Three Final Keys for the Delay, Part 5

"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" Matthew 28:18-20

"And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" Mark 8:34

"--'What commandment is the foremost of all?'  Jesus answered, 'The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.

"The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.'" Mark 12:28b-31

These words are to each one of us.  Jesus' only plan was to leave His 12 disciples to be willing to sacrifice, to share the gospel with others and to follow His example.  To follow His example we must keep reading His love letter to us and then consider how we will fulfil our part of the Great Commission.  It is imperative that we do!

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.
• ·        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!!.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Adrian - Have not heard from Adrian in a week.  He was relieved that they would not have to do a shoulder replacement.  Hoping to hear that he is busy moving into a new place and that he does not overdo.  Pray for his little companion dog, Toby, too; 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 - is thankful that God arranged a new job for her as Macy's store closed.  She needs extra prayer this next couple of weeks as all this change unfolds. 
• ·        Matt - Heidi's brother is growing stronger, but remains in the hospital.  Pray he does not get sicker while he recovers from double pneumonia and strep infection.
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer.
• ·        Me - The Lord encourages me through others and in ways that are unexpected.  Thank you, Father.  I continue to search for a new project.

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.
• ·        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.
• ·        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, Deb, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.