The Harvest Judgment

"And behold I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand. 

"And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him, who sat on the cloud, 'Put in your sickle and reap because the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.'

"And He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth; and the earth was reaped." Revelation 14:14-16

[Jesus speaking] "'For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, in order that all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.  He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him. 

"'Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.'"  John 5:22-24

This is the first judgment carried out by Jesus Christ in Revelation.  It is in answer to the prayers of His believers and those who have been martyred.

Note again how clear it is in the verses from John, that it is not God's role in the Trinity to judge.  God has assigned that work to His beloved and only Son, Jesus Christ. 

Many around the world believe in God or a god or no god and rest in that for their ultimate future.  What separates their eternal life from that of a believer is whether or not they believe in what the Bible says, that Jesus Christ is the One who judges and saves.  Every story in the Bible builds this foundation upon which God is working our His profound plan.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        David R - Will have a special type of eye exam today as they try to diagnose the reason and identify a cure for the loss of sight in his left eye.  All other tests came out very well.
• ·        Eight people were killed in a little quiet town in Ohio.  No clues as to why yet.  Pray for the remaining family and the community around them.
• ·        Up to 500 migrants may have drowned when a large boat sank in the Mediterranean Sea, according to the United Nation's refugee agency, citing witness reports. If confirmed, it would be one of the worst tragedies of Europe's migrant crisis in the past year.
• ·        Japan and Ecuador - Earthquakes have shaken both these countries in the last weeks, please pray for those who have survived and those who support them through this tragedy.
• ·        Adrian - The cancer proteins have increased. They now want to change to a stronger treatment, but it will make him even more miserable and he doesn't want it.  Please give him patience and clarity to know what is best and ensure his doctors have wisdom and compassion. (Please do not forget to pray for his little companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up).

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        DB's father - 84 years old, lives on his own and very ill with renal problems - in hospital receiving dialysis and plasma which is serious and scary for anyone, however, he is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist.  Pray his heart opens to Christ through this experience.
• ·        PS asks us to pray for a woman in early 30s - unstable for years and just taken to a psychiatric facility by police for an evaluation.  She will be able to check herself out after this and needs treatment.  Seems she still lives at home and is posing a great stress on her family.  Pray the family demonstrates courage and faith, strength and resolve with her and that she will accept treatment.  Pray also that the Lord captures her heart through this intervention.
• ·        Doris, my second Mom (late 90s), a vigorous and deeply spiritual Christian woman, who, with her husband, prayed for my (and my family's) salvation from the time I was 12 until now.  During a recent visit, Doris shared with her daughter that she had a vision in a dream where she was walking and talking in Heaven with the Jesus!  I have not seen her since 2005 and hope she will be there when I am home again.  She is an amazing woman who has taught me so much about agape love and the Lord.
• ·        Fred - Will have eye surgery on 27 April.  Please pray for a speedy recovery and that he is patient during recovery. 
• ·        Sandy needs prayer.  They are trying to diagnose what is happening in her body.  They are suspecting Crohn's Disease.
• ·        LS - A potential change is causing her stress and she is battling a chronic, auto-immune disease.  Please pray for her.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Toron - (18-year-old) seems to be strengthening, yet still needs encouragement, care and direction. 
• ·        Brody - (according to Rachael): "still healing and it will be awhile yet before they can put a pin in his ankle.  Surgery is in the future, but the healing has to be much further along before they do that.  Hopefully, he will be standing BEFORE they get married in July.  Doctors are hopeful, but not making any promises.  Please keep praying." 
• ·        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 ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        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).  The weather is improving and he is able to get outside and enjoy things more.  Thank you for praying for him.  Pray his heavenly Father continues to give him 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 WORK RELATED

• ·        Sergio - waits for news about a new job.  His ankle is healing, but slowly.  Pray for his patience during this time.  He is in Mexico City and work there for graphic designers is rare. 
• ·        Heidi - finds the work more physical than where she was and needs prayers for strength.  She continues to look for new opportunities.
• ·        Paul - The consultancy he was interviewing did not win the project they were hoping for, so Paul still has no work.  Pray he does not lose heart and continues to search.  He has not had work since 2012!!
• ·        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.
• ·        Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to pay what they owe him for his work.    
• ·        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. 
• ·        Me - No news yet.  However, the Lord has gone before me and has a plan.  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. 

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        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
• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        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 - (Update from Rachael):  "I have never been able to get in touch with Wezley's Mom. Totally fell off the earth.  Her husband had lost his job quite a while ago, so they may have moved."  Pray for the entire family.
• ·        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 blessings on this selfless couple and thanks for the generous support of those at Black Rock Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut.  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 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.