Address? Oasis in Heaven!

"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands, and they cry out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'

"And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures,; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying, 'Amen, blessings and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.'" Revelation 7:9-12

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." Psalm 23:1-2

"He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. 

"And it will be said in that day, 'Behold, this is our God fro whom we have waited that He might  save us, this is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation." Isaiah 25:8

The palm branches symbolise an oasis, in this case the final oasis of those who reside in Heaven.  We also think of palm branches at this time of year - Christ's Triumphal entry.  (Matthew 21:8, Mark 11:8, Luke 19:36, John 12:13

Branches in the case of Christ's ride into Jerusalem symbolised a personal oasis of sorts.  For Christ, it was the only time He allowed people to freely worship Him while He was on earth...a small oasis of peace for the One who would soon die to ensure we have a future oasis of eternal peace in heaven.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Brody - In accident where his inside ankle bone was sheared off.  Had four surgeries so far.  They fear infection.  Pray for his physicians and carers and for Trish, his wife-to-be as they are planning their wedding.  Let this strengthen their commitment to Christ and to each other.
• ·        Deepak is conducting an international conference in New Zealand this week and needs our prayers for its financial success. 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Paul - Has secured a project and will need many prayers now to keep him strong and focused (this is his first work since 2012)!!.  He considers himself Jewish but is always curious about Christ.  So add that to your prayers for him.
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Adrian - It takes about a week for Adrian to recover from the assault on his body from his cancer treatment yesterday.  On 4 March his first appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon for his painful, broken shoulder.  He still needs help from the local social agency to find proper assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. His patience is deteriorating.
• ·        BG has now had some required tests and awaits results and relief from his horrible headaches.  Please pray for wisdom and compassion in the health care providers and specialists.
• ·        Sergio continues to look for a new job.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Hans should be home now and will be waiting for a place in a new clinic (which may take up to 6 months).  Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        The project I was working on is having budget difficulties.  Am looking for a new project.  Pray I will wait patiently and without stressing.

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 is being made redundant after three years working there - her local Macys store is closing.  Pray she finds something even better.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, receiving specialist treatment for Lyme's Disease.
• ·        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.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Pray for Toron, who at 18, is needing encouragement, care and direction.
• ·        Fion:  He is working far too many hours.  Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding.  May they stay ever close to His leading.
• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        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

• ·        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.