Finally Lost...

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them.  And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the Word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

"The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed.  This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4-6

Most of us have heard about the mark of the beast, Armageddon, tribulation, millennium, etc.  Many focus on the what and when examining every word of the book for some magical key to the future (if they read it at all for themselves).  If we get lost in these fantastical details of John's remarkable and unique vision we miss the point of Revelation. 

What we must focus on is that Christ WILL return.  He WILL defeat Satan once and for all time.  Jesus WILL reign forever.  Those who are His children WILL be with Him and in His care.  

The second death is spiritual death - ETERNAL separation from God.  Those who have chosen not to accept God's gracious gift of salvation will be FINALLY lost. 

Pray today for the courage to gently share with just one person, a bit about how your life has changed because of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        New South Wales Storms - storms and flooding has now moved to Tasmania.  Assessment of the New South Wales damage has begun - three have died weather remains changeable.  Pray for rescue workers and those affected.
• ·        Paul - is hoping to get a brief project today for someone taking maternity leave.  Thank you for praying for him.  He has not had work since 2012!!  Pray his heart keeps melting before God's Word.
• ·        Adrian -Someone from the Leukaemia Foundation has come to help Adrian and is searching for safe and suitable accommodation.  His father's funeral will be on 15 June (which conflicts with his monthly infusion treatment - so trying to find a way to do both, if possible, but he will have to have the infusion.  Pray for Adrian who is losing strength and for his companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  He is very important to Adrian's mental well-being.
• ·        JR - one of my brother's lifetime friends was surprised when he went to his doctors for some light-headedness and was urgently rushed to hospital.  They found three brain tumours.  The large one was removed, two more remain.  Pray for his health carers and family as they deal with this serious situation.
• ·        UPDATE - Me - Meeting this morning at 10 AM for a six-month project.  Have no funds remaining.  Please continue to pray so I am not so stressed, and for those who are helping me along this journey.  The Lord has something prepared for me. 

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Joanne - sister to David, who is being overwhelmed by dementia.  She is one of the most gracious Christian women I have ever known. 

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        UPDATE - Sarah (early 30s) - Urgently needs psychiatric help and that her family demonstrates courage and faith, strength and resolve with her.  Pray the Lord captures her heart through this situation.
• ·        UPDATE - DB's father - (84 years) now in rehab recovering from time in hospital with renal problems.  Keep praying his heart opens to Christ through this experience., he is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist. 
• ·        Chester (Adrian's friend) with pancreatic cancer that he has the  energy, strength and resolve to deal 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 - Rachael is not able to find Wezley's mom to get an update.  Her husband had lost his job and the family may have moved.  Keep praying for the entire family!

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        UPDATE - David R -Had the MRI and they believe the loss of his vision in his left eye is the result of a localised stroke and may return. 
• ·        Sergio - Has been having interviews but no job yet.  His ankle is healing.  Pray for 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) recently had serious concussion and now recovering. 
• ·        UPDATE - Brody - continuing to heal from a terrible accident to his ankle.  Will have to be on a "scooter" for his wedding in July. Keep praying for his healing and that this gives them a new grace.
• ·        UPDATE - Matt - Finally home and feeding tube is out and he can begin to eat real food again.
• ·        Baby Saige - now an adorable, happy, two-year-old from two years of surgeries.  Her parents are very grateful for your many prayers.  More surgeries 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.
• ·        Toron - (18-year-old) had a week with his Mom and is beginning to be more thankful than critical.  Help him find direction and encouragement. 
• ·        BG - Is growing stronger and stronger each day now that treatment for his headaches has begun. 
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer and her ongoing meds are not "hurting" her so much now. 
• ·        Doris - (my "second Mom")  Was pivotal in my coming to Christ and for her continued faithfulness in prayer for me and my brother, Tim.  Thank you, Lord, for watching over her health and heart.  Last saw her in 2005 - pray she will be there when I am home again.  An amazing woman who has taught me so much about agape love, the value of a "warrior's prayer life" 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 - John, who had a stroke two years ago continues to struggle 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 - Home from hospital but very tired - has a 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 prepare for their wedding in June.
• ·        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 -in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  A small army of dedicated prayer warriors is 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.