Against Ephesus - Part 1

"'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place -- unless you repent." Revelation 2:4-5

"'I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up, and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me; and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.'" John 15:5-7

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:10-12

The believers of Ephesus had become too busy to read Scriptures daily.  They were too busy to pray because they had too much work to do for the church.  They were more interested in results than letting Christ lead them. 

They stayed too busy serving on well-meaning committees and serving others they had little if any time to spend with family and friends.  Too busy being a servant for the cause they forgot the intimacy of Christ is One-to-one. 

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.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Adrian - things slowly seem to be improving for him, including:  Meals on Wheels, transport to and from the medical facilities, domestic chores, etc.  Your prayers have moved bureaucratic mountains and hearts!  He still has a long way to go with continued chemo on Wednesdays again.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!  Keep praying for his protection and the health of his little companion dog, Toby. 
• ·        Me - more phone meetings scheduled for tomorrow and the next day with the people in NYC about their role.  Pray for the Lord's will, not my longing.  The new project I needed in the meantime has come through and will begin next week.

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 working to adjust to 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.  Due to circumstances connected with the accident, his friend PB now has no place to live.  Please pray for her and the ongoing situation.
• ·        Elina's father remains in hospital with cancer in Japan and seems a bit better.  She has not seen him for over ten years.  Her cat is recovering at home.  She thanks everyone for praying for her during this time.
• ·        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 preparing now for a health retreat that will start 17 November and last at least 6 weeks.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Paul NS needs hope for work.  He grows too discouraged to keep trying.  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. 

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.