Click the image or link or
Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sza4rh1YzsM
or search YouTube for You Raise Me Up by boleyz
“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, without whom also we have obtained
our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in
hope of the glory of God.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven
character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because
the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit
who was given to us.
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ
died for the ungodly. For one will
hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for a good man someone would
dare even to die. But God demonstrates
His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we
shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:3-11
Softly and tenderly, through the tinsel and too much food,
Jesus is calling to you. He is calling
to you right now. He is ready to embrace
you as a new creation in His love.
Is it time to trust in Him to deliver on His promise? There is no greater gift than saving faith. And the gift has already been fully paid
for. It is up to you to accept it and
wrap your life in His Word!
Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who
prays for you each morning.)
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
‘Goggle Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone. Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
·
All
who do not know the true meaning of Christmas.
·
All
those who will be alone for this Christmas that they will be comforted by our
loving Father.
·
Patti – his
grateful for your prayers and reports that she is all better now. This is our first Christmas without Doris.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy and the doctors are
managing the pain with medications. Pray
for his strength through the pain and God’s mercy. Continue to pray for his healthcare
providers, his patience and wisdom. Pray
he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will
support him through this journey. Pray
for his Mom (age 83) who is unwell herself, that their time together will be
filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Kim and Elizabeth
– Kim recently lost her mom and Elizabeth just lost her father. This is a painful time of the year for these
dear women. Pray their wounded hearts
will be comforted through this time.
·
Isaias and Judith
(Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) – the Philippines has been
devastated by constant batterings from typhoons and floods. Take a moment to visit their new website: https://afcph.org/
to learn more. Many believers have lost
everything, including worship centres, computer equipment, musical instruments
and sound systems. China’s threat grows. Pray for the leaders, administrators, workers
and teachers. Pray our Father keep these
servants strong, in good health, safe and supported and that they keep a
balance in their lives. They need funds badly now. Please take a moment to send encouragement
to Isaias Catorce, who teaches and leads the groups at icatorce@gmail.com
·
USA – Pray the Lord will demonstrate His power in unexpected
and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion. Help hearts settle and rest in Him
alone. Let the truth of God’s Word and
ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values. For Christ-centre, Bible-based revival in the
USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
·
J&R – recently
had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with them and would appreciate prayers
that God uses His words in their hearts to draw them to Him for Eternity!
·
Kevin and Sandy
Currel - (in Melbourne) Kevin has a wonderful ministry in teaching
through images and words and has created many Christian resources. (To learn more: https://www.kevincurrell.com/
). He just had another procedure, which looks good and will have the results
next week. Please continue to pray for
him, especially that God will supply the funds needed for this extraordinary
time.
· USA President Donald Trump – As Christians it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and trust that God has a plan for the USA through this man. If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at the baseless antagonism against him. Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan. Pray someone helps President Trump and Melania understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray they will both have an insatiable hunger to read God’s Word for themselves. Pray God sends a Bible-Believing Christian to regularly disciple them in the Truth. Pray God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who regularly circle around them.
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.
·
Peter Frith – The sole Christian chaplain at an Anglicare
special hospital. The work is lonely and
challenging. Pray for his encouragement,
hope and that our loving heavenly Father sends another Christian to work
alongside Peter.
·
St Marks Anglican
Church – Pray God opens the hearts and minds of those who visit and
for those who worship there regularly and during this time on-line that their
hunger for God’s Word grows. Pray for
strength, wisdom and healing rest for those who serve there, including Simon,
Pat, Kathy, Anne, Barry, Jo and their families.
·
Audley M –
Pray his health and wisdom and for the effectiveness and growth of his radio
ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘true
meat’!
·
Jenny S –
Bible teacher at a local Bible school for energy, good health, wisdom and time
for reflection.
·
Lachlan –
Pray for him as he cares for his three children while he completes his studies
to become a Wycliff Bible Translator.
·
Scripture classes
in Australian Schools – Although a secular country, God has
continued to provide the freedom to hold Scripture classes in schools during
regular class hours! Some resistance is
growing. It is a great hope for
Australia.
·
Bible schools and
seminaries – in Australia and around the world that they remain true
to the Truth of God’s Word in the Bible.
·
Jim and Elaine – Pray
for their ministry in New Zealand and Fiji (heavily Muslim). Pray for their protection and energy. Grant them time for shared joy as a couple
and to see the fruits of their labours.
To learn more about their ministry:
https://tlcwhk.com
·
Doug McIntosh - An
invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study. He was diagnosed several years ago with
multiple myelomas and has retired now from full-time ministry. Please pray for him, his family and the
church he has worked so faithfully in – Cornerstone Bible Church in
Lilburn Georgia.
·
Buddy and Susan –
Pray for their health and their needs as they labour in far north
Queensland. They were one of the first
families to welcome me to Australia.
Amazing Christian teachers!
·
Jo and Steve –
for their loving example of the Christian life.
May their love flourish under His guidance as they continue their work
in New Zealand.
·
Stu and Jo and
Laura and Jason (their children) – pray for this devoted and loving
family who continue to serve in New Zealand.
Pray for Laura’s husband Joji and for Jason who is studying in the
USA. Keep them strong, healthy and
resolute for the Lord.
· Catholic Church and Pope – pray the Pope will grow increasingly hungry and focused on the Word of God and that he always puts Jesus first in his life and decisions.
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.