You CAN Really Know!

We don't have to wonder...His Word can assure us!

"And when He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, 'Come.'  And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men should slay one another; and a great sword was given to him." Revelation 6:3-4

[Jesus speaking] "'Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace but a sword.'" Matthew 10:34

"And Jesus answered and said to them, 'See to it that no one misleads you, for many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.  And you will be hearing of wars and rumours of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 

"'For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.  But all of these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.  Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name.'" Matthew 24:4-9

Each of these horses and riders unleashes events designed to separate false beliefs and false believers from the true.  Yet the relevance of the words in Revelation to our churches of today is as relevant as it was to the seven churches the circuit rider delivered them to.

How can you know truth from deceit when it comes to your faith and what is going on in the world?  You must MAKE time to read the Bible (God speaking with you) and praying (you speaking with God) and ensure you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord.   If you are not sure, let me know.

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

• ·        BG is having new symptoms as well as his blinding headaches.   He will have a series of tests to identify the source.  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 going to another special clinic this week.  Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Raven - after tests last week they've found no signs of new cancer.  Her new meds 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 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.
• ·        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.
• ·        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.