Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!


Amen!
Come,
Lord Jesus!
Scripture
Revelation 22
20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.
Observation
If you didn't already know it Revelation 22:20-21 are the last two verses of the Bible! If you have been reading the Bible through in a year then today you probably read Revelation 22! Congratulations!
I have been reading the Bible through each year and writing a tiny blog about something that I read and I have been posting it on the internet since 2006.
After I post today's blog I will have posted 4,356 blogs up on Blogger.com … I started doing this before there was even something called Facebook.
So what is my plan for 2020?
Tomorrow I will start to read the Bible all over again using the Bible reading plan developed by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro. I have been using this same plan since I heard about it at a Pastor's conference in 2006.
This plan will take you through the entire Bible once and the New Testament twice in a year! It is a plan that gives you the opportunity to read a little of the Old Testament and New Testament each day!
I mention this not to brag. As you know, if you have ever read any of my blogs, you know that they are very simple. They are just a simple thought about what I read from that day's Daily Bible reading.
I mention this because I want to encourage you to make a commitment to the Lord to read His Word every day in 2020. And I have found that writing down something about what I read every day helps me get more out of what I have read. Journaling can be on paper in a notebook. It is easier for me to use my computer.
Posting it every day on Facebook and on Blogger.com and sending it to certain people via email has also been a way of holding myself accountable. My brother-in-law, David Bearden and several others will call me, text me, or email me any time that they don't see my morning blog! And I appreciate them doing that so much.
Posting it gives me the opportunity to pray for you and anyone else who might take a second or two to read it. Kathy tells me often that you have become my congregation!
Application
I look forward to spending time with the Lord in His Word every day in 2020!
How about you? Will you make the commitment to read God's Word every day in 2020?
And I agree with the Apostle John when he says, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word, the Bible. Help me to read Your Word every day. Don't let me miss a day. Show me new things as I read it. Give me understanding and help me to obey and put into practice what I read.
I pray for any person who is reading this simple blog today. Give them a hunger and desire to be in Your Word every day in 2020! Help them to be successful. Bless them, Lord for reading and guarding Your Word in their heart.
Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 19,20,21,22



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Monday, December 30, 2019

Teach Us To Realize The Brevity Of Life, So That We May Grow In Wisdom.


Teach Us To Realize
The Brevity Of Life,
So That We May Grow In Wisdom.
Scripture
Psalm 90
10 Seventy years are given to us!
    Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
    soon they disappear, and we fly away.
11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger?
    Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
    so that we may grow in wisdom.
Observation
For two days in a row my daily Bible reading has included something about my life and about how short my live is! I know that I am a slow learner, but I think the message is starting to sink in!
Of course, this is a topic that is repeated over and over again in Scripture, but two days in a row – God, You have my attention!
“Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” When I read Psalm 90:10 it reminded me that I am getting real close to 70!
Nobody likes to think about or even talk about death, especially their own, but the truth is we are all getting closer to meeting our Maker with every breath we take!
I love what Billy Graham once said about his death, “ Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”
Application
It has been said that the quote originally came from one of Billy Graham's heroes, Rev. D.L. Moody. So I will borrow it for myself:
“Someday you will read or hear that Eddy Williams is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I woke up this morning to face yet another week. You have smiled once again on me with Your favor. I know that my body was not made to last forever. One day it will be folded up like a tent. This tent that I am living in will be taken down. So help me live each day with purpose and meaning. Help me to live today in a way that makes You smile.
I pray for any person that may read this blog today. Help them to realize the brevity of life. Help them to change whatever needs to change in his or her life to bring You more glory. Help me to do the same.
Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 15,16,17,18; I added: Psalm 30, Psalm 90, Proverbs 30



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Sunday, December 29, 2019

Lord, Remind Me How Brief My Time On Earth Will Be. Remind Me That My Days Are Numbered – How Fleeting My Life Is.


