Authentic Protection

"But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.  Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.

"But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

"For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  Galatians 3:23-28

"Love always protects.  Hasn't He done the same for us?  We eat our share of forbidden fruit.  We say what we shouldn't say.  go where we shouldn't go.  Pluck fruit from trees we shouldn't touch.  And when we do, the door opens, and the shame tumbles in.  And we hide."*

Think about this...we are protected.  Once we accept the sacrifice of Christ's gift of grace, Jesus steps between us and our Heavenly Father.  You see the Father cannot bear to look at sin.  It is why He turned His face away from the dying Jesus, covered in all our sin.

This moment, when the Father looks at us, He sees us through the covering sacrifice that was made when Christ paid for our sins.  And Christ's protection is everlasting and authentic!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·        Heatwave in Egypt - more than twenty dead, over 60 in serious condition.  The heatwave is expected to last through 25 August with temperatures soaring in some places to over 45 degrees C (113 F).
• ·        Taiwan and China have been hit by a powerful typhoon.  Fourteen are reported dead at this early stage.  Please pray for the survivors and those working to rescue and aid them.
• ·        Adrian - continues to be thankful for all the Lord provides for him.  His shoulder surgery won't be for 6 months.  Till then he will have new pain therapy to help him through this time.  Still no date for diagnostic procedure for his severe abdominal pain.  Please pray the hospital will make time for him and that God protects him and continues to give him strength.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        [Rachael sent email this morning] Chris was put back on transplant list.  A heart came available.  Compatibility tests were a match.  After 7 hours surgery he has a new heart.  Prayer is needed now more than ever.  Also pray for Chris' family and the family of the donor.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
• ·        David K begins his internship in New York - his travel went well and he is reasonably settled in the Big Apple!
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and one of the groups has him working through some tasks as a next step.  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.
• ·        Bernhard (brother of Hans) had pancreatic surgery last week and has been released from hospital.  He will go to a special clinic now for further treatment.  Please pray he recovers fully.
• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently where 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 has been extended through August.  Thank you for praying.  The next project I was looking at has not come through.  Please pray for a situation in my life, that I have wisdom and courage to handle it well.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Ingrid, Han's sister who has been hospitalised with a serious infection.
• ·        Pray for TF and his wife, Christine, She has had a series of promising interviews and hopes to find something good soon. 

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

• ·        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 is an 18-year old who has lost her direction and her way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and that she realises His love soon.
• ·        God has provided Adrian a room in Phil's home.  Yet, Phil is quite chaotic.  Pray the Lord will establish and maintain peace between these two men and that the Lord will give Phil more understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness with Adrian.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Pray for travelling mercies for DB in China.

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.