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12. DON’T MISS THE BOAT. 

Of course, this was one of the most important pieces of advice to heed about Noah’s ark. It was a matter of life or death. We can see the parallel with salvation today. People can make fun of Christians, berate them, or deny their need for the Lord, but it doesn’t change the reality of the need for such a decision. 

How heart breaking it must have been for Noah to hear the taunts of the people outside the ark and then hear their cries for help as they realized they were about to drown.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Romans 3:23   

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13. REMEMBER THAT THE WOODPECKERS INSIDE ARE OFTEN A BIGGER THREAT THAN THE STORM OUTSIDE.

Just picture a woodpecker on the ark, doing what woodpeckers do. “What’s that noise?” Noah might call out. Everyone scatters, searching out the sound. “It’s a woodpecker!” one son shouts. “Well, get him a piece of wood.” Noah says.

Or maybe one of the wives showed herself to be most contrary, always yapping and complaining about something—woodpecker-like.

Well, we do have those people in our lives, don’t we? Jesus warned us that if we only love those who love us, what good is it? Even pagans do that. Instead,

“In everything you do, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12  

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14.  IF YOU HAVE TO START OVER, HAVE A FRIEND BY YOUR SIDE.

The rain finally stopped, but more waiting, feeding, and tending followed before the thump of the ark marked the landing on Mt. Ararat. More months before Noah sent the raven , then the dove to find a branch. More waiting for the earth to dry and finally those wonderful words. God called, “Come out of the ark!” 

Can you imagine the feel of the steady earth beneath your feet, the smell of clean fresh air, and the wide open spaces with the vast sky above. Brother slapping brother in jubilant laughter. “We did it! God has protected us and brought us through.”

How precious for us when we have gone through a long dark time to have a friend nearby, encouraging us, then rejoicing with us on the other side.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother [or sister] is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

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15. NO MATTER HOW BLEAK IT LOOKS, THERE’S ALWAYS A RAINBOW ON THE OTHER SIDE!

“… And surely I am with you to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

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Thank you, Lord for the happy times, the times of peace and contentment. And thank you, Lord, for the turbulent times, for it is there that we still find you, teaching us new lessons, speeding up our growth, reminding us that, even in the midst of turmoil, you are there. Thank you that you walk with us through it all, drawing us ever near to you through the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

~ Joyce ~