You Need A Map, Part 3

"And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which,' He said, 'you heard of from Me; for John baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' 

"And when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, 'Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?'

"He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.'" Acts 1:6-8

What we learn from Jesus here is that His direction was to start where you are before you go moving off to more distant lands.  I heard a great speaker once say that it is far easier to go to a remote area and share the Gospel than it is to speak with your family or good friends.  

Yet we gain strength in our witnessing abilities if we consider Jesus recommendation here.  It is sharing His Word with the world, one person at a time that will call the End Times to begin.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Brody - Brody is now home from the hospital.  He still needs two more surgeries, but things are looking better.  It will be a long road of healing and being able to walk.  Thanks for prayers.  Keep praying 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.
• ·        Paul - was told last week that they will give him a decision early this week.  Pray he stays strong while he waits.  This would be his first work since 2012!!.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Adrian - Sounded better than he has in months and had come from the orthopaedic surgeon for initial consultation.  They think he won't need the entire shoulder replaced.  Also, he is going to look at a new place to live tomorrow.  It is less expensive, about four times bigger than where he has been for the last 3.5 years and he can have Toby with him.  Keep praying please.
• ·        Fion - has many things to manage now with the death of his father and to ensure the care of his mother.  Pray for her and the rest of the family as they grieve but celebrate his homecoming in Heaven!
• ·        BG - Discovered the vessels in his head are too narrow and with this diagnosis will begin treatment.  Keep praying for wisdom and compassion in his health care providers and specialists.
• ·        Heidi - the Macys she works at is closing and she has just found a new position.  Please keep praying as the rest of this month could be very stressful for her.
• ·        Matt - Heidi's brother, taken to hospital to ICU with double pneumonia and strep infection.  Moved to a regular ward, then to rehabilitation ward, where he has overdone and is back in another ward trying to regain strength.
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        David R - series of new tests scheduled on 6 April to see if the sight he lost in his left eye from the stroke can be restored.
• ·        Sergio continues to look for a new job.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        FW - needs strength and resolve to keep focused and safe.  Please pray for his parents Dave and Alice who will be moving to assisted living that they will have peace with this.
• ·        Me - Budget problems with my project means I've been out of work since the end of January.  Am looking elsewhere.  Pray for the "friend" who contacted me last week about a matter and that the Lord has something prepared for me soon.
• ·        Pray I have the energy and focus to complete the updating of a new Kindle I am completing, Where is Christ in America -- a re-edit of a special series written in 2003 for such a time as this. 

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.

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. 
• ·        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.
• ·        Hans is waiting for a place in a new training clinic (which may take up to 6 months).  Pray he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        Deepak - pray he has rested well since running a conference in New Zealand last week and that his efforts have paid off with new business and financially. 
• ·        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.

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

• ·        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.