All The Stuff

"And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargoes anymore; cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones and pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet, and every kind of citron wood and every article of ivory and every article made from very costly wood and bronze and iron and marble,

"and cinnamon and spice and incense and perfume and frankincense and wine and olive oil and fine flour and wheat and cattle and sheep, and cargoes of horses and chariots and slaves and human lives.

"And the fruit you long for has now gone from you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and men will no longer find them." Revelation 18:11-14

The merchants had long enjoyed the profit Babylon had provided them with.  Now things are changing.  Who will buy their stuff!  In fact, how will they get all their stuff out of the city before it is lost forever in the flames!

Commerce, industry, marketing seem to run our lives nowadays and we can easily get distracted by the stuff that surrounds us.  Yet God provides for us in ways we do not understand and can barely appreciate.  He promises He will always provide food clothing and shelter to His children. 

Sometimes it seems like He has forgotten, but He is always there establishing others with creative ways to ensure His promise is fulfilled for His children.

"'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'" Matthew 6:19-21

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

Please note the many prayer updates!

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

Sometimes these events slip out of the "active" news, but the effects of the tragedies continue and remain urgent:

• ·        Syrian Conflict -The loss of lives, especially innocent civilians is growing.  Please pray for those left behind and those who are attempting to help them.
• ·        UPDATE - Plane Crash of Egypt Air - sixty-six people died.  Salvage workers are attempting to recover bodies and information about the crash.  Latest indicates an explosion.  Please pray for the families who have lost loved ones and the salvage teams.
• ·        UPDATE - Baghdad - Hundreds of lives have been lost, hundreds wounded as tensions between ISIS and the world grow.
• ·        UPDATE - Ecuador has been hit again by a significant earthquake.
• ·        UPDATE - Fort McMurray Fire - remains active (NASA images).  Please pray for those evacuated and those continuing to fight the fires and those supporting those who have lost everything.
• ·        UPDATE - Paul - has meetings today.  Pray he does not lose heart and continues to search.  He has not had work since 2012!!  Pray his heart keeps melting before God's Word.
• ·        Adrian -short call last night to let me know he arrived home safely and was very tired.  He is having immense difficulties sorting out Telstra.  Pray for his safety, clarity and patience. (And pray for his companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up).
• ·        UPDATE - Me - A few phone calls yesterday but no project yet.  Thanks for continuing to pray.  The Lord has something prepared for me.  Please pray for those helping me through this.    

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Sergio - Has been having interviews but no job yet.  His ankle is still not healed and he goes to the doctor this week.  Pray for his patience during this time.  He is in Mexico City and work there for graphic designers is rare. 
• ·        PS' oldest daughter, Julia - (married with 5 children) had sport-related concussion and is confined to home for two weeks rest (no screens, TV or phone, no noise, no light, no reading, no THINKING)!  Under the circumstances, it will take God's mighty hand arranging for this rest.  God is in the miracle business, we just need to ask. 

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        UPDATE - Sarah (early 30s) - Prayer needed that someone will be able to get Sarah so she gets the psychiatric help she needs.  Pray the family demonstrates courage and faith, strength and resolve with her.  Pray also that the Lord captures her heart through this situation.
• ·        UPDATE - DB's father - 84 years old.  Released from hospital (renal problems) and is now in rehab where he is making progress.  Keep praying his heart opens to Christ through this experience., he is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist. 
• ·        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."
• ·        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.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        UPDATE - Brody - still needs a lot more healing time and will be on a "scooter" for his wedding. He won't be able to stand alone as hoped.  They are OK with that.  Keep praying for his healing and her grace.
• ·        UPDATE Matt - now with parents.  Feeding tube will be taken out on 25 May so he can eat real food again and move back to his place.
• ·        Baby Saige - Two years ago she was born prematurely, almost died at birth and required many heart surgeries (see a current picture on WeakDay Devotion Blog site).  She is now an adorable, happy, two-year-old.  Her parents are very grateful for your many prayers.  More surgeries are planned for her in the future. 
• ·        Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, US, Australia, UK, Poland, Germany, France, Portugal, American Samoa, Estonia, Singapore, China, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in some unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.
• ·        Fred - Had his eye surgery and is recovering well.  Continue to pray for a full recovery. 
• ·        Toron - (18-year-old) seems to be strengthening, yet still needs encouragement, care and direction. 
• ·        BG - Is relieved for a diagnosis of his massive headaches.  He has new meds but is not feeling much better, yet. 
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer. 
• ·        Doris, my second Mom (late 90s).  Thank you, Lord, for watching over her health and heart for You.  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. 

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 THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        UPDATE - David R -Had the MRI last week.  Will visit his doctor today to find out the results and see if they can recover the sight in his left eye.
• ·        UPDATE - John, who we prayed for two years ago after he had a stroke, is still struggling with reading.  Please pray for complete healing and/or more patience and grace. 
• ·        UPDATE - Sandy Tests are inconclusive, yet her symptoms persist.  Pray for wise doctors.  They suspect Crohn's Disease.
• ·        UPDATE - LS - Was in hospital recently with her chronic, auto-immune disease.  Please pray for her.
• ·        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. 
• ·        CK had a stroke last week.  Currently in a nursing home for physical, occupational and speech therapy.  He can now talk, but not read.

ONGOING WORK RELATED

• ·        Heidi - finds the work more physical than where she was and needs prayers for strength.  She seems to be settling in well.
• ·        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. 

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.  A friend has welcomed him into their home.  Please pray for them both.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.  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.
• ·        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 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, JD, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.