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What Faith Will Do

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 Today seemed like a busy and fairly taxing day. Mid-afternoon I took a nap and that helped me regenerate for the rest of the evening. Changing my antibiotic doses to twice a day has really made a difference. The nine at night and nine in the morning seems to work out well for our schedule.

My good news of the day was that I discovered an oversight on my tax return that should help with an additional $500 tax refund. I’m just not sure when I will get it, but it may come in handy for Christmas. Also, it was great to have Ted Grizzel help yesterday with my transportation to the Rehab Hospital and to come today to work on a leaky faucet in our kitchen.

I am trying more and more to use the walker to transfer from wheelchair to bed or my recliner. This gets me some periodic exercise through the day in addition to any specific exercise activity. This morning I stood in my walker without having to push up from the bed which was a first.

BIBLE VERSES FOR TODAY… Mark 11:22-26

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.  “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

 These verses come at the end of a passage in the Bible where Jesus is teaching His disciples about faith. The passage begins with Jesus cursing a fig tree as they left the town of Bethany.  The verses above follow the disciples observation, on their return journey, that the fig tree was dead.

Frank Adams is a church consultant from Fredericksburg, Virginia. I like the wording for his outline related to this passage.

1.     Faith will dry up what needs to be dried up (11:12-14, 21-21)

Frank makes the comment, “there are things that should not be allowed to continue as they are.” That point alone is challenging and convicting enough! It reminds me of the leadership adage, “If the horse is dead dismount!” But for our personal lives it calls for some inner evaluation. What is there in our life that needs to be changed, or killed? What is there in our life that needs tending and mending in order to bear more fruit?

2.      Faith will remove what needs to be removed (11:22-23)

Mountains thrown into the sea is a pretty dramatic metaphor. But when the challenges and problems in life can appear as intimidating as the Rocky Mountains it is easy to become discouraged. Faith provides the strength and the ability to see the future regarding our life not from the perspective of the foot of the mountain,but at the top of the mountain.

3.      Faith will get done what needs to get done (v.23)

“Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe…”

James said, “when you ask you must believe not doubt”  (James1:6)  If we ask without faith we are wasting our time.

Consistently in Jesus ministry we see Him responding to an individual’s faith. We see Him commending faith. Heb. 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please God.”

So, keep believing, keep trusting because faith gets done, what needs to be done.

4.      Faith will provide what you need but don’t have (v. 24)

The old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” contains the admonition, “take it to the Lord in prayer.” What troubles us, challenges us, what we need, we can ask the Lord for in faith.

 Church Reformer Martin Luther said, “God our father has made all things depend on faith so that whoever has faith will have everything. And whoever does not have faith will have nothing.”

 5.     Faith will heal what needs to be healed (v.25-26)

The sin of unforgiveness can hinder our prayers. When we understand God’s forgiveness freely extended to us, it should empower us to forgive others. But this verse places the action of our forgiveness toward others as preceding God’s forgiveness for us. Perhaps it is because if we don’t have faith in God to take care of our offenses and to empower us to forgive, how can we believe Him to forgive us or for “whatsoever we ask”?

This verse reminds us that the greatest healing, the greatest act of faith, the greatest request can be for the healing of broken relationships.

Frank Adams ends his outline with the exclamation, “Think about it!” I actually have for several weeks and decided to grab his outline and include my own commentary. If you like the outline you can thank Frank, if you don’t like the commentary don’t write Frank.

Frank Adams www.newlevelchurchconsulting.com   frankpadams@verizon.net

God’s Word

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 Today I had some additional testing on my left shoulder.It was an interesting procedure that was done back at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. The doctor concluded that there was evidence of some past never damage, perhaps caused by the West Nile Virus. The current condition is that it is in the process of regeneration. This will call for some focused and consistent therapy on my shoulders to make sure that muscles regain their former strength and structure.

We began the two per day antibiotic dose today. Even though these will continue for two more weeks, the every 12 hour routine does make a difference.

I was pleased to see my friend Scott Johnson is working on a book dealing with “Overcoming the Obstacles in Life.” https://www.facebook.com/overcomingobstacles  I look forward to what Scott has in his book. I am encouraged when this issue is addressed and it seems that more and more there is a need for individuals to be strengthened in the challenges they face in life. As has been said, “Life is fragile handle with prayer.”

I have recently read Psalm 119 the longest Psalm in the Bible. The outline of the Psalm is based on the Hebrew alphabet.

