To Pergamum

"'And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:  The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:  'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is:  and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness.  My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.'"  Revelation 2:12-13

"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, and both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13

Pergamum was only about 55 miles from Smyrna and a major centre of cult activity.  The acropolis of Pergamum crowned a steep hill that rose 1,000 feet above the plan where an immense altar to Zeus, was erected - a sight not to be missed by anyone.

Most importantly it was the centre of the well-developed cult of Rome and Caesar, where it thrived. 

The focus here is not between good and evil - Christ and "anti-Christ", but between truth and error.  And what thwarts error better than THE sharp, two-edged sword!

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.
• ·        Hans needs courage to guide him through a healing retreat that began today and will continue for at least 6 weeks.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        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?

• ·        Adrian - They stopped the chemo.  His cancer is in remission.  Now working on origin and management of pain and sleep.  Pray for the patience of his carers, (especially Christine (social worker)).  He has gotten an upper respiratory infection.  Pray for Toby, his little companion dog, while he is away. 
• ·        Me - the position in NYC was not to be for now, but the Lord has provided the new project here (could start this 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 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 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

• ·        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.