Lord, Remind Me How Brief My Time On Earth Will Be.
Remind Me That My Days Are Numbered –
How Fleeting My Life Is.
Scripture
Psalm 39
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
    Remind me that my days are numbered—
    how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
    My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
    at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Observation
2020 is right around the corner – not one of us know whether we will make it to see 2021. The truth is that there is no guarantee that we will even make it to see the end 2019. Knowing how short life is should cause us to live our lives differently.
I don't care to make New Year's resolutions because we don't keep them, at least for me, they only last a few weeks.
But making a fresh new commitment to the Lord as we enter 2020 now that makes very good sense!
What commitment or commitments do you need to make? Starting back to church … getting involved in a small group … serving in some way at church and maybe in your community ... taking better care of your body … giving more to further the Kingdom of God? Whatever God puts on our hearts, lets do it. Life is too short to put it off!
Application
Over the next few days before January 1, 2020 I will think about what commitments the Lord would want me to make to Him so I can start this New Year out right.
How about you? What needs to change?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, show me what needs to change in my life. Then help me make the commitment to You to make the changes. I know that life is short. Nobody needs to tell me. I know that I am in the fourth quarter of this game called life and the final two minute warning has sounded. Help me, Lord, to finish well. Show me what commitments I need to make to You and then help me keep those commitments.
I pray for any person reading this blog. Encourage them, Lord. Help them to make positive changes in his or her life. Help them to make life changing commitments to You in this coming new year. Use them for Your glory.
Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 10,11,12,13,14; I added: Psalm 29, Psalm 39; Proverbs 29



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Saturday, December 28, 2019

When The Lamb Broke The Fifth Seal, I Saw Under The Altar The Souls Of All Who Had Been Martyred For The Word Of God …


When The Lamb Broke The Fifth Seal,
I Saw Under The Altar
The Souls Of All Who Had Been Martyred For The Word Of God …
Scripture
Revelation 6
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. 
10 They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” 
11 Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters —their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.
Observation
I happened to click on “World News” yesterday as I was trying to see what was making the headlines and I saw that ISIS had beheaded ten Christians in Nigeria and then I read that over 1,000 Christians in Nigeria had been martyred this year alone.
It rarely makes the news, but our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world are dying every day simply because they are Christians. The 10 were beheaded in Nigeria as revenge for our military causing the death of their leader, Abū Bakr al-Baghdadi .
I tried to look to see how many Christians were martyred last year for their faith, but it is impossible to know the exact number. Thousands die each year around the world because they acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior … thousands!
Here in the USA all we experience, at least right now, is nothing compared to what is experienced by our brothers and sisters in Christ in many other countries around our planet.
Application
I will continue to pray for and financially support our missionaries overseas, many who are serving in very dangerous places.
How about you? Did you that you can send funds directly to IMB.org to help support over 3,600 missionaries around the world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters around the world who are living out their faith in very difficult circumstances. Show me how I can do more to help them. I pray for missionaries serving in difficult places. Encourage them, Lord. I pray for my friends who are serving you in different parts of the world. Help them to sense Your presence today. Give them the strength they need and open up doors of ministry for them to be effective where they serve.
Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 5,6,7,8,9



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Friday, December 27, 2019

You Are Worthy, O Lord Our God, To Receive Glory And Honor And Power.



You Are Worthy,
O Lord Our God,
To Receive Glory And Honor And Power.
Scripture
Revelation 4
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Observation
As I read these first 4 chapters of Revelation the song “Worthy is the Lamb” by Hillsong popped into my head. I am sure that you have heard it. Here are a few lyrics of the song:
“Thank you for the cross Lord. Thank you for the price You paid. Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came. And gave amazing grace. Thank you for this love Lord. Thank you for the nail pierced hands. Washed me in Your cleansing flow. Now all I know. Your forgiveness and embrace. Worthy is the Lamb. Seated on the throne.
Crown You now with many crowns. You reign victorious. High and lifted up. Jesus Son of God. The Darling of Heaven crucified. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb.”
Jesus is worthy! He is worthy of all praise!
Application

I will take time to praise Him this morning!
How about you?
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus is worthy of all praise! He is seated on the Throne. He is crowned with many crowns. He reigns victorious! Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb!
Psalm 145:3
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
Psalm 34:1
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
Psalm 44:8
O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.
Psalm 69:34
Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them.
Revelation 5:12
And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 1,2,3,4



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Thursday, December 26, 2019

I Am Worn Out Waiting For Your Rescue, But I Have Put My Hope In Your Word.