Perhaps one of the most well known verses is Psalm119:105…“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

This verse shows the value of God’s Word for guidance in our life. I have always viewed the “lamp for my feet” as what is needed for the next step I take and the “light for my path.” As the light that provides general direction for my journey. This reminds me of Isaiah 30:21   “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

 Another verse out of the 176 that arrested my attention on this reading was Psalms 119:165

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”  This verse also calls to mind one of the better known verses that says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalms119:11

What you will find is God’s Word is our all-sufficient rule for faith and doctrine. What that means is it guides us as to what to believe and how to live. Throughout Psalm 119 we find expressions of prayer, praise, a desire to understand, to seek God’s Word, and the blessings for those who love for God’s Word.

God’s Word in our life is a critical life line. Here are some ways to properly “handle” God’s Word. Read, listen, mediate, memorize and study God’s Word. There are insights that come with each of these disciplines.

For example, recall when I challenged our congregation to memorize certain passages in the Book of Revelation. The passage that I was working on included Revelation9:15 “And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill third of mankind.” As I memorized this verse, the plan and timing of God for end time events was made amazingly clear. God is not anxious or concerned about what is happening in the world. He is in control and has angels ready for precise events to take place.

Just as I shared about balance in the Christian life yesterday, here is a good way to make sure that you have good balance of activity in your interaction with God’s Word. I will close by calling your attention to Psalms 119:15,16

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” 

Prayer Requests

  • Continued progress in my rehabilitation
  • Shoulder strength and muscle development
  • Wisdom on transition and timing for out patient rehab

Balance

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 Today was my appointment with my infectious diseases doctor.  I think he was pleased enough with my progress considering my blood protein is in the normal range when it was twenty-four times higher than it should be a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I have an appointment back at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for some never testing in my left shoulder.

I will continue on the IV antibiotics until April 6. I then have appointments on the calendar in April with my urologist, neurologist and a follow up appointment the end of April back to my infectious disease doctor. For someone who never needed to go to a doctor this is a different mode and routine than I am use to.

This week I will continue with my occupational and physical therapy. The main focus will continue to be on working on muscle strength and endurance. As I have mentioned it is interesting the muscles that have responded well in comparison to those that still need a lot of work. But I know that I am making progress. The continual focus on my routine exercises for legs, arms and shoulders is important.

This aspect of physical rehab is a constant reminder of the importance and challenge of “balance” in our lives. I need to continually work so my physical development is well balanced, well rounded. For example, my focus has been so much on my ability to walk the development of my shoulders has lagged behind. I work on strengthening my arms, but I forget that my shoulder muscles require specific exercises.

Balance is important in many aspects of our life and certainly in our spiritual life. It is easy for me to read the Bible; it is more of a challenge to be disciplined in prayer. Some are energized and find it easy to share their faith; others almost live their life as “secret” Christians. Some are ardent “prayer warriors” but struggle with relationships.

During my days in college ministry we use to talk about “WFDE” as a reminder of spiritual priorities and balance: Worship,Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism.

I believe those can serve as a good check point of our spiritual health and development. I know that individually we have spiritual and natural gifts that make certain disciplines more natural, but each Christian must be aware of what spiritual health and development looks like.

A championship football team will talk about the three phases of the game that must be in sync: offense, defense and special teams. And then there is the coaching element that covers these three. To be our best for God and His kingdom we need to understand and evaluate our strength of balance in key areas of the Christian life.

Worship – is both personal and corporate. Are you an observer or an active participant? Is worship something that is viewed as a “Sunday” church activity? Is it part of your daily life?

Fellowship – involves our connection with others. We need relationships that build us up and we need to contribute to and encourage others.

Discipleship –addresses our spiritual growth. We are to be life time learners when it comes to God’s Word and His ways. One of the reasons I read through the Bible every year is because God’s Word continually addresses my need and speaks to me where I am at that point in time.

Where I am today, the challenges I face will not be the same next year at this time. As a result, different words, concepts, stories, will take on a different meaning.

Evangelism –We are called to share the good news of Christ with others. This can be in a variety of ways. What matters is knowing the heart of God for those who are “lost and without hope.” When I read Christopher Kennedy Lawford’s book about people recovering from their addictions, it was interesting to find how the turning point for so many was somebody listened, somebody cared, somebody offered hope for a new life. That is what sharing God’s love and gospel is all about.

I am finding that having balanced muscle development enables me to get around and navigate more effectively the obstacles that come in my path. Balance muscle strength keeps me from falling and makes it easier to get up when I do. The same is true for our lives spiritually.

