Tree Signs

“Thus says the Lord God, ‘I shall also take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and set it out; I shall pluck from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I shall plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 

"On that high mountain of Israel I shall plant it, that it may bring forth boughs and bear fruit, and become a stately cedar. 

"And birds of every kind will nest under it; they will nest in the shade of its branches.  And all the trees of the field will know that I am the Lord; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. 

"I am the Lord; I have spoken and I will perform it.’” Ezekiel 17:22-24

When I was home visiting a few years ago around Easter time, I took pictures of a stand of trees every day.  It was awesome to see the magnificent process of rebirth. 

God has His renewing hand on you right now.  Your life is touched by His power daily, just as each bud, shade and leaf of all the trees around the world are His to command.  Yet, He has singled out you and me for personal attention and everlasting love. 

Have you watched any trees lately?

“’Now learn the parable from the fig tree; when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.  Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognise that He is near, right at the door.’”  Mark13:28-29

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

·        Emily - has only a couple of weeks now to get the sponsorship she needs to remain in Australia and complete her studies in health care.

·        Paul N-S -continues the interview process with this group and has more meetings.  Please pray a little extra for him this week.  He has not had work since 2012.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

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.

·        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