He Means Business

"And the second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood; and a third of the creatures, which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed." Revelation 8:8-9

"So Moses and Aaron did even as the Lord had commanded.  And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood.

"And the fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile.  And the blood was through all the land of Egypt." Exodus 7:20-21

If you check the passage in Exodus, God warned Pharaoh of how this could be avoided, yet, Pharaoh and his people would not listen to Moses.  Therefore, God demonstrated in such a dramatic way that He meant business.

Today our oceans are rising and are filled with tons of garbage that is killing the life out of it.  We can take this as a warning or ignore the Lord in our lives.  Yet, He will win!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Brody - Still in hospital recovering from an accident where his inside ankle bone was sheared off.  Has had 6 more surgeries, but doing better.  They keep going one day at a time.  Still totally immobile.  They fear infection.  Pray 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.

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 and about four times bigger than what he has been living in for the last 3.5 years -- and he can have Toby with him.  Keep praying please.
• ·        Fion - We've been praying for his father for a couple of years now after his stroke.  He went home to be with his Lord Monday morning USA time.  Pray for his Mom now and the rest of the family as they grieve but celebrate his homecoming!
• ·        BG they've discovered the vessels in his head are too narrow and with this diagnosis, they will begin treatment.  Thank you for praying.  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.  Thank you for praying.
• ·        Paul - still no details for his new work.  Pray he stays strong while he waits.  This would be his first work since 2012!!.
• ·        Matt - Heidi's brother -  out of ICU but will remain in the hospital as he recovers from double pneumonia and strep infection.
• ·        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.
• ·        The project I was working on is having budget difficulties.  Have been waiting to return since end of January.  Now I look elsewhere.  Pray I wait patiently and without stressing.

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.