ARMAGGEDON?

“The burden of the Word of the Lord concerning Israel.  Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.  ‘Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cut that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.  It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. 

“’And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.  In that day,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness.  But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.  Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts, their God.’ 

“’In that day, I will make the clans of Judah like a fire-pot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem.” Zechariah 12:1-6

Could this be referring to present day conflicts or to the End Times … or both?  The last great battle on earth will take place against Jerusalem as well.  Those who oppose God’s people will not prevail forever.  Eventually, evil, pain and oppression will be abolished once and for all.  We must always remember this and rest in the truth of His mighty Word and will!

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

PS:  My statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

 (NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

Urgent – IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS – spreading throughout the world and more rapidly than imagined.  Please pray for the health care workers, those trying to contain the spread and most importantly those who contract the virus – that they are wise and take precautions to protect others.

Latest Update:   (source John Hopkins)

• Today in 22 countries
• 8,247 confirmed cases
• 170 reported deaths (all in China)
• New – Norm C – had a surgical procedure last Thursday.  Please pray for his recovery, the watchfulness of the health care providers and his family.
• NEW UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old, in critical condition, struggling for life with meningitis and kidney failure.   Had surgery to remove dead muscle tissue on her leg.  Now they wait to see how she will respond, but at least they did not have to amputate.  Pray her health carers have wisdom and compassion, her parents have patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child.  Please keep praying.  Family so grateful for all the prayers.
• URGENT - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and endocrine tumour.  She is in severe abdominal pain, with a blood clot in her pancreas.  Pray for traveling mercies for Carla as she goes to be with her in Canada.  Pray for the doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
• Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a difficult to treat, psychological disorder that could lead to very serious consequences.  New meds seem to be helping.  Her time of recovery is long but there is progress with this brain injury.   Pray for her attitude, wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and complete healing. 
• Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years.  Her foot is healing properly, and she is out of the boot.  She needs rehab to help with strength and muscle loss but will be cleared to dance in a couple of weeks.  Pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
• UPDATE - An Overview of the Bushfires in Australia –- Fires moving south and threatening the capital of Australia.  Estimates:  28 dead and up to a Billion animals lost.  Pray for the more-than 2,500 firefighters, those providing care and shelter for those who have lost everything, and wisdom for those still in the path of the fires, for mercy on the animals and the ongoing tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray God’s hand of love and compassion is demonstrated by His people as this tragedy continues!
• USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him.  Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me and that my laptop can be fixed quickly.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

SPARKLING STONES

“As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.  Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.  For I will bend Judah as My bow, I will fill the bow with Ephraim.  And I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece; and I will make you like a warrior’s sword.

“Then the Lord will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightening; and the Lord God will blow the trumpet, and will march in the storm winds of the south.  The Lord of hosts will defend them.  And they will devour [consume] and trample on the sling stones; and they will drink and be boisterous as with wine; and they will be filled like a sacrificial basin, drenched like the corners of the altar. 

“And the Lord their God will save them in that day as the flock of His people; for they are as the stones of a crown, sparkling in His land.  For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs!  Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgin.” Zechariah 9:11-17

“And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with the blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22

The prophet, Zechariah, spoke most of the Messiah to come.  Jesus Christ will bring utter and divine deliverance on the day of His return to earth.  Until that time, no matter how difficult life seems, God will care for His children as a shepherd cares for his flock.  

Why would the prophet use the terms of sparkling jewels?  Those who accept the gracious gift of Jesus’ sacrifice, often seem to sparkle like jewels in a crown – especially noticeable when the world is so muddled and lost.  This is just one way God uses us to attract others to Him.  

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”  II Peter 3:8-10 

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

PS:  My statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

(NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

Urgent – IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS – spreading throughout the world and more rapidly than imagined.  Please pray for the health care workers, those trying to contain the spread and most importantly those who contract the virus – that they are wise and take precautions to protect others.

