Closet Service

"And there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, 'Rise and measure the temple of God; and the altar, and those who worship in it. 

"'And leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measurer it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread underfoot the holy city for forty-two months.'" Revelation 11:1-2 

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through Me.'" John 14:6

"'And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men; by which we may be saved.'" Acts 4:12

Our deeds do not save us.  Many believe they are saved because they go to church regularly, give their tithe, help the weak, sacrifice time serving in the church, etc.  But that is a great lie.  It takes an abandoning of self-reliance to take the gracious sacrifice Jesus Christ offers us.

Here in Revelation we see a symbolic gathering together or those who actually love and follow Christ into the inner court.  The outer court is filled with both unbelievers and those who just give lip service or "closet service" to the idea of being a Christian.

Difficult times and persecution await those who are faithful -- as is the case today -- but only for a limited time.  God's divine purpose will not be frustrated.  We need to pray for strong, wise and faithful leaders in the Church who are able -- under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- to help us focus on God's Word and live it in our lives.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Pakistan - Over 70 now confirmed dead, with more than 200 injured as Christians gathered in a park to celebrate Easter - another suicide bomber is suspected.
• ·        Brussels - bombs going off in the Brussels airport and metro.  34 dead; hundreds injured.  Please pray for the families who lost loved ones, the medical workers helping the injured.  The people of Brussels who are now on high alert for more attacks.  Pray for rescue workers, investigators, the police and military who are working to restore peace.  And pray for the rest of the world as we once again see the madness of evil exert itself.
• ·        Sergio - may hear something this week about a new job; but he fell and has sprained his ankle badly.  Pray for patience while he heals and that he finds an opportunity to use his immense talent and skills.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Paul - has an interview today.  I am concerned for him.  Pray he does not lose heart.  He has not had work since 2012!!.
• ·        Me - No news yet.  The other project has gone on hold until they figure out their budget.  Please cover me in prayer that I trust in His all knowing hands and will.  

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        David R asks us to pray for Mr Hale, an 85 year old who needs help understanding the benefits he has from the Veterans Administration
• ·        Jen - will be having eye surgery 30 March.  Please pray the Lord gives her peace through this time and guides the hands of the surgeon.
• ·         Deepak - has been doing a lot of overseas travelling in the past couple of weeks and needs to get rest and time to plan the next steps of his business and to see some fruit from his labours. 
• ·        Pray for Toron, who at 18, is needing encouragement, care and direction.  His grandfather just died and he will have to be spending time at his mother's home for a few days.
• ·        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.
• ·        Pray I have the energy and focus to complete the updating of a new Kindle:  Where is Christ in America? -- a special series written in 2003 for such a time as this. 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Rik, (Lyme's Disease) shared:  "Had my last of 6 treatment sessions which lasted for just over a year. The doctors are very happy with the results so far and I am hoping that it will be in complete remissions. I won't know this for sure for another 6 months but I'm feeling much, much better, I have some energy and the pain is under control."
• ·        Adrian - will have his monthly cancer treatment today - needs prayer to counter the exhaustion.  He awaits a time for his shoulder surgery.  But he is worn out and seem unable to get out of bed much now.  He needs to find a new place to live and needs others to help him not overdo.  Pray for his little companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up.
• ·        Brody - Update:  Latest surgery went well.  Now has to wait and heal for at least a couple of weeks or longer.  At that point they will put the pin in his ankle and do reconstruction surgery.  Thanks for the prayers.  Please continue to pray for him, 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.
• ·        Heidi's first week at her new job was exhausting but enjoyable.  Please pray she will take things slowly and enjoy this new opportunity.
• ·        BG - Is relieved there is a diagnosis of his massive headaches and has started his treatments and is feeling much better. 
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer.  She has the most wonderful day off with her daughter yesterday but was very tired.

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

• ·        David R - got through his full day of tests and ended up exhausted but alright.  No results yet.  Keep praying.
• ·        Matt - Heidi's 33 year old brother who has been in and out of Intensive Care is hoping to be released to go home but will remain on a feeding tube.
• ·        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. 
• ·        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

• ·        Fin - his lifetime friend and housemate passed away.  And unexpectantly this had meant he has lost his home.  A friend has come to help him.  Please pray for them both.
• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Fion - the dust from the death of his father is settling, but Fion's heart will be tender for a long time yet.  Continue to pray for his mother please.  He is working far too many hours.  Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and he and Gemma need special prayer as they plan their wedding.
• ·        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.
• ·        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, DB, 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.