The Table of the King

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Today was my planned no exercise day, getting caught upon taxes and few other projects. Sue and Sam joined us for lunch. After they arrived I was transferring myself from the recliner to my wheelchair using my walker. I found out that my walking backwards is as challenging at getting up a step.

For some reason I thought I could just back up several steps to my wheelchair. This didn’t work out so well, so I ended up on the floor. However, falls will occur and this gave me an opportunity to use “Steve’s steps.” These are the steps that Steve Grimes made for me for exercise and as a fall recovery system. (see picture above) They worked out pretty good. As a result, my no exercise day turned into more effort than I had planned.

Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with my infectious disease doctor. I will be eager to see what he thinks of my progress and the status of my current antibiotic treatments. On Tuesday I will return to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for some nerve testing on my left shoulder.

I read one of the more heartwarming accounts in the reign of King David today. It is the story about David bringing Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan to his royal palace as one of his sons.

There is some significant history leading up to this event…

…Jonathan, David’s closest friend and son of King Saul ask of David, “As long as I live show me kindness because of the Lord. And even when I die, never stop being kind to my family.” (1 Sam. 20:14,15)

 …When David was running from Saul, yet refused to harm him,  Saul recognized that one day David would be King. He asked David, “Swear an oath to the Lord that you willnot wipe out my descendants or destroy my name in my father’s family.” (1Sam. 24:21)

…Mephibosheth a son of Jonathan’s was five years old when Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle. When news of the defeat in battle was heard in the palace his nurse picked him up to flee but dropped him and he became crippled.

…When David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites they taunted David with the words, “even the blind and lame could turn you away.”  As a result when David took the city there became a saying, “The blind and the lame will not get into the palace.” (2 Sam.5:6,8)

A number of years have passed and David secures his kingdom by subduing rebellion from the house of Saul and then a string of victories over enemy nations. At this point David either has time to recall or feels that timing is right to fulfill his promise to “the household of Saul for Jonathan’s sake.” He finds through a servant of Saul’s that Jonathan has a crippled son named Mephibosheth.

When Mephibosheth comes before David he does so with fear. Undoubtedly he has heard that David has spent years and many battles securing his kingdom. The only thing left would be to kill of any remaining members of the previous monarchy. What a surprise when Mephibosheth hears David’s reassuring words and that not only his life was being spared, but he was being given back the land of his grandfather Saul and that he would be provided for at the king’s table living as one of the king’s sons.

In this story and history leading up to it, we find David being faithful to his word to Jonathan, as well as to Saul. Twice in eight verses we are reminded that Mephibosheth is crippled. The chapter ends with a focus on Mephibosheth’s elevated status with the words, “However, Mephibosheth, who was disabled, lived in Jerusalem. He always ate at the king’s table.”  (2 Sam. 9:13)

I don’t intend to over allegorize the story but as a “man after God’s own heart” I find much of the heart of God in this story. The name LoDebar carries the meaning of “a pasture-less place.” A place of desolation that would be far different than the ample supply found at the king’s palace.

We find in this story, an account of a royal status restored. Not in the official sense, but in the privileges that were extended to this “outcast” of a royal family living in a desolate place. Mephibosheth had no standing in David’s eyes due to his connection to the house of Saul and because he was crippled. Remember, “…the lame will not get into the palace.”

What made the difference? Mercy, grace and keeping of a promise. That is exactly what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. He has granted us a position as His children when we have no rights. He has provided for us when we had no claim to His blessings. He has extended mercy and grace strictly based on His actions alone. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 Heaven will be filled with Mephibosheths. Broken people, undeserving people who slide up to the table of the King and allow their imperfections to be covered by the grace and mercy of the One who invites us to come to Him –  just as we are.

There is an old gospel song that communicates this spiritual truth…

I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice, an alien by birth,
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.

I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King.

Waiting in Hope

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 It was good to be back at Timberline Church this evening. With my recent hospitalization and our trip to Lakewood last week, it has been four weeks since I have able to attend. I have been working on my tax return for last year; I usually have it done by now but am getting close to the final stages.

This is a busy time for the grassroots political world with county,congressional and state assembly taking place over the next few weeks. I feel a little out of touch, so this is a different position than I have been in for the past several years. I hope to make it to the state convention.

