CRITICAL Concept to Understanding Revelation, Part 1

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [full, complete and perfectly fitting payment] for our sins." I John 4:10

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.  The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

"What then?  If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?  May it never be!  Rather let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, 'That thou mightest be justified in thy words, and mightest prevail when thou art judged.'

But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say?  The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.)  May it never be!  For otherwise how will God judge the world?" Romans 3:3-6

"for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29

Part 1:  God is just.  Everything we know about our God must be understood from this perspective.  He is just because He always acts according to His faithful love. 

God's will is always loving.  Everything God does gives expression to this love, and His love is offered always unconditionally.  This means there is nothing we can do that can ever change His love:  the fact. 

As we quietly slip into the Easter season (today being Ash Wednesday for some) we are reminded of the symbol of His love and Jesus' sacrifice for each of us - the Cross. 

Some believe we are saved by God's love alone.  If this were true Christ would not have had to die on the Cross for us and everyone would be saved from God's wrath. 

The truth -- the FACT is -- we are only saved because Christ's died for each of us, because God required justice, not our love or our sacrifices (whatever they may be).  God required a blood sacrifice of a blameless life to satisfy His justice. 

For you and I to be saved from God's justifiable wrath for our sins, we must PERSONALLY accept that we cannot save ourselves by any means.  We must admit that our only hope is to reach out for the hand of the Risen Christ to accept His freely offered gift of new life. 

More tomorrow.  This is a KEY concept that will help unlock the rest of Revelation and strengthen your heart anew.  Please take time to be in prayer and meditation.

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

• ·        Paul - they postponed Paul's interview.  Please give him strength and patience and the ability to focus.  He has not worked since 2012.
• ·        BG is having new symptoms as well as his blinding headaches.   He will have a series of tests to identify the source.  The earliest these were able to be scheduled was 18 and 22 of this month.  Please pray for their wisdom and compassion.
• ·        Sergio had a job interview last week, but no news yet on the result.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Adrian - needs help from the local social agency to find proper assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. No feedback on his treatment of 27 January.  Pray he drives safely for himself and others.  His patience is deteriorating.
• ·        Hans is improving and will be at the clinic till 23 February.  He will return home to wait for a time to return to a new clinic (which could take up to 6 months).  Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        There is no news as to when the project I've been engaged with since November will re-begin (or if it will).  The Lord knows how fragile my funds are and His timing will be right.  Pray I will wait patiently and without stressing.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Raven - they've found no signs of new cancer and changed her meds which are a great relief from the 2.5 years of yukky chemo.
• ·        Fion:  Parents settled now but Fion misses them.  He is working far too many hours.  Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
• ·        TG now back at work since the industrial accident that burned his lungs so badly.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding.  May they stay ever close to His leading.

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.
• ·        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.
• ·        Pray for Toron who at 18 is needing encouragement, care and direction.
• ·        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.
• ·        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

• ·        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.