Dragon and Child

"And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 

"And the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days." Revelation 12:5-6

"'All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 

"'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your soul.  For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.'" Matthew 11:27-30

This red dragon symbolises limited evil in the world.  The child, according to one commentator "refers primarily to Christ, born of God's people:  the promised One." (Michael Fallon, The Apocalypse, p 102).  The woman flees to the wilderness where God protects her for the forty-two months (Revelation 11:2).

It is apparent daily that subtle and not so subtle influences of evil grow and change into familiar and "normal" activities that are meant to distract us from reading God's word and praying.  (see video I shared earlier this week).  The choice is always up to us.  Will we make just a little more time today to draw aside into His Word for protection -- or not?

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, but slowly.  Pray for his patience during this time and that the opportunity he was recently looking into might eventuate.  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 and he continues to search.  He has not had work since 2012!!
• ·        Me - Did not receive a contact about a meeting yesterday.  Anticipate hearing something today.  I am really needing to get back to work. 

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Sandy needs prayer.  They are trying to diagnose what is happening in her body.  They are suspecting Crohn's Disease.
• ·        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
• ·        Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and now just needs people to pay what they owe him for his work.    
• ·        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

• ·        Adrian - No update yet.  Many of us have been praying a compassionate and caring friend would come to help him through to good health.  His sister-in-law (who he has not seen in 40 years) just happens to be his primary nurse!  (Please do not forget to pray for his little companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up).
• ·        Isaias and Judith - in the Philippines. Pray blessings on Isaias and Judith and thank the Lord for the generous people at Black Rock Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut.  They just sponsored a month-long trip for them to raise funds.  It was an amazing trip for them.  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".
• ·        Jen - had eye surgery last week and has come through well.  Thank you for praying.
• ·        Toron - (18 years old) needs encouragement, care and direction. 
• ·        Rik - (Lyme's Disease) sent a thank you note to you:  " I feel 95% better. I'm not ill like I was and I don't have the pain. I still get a bit tired now and then, and that, I am told, is normal. So all-in-all, things are good for me... Your prayers and good thoughts give me strength.  For now, I would ask you to focus those on they who are not as fortunate as I and need your support and loving spirits to endure their pain, be it physical or emotional."
• ·        Brody - Update:  Brody had a new doctors appointment.  Healing well but it is slower than expected.  Maybe two more weeks before they can continue repairing ankle - he is unable to get out of bed yet  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 - seems to be enjoying her new job.  Please continue to 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 - After a suicide bomb killed 73 and wounded more than 300 people gathering for an Easter service.  Although the target was thought to be Christians, the majority killed and injured were Muslim.
• ·        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

• ·        David R - got through his full day of tests and ended up exhausted but alright.  No results yet.  Keep praying.
• ·        Matt - No Update on Heidi's 33-year-old brother who has been in and out of Intensive Care and 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.

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. 
• ·        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 is 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.