Latest Update:  

• Today in 20 countries
• 6171 confirmed cases
• 133 deaths reported
• New – Norm C – had a surgical procedure last Thursday.  Please pray for his recovery, the watchfulness of the health care providers and his family.
• NEW UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old, in critical condition, struggling for life with meningitis and kidney failure.   Had surgery to remove dead muscle tissue on her leg.  Now they wait to see how she will respond, but at least they did not have to amputate.  Pray her health carers have wisdom and compassion, her parents have patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child.  Please keep praying.  Family so grateful for all the prayers.
• URGENT - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and endocrine tumour.  She is in severe abdominal pain, with a blood clot in her pancreas.  Pray for traveling mercies for Carla as she goes to be with her in Canada.  Pray for the doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
• Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a difficult to treat, psychological disorder that could lead to very serious consequences.  New meds seem to be helping.  Her time of recovery is long but there is progress with this brain injury.   Pray for her attitude, wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and complete healing. 
• Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years.  Her foot is healing properly, and she is out of the boot.  She needs rehab to help with strength and muscle loss but will be cleared to dance in a couple of weeks.  Pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
• UPDATE - An Overview of the Bushfires in Australia –- The fires are moving south and threatening the capital of Australia.  Estimates:  28 dead and up to a Billion animals lost.  Pray for the more-than 2,500 firefighters, those providing care and shelter for those who have lost everything, and wisdom for those still in the path of the fires, for mercy on the animals and the ongoing tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray God’s hand of love and compassion is demonstrated by His people as this tragedy continues!
• USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him.  Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me and that my laptop can be fixed quickly.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

BURDEN AND BLESSING

“The burden of the word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrach, with Damascus as its resting place (for the eyes of men, especially of all the tribes of Israel, are toward the Lord).  And Hamath also, which borders on it; Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise. 

“For Tyre built herself a fortress and piled up silver like dust, and gold like the mire of the streets.  Behold, the Lord will dispossess her and cast her wealth into the sea; and she will be consumed with fire.  Ashkelon will see it and be afraid. 

Gaza too will writhe in great pain; also Ekron, for her expectation has been confounded.  Moreover, the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.  And a mongrel race will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.” Zechariah 9:1-6

Zechariah was called to minister to God’s chosen people as they return to Judah.  He shares some reassuring facts of God’s power despite the disobedience and how the future promises hope and an eternal King.    

As you read Scripture in your quiet times or the excerpts in these devotions, pray the Holy Spirit helps you understand the ‘burden and blessing’ of the words and how to apply them today in your life.  The Lord speaks to His children with love and clarity through the living nature of the Scriptures.  That is why so many surprises are held within it no matter how often you read it!  It is so important to focus on reading the Word!

“For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

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

PS:  My statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

(NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

• Urgent – IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS – spreading throughout the world and more rapidly than imagined.  Please pray for the health care workers, those trying to contain the spread and most importantly those who contract the virus – that they are wise and take precautions to protect others.
• New – Norm C – had a surgical procedure last Thursday.  Please pray for his recovery, the watchfulness of the health care providers and his family.
• UPDATE - Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a few years ago.  He has proved to be a caring and loving single father.   He is now engaged to a wonderful Christian woman and they plan to get married in March.  Hopefully she can help inspire him to seek the Lord once again.  They are happy and look forward to their life together.  It is so great to see him joyful again.  It has been a long time and lots of prayers and God has answered those prayers. Thank you. Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
• NEW UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old, struggling for life with meningitis and kidney failure.   Still in critical condition – had surgery to remove lots of dead muscle tissue on her leg.  Now they wait to see how she will respond, but at least they did not have to amputate which was the initial fear.  Pray her health carers have wisdom and compassion, her parents have patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child.   ‘GOD is so GOOD. He has got this We keep praying for complete healing.  She is still battling kidney issues too.  One thing at a time.  Please keep praying.  Family so grateful for all the prayers.
• URGENT - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and endocrine tumour.  She is in severe abdominal pain, with a blood clot in her pancreas.  Pray for traveling mercies for Carla as she goes to be with her in Canada.  Pray for the doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
• Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences.  The new meds the doctors tried have helped and Savannah is doing a little better! She has a very long road ahead! But progress is happening and with any brain injury GOD and time heals it.  God is giving her a more positive attitude and that is helping too.  Please continue to pray for wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and healing for her. 
• Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years.  Her foot bone is healing properly, and she is out of the boot.  She needs rehab to help with strength and muscle loss but will be cleared to dance in a couple of weeks. Thanks for prayers.   Pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
• UPDATE - An Overview of the Bushfires in Australia –- The fires are coming under control.  Estimates of 28 dead and up to a Billion animals lost.  Pray for the more-than 2,500 firefighters, those providing care and shelter for those who have lost everything, and wisdom for those still in the path of the fires, for mercy on the animals and the ongoing tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray God’s hand of love and compassion is demonstrated by His people as this tragedy continues!
• USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him.  Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her.  Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain. 
• Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering.  Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December.  She is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now.  Thank the Lord for Patti, her faithful daughter, as she makes time to be with her Mom.  Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, does more to help. 
• SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors.  Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
• Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role.  He’s been unemployed since 2010.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he stays here.
• Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me and that my laptop can be fixed quickly.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

