Infighting Always Loses the Battle

"'These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are THE called and chosen and faithful.  And he said to me, 'The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.  And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire.

"'For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled.  And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.'" Revelation 17:14-18

You may be aware of a group called ISIS.  They are a radical group that says it represents Islam and God.  However, notice how much infighting there seems to be in this group.  Evil, when it resides and reigns in a person's heart, breeds competition (see Genesis 3:4-5), corruption and chaotic confusion where fighting against one another is common.

Here in Revelation, on the last battlefield, the confidence of the evil ones leads to infighting and an inner destruction that makes the battle even easier for the Lord Jesus Christ.

God has a plan and we can waste energy and time trying to unravel dates and locations and identities, but no one, not even the Lord Jesus Christ, knows the timing.  So let us live as if it may be today.

"'But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.'" Matthew 36

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith.  And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" I John 5:45

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

• ·        Baghdad - Over 100 lives have been lost, hundreds more wounded as tensions between ISIS and the world around them grow.
• ·        Fort McMurray Fire - has become very active again.  Please pray for those evacuated and those continuing to fight the fires and those supporting those who have lost everything.
• ·        Paul - has another interview 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 - left early today to meet with his GP to discuss alternative treatments for his cancer - pray for wisdom.  Bank challenges are still being sorted through.  He grows tired and weaker but keeps on trying to remain independent.  Pray for safety, clarity and patience for him. (Do not forget to pray for his little companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up).
• ·        Me - The role went to another.  Thanks for praying.  The Lord must have something else prepared for me.  Please pray for the individual who has been 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. 
• ·        CK had a stroke last week.  Currently in a nursing home for physical, occupational and speech therapy.  He can now talk, but not read
• ·        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. 
• ·        Sandy No update on tests to diagnose what is happening in her body.  They suspect Crohn's Disease.
• ·        LS - A potential change is causing her stress and she is battling a chronic, auto-immune disease.  Please pray for her.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        UPDATE - Sarah (early 30s) - did not stay in the psychiatric facility, as was feared.  Refused to go home or agree to help from her parents.  Headed for grandparents (5 hours away) to see if she can stay with them.  Prayer needed that someone will be able to get Sarah to get 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, lives alone.  Has been in hospital very ill with renal problems.  "After two weeks my father is now out of hospital and has gone into rehabilitation. He has made very good progress and staff was very pleased and surprised at his recovery. Thanks to all those who have prayed for him."  Please continue to pray that 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

• ·        Matt - was released from hospital but had to move in with parents as he was on a feeding tube.  It has just been removed, so he can eat real food again.  He is hoping to return to his own place very soon.
• ·        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 and praise the Lord for her healing.  She will need more prayers in the futures when more surgeries will take place. 
• ·        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. 
• ·        Brody - (needs prayer for continued healing since the surgery to put the pin into his ankle has been successful.  Next will come bone surgery.  The hope is that he will be able to stand up for his wedding in July.  Please keep praying." 
• ·        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

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• ·        David R -No reason has yet been identified for the loss of sight in his left eye.  MRI to be done on 20 June.
• ·        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. 

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