One More Time: Evil Anyone?

"And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 

"And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them." Revelation 20:7-9

Satan's determination should not surprise us.  Can you imagine the day he is released from his prison?  He must have thought he escaped.  You can imagine how he rushed to resume his mission to stir the hearts of those who had been dwelling on earth these thousand years against Jesus. 

Gog was the ruler of the district known to John's readers as Magog.  This would have had special significance to the communities of the seven churches the letters were specifically addressed to, reminding them of people and leaders who violently oppose the reign of Christ.

John's vision doesn't actually give much detail here, but we have all experienced evil in one way or another and realise how resolute and swift it can be in tripping up the best of intentions.  Here, no matter how much evil gathers against God and His children, He easily dispenses with them all in an instant.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        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.
• ·        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 yesterday went well.  Am to hear their decision today about this six-month project.  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.    
• ·        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.