His Science Fiction?

"This is the revelation of Jesus Christ -- His unveiling of the divine mysteries.  God gave it to Him to disclose and make known to His bond servants certain things which must shortly and speedily come to pass in their entirety.  And He sent and communicated it through His angel, messenger to His bond servant John, who has testified to and vouched for all that he saw in his visions, the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

"Blessed, happy, to be envied, is the man who reads aloud in the assemblies the word of this prophecy; and blessed, happy, to be envied are those who hear it read and who keep themselves true to the things which are written in it -- heeding them and laying them to heart -- for the time for them to be fulfilled is near." Revelation 1:1-3 The Amplified Bible

In this prologue we find the introduction and seven letters to the churches of the day.  John Stott in his book, "What Christ Thinks of the Church", he explains, '...it expresses concerns which apply to all churches.  By praise and censure, by warning and exhortation, Christ reveals what He wants His church to be like in all places and at all times."

The churches founded around Christ's saving grace and eternity when this book was written (about 95 AD) was undergoing persecution, the kind of which we cannot imagine today in the free world. 

The literary form is called "apocalyptic", the technical name for a popular type of writing of the day...perhaps their science fiction, where important messages were purposefully hidden to ensure they could be shared widely in the Church.  Maybe that is a hint as to why there was a special blessing to those who read, hear and heed the words.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        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.
• ·        [Bettina shares]:  "Jim M has gone home to be with the Lord after a long battle.  Please pray for his family and friends as they grieve their loss.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Adrian - is home with the promise of a visiting nurse that has yet to materialise.  He is struggling with simple domestic chors.  Keep praying for home situation, his protection and the health of his little companion dog, Toby.  Pray the two people Adrian met, Lissa and Richard, will in fact visit him and help him.

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.
• ·        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.

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

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.

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.