I Am Worn Out Waiting For Your Rescue,
But
I Have Put My Hope In Your Word.
Scripture
Psalm 119
81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
    When will you comfort me?
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
    I will obey your decrees.
146 I cry out to you; rescue me,
    that I may obey your laws.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up;
    I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night,
    thinking about your promise.
Observation
Sometimes there is the danger, at least for me, of reading God's Word and not thinking about what I am really reading. For instance, I have read Psalm 119 many times and usually because it is so long (176 verses long), I am just glad to make my way through it!
But today as I read this Psalm, I felt the pain and the suffering that this person must have been experiencing as he wrote it.
Maybe you are at a place, where like the Psalmist, you are worn out waiting for God's rescue.
If you are, then maybe Psalm 119:81-148 is just what you need today!
Application
I am crying out to God today for people who are suffering and who are in desperate need of being rescued.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are helpless without You. I cry out to You for those who need to be rescued. I pray for healing. I pray for them counting on the promises that I hold on to in Your Word. You are faithful. You will never leave us or abandon us. You will take care of us. We are counting on You to come through in the lives of those who are suffering. Show them that they can trust in You during difficult times.
Psalm 117:2
2 For his unfailing love for us is powerful;
    the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1



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Wednesday, December 25, 2019

This Is Real Love – Not That We Loved God, But That He Loved Us And Sent His Son As A Sacrifice To Take Away Our Sins.


This Is Real Love – Not That We Loved God,
But That He Loved Us And
Sent His Son As A Sacrifice To Take Away Our Sins.
Scripture
1 John 4
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 
12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
1 John 5
5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
Observation
This is real love - “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.”
Love came down -- “His name is JESUS!” This is Christmas for me!
The Apostle John ends his writing in 1 John with this word of warning to me, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”
Application
I celebrate today – the birth of my Savior!
How about you? Will you take time today to truly celebrate?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You have given me. My wonderful family, so many great friends, and my health. I am blessed. Thank You for allowing me the privilege of being called one of Your children. Thank You for the opportunity to know the Christ of Christmas. There is no greater joy than being a part of Your forever family. Nothing even comes close!

I pray today for those you find themselves sick and feeling bad this Christmas. I pray for healing for them, Lord. I pray for those who are lonely because they have lost a spouse, a child, a parent, or a dear friend. May they sense Your presence today. Encourage them, Lord. Smile on them today with Your favor!
Daily Bible Reading: 1 John 1,2,3,4,5



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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

But These Things Are Written So That You May Continue To Believe That Jesus Is The Messiah, The Son Of God


But These Things Are Written So That You May
Continue To Believe That Jesus
Is The Messiah, The Son Of God
Scripture
John 20
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 
31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
John 21
25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
Observation

I read these chapters in the hospital this morning. I had to take my brother Rick to the ER again. This is the second time that I have had to take him to the ER since I brought him home from Jacksonville after he had knee replacement surgery last Thursday. He is trying to manage the pain and the swelling that have both been very intense.

The Apostle John wrote his account of the life of Christ so that you and I could read it and believe in Jesus as the Messiah, as the Savior of the world.

I hope that you have had the opportunity to know personally the Christ of Christmas! There is no way to really celebrate Christmas without knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord!
John 3:16
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 5:24
24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
1 John 5:11-13
11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
Application
Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior! I believe in the Christ of Christmas!
How about you? Is Jesus your Lord and your Savior?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for any person that may read this blog today. Help them to believe. Help them to trust You with every detail of their life.

I pray for those who are sick. I pray for healing.

Daily Bible Reading: John 19,20,21



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Monday, December 23, 2019

This Is My Command: Love Each Other.


This
Is My Command:
Love Each Other.
Scripture
John 15
17 This is my command: Love each other.
Observation
This verse only contains 7 words and only takes about a second to read it, but living this verse out, now that is an entirely different story!
Those three words out of the seven are not a suggestion by Jesus, no, they are a command: “Love each other.” Family members who are difficult to love … love them!
This command is repeated over and over and over again in God's Word because people, some people, no, maybe a lot of people are very difficult to love! Hey, maybe you are one of those people who people find difficult to love! Maybe I am!
Sharing God's love, showing God's love toward someone, is always a choice that you and I must make. It doesn't matter if we think that they deserve or not! Let's love them!
John 13:34-35
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Romans 13:8
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
1 John 3:11
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
Application
I will look for ways to show my love to the more difficult people in my life.
How about you? Will you ignore this command or will you put into action?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the people that You have placed in my life, those who are easy to love and even for those that take extra work on my part to love and even like. Give me Your heart for the people around me. Help me to express the love that I have for people in a way that helps them to see Jesus in me.
Daily Bible Reading: John 15,16,17,18



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Sunday, December 22, 2019

I Am Leaving You With A Gift – Peace Of Mind And Heart. And The Peace I Give Is A Gift The World Cannot Give. So Don't Be Troubled Or Afraid.


