Great is the Lord!

2 Samuel 7:22

"How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

Our Lord is great. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I believe that great things are happening at Spaulding. About the time that I begin to think that I am overly optimistic, I read another post from Amy with encouraging news!

Great are you, Lord!

Keep praying for a full recover for Adam. This week, pray that Adam would continue to do well in rehab. Pray that Amy, Mackenzie, Jack, Cookie, Ben, Brad, and Tristan would all be encouraged by Adam's progress.

2 John 1:3

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

I look forward to praying with you, next week. In the meantime, keep praying for Adam's full recovery.

Blessings,
Doug

Evening: Somehow...

...My Story is Part of Your Plan, Lord



Somehow, my story is part of God's plan. And, so is your story. Sometimes, it is not obvious to me. Some of you might also wonder how your story fits in to God's plan. How about Adam? How does his story fit? For many of us, we see God's plan, or at least part of it, unfolding through Adam.

Because of the circumstances, I wonder if I spend more time thinking about how Adam's story fits into God's plan, and too little on my own. Or, maybe it's alright to do so. I don't know. Maybe I should spend less time thinking and more time doing.

Anyway, I thank God for using Adam's story to affect me and my relationship with Him. I know that Adam's story has affected others. How can that not be part of God's plan? It seems that God has truly made lemonade out of a big lemon.

Hebrews 11:39-40

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

In addition to healing, pray that God's plan would continue to be carried out through Adam, and through you.

Talk with you in the morning.

Dinner: Dear Mr. God

I imagine a day when Adam clicks through the pages of this blog. I am sure that he will want to catch up on what he missed. His family will tell him lots of stories. He will ready Amy's blog. Maybe he never gets around to this blog. But if he does, he will see some points where we were encouraged and other times when we were a bit discouraged. Yet, I hope that he sees we never lost faith that he would be healed.

Of couse, I am really stoked, right now. I am very encouraged. Any reader of last week's or this week's blog should not have much difficulty making that observation. At the same time, I realize that some of you may not be. Some of you may be discouraged. Some of you just might be a little melancholy, while others are confident, but not ebullient. I understand. I have been in those places during Adam's recovery.

Wherever you might be in your faith journey, it may be time to write a letter to God.

While you are writing, be sure to write about Adam and his family. Thank Him for remarkable things that are happening in Adam's recovery at Spaulding. Thank Him for Amy's unbendable faith. Thank Him for hearing our prayers, and reading our letters.

Dear God,

Thank you for teaching me patience over the past five months. Thank you for being patient with me. It has been an interesting, yet challenging time. And, I have not always responded in a way that would be pleasing to you. Please forgive me.

As You know, I have had some ups and downs since May 15th. Yet, despite the swings in my outlook, it seems like Wednesdays are more "up" than "down." I don't know how many meals I have missed since Adam's accident, but it has been worth it to spend more time with You. Thanks for being so willing to spend time with me, and with all the others that unite in prayer on Wednesdays.

For awhile, it seemed like nothing was happening. Adam seemed to be stuck in the same place. Yet, You had a plan — one that took Adam from North Carolina to Boston. It sounded kind of strange at first. Then, I read about Spaulding, and I watched the Jason Crigler video. It was, and is, so encouraging.

God, reading Amy's blog about Dr. Chae made my spine tingle. It brought tears to my eyes. Nobody, but You, could have envisoned Adam's recovery unfolding this way. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

God, as You know, I am really excited about Adam's continuing recovery. Yet, I am sad. I am sad that there are those I love who have not yet come to You for forgiveness. I do hope that You have a plan for their spiritual healing, just as You do for Adam's physical healing. I have every confidence that You do. For that, I am grateful.

Thanks for all that You have done!

Love,
Doug

Lunch: Blessed be Your Name!

What are the Odds?

Wow, I continue to be encouraged. I feel that God continues to work Adam's recovery, His way.

Think about it. At any point over the first four months of Adam's recovery, how many of us would have been able to predict that Adam would move to Boston in October, to be in the care of a believing doctor? A physician that would pray for Adam? An ordained pastor? This is where my brother-in-law, Roger,would say, "God is good!" and the congregation would respond with "All the time!"

All I can say is, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"



During your lunch break, offer up a prayer of thanksgiving. Thank God that Adam is at Spaulding Rehab Hospital. Their website states the following:

Remarkable recoveries happen every day at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Our dedicated team of specialists help patients get back in action as soon as possible - often with astonishing results.

Maybe it's just me, but as I read Amy's blog, it seems like remarkable things are happening!

