sense family focus.
Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have begun a new work. Continue to pray for their healing strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. They have begun a YouTube channel Please consider watching and subscribing to their sound teaching episodes. Website: The Little Church World. And https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld.
Jenny S– A woman who has served the Lord as a Bible teacher at a local Bible school for 25 years, has been called into a new ministry. Give her courage and strength as she finds her way in this new role. Give her a hungry curiosity under change. Help her identify the balance and value of her unique contribution. Pray the Lord maintains her health in this time of stress.
Audley M – In his 90s has just gotten married. Pray for their union in Christ and for their health and strength. Pray for his wisdom and the effective growth of his wonderful radio ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘True meat’!
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.
UPDATE - Barbara – (my sister-in-law) recovering from an infection in her leg. She is finally beginning to be better and is now off the antibiotics. Please pray for her complete recovery and for Tim who is caring for her.
Thanksgiving - Lyle - is healing from a broken wrist and is unable to drive. The cast is off, he now has a brace and is serving time in physical therapy. Pray for his continued healing and patience during this time and for Annette, who supports him.
David – recovering quickly from a heart attack. Pray for wisdom for his health carers and for Heidi, who cares for him on a daily basis, that she will be strong and healthy through this time.Sophie– five-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, continues his battle lung cancer and financial difficulties. Pray his new social worker will be able to help him through this 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 extraordinarily good memories and lots of love.
Denny – is having heart problems. Please pray for his health carers and for Marci, his wife, as she cares for him.
Jake – A friend of my brother who is living with COPD (emphysema) and heart problems. Please pray for his daughter, Tiffany and for other friends to help him through his health journey.
Pray for the World
Do not hesitate to let me know if:
· You would like to stop receiving the Devotions for a while or be removed from the distribution list altogether.
· PLEASE NOTE: If you are receiving this from a friend, I am unable to remove your name from the distribution. You will need to contact the one who is sending it to you.
· There are now nine Amazon Kindles created from the many years of devotions, including: More Trust, Please, Baby Christians Growing Up, Through the Doors of the Bible, Reaching Into Romans, Christ is for Real, Discrimination and Genesis, Secrets of a Deeper Life in Christ, A Missing Psalm and Forgiveness. These collections are created to support you and to help sustain this ministry.
