God's Blessings

From a July 19th sermon on Matthew 13:25-30, 36-43. I took a few notes so that I would not forget: God will remove the weeds at his coming. Trust God’s goodness even amid evil and suffering.

From a July 26^th sermon on Jeremiah 29: 1-7. I took a few notes so that I would not forget: Work for the benefit of the place you live even if you are exiled there.  Even though our congregation is closing soon, we still have things to do that God is calling us to do. Don’t put things off.  Do what’s within your reach.  God is with us through it all.  This reminded me to have hope and simply do the everyday things that I can do, what is within my reach.

And some quotations and notes from my daily Psalm reading in the New English Bible:

July 23                 I love the LORD, for he has heard me

                                                and listens to my prayer;

                                for he has given me a hearing

                                                whenever I have cried to him. (Psalm 116: 1-2)

July 29                 Grant this to me, thy servant: let me live

                                                and, living, keep thy word. (Psalm 119: 17)

                That is my prayer, oh Lord. Help me not be blinded by my limitations but see beyond them to You and Your Word. Use me to bless and encourage my children and grandchildren. Give me discernment and understanding to really hear and see their inner selves.

July 31                  In time of trouble my consolation is this,

                                                that thy promise has given me life. (Psalm 119: 50)

August 6             Thy word is a lamp to guide my feet

                                                and a light on my path (Psalm 119: 105)

 

I had my infusion yesterday and am experiencing the usual fatigue and brain fog. But my attitude has improved because of God’s encouragement over the past few weeks. That makes all the difference.

And a non-cancer prayer request: Benjamin, my 17-year-old grandson who has severe impairments from Down Syndrome and nonverbal autism, has had multiple seizures this week despite his anti-seizure medications. This morning, he fell face first in the kitchen, causing a deep cut just under his right eyebrow. The local ER consulted with his neurologist, who advised sending him to an Oklahoma City hospital (I don’t know the name) where there is a specialist for the types of seizures he has. Because no ambulances were available here, Shawn took him. Please pray for him and the whole family.