More Blind Vision

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 

"For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 

And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 

For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it."  Romans 8:18-25

Like being caught with our hand in a universal cookie jar, we look around to see the face of our heavenly Father and realize how poorly the earth and all that is in it has been treated. 

Like a new god, environmentalism pops up to capture our imaginations -- thinking somehow by our own will and activities we can fix it - we can make it all better. 

God's plan provides the only answer to today's wasting of resources, destruction of animals, plants and the paving over of amazingly beautiful "natural wonders". 

In His eagerness to catch man's attention, He has allowed the deterioration to continue (in respect to His original curse on man's choice to take their own way) all to bring our attention and reverence to Him. 

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

• ·        Those in Vanuatu - the cyclone was described as apocalyptic.
• ·        Please pray the Lord quiets the hearts of those in the USA while racial tension again raises its head.  Pray for the police officers around the nation.
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PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

• ·        Helen Birdsall - in hospital recovering.
• ·        Otto - in hospital with upper respiratory infection
• ·        Maureen - recovering from surgery.
• ·        Emily leaves today.  Please pray for her journey and her continued efforts to return to Australia.
• ·        Rachael asks:  Please pray for Chris, who is on the wait list for a heart transplant - that if it is God's will for him to get one that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds, that he and his family will have the energy and good health to feed the flock he has been entrusted with.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        Adrian   The pain is not much improved in his cervical spine (neck) as was hoped and the medications are nearly incapacitating in themselves and are not managing the pain well.  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. 

·        Dave - no additional news about Adrian's friend since his release from the hospital.

·        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. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

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

·        Paul N-S -continues meetings and interviews to secure some meaningful work.  Please pray a little extra for him this week.  He has not had work since 2012.

·        Elina - no word yet on results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is very grateful for your prayers. 

·        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 PRAYERS

·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.

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

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

·        Bettina for additional 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.

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.  

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.  

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