Begin to Prepare

"Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.  Deliver me from those who do iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. 

"For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; fierce men launch an attack against me, not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord, for no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me." Psalm 59:1-4 

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.  For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

The world has been marked by much confusion, loss and pain during 2015.  Perhaps, because we have lived through it, we see it as exceptional, yet, from the time of Creation God's hope for fellowship with us has been challenged by our own willfulness and desires. 

It is a moment-by-moment struggle for us all. 

As we look to the New Year, let us make one resolution to grow closer to our Saviour by taking time to read His precious Words more often and to pray in response to what we learn from our reading.  May this daily devotion serve you in this way.

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

• ·        DB has this special request for all of us:  "I think it would be good to pray for those in our families who do not believe. This time of year may provide an opening for us to share our faith - their hearts may be open and a nudge from God might touch them God bless you."
• ·        Adrian - doesn't have another cancer treatment till the 16 January.  Was alone for the holidays except for his little companion dog, Toby.  Spoke with him for a short time, but he was too tired to talk.  Keep praying. 
• ·        Hans had two days at home from his healing retreat and is back at the facility now.  He will be away till at least after January.  Pray for his healing and for Christian companions and leaders there.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Fion:  "Parents moved three weeks ago to Tulsa...where mom and dad can stay in the same apartment.  He still needs full-time health care.  Now only 30 minutes from one of my sisters.  He is doing better already.  Will be hard not having them closer, but I'm still happy for them (and his care will be about $7000 US a month less).  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is so heavy.
• ·        TG was allowed to go home because his recovery has been quicker than expected.  He had Christmas with family.  Thank you for praying for him and his friend Pookie.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma who have decided to marry and share their future together in the care of the Lord.
• ·        I thank the Lord for allowing me to have a project at this time and that it has been extended into January.

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.
• ·        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.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife, especially at this time of year when memories are so precious.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        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 a man named Phil, who seems to add to 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 in the Philippines. 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.

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.
• ·        NEW 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.

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

• ·        Paul NS has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers.
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        Elina needs clarity of purpose for her life and relationships.
• ·        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.