Praying AND Doing

"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.  

"'Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul.  You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 

"'So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.  Nevertheless, we must run around on some island.'" Acts 27:22-26

Paul "took prudent action to bring about what God by divine revelation had already promised would certainly come to pass.  He did not confuse God's sovereignty with his responsibility to act prudently."*

In other words, Paul prayed but he was happy he knew how to swim and would swim and struggle with the others to ensure that all were safe.  Praying, saying and doing are important.  

We pray believing.  We share with others to encourage them and we take action, rather than just floating around with an expectation that God will do all the work!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE THE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!  And for any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Adrian's pain is mounting and his ability to cope with changes in meds is affecting him physically (blood pressure still out of control) and emotionally (he is losing his patience, which is no wonder).  Pray the Lord quiets his heart and gives him strength to endure.  Give his doctors insight and compassion.  Pray those around him who are supporting him unmatched patience.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  Baby Saige had a heart cauterization 23 June at 9:00 a.m. at Akron Children's Hospital.  Her grandmother writes:  "Saige is doing so well and is such a happy little baby.  She even cut her first tooth this week. She is slowly gaining weight.  She is like every other little 5 1/2 month old and we have great joy watching her."  I shared her picture is on the blog site if you missed it in your mail.

Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope.

Hans will be baptised on the 29th and would appreciate your prayers as he dedicated his life to the Lord in this outward demonstration of his changed heart.  He also needs to find work.  Please pray the role he recently applied for will be the Lord's will for him.

Jen has lost her two companion dogs she has loved for over 15 years -- she is heartbroken.  Please pray for her.  Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Elina has had two wonderful job interviews and thanks everyone for their prayers so far for her as she searches for work. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments.  Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%. 

Prayer update......Scott is doing a little better, he is taking baby steps but he still needs lots of prayers for healing, and ability to think clearly,  he also needs prayers to focus on God which he is NOT doing right now.  He thinks he can do everything himself.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:   Sergio seeking new employment - is in Mexico City

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work. 

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.