Sunday, November 13, 2022

A Promise Stands

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Mch7HbaU0

Or search YouTube for ‘The Story of Sarah in the Bible

Wife of Abraham – Gave birth at the age of 90 years old

By Alpine Manalo (4 min 2 sec)

 

“Then God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.  I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her.  Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.’ 

 

“Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, ‘Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old?  And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?’  And Abraham said to God, ‘Oh that Ishmael might live before You!’ 

 

“But God said, ‘No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.’” Genesis 17:15-19

 

We can try to ‘hurry up’ God or look for ways to get our way over His way or contrive a way to get His way another way.  In the end there is no greater truth to express God’s power over all things than to see and realise how He works in every detail of our own lives lives. 

 

There are certainly consequences for our disobedience and lack of trust, and yet, as remarkable, and amazing as it is, He is always there working in our lives to will and to work His good pleasure for His plan.  No one can stop Him, and no one can expect an explanation – He rules over all and in all. 

 

No amount of man’s creative ideas can fulfil the promises God intends.  In this case, God ‘puts His foot down’ as he emphasises to Abraham that it is Sarah – his lawfully wedded wife - who will be the mother of nations, not just any woman.

 

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 to Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

                 UPDATE - Lyle -had to have surgery on his wrist and is feeling worse than ever.  While rare, the surgeon said it could take up to a year to heal!  He has no feeling in a couple fingers. Pray for his continued healing and patience during this time and for Annette, his lovely wife who supports him.  Also pray for Annette’s father who is quite ill -- they’ve just discovered he has cancer and pray for Annette’s Mom who will be there to support him through this time.

                 Pray for peace and revival in America

                 Sarah and Andrew – he has left his job and she has gone to work in a new and exciting position.  Pray they keep family balance to the glory of the Lord

                 Sue and Rob need prayers for wisdom and resolute spirits as they deal with their adult nephew, Luke.  He is becoming increasingly disruptive and irresponsible.  They invited him to stay with them as he was struggling, but he has more than overstayed his welcome.  Pray for healing for Luke and that he begins to accept their request.

                 Iran - The country is in turmoil.  Many are in danger for seeking freedom. Many have been killed or thrown into prison.  Pray especially for Ryan's family and friends there.

                 Thanksgiving - Bettina – is growing stronger in courage and wisdom as she enters a new phase of her life in the Lord.  Thank the Lord He has provided her with five, married daughters and 17 grandchildren.  Pray they all grow to love and follow the Lord.  The daughter we’ve especially been praying for has begun to return to the Lord through a difficult time.  Continue to pray for her and for the husbands of two of her daughters who have not yet believed in the saving power of Jesus Christ. 

                 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.  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 broken up.  She returned home to Japan to regroup.  He remains behind working toward a new career.  Pray they are both captured by His love during this time of pain.

                 Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing and pray her husband gives his heart to the Lord.

                 Family of Eric – Eric died suddenly at 52 leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord brings strength to them as they regroup into a new life.  Pray for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to continue to support them. 

                 Peyton and Carter- Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is their 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.  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 daily.

                 Callilah- a lost child.  Pray the Lord captures 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.

 

                 Jenny S– who has served the Lord as a Bible teacher at a local Bible school for 25 years has been called to a new ministry.  Give her courage and strength as she finds her way in this 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 and finances in this time of stress.

                 Simon, Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) will be entering a new phase of his work and leaving our congregation.  Pray the entire family is gracious and courageous under change and that their grace, devotion and love continues to reflect their love of the Word and lordship of Jesus Christ.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them as they leave us.  And help us left behind welcome the new leader the Lord has prepared for us.

                 Andrew – a man devoted to his family and the responsibilities of leading a worldwide ministry to the deaf, has been travelling extensively.  Pray for his continued strength and health and that through this time he discovers new insights.

                 Pat and Isobel –as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them with ‘streams in the desert’.

                 Jasper and Bec – the new youth pastor who is completing his studies at Moore College while living on campus.  Pray for balance between academic studies and common-sense family focus.

                 Patrick - a Bible scholar, who is presently part of an English Translation Review Committee, reviewing a new translation of the New Testament, ‘The 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.

                 Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have begun a new work.  Continue to pray for their safety, health, strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. Pray for the continued growth of their YouTube channel and website:  The Little Church World at https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld .

                 Audley M – In his 90s remarried this year (his wife passed away a few years ago).  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 a serious 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.

                 David – growing stronger after his heart attack.  Pray for wisdom for his health carers and for Heidi, his daughter, who cares for him daily, to be strong and healthy through this time.

                 Sophie– six-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 her symptoms and heal her.

                 Hans a dear friend in Germany, continues his battle with 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, 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

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