Thank God that Adam is in the care of a doctor that is praying for him. Thank God that Adam is in the care of a doctor who subordinates himself to the Great Physician!

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Matthew 21:9

  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
    "Hosanna to the Son of David!"
    "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
    "Hosanna in the highest!"

"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need."
~Charles H. Spurgeon

Breakfast: His Eyes are on the Sparrow

Good morning! Thanks for joining us to pray for Adam, today.

God will hear your prayers, today! He cares about you, and He cares about Adam. We are praying to a caring God.

Luke 12:6-7

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Thank God for caring for Adam. Thank God for encouraging events that have occured since Adam arrived at Spaulding (like this one). Pray that Adam will continue to defy conventional medical wisdom and make progress toward a full recovery.

Pray that God would rid Adam's body of the cold that he has been suffering.

Looking forward to praying with you at lunch time.

Eve of Fasting: Full Recovery in Process

Beginning with our very first united day of prayer and fasting, we have been praying for Adam's full recovery. Nothing has changed.

I believe it is safe to say that Adam's healing has not happened as quickly as we would like. But it is progressing according to God's schedule, not ours. Last week, I wrote (Got Hope?) that I was very encouraged and excited about Adam's move to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. It appears that positive developments are already happening (see Thank You for Your Prayers on Amy's blog).

Have you grown weary? Has your hope waivered? Yes, it has been five long months, but today is where the healing begins.

Matthew 9:27-30

(Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute)

27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"

28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
     "Yes, Lord," they replied.

29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this."

I believe that Jesus is able to heal Adam. I know that you do to. That's why you pray with us.

See you in the morning for a day of prayer and fasting.

So Thankful For...

...Grace and Joy

Your love for me is irresistble

I can't fight it, I can't fight it

Your carried the cross and took my shame

I believe it, I believe it

You shine your light of amazing grace

I receive it, I receive it

~Joy, Newsboys

Grace — receiving good things from God that we do not deserve. There is only one thing we need to do — receive it! For that, we should be joyful.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Definition of ABOUND

  1: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity : be prevalent

  2: to be copiously supplied

God provides us with copious amounts of grace that we might do a great quantity of good work! It's time for me to get working! I will start by praying for Adam and his family, this morning. Please join me.

Thanks for praying with us! Talk to you next Tuesday evening.

Evening: Cry Out to Jesus

In my dinner-time post, I asserted that all is well with my soul. That isn't always the case, and may not be true for some of you, right now. You may be facing extremely difficult circurmstances in your life. You may be thinking that all is not well with your soul. If so, I understand. I have been there, and most likely, will re-visit the same place in the future. I only have four words of advice — cry out to Jesus.

  There is hope for the helpless
  Rest for the weary
  Love for the broken heart
  There is grace and forgiveness
  Mercy and healing
  He'll meet you wherever you are
  Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
    ~Cry Out to Jesus, Third Day

I am so excited about Adam arriving at Spaulding in Boston. I am so encouraged by Jason Crigler's story. I am so confident that Adam is in God's care. Yet, I still want to cry out to Jesus. Tonight, I am crying out for Adam's healing and recovery. Whatever the odds, whatever the statistics, whatever people say, I know that with God, Adam's healing is possible.

Luke 18:27

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Let's meet in the morning, before heading back to the "regular" part of our week.

Good night, and God bless.

Dinner: All is Well with My Soul

1 John 5:13-15

13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

There is lot of hope, comfort, and confidence packed into these three verses. Despite the problems and challenges that life throws at believers, there is much hope and comfort knowing that we have eternal life. That knowledge is a great stress reliever! And, we can all be confident that God hears our prayers.

Despite being a sinner, I have absolutely no problem with verses 13 and 14. I must admit, however, that verse 15 is more challenging at times. If any of you are like me, there are times when we are not so confident that we have what we asked of God. For example, many brothers and sisters in Christ have prayed for Adam's full recovery, but it hasn't happened....yet.

It is my belief that we struggle with "yet." God's time and our time are quite different. He existed before Genesis 1:1. He'll be around for eternity. A few months, or even a lifetime is nothing from Gods' perspective. Regardless, what we have is assurance that God hears believers when we pray, resulting in assurance that we will get answers to our requests.

I don't know about you, but this passage, combined with last night's viewing of Jason Crigler's recovery at Spaulding, really has strengthened my confidence that God has heard my prayers, and that I have what I asked for.

All is well with my soul!

Among other needs, be sure to pray against any fever, sickness, or infection in Adam's body.

(One more post, tonight.)

