Locust, Helicopters or ...?

"And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. 

"And he opened the bottomless pit; and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the son and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit.  And out of the smoke came forth locusts upon the earth; and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power." Revelation 9:1-3

The star from heaven is Lucifer, bringing discontent, evil, sin, disobedience  and confusion with him.  As for the locusts, some have said these represent modern-day military helicopters, others say they are just the worst plagues of locusts you can imagine. 

Locusts, of course, were the eight plague of Egypt, so it is a very serious type of problem, as in Moses case, he waited till almost the end to get that serious. 

However, the locus could also represent the horrors of war- the demonic power that every day opposes God's plan.  We have seen or read about various wars.  One statistic has a new war declared somewhere in the world throughout history every 20 days! 

We watch as pollution and global warming changes our world and as more and more countries reach out for the destructive power within the atom.  God knows what this fifth angel is about, but warnings of chaos exist right now around us.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Brody - is going Back in the hospital for 2 additional surgeries that were NOT expected.  The wound is not healing as well as they had hoped. He will be in the hospital at least a week.  Then after the wound heals better the doctors will do the last two surgeries which are a permanent pin in his ankle and reconstruction surgery. Please continue to pray for Brody. 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.
• ·        David R - swill spend the entire day in the hospital this Wednesday for some difficult diagnostic tests and needs many prayers to keep him calm and focused on the Lord holding him.
• ·        Matt - Heidi's brother has been in and out of Intensive Care again and is fighting a significant viral infection in his throat and other parts of his body, now identified and not strep.  
• ·        Sergio - his search for a new job.  Pray he will find something that allows him to use his immense talent and skills.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Paul - heard yesterday that they will go with an internal candidate.  I am concerned for him.  Pray he does not lose heart.  He has not had work since 2012!!.
• ·        Me - I have an important meeting today about a new project that I would really like to have the privilege of working on, if it can be His will. 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Adrian - will not have to have his entire shoulder replaced which is great news.  I've not heard progress on when the surgery will be performed.  He seems focused on finding a new place to move.  Pray others come to help him and that he does not overdo.  Pray for his little companion dog, Toby to remain healthy; without him I think Adrian would give up.
• ·        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.
• ·        BG - Is relieved there is a diagnosis of his massive headaches and awaits to begin treatment.  Keep praying for wisdom and compassion in his health care providers and specialists.
• ·        Heidi - starts her new role on Tuesday this week and is very excited and thankful that God arranged this for her. 
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        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. 

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 and he and Gemma need special prayer as they plan their wedding.
• ·        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.
• ·        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 - 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. 
• ·        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.