Housecleaning Mirrors, Part 2

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.  For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 

"But now you also, put them aside:  anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him –

"...a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised, and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but in Christ is all, and in all.” Colossians 3:5-11

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known.” I Corinthians 13:12

If you take a moment (now if possible) to read and think about these verses – even reciting them softly to yourself, you’ll begin to realise and appreciate the gentle power of God’s housecleaning initiative in your heart.  As we head toward Easter, this is something we can do in response to His demonstrated love.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

• ·        Dave - a friend of Adrian's.  He was running a lengthy race and they found him badly injured on the course and believe he may have been struck by a car.  He is in hospital now.
• ·        Emily - who needs someone to sponsor her so she can stay in Australia and complete her studies in health care.
• ·        Those in the cyclone torn areas of north Australia, recovering from floods and very high winds.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

·        Kajal - a sweet young woman, who is living here now.  Thank you for praying for her.  She had a good first week at work so far.  She has just moved from far North Queensland (where all the cyclones were) and is feeling lonely.  Let the love of Christ touch her.

·        Me - progress has been made.  Thank you again for your support.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

• ·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.
• ·        Paul N-S -has had a few good interviews recently.  He has not had work since 2012, so will greatly appreciate your prayers.
• ·        Elina - has not heard the results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is very grateful for your prayers. 

ONGOING PRAYERS

·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

·        Hans - needs wisdom and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a reasonable job.

·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges. 

·        Bettina to give her strength and wisdom. 

·        Isaias & Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

WIDE PRAYER ISSUES

·        Pray for calm, true Christian revival and a return to founding values in the USA.

·        For the tragedy unfolding in Niger and other nations where thousands are being killed regularly by Islamic radicalists.  For those in Nigeria as Boko Haram (which means "Western education is forbidden") stomps into new areas.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        Adrian  has been back in and out of the hospital a couple of times now.  The pain is not much improved in his cervical spine (neck) as was hoped and the medications are nearly incapacitating in themselves.  They plan a similar procedure on his lumbar spine.  No prognosis yet.  He remains thankful and hopeful in His Lord Jesus.  Thank you so much for praying for this sweet man.

·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home):  for understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness.

·        My brother, Tim with COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease), that he has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing and to cope with the limitations. 

·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges. 

·        Audley's and Beverly's (stroke) situation and his return to the ministry. 

·        Nancy  who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury and for Fred as he cares for her. 

·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop. 

·        Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

·        Those affected and those working to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease continues to spread. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

·        Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

·        Deepak - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS

·        That the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

·        Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life. 

·        Linda and Ian.  Rob and his daughter.  Reg.  Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support over the years.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For Christ-centred revival in the USA to continue.   

·        Birgit who is in Germany. 

·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (The WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!) 

·        The Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

·        Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  It is open 27/7 and there is an army or prayers waiting to serve in prayer.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room