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.

Struggling Together

Mom's therapy started officially today.  The therapist had Mom take her on a tour of the house. Then took her outside and had her get in and out of the vehicle a couple of times.  She was thoroughly worn out by the time the therapist left.  

She is experiencing some itching, we believe it is a reaction to the codeine in her pain reliever, so tonight we are going to try pain reliever without the codeine and see how she does.  

I received the following from a dear friend, Wendy Nelson.  It spoke to me and with her permission I share it with in hopes that God will use it to bless and encourage you.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:1-5) 

I want to share that I am so glad that God gave us friends who will struggle with us in prayer.  Since you brought up the “armor of God”, I’d like to share an insight that is a bit Biblical and historical, but which a number of people don’t know. 

In the New Testament, Brother Paul certainly understood the power of our words to God in prayer.  He wrote: "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30).  "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" (Ephesians 6: 18-20). 

The New Testament was originally written in Greek and sometimes looking at the original definitions of the words gives us great insight.  The Greek word Paul uses for struggle in Romans 15:30 issunagonizomai, which means "to struggle in company of; i.e., to be a partner (assistant), strive together with."   The root word means "to endeavor to accomplish something: fight, labor fervently, strive," for example, to compete for a prize or to contend with an adversary.

Much of the soldiers’ ancient armor had brackets attached to the sides.  These brackets were a type of latch that soldiers could use to lock armors during battle.  When the armors were locked together, the soldiers moved as one force, forming a barricade against the enemy.  Alone, the shield was a small defense. Together they formed a human wall.  Do you see the significance?  When we lock arms in prayer with others, we are locking our shields together and forming a powerfully strong fortress of defense!   

Prayer for another person is not simply a pat on the back.  When we tell someone that we will pray for them, we are agreeing to put on the armor and head to the front lines of battle on their behalf.  To all the Steffesfamily, thank you for asking me to be part of your prayer army. I can only be with you in spirit, but I promise to be faithful and pray for you, your family, and your medical team. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us friends in God to pray for us and with us. 

Thank you that you call Your people to join as mighty prayer warriors with shields linked together, marching into battle as one unified force.  Thank you for Your promise in Psalm 32:8   “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”  Thank you for answering our prayers and arranging for that particular surgical nurse to encourage our sister, Nell.  What a powerful testimony that woman shares with the world.  Continue to bless Nell and her family as they openly glorify You and illuminate how You have supported them physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Help us to walk in obedience to Your Word.  Help us to trust Your plan and Your goodness.

 

 In Jesus’ Name, Amen

SIC,

Wendy

Ministry in the midst of trial.

God is amazing. He puts you where you need to be when you need to be there. Today I was sitting in one of the waiting rooms at the hospital and a young lady was on her cell phone. Eaves dropping was not an option. It was a small room and she was not attempting to hide what she was sharing over the phone.

Here it is. Her name is Lauren and tomorrow is her wedding day. Her dad, Jim is in the hospital and has been given about 3 weeks to live. They have already paid for a honeymoon, no refund, to Hawaii. As you can imagine she is torn as to what to do.

When she got off the phone I said, "You have a busy day tomorrow." She replied, "No kidding." I asked, "May I pray for you?" She said, "Sure."

So we prayed. Would you pray for her too?

A praise that has come out of this. We asked her if her dad would be able to attend the wedding, and she teared up and said, "One of the nurses here offered to attend the wedding and sit with Dad in case he needed any special care." Wow! Lord, bless that nurse.

Other than the one doctor everyone here at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio has been wonderful. Praise God for His goodness. May we be found faithful to pray for others.