Mid Afternoon: Our God is an Awesome God!

Matthew 21:22

"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

We'll meet again at dinner time (6:00 p.m.)

Lunch: Be Encouraged

Keep Praying for Adam

I can see it in people's faces. They don't have to say anything (although they do). The more time that passes, the more they wonder how long I will keep going with this weekly day of fasting and prayer. How long will I keep writing this blog? The more time that passes, the more some think I may be wasting my time, a bit kooky, or both! Don't I know that the odds of Adam's recovery is not very good? Am I in denial?

Perhaps you might feel it, too. Either about me, or about yourself. I have only one response — be encouraged! I found the story on last night's post incredibly encouraging. And, if we need a reason to keep praying, read this one verse:

Luke 18:1

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

We will skip the actual parable. The first verse speaks volumes. Jesus tells His disciples that they should always pray and not give up. That's good enough for me! As an exercise in faith, let's all work at memorizing this verse so that we can repeat it when necessary. And, of course, keep praying.

During the lunch break, pray that:

  • Amy and Mackenzie would make a quick and smooth adjustment to a new home town — Boston.

  • God would provide new friendships for Mackenzie that would last a lifetime.

  • Amy and Mackenzie would find a new Church home.

  • God would equip and bless Matt and Shannon as they provide temporary housing for Amy and Mackenzie.

  • Adam would adjust well to new people and his new surroundings at Spaulding.

Let's meet in mid afternoon for a worship song.

Mid Morning: Special Prayer Request

Adam's father, Jack, is currently in the hospital and receiving treatment for Myasthenia Gravis. Although I am confident that he will be displeased about this post :-), please include Jack in your prayers, today.

Pray that his treatment will go well, that his symptoms will subside, and that he can return home, soon. In the meantime, ask that God would provide him with patience while receiving treatment for the Myasthenia Gravis.

Breakfast: Talking with God

Prayer

Good morning! Thanks for joining us on our united day of fasting and prayer. If you are joining for the first time, or the first time in a long time, I would like to remind you that there are no rules for participation. You don't have to fast, but here is why we do. And, if you have a limited amount of time to pray, give what time you have.

Not Sure What to Pray? Don't worry. God will understand. Start by watching this video:

A Prayer

Dear Father, forgive me of my sins.

Guide and direct me, this day.

Help me to listen; that I would follow your guidance

  and live according to Your will.

Thank you, Lord, for being a loving God.

Thank you, for being a God of grace and mercy.

Thank you, for sending your Son, Jesus Christ to die for me —

  that I might be forgiven of my sins.

As a forgiven sinner, Lord, I bring to You a humble request.

Father, I lift up your servant, Adam Root,

husband of Amy Root, son of Jack and Cookie Root.

Lord, I pray that you would provide Adam with the best team

  to guide him through his rehabilitation at Spaulding.

I ask that You would guide and direct their every decision

  and interaction with Adam.

God, I ask that you would restore Adam while at Spaulding.

Lord, I ask that Adam be able to walk, talk, and laugh.

I pray that he would be restored, just as others have been restored at Spaulding.

Lord, I ask that you would hear my prayers,

  and hear the prayers of all those praying for Adam, today.

I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Nehemiah 1:4-6

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:
  "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.

Let's meet again, at lunch (see time zone considerations)

Eve of Fasting: Got Hope?

Five Months and a New Beginning

Adam was injured on May 15th. He has endured a lot over the past five months. So has his family. The good news is that he has survived. Better yet, today is the day that Adam was transported from North Carolina to Boston. As we unite, tomorrow, for our weekly day of fasting and prayer, we will focus on specific prayer requests from Amy.

This evening, let's pray for a good turnout, tomorrow. I know that many are faced with busy schedules. I know that it is difficult to set aside a day each week for fasting and prayer. But, it is my hope that we could assemble a larger-than-usual prayer goup, tomorrow. Email others. Post requests on Facebook. Call your friends. Let's give Adam lots of support as he begins rehab at Spaulding.

"Remarkable recoveries happen every day at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Our dedicated team of specialists help patients get back in action as soon as possible - often with astonishing results."

~Spaulding website

Need More Encouragement?

Whether you do or don't need more encouragement, I invite you to read about Jason Crigler's recovery at Spaulding.

Or, take seven minutes of time and watch this video about Jason's amazing 1½-year recovery! (NOTE: you may need to turn up your volume.)

Let's give the staff at Spaulding a big assist by showering Adam with prayer, tomorrow.

James 5:13-16

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

I look forward to praying with you, tomorrow.

