Finally, the Mystical 666

"And he causes all the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 

"Here is wisdom.  Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six." Revelation 13:16-18

When John wrote the Revelation, the word he used for "mark" and contextually it meant a stamp or impress, not a brand or a cut.  Over my lifetime, many have tried to imagine who the "beast" is or will be by trying to unravel this mystery of the three sixes.  History has witnessed so much wickedness, deception and false prophecy! 

The availability of information, instant news and sales pitches based on ad-words of today could never have been envisioned in John's time.  Unlike John, now we face a world where the media drives decisions and desires and has soundly confused most into believing that having is better than being.

The problem:  When we do not know what we stand for (by reading our Bibles, studying and praying) or we do believe what we stand for; and if we do not stand for what we believe, then we are easy prey.  There are many who work to convince us that happiness comes from having stuff.  To get stuff you have to buy it.  To buy it you have to have money. 

Money and our identities are growing difficult to protect so we have more commerce and communication about commerce in electronic blips rather than being based on something real.  We have new ideas to ensure we are safe from identity theft.  Technology comes to the rescue so we grow safer each day.  Hummm?

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Adrian - text message yesterday from him:  "uncomfortable couple of days, in bed, no good news, shoulder giving me trouble, otherwise just managing, I think." (Please do not forget to pray for his little companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up).
• ·        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 work there, for graphic designers is rare. 
• ·        Paul - Part three of his interviews completed.  I am growing increasingly concerned for him.  Pray he does not lose heart and continues to search.  He has not had work since 2012!!

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.    
• ·        LS - A potential change is causing her stress and she is battling a chronic, auto-immune disease.  Please pray for her.
• ·        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 be alright with the change.
• ·        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

• ·        Me - The Lord went before me to the two meetings and they went very well.  One of the people who I met with last week also called and is pressing her client to get me on board.  Nothing is concrete yet, but it was a blessed day.  Thank you for praying.  Please pray for the individual who has encouraged me so much recently and most of all that the Lord's will is evident in whatever may occur. 
• ·        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".
• ·        Toron - (18-year-old) needs encouragement, care and direction. 
• ·        Brody - No Update on Brody but it will be a long healing process. Pray the Lord is with him every new step he takes.  Please continue to pray for him, his physicians and carers; and for Trish, his wife-to-be, as they plan their wedding.  Let this strengthen their commitment to Christ and to each other.
• ·        Heidi - 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. 

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

• ·        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 since his wife passed.
• ·        Fion - please pray for his Mother.  He has returned to work and was given additional duties that are far too much for anyone.  Pray for wisdom for the organisation and/or courage for Fion.
• ·        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.
• ·        No Update for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        Wezley - No update for this 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.