Not Since the Garden Has This Happened!

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 

"I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them,

"And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.'" Revelation 21:1-4

"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the Garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees and the Garden.  Then the Lord called to the man, and said to him, 'Where are you?'" Genesis 5:8-9

God made the earth and all that is within it.  He was in the habit of daily walking with Adam and Eve (who had not yet sinned).  This was the original plan and must have brought our Heavenly Father great joy.  

When Adam and Eve disobeyed and sinned, choosing to do what they thought was best in their own eyes, God withdrew to watch over His children.  Throughout history, God has been disappointed, sad and angry that His children just can't get the message of His love, but He is never frustrated by their willfulness.  

He devised a way to satisfy His requirement for purity -- Jesus is the way to re-establish the personal relationship for each of us.

The new Jerusalem is about new beginnings.  In this place God will freely walk with His precious children, something He has not done since the Garden.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        United States of America - 49 individuals died, 53 hospitalised.  Please pray for the families of those senselessly slain and wounded, law enforcement agencies and individuals trying to sort through everything and prevent further carnage.  Pray for all news reporters and their companies to be patient and honourable in their reporting.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Doug McIntosh - in each of our lives we can point to spiritual "parents and unique encouragers".  For me there are many.  One key contributor to my love of Bible study is Doug, my pastor.  He was diagnosed 16 Feb 2014 with multiple myelomas.  I just found out unexpectantly.  What a great man of God he is!  Please pray for him, his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone in Lilburn Georgia.
• ·        Adrian -was physically and emotionally exhausted by the funeral for his father yesterday and the lack of care within his family.  His regular monthly cancer treatment moved to next week.  The Leukaemia Foundation person has disappeared.  Pray for his companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  He is very important to Adrian's mental well-being and a clear gift from the Lord during this time of loneliness.
• ·        Jo and Steve - Please pray their individual ministries in NZ and reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        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.
• ·        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 - Me - new project to begin 27 June.  Thank you for praying and supporting me through this time.(Luke 6:38!).  I will use this time to complete a new Kindle:  Where is Christ in America? -- a special series written in 2003 for such a time as this.  
• ·        David R -Had the MRI - doctors believe vision loss in his left eye is result of a localised stroke and may return. 
• ·        UPDATE - Sergio - Has been having interviews but no job yet.  His ankle is much better.  Pray for patience during this time.  He is in Mexico City and work for graphic designers there is rare. 
• ·        PS' oldest daughter, Julia - (married with 5 children) recently had serious concussion and now recovering. 
• ·        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.
• ·        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, Romania, Ukraine, Estonia, Singapore, China, 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.
• ·        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

• ·        Joanne - sister to David, who is being overwhelmed by dementia.  She is one of the most gracious Christian women I have ever known. 
• ·        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.
• ·        John, who had a stroke two years ago continues to struggle with reading.  Please pray for complete healing and/or more patience and grace. 
• ·        Sandy Tests are inconclusive, yet her symptoms persist.  Pray for wise doctors.  They suspect Crohn's Disease.
• ·        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

• ·        Paul - has not heard of the job to substitute for someone taking maternity leave, but has another meeting today.  Thank you for praying for him.  He has not had work since 2012!!  Pray his heart keeps melting before God's Word.
• ·        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.    

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 are now married and starting a new life.  Pray it will be steadfastly focused on the Lord.
• ·        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.