Parting Advice...Do Not Worry

Luke 12:22-34

22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.



It is a wonderful world. How much better Heaven?!?!?!

Colossians 3:15-17

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Looking forward to praying with you, next week.

Evening: With All I Am

John 4:23-24

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."



NOTE: One more post in the morning.

Dinner: The Potter's Hand

Isaiah 64:8

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

Mid Afternoon: I Want to Know You

Acts 13:38-39

"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses."

Lunch: Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Mid Morning: How He Loves Us

Breakfast: Lover of My Soul

Psalm 130

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

2 O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

6 My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Eve of Fasting: Let it Go

Matthew 10:37-39

37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Breaking the Fast: God Supplies Our Needs

Philippians 4:15-23

15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

I am no Paul. I have neither been as faithful as him, nor have I suffered like him. Yet, I do know that God has provided for me throughout my lifetime. God supplies our needs according to His riches.

When I consider Amy's life, I cannot help but think of her need for support from fellow believers. Whether prayer support (see last paragraph), practical support (see Whirlwind), or meeting other needs, brothers and sisters in faith are to respond with support — like the people of Philippi did for Paul.

But, shouldn't I rely on God, not mere humans? Oh, yes, I know that people can disappoint at times. Yet, I also know that God sends people to help those in need. Regardless of the actual form or delivery system, I know that my help comes from the Lord.

Pray for God's continued provision for Adam and his family. I got to spend some time with Jack (Adam's father) on Saturday. There was a lot of conversation about Adam as we drove to Corvallis for the Oregon State football game. At one point, Jack provided an estimate of the cost of Adam's medical care. It was a huge number! Thank God for the wonderful medical insurance that Microsoft provides to their employees!

You see, God's provision is supplied to us in different forms. It might be in the form of medical insurance, a friend bringing a meal, or a body of believers offering up prayers. It shows up in different ways, but it is sent by God.

Until next week, glory be to God, and may the grace of Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sunday Night Prayer & Worship
(from Amy's blog)

Just a reminder to please join us this Sunday OCTOBER 10th 6:30-8:00pm Night of prayer for Adam's recovery and a time to worship God for all that He has done, is doing and what is yet to come. This will be held at our church Triangle Community Church 4216 Kildaire Farm Rd, Apex, NC 27539. If you are not in the area please consider joining us by setting this time aside and praying for Adam's recovery from wherever you are.

Evening: Content in All Circumstances

Philippians 4:10-14

10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

I believe that this is a challenge we all face in western society — being content. We are rarely satisfied with where we are or what we own. When trouble strikes, such as relationship or health issues, we become even less content. We want "things" fixed, and we want them fixed, now!

Although I have done better in this department in the last couple years, a strong "contentment battle" has been going on inside my head this past week. There are several business and personal issues that I want resolved — quickly! When I think of Adam's family, I am reminded how petty my concerns are compared to theirs.

In the verses, above, Paul states that he knows what it is to be in need. The reality is that I don't. My guess is that there are some of you reading this that don't, either. What "real" needs have I had? I have never gone hungry because of poverty or famine. I have never gone without shelter because of poverty or natural dissaster. I have never gone without love.

Yes, I do need to work on contentment, regardless of my circumstances. For even if the future brings me hunger, homelessness, or other challenging circumstances, I should be content in my faith in God. Just so we don't lose focus, please pray for Adam's full recovery, this evening. Then, pray that all of his family members and close friends would be content. Then pray it for all of our prayer "centurions." Then, pray it for yourself.

The more content we become, the more we will rejoice in the Lord, instead of feeling that life is cheating us. When content, waiting on the Lord does not have to be a burden. We can serve, worship, and not grow weary.



We'll meet, again, in the morning. Good night, and God bless.

Dinner: What Are You Thinking About?

Philippians 4:8-9

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We are working on the fifth month of Adam's battle. We all have had a lot of time to think — some more than others. We will continue to have time to think. What should we think about? Paul tells us to think about anything that is excellent or praiseworthy!



Here is a song for the youth that are praying with us.



Thoughts of temptation or discouragement can arrive at anytime, without invitation. I don't think Paul was talking about being able to control every thought that comes to mind. However, we can discipline ourselves to limit the "bad thoughts" to "fleeting thoughts." I know that I need to work at this. I can do a better job of making an intentional choice to contemplate good thoughts and escort the bad thoughts out the nearest exit.

Right now, I want to contemplate the loving God, the healing Jesus, and the present Holy Spirit. I want to contemplate how They will be glorified when Adam is able to speak and sing praises to God.

