Tug and Act

"Now it came about when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repair of the walls of Jerusalem went on, and that the breaches began to be closed, they were very angry.  And all of them conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause a disturbance in it.  But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.

"And it came about from that day on, that half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah.  Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand during the work, and the other holding a weapon. 

"As for the builders, each wore his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter stood near me.  And I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'The work is great and extensive, and we are separated on the wall far from one another.  At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us here.  Our God will fight for us.'" Nehemiah 4:7-8, 16-20

"In our circumstances today, we do not know what God's sovereign purpose is in a specific situation.  We should be even more aware not to use God's sovereignty as an excuse to shirk the duties that He has commanded in the Scriptures.  God usually works through means, and He intends that we use the means He has placed at our disposal."*

God expects us to use the resources, means and creativity to deal with our lives and the circumstances and people around us...He does not expect us to just stand there and wait.  Someone once shared the thought that prayer is the thin thread of love that moves the hands of God.  We are responsible to give that thread a tug with our prayers. 

(And speaking of prayers, PLEASE take time today to review the prayers below and send any updates or answers to prayer for those who are so faithful each day in tugging.)

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Baby Saige - her heart cath went very well on 23 June.  Everything they were checking is exactly where it is supposed to be!  God gave her doctor the amazing ability to perform such delicate surgery.  NEWS FLASH  Saige is having surgery THIS MONDAY, JUNE 30th at 8:00!  I shared her picture is on the blog site if you missed it in your mail.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  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.

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. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Jen has found a new puppy and is delighted.  Thank you so much for your prayers for this amazing woman! 

Sergio has found a wonderful new role (lives in Mexico City and thanks everyone for praying for him.

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%." 

Scott is doing better, taking baby steps but still needs lots of prayers for healing, and ability to think clearly,  he also needs prayers to stay  focused on God and not be so independent.

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. 

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.  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 have unmatched patience.

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. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  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. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

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

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.