One Will Lift Up His Companion

Nell is having a very bad time right now. Up until last night when she would be ill she was able to sing her prayers or old hymns. She cried last night because she didn't have the strength to do that. Perhaps now is the easiest time to understand Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (NKJV)

And this is the time for those who are healthy to carry those who are sick. Eccesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (NKJV)

Ga 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (NKJV)

And with this I encourage you to continually pray for one another. Evelyn and I have prayer thing we do through out the day. If we see someone who reminds us of someone we know, we pray for both of those people. As you think of your family and friends pray. As Paul said to the Thessalonians in 1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing, (NKJV).

As you pray, include me please. I have managed to come down with a nasty sinus infection... not that any of them aren't nasty. Also pray that Evelyn and her father can remain strong and healthy as they minister to Nell.

Finally an Update.

Mom is scheduled for Thursday October 2 to have a port put in for her chemo.  She met with two of the doctors last Monday and they were quite encouraging.  They neither one believe she needs much, if any radiation.  

She still has the feeding tube, but is not using it for now.  They are leaving it in because they feel she may need it once they start the chemo.  

She is feeling stronger each day.  Today she even went for a short walk in her neighborhood.  

This is my first update since returning home from Michigan.  We have been playing catch up with things that needed done upon our return, and in preparation for Evelyn to go back up when Nell starts her chemo.  We have both dealt with physical issues we felt were attacks from the kingdom of darkness.  Each one has been short lived, and odd, for instance, last Saturday night I walked into the room off my office and just started to pray about the next day. When I breathed in to start my second sentence I inhaled a tiny moth right into my left lung. I coughed and hacked and choked for several minutes.  By the time I was able to catch my breath my throat was raw.  I managed to get through Sunday morning, but wound up sleeping most of Sunday afternoon and evening.  Though I'm better now, I still feel like there's something in my left lung.

I believe God is protecting us, and that Satan is looking for any and all openings to attack. God is bigger. We covet your prayers.  

Keeping that in mind. James 5:16 tells us to pray for one another.  It is imparative we live godly lives and give Satan no place in our lives.  It is also helpful to know that others are praying for us. Over the years I have dealt with depression. This week I spent two and a half days hearing, "What's the use? Why don't you end it now? You're not doing any good. No one is going to follow God." There were a lot of other things said as well.  I battled it with praise, songs and scripture all in the name of Christ. Finally in the middle of the third day it ceased.

God's goodness sustains in times of trial. This psalm reminds us of God's goodness.

Psa 86:1-17  A Prayer of David. Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy.  (2)  Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!  (3)  Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You all day long.  (4)  Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.  (5)  For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.  (6)  Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications.  (7)  In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.  (8)  Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.  (9)  All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name.  (10)  For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.  (11)  Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.  (12)  I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.  (13)  For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.  (14)  O God, the proud have risen against me, And a mob of violent men have sought my life, And have not set You before them.  (15)  But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.  (16)  Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your maidservant.  (17)  Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Getting Ready

Today has been good. Two men from Mom & Dad's church came and built a new set of steps with a railing going up to their side door. What was there before was crumbling and had no rail.

A lady came out and talked to us about therapy. She had Mom get up and do some light exercises and had her move around a bit without the walker. She set some pretty lofty goals for Mom, but we think they are reachable. She hopes to have her moving around without the walker by next week. She also told her to be dressed when the therapist arrives tomorrow so they can practice on the steps out doors.

Mom is eating better each day and doesn't have the nausea right now. The hardest part for her right now is that her back hurts from laying around so much.

Today I read Eph 6:10-18. This is the passage on the armor of God. After placing all the armor on we do battle by praying. We are to stand firm in the armor, but the real battle is fought in prayer.

The therapist hopes to help Mom get ready to go on with life. This includes being strong before the next battle for her which is chemotherapy and radiation. We know that battle is coming. But on a day to day basis most the time we do not know what we will face. God does. Is it possible that He could prepare us in prayer for the rest of the day? I think so. In Luke 6:12-13 the Bible tells us that Jesus spent the night praying before he chose the twelve disciples. Throughout the Gospels we find Jesus rising early and praying. If Jesus, The Word become flesh saw it necessary to spend time daily in prayer how much more do we need to do the same?

Here are some tools to help you get ready to pray so you can get ready for the day.

I like the ACTS acrostic. Start off with Adoration. Just tell God how awesome He is. Then move to Confession. Tell God how much you've blown it. Admit your sins. Then give Thanks. It sure is good that He has forgiven us. Last move into Supplication. Tell Him what's on your heart. What are your needs and desires. What are the needs of others you know.

Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

When I get to this point it helps to use a list or you can use the Five Finger Prayer. Use your hand to help you keep focused as you pray.

1. Your thumb is the nearest to you. So begin your prayer by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in industry and business, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself.

Be Blessed.
Steve