DC Comics Superhero - Plus!

"And after the three and a half days the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were beholding them.

"And then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, 'Come up here.'  And they went up into heaven in the clouds and their enemies beheld them.   

"And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; and seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

"The second woe is past; behold the third woe is coming quickly." Revelation 11:11-14

Most of us have read about or seen at least one of the DC comics superhero films.  My theory?  Originally the person who conceived of superheros was someone who went to church.  They saw how being right was not mighty enough to win in most conflicts; and thought if they were Jesus Christ, they would appear from the clouds demonstrate all their powers and crush any opposition.  

Makes sense actually.  Because how could a meek and mild Jesus really convince people!  You have to make people see how powerful you are so they want to follow you (one of Satan's great ploys!).

Today's Church is in disrepair, growing weaker and looks as if it may even die in some places.  Many congregations are trying all kinds of quick and commercial fixes to make people come back.  People are still searching for the Truth and they will not rest untill the day Jesus returns.  

Weekend Assignment:  Think of ways your worship family could present the truth without copying the world's methods and share these ideas with your pastor or study group.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Sergio - waits for news about a new job.  His ankle is healing well.  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 - Did not have an interview yesterday, it was postponed till sometime next week.  I am concerned for him.  Pray he does not lose heart and he continues to search.  He has not had work since 2012!!.

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 - had eye surgery and no update as to how it turned out, yet.  Please pray the Lord gives her peace through this time.
• ·         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. 
• ·        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

• ·        Toron, (18 years old) needs encouragement, care and direction.  His time with his (estranged) mom went well.
• ·        Rik, (Lyme's Disease) feeling much, much better.  Has some energy again and the pain is under control."
• ·        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 recently.

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.
• ·        Pakistan - Over 73 now confirmed dead, with more than 300 injured as Christians gathered in a park to celebrate Easter - another suicide bomber is suspected.
• ·        Brussels - Please pray for the families who lost loved ones in the senseless bombings.  Pray for the medical workers continuing to heal the injured and for the people of Brussels who will never be the same again.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Adrian - at the doctors this week.  His body deteriorates.  He awaits a time for his shoulder surgery.  But he is worn out and seems 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.
• ·        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 - is settling into his new dwellings and needs continued prayer for his injured ankle.  A friend has welcomed him into their home.  Please pray for them both.
• ·        For Fred - Please pray for recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now, since his wife passed.
• ·        Fion - the dust from the death of his father is settling (please pray for his Mother).  Fion's heart will be tender for a long time yet.  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.
• ·        Me - No news yet.  I resume searching again in the meantime. 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.  

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.