In the future, I need to pick up my Bible more quickly to feed my brain with things that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Here is a passage that works:

Mark 12:41-44
The Widow's Offering

41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,worth only a fraction of a penny.

43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

That, my friends, is faith in action — going "all in" for God. A very admirable act that is worth pondering. A selfless act that we can use as a yardstick for measuring our own "faith in action."

One more post, later this evening, then one in the morning. Right now, pray that even as Adam struggles to move up the Rancho scale, that he would have good thoughts — praiseworthy thoughts about God.

Lunch: Prayer & Peace

By Hillary Mortensen

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

Philippians 4:5-7, New International Version

Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its early lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7, The Amplified Bible

I have little more to add to these relatively straightforward exhortations.

Instead of having lives marked by anxiety, let's live lives characterized by prayer and thanksgiving, leading to an overwhelming, God-given peace.

Thank God for:

• taking care of Adam during the past months
• providing excellent medical care
• providing Amy the strength to endure this hardship
• prayer warriors across the country and even across the world
• Amy's safe return from her recent trip to Boston
• acceptance to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center
• Adam hugging Amy
• His everlasting love
• His continual guidance
• Adam & Amy's small group from Triangle Community Church

Pray specifically for:

• comfort and strength for Amy, Mackenzie, Adam's parents & brothers
• regulation of Adam's temperature
• victorious battle against infection
• God would remove our fears as we lay them before Him
• a full recovery of Adam's physical body
• logistics of packing and moving

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Clinging to the Cross

by Hillary Mortensen

This song challenges me to let go of earthly things and cling to the cross. I hope that it does the same for you.

Breakfast: Rejoice!

By Hillary Mortensen

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

The message may seem redundant, but Paul was not shy in repeating himself. He knew as well as we know that any message worth sharing bears repeating and that we as humans tend to be slow to learn. (How thankful we should be, then, that God is patient with us!)

The Greek word translated "to rejoice," is the word chairo. Chairo is a verb; to be cheerful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off. In other passages, it is translated into words such as be glad and joy, but "to rejoice" is its most frequent translation. The Bible lists a number of reasons or occasions for rejoicing. In this case, the occasion is "in the Lord."

How can we experience this lasting, abiding, "always" sort of joy?

It is the joy that comes from a personal, living, and fruitful relationship with God. It is in this relationship that we experience peace with God (Romans 5:2), help in temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), and assurance of God's presence in times of trial (Hebrews 13:5-6).

We are hindered from this relationship when we dwell on present failures or past sin (Philippians 3:12-14), allow a natural temperament or disposition to manifest instead of being supernaturally transformed into joy (Romans 12:1-2), or are overcome by difficult circumstances.

Indeed, we have all come together today, reading this blog, praying these prayers, fasting from food, because of a difficult circumstance. We continue to pray for Adam, wife of Amy Root, son of Jack and Cookie Root, for complete healing following his motocross accident in May. But let's continue throughout our day with the perspective offered in James 1:2-4:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Let us take this day to rejoice in the Lord, not because we are insensitive to its harsh realities, but because we will not allow the dark realities blind us to the radiance of joy that is found in the Lord. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to submit in obedience to God's will and gain the necessary perspective to rejoice in the Lord always!

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8,9

Eve of Fasting: Stand Firm in the Lord

This week we will take a look at the fourth and final chapter of Philippians. We'll start this evening, so that we can get all the way through the chapter by Thursday morning.

Philippians 4:1-3

1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Stand Firm in the Lord

Paul urges the people of Philippi to stand firm in the Lord. Amy has been a textbook example of following this instruction. All one has to do is read her blog to see that this is exactly what she is doing. Her response to Adam's accident and injuries is a model for all of us during times of trouble.

Living in Harmony

It is only natural that people will disagree at times. The key is that we manage conflict properly to avoid divisions among the church (believers). Unfortunately, it is often during times of extraordinary stress that divisions can occur. We need to be on guard against self-centeredness and an unwillingness to compromise. As a body of believers, we are also called to help those in conflict.

One of the positive aspects of our united day of prayer and healing is that we have come together in harmony. We have a shared purpose — fasting and praying for the healing of Adam. I believe that God responds to an accident like Adam's by "making lemonade out of lemons."

Tomorrow, let us stand firm in the Lord as we pray together.

Tonight, pray that Amy would continue to stand firm in the Lord.  And, let's pray for each other — that we would all stand firm in the Lord, and that we would live in harmony.

Hillary will be leading us in the morning. Watch for her post at 6:00 a.m., Eastern time (see info about hours).