“Then I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, there was a flying scroll.  And he said to me, ‘What do you see?’  And I answered, ‘I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.’

“Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side.  I will make it go forth,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘And it will enter the house of the thief and the home of the one who swears falsely by My name; an di it will spend the night within that house and consume it with its timber and stones.’” Zechariah 5:1-4

Zechariah was one of three prophets sent to the small remnant of God’s chosen people who had returned to Judah to rebuild the temple and their nation.  Zecharia’s message was of encouragement -- not just to keep building – but to reveal a future of hope far beyond the physical walls and the contemporary issues they were facing.  He detailed the future where a Saviour will come to rule over all the earth – the true King was coming! 

God knows and CONTROLS the future.  We may never see more than a moment ahead, but we can rest in His wisdom, even as today seems chaotic and sometimes hopeless.  God is not caught off guard and He alone manages all for our good and His glory.  Keep praying!

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

PS:  My statement of faith is here:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

(NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

• Urgent – IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS – spreading throughout the world and more rapidly than imagined.  Please pray for the health care workers, those trying to contain the spread and most importantly those who contract the virus – that they are wise and take precautions to protect others.
• New – Norm C – had a surgical procedure last Thursday.  Please pray for his recovery, the watchfulness of the health care providers and his family.
• UPDATE - Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a few years ago.  He has proved to be a caring and loving single father.   He is now engaged to a wonderful Christian woman and they plan to get married in March.  Hopefully she can help inspire him to seek the Lord once again.  They are happy and look forward to their life together.  It is so great to see him joyful again.  It has been a long time and lots of prayers and God has answered those prayers. Thank you. Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
• NEW UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old, struggling for life with meningitis and kidney failure.   Still in critical condition – had surgery to remove lots of dead muscle tissue on her leg.  Now they wait to see how she will respond, but at least they did not have to amputate which was the initial fear.  Pray her health carers have wisdom and compassion, her parents have patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child.   ‘GOD is so GOOD. He has got this We keep praying for complete healing.  She is still battling kidney issues too.  One thing at a time.  Please keep praying.  Family so grateful for all the prayers.
• URGENT - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and endocrine tumour.  She is in severe abdominal pain, with a blood clot in her pancreas.  Pray for traveling mercies for Carla as she goes to be with her in Canada.  Pray for the doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
• Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences.  The new meds the doctors tried have helped and Savannah is doing a little better! She has a very long road ahead! But progress is happening and with any brain injury GOD and time heals it.  God is giving her a more positive attitude and that is helping too.  Please continue to pray for wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and healing for her. 
• Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years.  Her foot bone is healing properly, and she is out of the boot.  She needs rehab to help with strength and muscle loss but will be cleared to dance in a couple of weeks. Thanks for prayers.   Pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
• UPDATE - An Overview of the Bushfires in Australia –- The fires are coming under control.  Estimates of 28 dead and up to a Billion animals lost.  Pray for the more-than 2,500 firefighters, those providing care and shelter for those who have lost everything, and wisdom for those still in the path of the fires, for mercy on the animals and the ongoing tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray God’s hand of love and compassion is demonstrated by His people as this tragedy continues!
• USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him.  Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her.  Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain. 
• Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering.  Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December.  She is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now.  Thank the Lord for Patti, her faithful daughter, as she makes time to be with her Mom.  Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, does more to help. 
• SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors.  Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
• Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role.  He’s been unemployed since 2010.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he stays here.
• Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me and that my laptop can be fixed quickly.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE