A Bird Lesson

"Then it came about at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth.

"Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the water was abated from the face of the land: but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, so she returned to him, into the ark; for the water was on the surface of all the earth.  Then he put out his hand and took her , and brought her into the ark to himself.

"So he waited yet another seven days; and again he sent out the dove from the ark.  And the dove came to him toward evening; and behold in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf.  So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth.  Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again."  Genesis 8:6-7

Here is Noah and family in the ark.  We know it is stuffy and smelly.  They've been crammed in there 150 days so far with a menagerie of more animals that exist today. 

Since Noah knew animal behaviours, it is interesting he chose these two birds to send out to "test the waters."  The raven is a carnivore and would happily have hopped from dead carcass to dead carcass with no thought for Noah's plight. 

The dove is a "clean" bird who will not take refuge on the dead.  She returned to Noah.  Noah waited another seven days and, it seems, sent the same dove out again.  (perhaps she was a pet)

Her loyalty to Noah was clear when she returned with an olive leaf in her beak.  She could have stayed in the olive tree, but she was faithful to her provider and protector.  When Noah set her free she knew she was to begin again.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·        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

• ·        [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 to my present project, but will need 6 weeks work starting next week to cover the time till the new project begins.  Also, please pray for a situation in my life, that I have wisdom and courage to handle it well.

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 - Drove himself to and from the hospital today and was exhausted from the treatment.  He is not doing well.  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.