Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Wonder from Deceit

 

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‘When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Lyric Video – Keith & Kristyn Getty (4 min 1 sec)

 

“Now it came about, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had hardly gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.  Then he also made savory food, and brought it to his father; and he said to his father, ‘Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me.’

 

“Isaac his father said to him, ‘Who are you?’  And he said, ‘I am your son, your first born, Esau.’  Then Isaac trembled violently, and said, ‘Who was he then that hunted game and brought it to me, so that I ate of all of it before you came, and blessed him?  Yes, and he shall be blessed.’

 

“When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, ‘Bless me, even me also, O my father!’  And he said, ‘Your brother came deceitfully and has taken away your blessing.’ 

 

“Then he said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he has supplanted me these two times?  He took away my birthright, and behold now, he has taken away my blessing.’  And he said, ‘Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’” Genesis 27:30-36

 

When I first read this passage, I was gripped in Esau’s grief.  It truly hurt my heart to think this could happen.  The statement:  Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’ was huge.  Even today, I still cry for Esau. 

 

The truth is that my being a ‘first born’ with a little brother who was so loved by everyone, I felt a little sad that no matter what I did, it was never enough. 

 

However, when I abandoned my life to the headship of Jesus Christ, this passage became even more important to me.  It reminded me that the ‘Wondrous Cross’ had paid the price for my broken heart, raised me up to be all I could be, and gave me renewed love for a brother who was innocent of ‘supplanting’ me in my parent’s eyes.

 

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?)

                 Jen – has just lost her only sister and needs your prayers to get through this difficult time and maintain her health. 

                 Denny as he struggles with health challenges and for his wife, Marci as she supports him.

                 Megan (for emotional healing) and Scott, her husband (for patience and wisdom) and wisdom for his sister, Clare, as she seeks to support them through troubled times.

                 Thanksgiving – A special answer to prayer – my wonderful sister-in-law’s sister (who we have prayed for) has a remarkable answer to prayer for her journey.  Thank God for His loving care of this determined woman. (Hold down the Ctrl key and click ‘Thanksgiving’ to read more)

                 Lyle -continue to pray as he recovers from surgery on his wrist!  Pray for his continued healing and patience during this time and for Annette, his lovely wife who supports him.  Also pray for travelling mercies as Annette drives them to spend time with her father who has cancer.  Pray for Annette’s Mom, who will be there to support him through this time that she remains healthy and strong.

                 Please pray and hold me up during the next couple of months, during some changes that my trust grows stronger.

                 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 for this precious Christian couple that they focus on 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 accepts 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.

                 Bettina – continue to pray for her as she grows into a new phase of her life in the Lord.  The Lord has provided her with five, married daughters and 17 grandchildren.  Pray they all grow to love and follow Him.  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 – 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.

                 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.

                 Talitha – has chosen to go into full-time ministry and is raising support.  Please pray to move the hearts of those around her so she does not have to be concerned with finances.

                 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 continue 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.

                 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.

                 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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