Recently in my reading of Sarah Young’s Jesus Today devotional she was writing about waiting in hope in the Lord. I like her observation, “Waiting in itself is not a virtue. The important thing is how you wait: in a resigned, impatient way or in hope…”

 I hate to wait in lines. That is why I avoid the grocery store,that is why I avoid buffet lines. At the rehab hospital, I would usually be one of the last for a meal, just to avoid having wait in line. So I am glad for the observation that “waiting” is not a virtue. However, I do recall a few years ago taking my grandson Riley to church with us and checking him in at his room. He looked  back at me and said, “we have to wait our turn grandpa.” I wasn’t sure if that was a lesson he had learned or he was warning me not to be impatient!

Waiting in hope, especially waiting in hope for the Lord brings with it a sense of confidence and anticipation. We know the Lord does not fail and He will respond to our needs and the cry of our hearts.

Isaiah 40:31 in God’s Word translation reads,

“the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired.

I am thankful for this promise that waiting with hope in the Lord results in strength in the midst of the waiting. The Lord does not exhaust us with delays nor does He intend to bring frustration into our lives.

Psalms 33:20  “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Psalms 130:5-7 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, these are the Psalms recited by Israelites making their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption

Just as sure as the sunrise breaks the dark of night we know that the Lord will come to the aid of His people and will be faithful to His Word. He will save and He will redeem and He will come again as He promised when He ascended into Heaven after His resurrection.

As a result our “waiting in hope for the Lord..”is not just related to our personal issues and needs, but it has a focus as well on the global plan of God for His people. That enables us to pray, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

The Basis of Joy

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I am thankful that my last blood work tests showed my protein levels within a normal range. (I am posting my most recent chart but my current protein level is .5) This is good news because these levels are related to muscle strength and fatigue. It seemed to be a nicer day than anticipated. Debbie got home early enough for us to go out for a short walk. I am getting myself organized for my daily workout schedule.

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This morning I read through the Book of Philippians. This book always brings back memories of my teen years as a “Bible quizzer.”

Philippians has as its theme “joy.” The Christian life should be a life of joy. When we look at the promises of God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in our life those who follow Christ have every reason to live with a sense of joy. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Phil4:5)

This book also contains some of the most familiar and oft quoted verses. When I began to review them, I believe they can form a foundation of joy.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6

Paul said this assurance is why he prayed for the Philippians with joy. We can rest assured that what God begins He finishes. He won’t give up on us even when we give up on Him. His work continues in us and through us until the day He returns.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

This verse framed Paul’s perspective of His commitment to Christ in the midst of the trials he faced and even the threats against his life. When you can say, “if I die I gain, if I live it is for Christ” there is a peace, confidence and joy that can permeate your life.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, tothe glory of God the Father.”  Phil. 2:9-11

Philippians 2 begins with this passage that talks about Christ coming to earth as a servant of our salvation. Instead of clinging to His position in heaven, he humbled himself and that resulted in His name being high above all. That is why speaking the name “Jesus” is the simplest form of praise and one of the most powerful.

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil. 2:12,13

God’s Word translation puts this verse into these words, “God…produces in you the desires and actions that please him.”

As we yield to God’s Word and work of His Spirit we have this confidence that God works in our heart and works through our actions in a way that will please Him. When we please Him joy abounds in our l

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Phil.3:13,14

This verse is related to Phil. 1:6. Real joy is not found resting on any accomplishment or attainment. It is not getting discouraged by what others say or do; it is keeping your eyes on the prize and giving it our best effort as we live to please Christ.

Chapter 4 contains four well known verses:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”        Phil. 4:6,7

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”     Phil. 4:13

“ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

It is no wonder that Paul admonishes the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord!” Our faith in God replaces anxiety with peace, provides us the strength for all that confronts us and gives us the assurance that our needs will be met by the Lord our provider. Meditate on these assurances, embrace these assurances and rejoice in the Lord!

The God Who is There

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 I am glad for the arrival of the first day of spring!Today was certainly a good spring day. It even looks like the rose bushes need to be trimmed back and some of the spring flowers are beginning to grow.

My physical therapy session involved a surprise, my first attempt at some stairs. I did pretty good going down, but trying to get up was a different matter. I still need some leg strength to be able to push up to navigate the height of the stair. I worked with my therapist on a set schedule for each day for arms, shoulders and legs. Gaining strength and endurance will be key to gaining my goal of walking on my own some day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

“To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”    Psalms 22:5

When I read the words of this verse I think of the stories that I have read recently where individuals in their distress cried out to the Lord and were saved. Saved from certain death, physically, emotionally,and spiritually.

