Your Basket of Leaves

                        (The Maranatha Singers will bless your heart.  Enjoy!)

"You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.'" Matthew 5:14-16

"All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17

"Your Bible is a basket of leaves.  Won't you share one?  They have amazing impact.  After receiving his, Noah was a changed man. -- What a difference one leaf makes."*

Mixing metaphors and illustrations in God's Word is sometimes inevitable and thinking of how you are His reflected light made me think of how light is necessary for leaves to grow....His Word encourages and grows us so we can turn to those around us and offer a helping hand ... the helping hand of Truth, encouragement and His love. 

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·        There have been three explosions in China -- another one today.  The first explosion in China claimed more than 112 lives and injured over 720.  Cyanide levels are over 365 times above safe levels - it is early days in this tragedy, pray for the families affected and the rescue and aid workers.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        I attended the 20th anniversary celebration of Arrow Leadership and was a bit overwhelmed with what I learned there and ask you to pray for God's hand to hold tightly to this critical ministry and how/ if I may serve.
• ·        By God's hand I met with Di F. for coffee after many years and, although we had fellowship matters to cover, she has offered to investigate some assistance for Adrian in his town.
• ·        [Rachael sent email this morning] Chris - after 7 hours surgery has a new heart.  Pray for him, his family, health carers and the family of the donor.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have a final interview tomorrow with one of these companies.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Fion's father has been recovering from a stroke for over a year and has been in a special care facility and is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is quite heavy at this time.
• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently.  The Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate counsellors who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        My project ends this week.  I may have the opportunity to return, but will need 4-6 weeks work starting next week to cover the time till the new project begins.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

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.
• ·        Typhoon in Philippines and Okinawa have left many homeless and at least a dozen dead.  Please pray for the rescue workers and those rebuilding their lives.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, 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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Adrian - I've not heard from him for a week now.  Please do not stop praying that he finds some relief from the pain and that his home situation improves to nurture him as he tries to strengthen from his cancer.  He needs emotional energy, resilience and that the health care providers will make time for him.  Pray God protects him, especially when he is travelling long distances alone.  Certainly, pray for a gracious, sensible and loving Christian to come alongside him.  His little dog, Toby, also needs prayer.
• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for his friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer that the Lord gives him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him.  And that someone will come to share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church there with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family as he recovers from the loss of his wife.  Please pray for the intimate comfort of the Lord for them as they walk through this difficult time.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.
• ·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and she realises His love soon.
• ·        I just discovered yesterday that Adrian has been paying a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil,  who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        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 are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He 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".
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support and encouragement over many years.

*A Love Worth Giving is copyright protected since 2002 by Max Lucado.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 978-0-8499-4831-2 (repackaged).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.  Pray for Mr. Lucado and I thank my brother for recommending it.

Don't Know What To Say?

"What a wonderful God we have -- He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. 

"And why does He do this?  So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.  II Corinthians 1:3-4 The Living Bible

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4, New International Version

Encourage those who are struggling.  Don't know what to say?  Then open your Bible.  The olive leaf for the Christian is a verse of Scripture."*

II Corinthians 1:3-7 is one of my favourite passages.  Oswald Chambers wrote that many times in our lives, what is happening to us, is not happening for us, but for another.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·        Those affected by the shooting in Virginia yesterday.
• ·        Typhoon in Philippines and Okinawa have left many homeless and at least a dozen dead.  Please pray for the rescue workers.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        The explosion in China has now claimed 112 lives and injured more than 720.  Cyanide levels are over 365 times above safe levels - it is early days in this tragedy, pray for the families affected and the rescue and aid workers.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        By God's hand I met with Di F. for coffee after many years and, although we had fellowship matters to cover, she has offered to investigate some assistance for Adrian in his town.
• ·        [Rachael sent email this morning] Chris - after 7 hours surgery has a new heart.  Pray for him, his family, health carers and the family of the donor.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have a final interview tomorrow with one of these companies.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Fion's father has been recovering from a stroke for over a year and has been in a special care facility and is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is quite heavy at this time.
• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently.  The Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate counsellors who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        My project ends this week.  I may have the opportunity to return, but will need 4-6 weeks work starting next week to cover the time till the new project begins. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

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 the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, 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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Adrian - is exhausted and his stress level is very high.  Pray for his emotional energy, resilience and that the health care providers will make time for him.  Pray God protects him, especially when he is travelling such distances alone.  Certainly, pray for a gracious, sensible and loving Christian to come alongside him.  His little dog, Toby, also needs prayer.
• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for his friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer that the Lord gives him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him.  And that someone will come to share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church there with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family as he recovers from the loss of his wife.  Please pray for the intimate comfort of the Lord for them as they walk through this difficult time.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.
• ·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and she realises His love soon.
• ·        I just discovered yesterday that Adrian has been paying a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil,  who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        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 are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He 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".
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support and encouragement over many years.

*A Love Worth Giving is copyright protected since 2002 by Max Lucado.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 978-0-8499-4831-2 (repackaged).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.  Pray for Mr. Lucado and I thank my brother for recommending it.

Two Leaves for You

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who loves and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?'" John 11-25-26

"And .. He brings leaves for you.  Grace and life.  Forgiveness of sin.  The defeat of death.  this is the hope He gives.  This is the hope we need."*

He forms us from our mother's womb.  From our birth and throughout our life He directs our steps to Him.  Once we accept His free gift of grace and forgiveness, He directs our steps on our walk through the rest of our life to demonstrate to those around us that there is a hope that can and does change lives!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·        Those affected by the shooting in Virginia yesterday.
• ·        Typhoon in Philippines and Okinawa have left many homeless and at least a dozen dead.  Please pray for the rescue workers.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        Heatwave in Egypt - more than 106 have died, almost 600 in serious condition.  The heatwave is expected to last through 25 August with temperatures soaring in some places to over 46 degrees C (115 F).
• ·        The explosion in China has now claimed 112 lives and injured more than 720.  Cyanide levels are over 365 times above safe levels - it is early days in this tragedy, pray for the families affected and the rescue and aid workers.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        By God's hand I met with Di F. for coffee after many years and, although we had fellowship matters to cover, she has offered to investigate some assistance for Adrian in his town.
• ·        [Rachael sent email this morning] Chris - after 7 hours surgery has a new heart.  Pray for him, his family, health carers and the family of the donor.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have a final interview tomorrow with one of these companies.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Fion's father has been recovering from a stroke for over a year and has been in a special care facility and is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is quite heavy at this time.
• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently.  The Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate counsellors who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        My project ends this week.  I may have the opportunity to return, but will need 4-6 weeks work starting next week to cover the time till the new project begins.  And thank you for praying for me yesterday - it was pressed down, shaken together and overflowing with amazing!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

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 the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, 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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Adrian - is exhausted and his stress level is very high.  Pray for his emotional energy, resilience and that the health care providers will make time for him.  Pray God protects him, especially when he is travelling such distances alone.  Certainly, pray for a gracious, sensible and loving Christian to come alongside him.  His little dog, Toby, also needs prayer.
• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for his friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer that the Lord gives him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him.  And that someone will come to share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church there with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family as he recovers from the loss of his wife.  Please pray for the intimate comfort of the Lord for them as they walk through this difficult time.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.
• ·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and she realises His love soon.
• ·        I just discovered yesterday that Adrian has been paying a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil,  who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        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 are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He 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".
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support and encouragement over many years.
•  

*A Love Worth Giving is copyright protected since 2002 by Max Lucado.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 978-0-8499-4831-2 (repackaged).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.  Pray for Mr. Lucado and I thank my brother for recommending it.