Helping the Blind to See

"And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 

"And around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. 

"And from the throne proceed flashes of lightening and sounds of peals of thunder.  And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;

"and before the throne there was, as it were a sea of glass like crystal; and in the centre and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind." Revelation 4:3-6 

I had the opportunity to escort a blind man, called James, to a Stevie Wonder concert as Stevie's honoured guest.  You see the blind man had gone to blind school with Stevie.  I guided James and his guide dog to a special section of the facility and got him a Coca Cola and some munchies.

I began to try to describe everything I was seeing to James.  When Stevie and his musicians came out onto the stage, the real work began, because there was an amazing light show and each of the players and instruments needed describing. 

But how DO you describe colours and lights in a way that resonates with a man born blind?!  I resorted to metaphors of what it felt like, colours became warm or cold, the stage decorations -- some I just drew with my finger in his hand.  It was not easy at all and I wanted so much to have James understand what all the activity and noise was about. 

Oh he did recognised Stevie's voice the minute he began to sing, but all else was left to my futile imagination and weak words.  I think my experience was a little like John, trying to describe what he saw and wrote down in Revelation.

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

Prayer updates please!

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Sergio has a job interview this week.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Adrian - no update on moving - needs assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. Date of next cancer treatment postponed.  Got car fixed and on road again.  Pray he drives safely for himself and others.  His patience is deteriorating.
• ·        Hans will be going to another special clinic at the end of January.  Pray for his healing and for Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Raven had a lot of testing done the past week, no sign of any new cancer so far!  They have also changed her meds so hopefully the new one will not make her feel like she is still doing chemo -- 2 1/2 years of chemo feeling is enough.
• ·        Fion:  Parents now together in a special care facility about 30 minutes from one of his sisters and already doing better.  Pray for Fion as he misses his parents and is working way too much -- but the costs to care for them are high.
• ·        TG was allowed to go home because his recovery has been quicker than expected.  Thank you for praying for him and his friend, Pookie.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding.  May they stay ever close to His leading.
• ·        My project will be interrupted now for a week or so while they sort out new paperwork and budget.  Pray it is quickly done.

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 has had another stroke that has caused the complete loss of vision in his left eye. 
• ·        David's daughter Heidi has been working for Macys for over three years and they are closing her store.  Pray she finds something even better.
• ·        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.  New in Cologne.
• ·        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.