This makes me stand in awe of the Lord’s mercy in the lives of people. The situations that I am referring to are not necessarlily people of strong faith. Many were the opposite. But when a dead end of even death was facing them they knew they needed help from a power greater than themselves. Not all ended up embracing a biblical faith or understanding of what it means to walk with Jesus. But many are still on that journey.

I have been reading Andy Peterson’s book “Saved Twice.” Andy in 1998 was attackedby a mountain lion and miraculously survived. He grew up in a broken home and even at a young age dabbled in drugs and struggled with coping and finding himself in life.

As Andy was wrestling with a mountain lion on Carpenter’s Peak in South Jefferson County he cried to the Lord, “God help me!…I’m sorry God! Please! I want to be remembered better. God please save me! I need you now!”

Andy was able to free himself literally from the jaws of the lion and run down a steep narrow trail to receive the emergency medical treatment needed to save his life.

Here are the words of others…in finding freedom from addictions

“I go down on my knees and I asked for this thing to be removed and it was…That thing that I was absolutely powerless over, that had vanquished me for seventeen years, was lifted out of my life. And it hasn’t come back since…”  Christopher Kennedy Lawford

“I don’t want to put you on the spot God. But if I shouldn’t be doing this You better do something, because if it is up to me, I am going to use. I’m turning it over to you! …The minute I finished that prayer, it was like a switch went off…the need to use was gone, miraculously!” David Black, writer for Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, Law & Order

“I look back…and I believe God saved me. I believe that. I absolutely believe that. I have no idea how nor do I know why…He lead me to a point where I surrendered to Him…Faith is a mystery..Faith really sustains me.”  Larry Kudlow, host of CNBC Kudlow & Company

“I…desperately pleaded with God. I cannot do it any longer. I give up. Please help me! Suddenly something happened. The giant boulder I was carrying rolled off my shoulders. The heavy burden was gone..”  Rudy Tomjanovich, former NBA star 1970-1981

Perhaps these words provide a succinct conclusion…

“Why not just believe in something greater than ourselves? I mean, there’s got to be more than just spinning around the universe. There’s something bigger, bigger and better. That’s God, bigger and better.”   Richard Lewis, Actor and Author           (His words to the audience at end of his act)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8,9

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”                Matthew 11:28-30

You are on God’s Mind

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The past couple of days have been pretty uneventful. I’m glad that we have returned to some spring weather, it helps to be able to get outside. My physical therapist comes for a visit tomorrow. Next week the schedule picks up a little with some doctor appointments and other commitments.

My shoulders are becoming the priority in my rehab workouts. My legs are slowly getting stronger, and my arms are getting stronger, but my shoulder muscles are lagging behind development. My ability to lift my arms up is about what is was when I left the hospital in December. I do have a follow up appointment with my neurologist in April and next week I will have some nerve testing on my left shoulder.

Around the house I am trying to take time to use the walker to transfer from my wheelchair the recliner. This provides some intermittent exercise outside of dedicated workout time.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

If you fear the Lord, trust the Lord.  He is your helper and your shield. The Lord, who is always thinking about us, will bless us. Psalms 115:11,12

This Psalm was part of my Bible reading this morning. I liked the direct, powerful and encouraging words.

Trusting the Lord is a natural response to living in the “fear of the Lord.” The fear of the Lord is not a dreadful and oppressive fear. It is not like the little boy who was sitting in the corner after being disciplined by his father. The boy said, “I may be sitting down on the outside, but I am standing up on the inside.” The reverential respect that involves the fear of the Lord is understanding His great power and the importance of honoring Him, but it is in the context of understanding His love for us.

“He is our helper and shield.” For those who lived in a day when military conflict that threatened your life was as regular as Sunday football, having a God who is helper and shield has significant meaning.

God told Abraham, “I am your shield. Your reward will be very great.” Genesis 15:1

David exclaimed, “God’s way is perfect! The promise of the Lord has proven to be true. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.” Psalms18:30

“But you, O Lord, are a shield that surrounds me. You are my glory. You hold my head high.” Psalms 3:3

The Psalmist reminds us that God is not a superhero showing up in the nick of time and otherwise disconnected with our lives. He says, the Lord is, “…always thinking about us…”

When difficulties come it is easy, almost natural to wonder where God is, or if He is near. During those moments it is important to remember this verse and to cling onto the assurance of God’s presence and awareness of our need and His promise to bless.

Our response to this great assurance is reflected in the final verse of Psalms 115…

“But we will thank the Lord now and forever. Hallelujah!”

Please pray for…

  • Progress in therapy
  • Shoulder strength
  • Improvement in blood work