Thank God for His Stubbornness!

"And the fifth angel poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds." Revelation 16:10-11

Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, "If I were God, I would take a different action."  "If I were God, I would not be so patient."  Thank God we are not Him and that He has a plan to redeem every possible individual from eternal loneliness!  And we are part of His plan.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

"fixing out eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary, and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

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

PS:  There is a surprise in the prayer list today and many updates, thank you all for ensuring that we do not pray without encouragement from His answers!

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Fort McMurray Residents - (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36207807) - Update on fire blazing out of control through this entire community.  80,000 people displaced.  Please pray for those being evacuated and those fighting the fires in extreme weather and those supporting those in need.
• ·        Adrian - Since the cancer proteins have increased there are some new options for him, including a new oral medicine rather than the gruelling day-long infusion of cancer meds once a month.  He is still hoping to catch up with his sister-in-law.  Pray she will help make sense of some of this for him.  Someone stole his credit card.  Pray for clarity and patience as he and the bank sort this out.  Pray for his doctors for wisdom and compassion. (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

• ·        PS oldest daughter, Julia - (married with 5 children (ages 2, 4, 10, 11, 13), and full-time English teacher).  Had sport-related concussion.  Doctor confined her to home for two weeks rest with no screens, TV or phone, no noise, no light, no reading, no THINKING!  They are remodelling their home and with five children, it will take a miracle for her to rest.  God is in the miracle business, we just need to ask. 
• ·        CK had a stoke 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. 
• ·        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.  Pray for her ongoing health.
• ·        Sandy will have tests this week 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 were 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

Baby Saige and her big sister today.

• ·        Baby Saige - For those who have been praying with us over the years, you may remember Baby Saige, who almost died at birth.  Here's an update that will make you smile:  "Baby Saige who had several heart surgeries soon after birth, is now an adorable, happy 2-year-old (shown in pic with her big sister). Her parents are very grateful for your many prayers and praise the Lord for Saige's healing. They said they will need your prayers again in a couple of years when she has to undergo the next surgery." 
• ·        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 - (according to Rachael): " Brody had the pin put in his ankle and is now waiting for a little more healing time, then they will do bone surgery NEXT. 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 but is not feeling much better, yet. 
• ·        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 THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

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

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 - has an interview this week - still 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 - Received a call yesterday and a project looks promising, but decision won't be finalised for three weeks.  The Lord has gone before me and has a plan.  I just need a bit more patience.  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.  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 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.