Shock and Hyperbole

"And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me.  And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle. 

"And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire; and His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been caused to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 

"And in His right hand He held seven stars; and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength." Revelation 1:12-16

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!'  She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher).  Jesus said to her, 'Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go ito My brethren, and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.''" John 20:16-17

If you have lost a precious loved one, how do you think you would see them, if they came back to life to greet you in love once more?  John had suffered terribly and as the other disciples, missed their Teacher and friend. 

The words he uses to describe his reunion with Christ on this earth are a bit over the top and as he tries to write how he feels, words obviously fail him.  Tomorrow, however, I want to unpack some of the symbols that John uses because they do have meaning that should be considered.

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

PS:  There are many new prayer requests and I need updates please.

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        DB -since her Mother's passing away, DB needs to sell her Mother's home.  Help her weather the emotional pain and let the sale go through quickly and smoothly.
• ·        Me - having second phone meeting (out of four) with a group in NYC for a role that could bring me home to the States.  Pray for the Lord's will, not my longing.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Adrian - is simply exhausted.  The chemo seems to be lowering his cancer markers.  Doctors advising yet another round of treatments.  He despirately needs help with simple domestic chores (laundry, tidying up his room).  Lissa seems to be making some headway with Meals on Wheels.  Keep praying for his protection and the health of his little companion dog, Toby. 
• ·        Elina's father is intensive care with cancer in Japan and seems a bit better.  She has not seen him for over ten years.  Her beloved pet cat, Yae, seems better too.  She needs our prayers to help her through this time.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Fion's father recovering from a stroke for over a year in a special care facility.  Now is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is so heavy at this time.
• ·        Please pray for TG who is recovering in hospital with severe chemical burns to his lungs.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
• ·        Fand's mom fell and broke her hip and has surgery.  Pray for her and her family as she recovers.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have another interview tomorrow.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        My project has ended.  I need to find another project as soon as the Lord provides.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.  He is taking three months off to spend time with his father.  Pray for their time together.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        Adrian pays a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil, who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith need prayers for physical healing and funds for some unexpected medical care.  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills!  Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        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 and encouragement over many years.

Circuit Rider

"I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, 'Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches:  to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.'" Revelation 1:9-11

To make this a bit more real:  the seven churches were located on a major Roman road.  John would have customarily have retained a scribe to assist him.  It would be this scribe who was John's "circuit rider". 

They would leave the island of Patmos, a small rocky penal island in the Aegean Sea by boat and sail about 60 miles to dock at Ephesus (two or more days at sea depending on the season and weather), choosing to pass by Philadelphia until the end. 

The courier would then most likely walk or take a donkey (less likely) or horse (least likely as it would be the most costly) and journey north to Smyrna and Pergamum about two and a half days walking distance. 

He would then turn southeast to Thyatira (another day) and continue on to Sardis (another day walking), Philadelphia (probably two days) at the end from where he would set sail again.  He would likely return to John to let him know how he was received, but not stay to hear the discussions in each of the locations in light of time.  It took a lot of effort to ensure the specific churches received this message!

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

PS:  There are many new prayer requests and I need updates please.

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Fand's mom fell and broke her hip and has surgery.  Pray for her and her family as she recovers.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Adrian - Lissa has offered to take Adrian to the hospital today for his chemo and is helping to chase down his Meals on Wheels.  Keep praying for home situation, his protection and the health of his little companion dog, Toby. 
• ·        Elina's father is intensive care with cancer in Japan and seems a bit better.  She has not seen him for over ten years.  Her beloved pet cat, Yae, seems to be getting better.  She needs our prayers to help her through this time.
• ·        Me - having phone meetings with a group in NYC for a role that could bring me home to the States again.  My first meeting went well, so it must be praise and thanksgiving!  More meetings the next week or so.  Pray for the Lord's will, not my longing.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Fion's father recovering from a stroke for over a year in a special care facility.  Now is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is so heavy at this time.
• ·        Please pray for TG who is recovering in hospital with severe chemical burns to his lungs.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have another interview tomorrow.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        My project has ended.  I need to find another project as soon as the Lord provides.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.  He is taking three months off to spend time with his father.  Pray for their time together.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        Adrian pays a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil, who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith need prayers for physical healing and funds for some unexpected medical care.  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills!  Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        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 and encouragement over many years.

Television?

"John to the seven churches that are in Asia:  Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 

"To Him who loves us and releases us from our sins by His blood, and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever Amen. 

"Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him.  Even so, Amen.  "I am the Alpha and the Omega', says the Lord God, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.'" Revelation 1:4-8

John, of course is exiled in Patmos and had suffered terribly because of his love of the Lord (some have written that he was damaged by boiling oil before being consigned to this remote island).  He reminds us of the unexpected grace from Christ's death and hints at a time of justification for His people.

Remember Miss Ohio, who spoke at my high school days Sunday School class (read earlier devotions)?  She said she knew it was nearing time for the Lord to rapture us because this symbolism of every eye seeing Him meant the invention of TV. 

Many have interpreted this or that symbol or word in Revelation to mean the Rapture is happing next week, but please remember that even Jesus said:

"And Jesus answered and said to them, 'See to it that no one misleads you, for many will come in My name saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many." Matthew 24:4-5

"'But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son; but the Father alone.'" Matthew 24:36

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

PS:  There are many new prayer requests and I need updates please.

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Fand's mom fell and broke her hip and has surgery.  Pray for her and her family as she recovers.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Adrian - Lissa has offered to take Adrian to the hospital today for his chemo and is helping to chase down his Meals on Wheels.  Keep praying for home situation, his protection and the health of his little companion dog, Toby. 
• ·        Elina's father is intensive care with cancer in Japan and seems a bit better.  She has not seen him for over ten years.  Her beloved pet cat, Yae, seems to be getting better.  She needs our prayers to help her through this time.
• ·        Me - having phone meetings with a group in NYC for a role that could bring me home to the States again.  My first meeting went well, so it must be praise and thanksgiving!  More meetings the next week or so.  Pray for the Lord's will, not my longing.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Fion's father recovering from a stroke for over a year in a special care facility.  Now is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is so heavy at this time.
• ·        Please pray for TG who is recovering in hospital with severe chemical burns to his lungs.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have another interview tomorrow.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        My project has ended.  I need to find another project as soon as the Lord provides.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.  He is taking three months off to spend time with his father.  Pray for their time together.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        Adrian pays a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil, who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith need prayers for physical healing and funds for some unexpected medical care.  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills!  Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        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 and encouragement over many years.