Dear Thyatira

"'And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:  The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze says this:  'I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.'" Revelation 2:18-19

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perservance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." I Thessalonians 1:3-8

R. H. Charles said, 'The longest letter is addressed to the least important of the Seven Cities." Thyatira was smaller and less significant than the previous three, but it was a busy, ambitious trading centre.  The church of Thyatira emphasised that the Christian life is a life of growth, of progress and development. 

Ephesus was backsliding; Pergamum was flirting with people-pleasing, paganism and drifting from the Truth.  Thyatira was moving forward.  The church of Ephesus had abandoned its first love.  Smyrna was suffering.  But the church of Thyatira was exceeding the works it did at first. 

This is the only place in Revelation where Christ is actually called the Son of God (see if you can find another reference to the Son of God in the previous verses).  Being the Son of God was about a mysterious intimacy.  For the church at Thyatira it meant nothing was hidden from the purifying eyes of Jesus Christ.  You can almost see Christ standing there with His great understanding and dominion -- strong and victorious -- yet disappointed.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·        The people of France -Pray for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives during the attacks, pray for the 90 still in critical condition and the more than 200 others injured.  Pray for those who witnessed these atrocities.  May they all recover without the scars of unreasonable fears, hatred or bitterness.  May the Christians of France be mobilised to help.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        LS - please be with her and her husband, who just lost his father in a tragic car accident.
• ·        Adrian - returns to the doctor today (maybe the hospital) because his upper respiratory infection has gotten worse.   
• ·        Hans is enjoying his healing retreat.  He will be away perhaps till the end of the year.  Pray for Christian companions and leaders there.
• ·        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.
• ·        Elina - needs practical support and clarity of thinking to help her through a time of confusion.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

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 Update - 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 is ill with cancer and lives in Japan.  He seems a bit better.  She has not seen him for over ten years. 
• ·        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

• ·        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.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.