I Am Leaving You With A Gift – Peace Of Mind And Heart.
And The Peace I Give Is A Gift The World Cannot Give.
So Don't Be Troubled Or Afraid.
Scripture
John 14
1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 
3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 
4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Observation
“Don't let your hearts be troubled”! Those words were said by Jesus to his disciples a few hours before He was nailed to the cross, and they are very good words for us today.
Christmas time is the best time of the year, but it is also a time of very high stress and emotional turmoil for many.
Jesus has given us a gift – peace of mind and heart.
So if you find yourself stressed out right now and not in a good frame of mind, let me suggest that You go to the only One who can gift you with peace of both mind and heart. His name is Jesus! Talk to Him!
Satan is the “grinch” that wants to steal your Christmas joy! He is a thief, a liar, and a destroyer. He loves to cause drama and turmoil. Don't let him do it!
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Application
I am going to stay close to Jesus during these next few days.
How about you?
John 16:33
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me peace. Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit. You have not left us alone. You did not abandon us. Thank You for the peace that I have in my life. You are the Prince of Peace. So many of your promises come to my mind when I think of this gift of peace that is available to all of us who believe in Your Son.
I pray for those who find themselves troubled and stressed right now. Give them Your peace of mind and heart.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Daily Bible Reading: John 12,13,14



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Saturday, December 21, 2019

The Thief's Purpose Is To Steal And Kill And Destroy. My Purpose Is To Give Them A Rich And Satisfying Life.


The Thief's Purpose Is To Steal And Kill And Destroy.
My Purpose Is To Give Them
A Rich And Satisfying Life.
Scripture
John 10
6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 
7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 
8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 
9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
Observation
We have an enemy. It is not our spouse. It is not our boss. Our enemy is real and he steals. Yes, he is a thief, a murderer, and a destroyer! He steals, if he can, the life that God intends for you and I to have.
Jesus' purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life!
So here is the million dollar question: Are we experiencing a rich and satisfying life or is my life and your life filled with drama and turmoil caused by the thief?
I am not talking about a trouble free life. Jesus doesn't promise us that but what He does promise us, if we will follow Him, is a life filled with purpose and meaning.
Are you experiencing that kind of life?
Satan wants to destroy us. Jesus wants to give us a rich and satisfying life.
Application
I am committing my life to the One who has promised me a rich and satisfying life!
How about you? Who are you following?
Psalm 23:1
1 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 
12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 
13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the Good Shepherd. I have everything that I need. Thank You for giving me a rich and satisfying life just as You promised in John 10:10.
I pray for those who right now are experiencing turmoil and drama that comes because they are living and following the Devil. They have believed his lies and they think that they can live without You. Open up their eyes so that they can see that the Christian life is not just Eternal life in the future, but it is a rich and satisfying life right here and right now. Help them to see what they are missing. Help them to trust in You.
Daily Bible Reading: John 9,10,11



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Thursday, December 19, 2019

“Would You Like To Get Well?”


“Would You
Like
To Get Well?”
Scripture
John 5
5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 

6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
Observation
I am writing this from Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville. My brother Rick has just gone into the operating room for knee replacement surgery!
I am downstairs in an area for charging computers and cell phones located in a hall between two of the huge buildings here! So many sick people are walking by or are being pushed in wheelchairs on their way to get medical help!
It made me think of the question that Jesus asked the crippled man in John 5, “Would you like to get well?”
No matter how good the doctors are and no matter how could the hospital is – I still trust the Great Physician to take care of my brother during this surgery.
I hope that you are placing your faith and your trust in the only One who can take care of you!
We never know what is going on inside of our bodies!
Application
I am trusting my life to Jesus Christ – He is my Healer!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my brother Rick. Guide the surgeon's hands. Take care of every detail of this surgery. I pray for a quick recovery with no set backs.
I pray for any person reading this blog who is dealing with sickness. Help them to trust You 100%!
Daily Bible Reading: John 5,6



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