Refrigerator Decorations

"It had a great high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates, twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 

"There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west.

"And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the lamb" Revelation 21:12-14

These huge walls with so many open gates seem to suggest the enormity of Jesus' love of His Bride and her indescribable beauty.  He would choose to surround her - not in walls to protect Her - to keep others out and others inside for safety -- for all enemies are vanquished, but with objects of beauty.

Christ's Bride is described as pure and faithful, comparing Her beauty to an ultimate city with lofty walls and special gates.  She is covered as with a mantle of God's glory; decorated in precious stones, brilliant colours and the effulgence of His light. 

This Bride is the glorified community of God's people -- you and me -- in our eternal life.  How could John possibly hope to describe these images with the limitedness of words!  

I think of a child's artistic efforts, brought home:  finger paints, watercolours, commendations, ribbons of growth, pretty dried leaves -- offered to a parent who proudly displays them all on the family refrigerator.  Perhaps we will find representations of our love and efforts on this great wall.

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

NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE! 

• Please continue to pray for the special person you identified on Friday in your assignment, until they fall into His arms.  Then you can pick another to pray for!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Jo - please pray her meetings the next two weeks will result in God allowing her to stay longer than her 9 July end of contract role.  Or that she has news about something even better!

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        Paul - Paul's sister, has recently become a Christian and asked him to watch the film, Risen.  He sheepishly asked me to watch the movie for him and tell him what to say about it.  After I quickly counted to 100 under my breath, I recommended he watch it himself, if only for the interesting depictions of historic settings.  Please join me in praying his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  He had two interviews yesterday, but nothing yet.  He has not had work since 2012!!
• ·        Sarah (early 30s) - Urgently needs psychiatric help and that her family demonstrates "tough love" 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.
• ·        Keep praying 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 lost his job and the family may have moved.  Keep praying for the entire family!

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Heidi - was promoted.  The work she is now doing is less physically taxing but she still needs our prayers for strength and wisdom.
• ·        Me - new project begins 27 June for 12 months. Thank you for praying and supporting me through this time.(Luke 6:38!).  I hope to complete a new Kindle:  Where is Christ in America? -- a special series written in 2003 for such a time as this.  
• ·        David R - Doctors believe vision loss in his left eye is result of a localised stroke and may return eventually. 
• ·        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. 
• ·        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

• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        United States of America -- Please pray for families and friends of those who have recently lost their lives in various tragic ways.  Pray for those still recovering, 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.

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.  He is home now and there is discussion as to how to treat the remaining two.  Pray for his health carers and family as they deal with this serious situation.
• ·        Adrian -is feeling a bit stronger and went to his brother's for dinner yesterday.  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.
• ·        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

• ·        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.  
• ·        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 - has settled into his new home where a friend cares for him.  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

• ·        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 myeloma.  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.
• ·        Jo and Steve - Please pray their individual ministries in NZ and reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters. 
• ·        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.