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Phil's Friends Blog - Entries from February 2012
ThuThursdayFebFebruary23rd2012
Prayer Requests - 2/23/2012
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
For the last several days I've watch a debate unfold in the various social media forums (Facebook, Twitter) about what people are giving up for Lent this year. I'm not going to debate the biblical validity of this Lenten practice here. Whether or not you decide to participate in it, the key thing to remember is clearly stated in the verse above. Lent is not about what you give up. It is about what was given up for you.
James 2:26 (NKJV)
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
There are many people who will read this verse and think that what James wrote here contradicts what Paul wrote in the verse above. What James is really saying here is that those who claim to have faith in Christ but never do anything outwardly to express it really have no faith at all. Our response to faith in Christ is to perform good works. But we are not doing those works to "earn" our salvation. We do them to share that gift of faith with others so that they might also believe.
Psalm 39:4 (NLT)
4 “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
"Today, our rendezvous with reality has arrived." When I opened the newspaper this morning, I saw this quote from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. He was talking about the state's budget crisis. When I read his statement, it reminded me of the verse above. Our rendezvous with reality is the fact that we are only here for a brief time. We have one life here on Earth. Are we using our time as the finite and precious resource that it is? Or are we squandering it on the things that don't really matter in the end?
I'm reading a book called "Transforming Prayer: How Everything Changes When You Seek God's Face." Part of my journey to learn what it means to TRUST God is centered around connecting with Him through prayer. I used to pray in the "grocery list" style I've talked about before. Presenting my list of requests, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, and finding myself getting frustrated because some of those prayers had not been answered to my satisfaction. Can you see the problem with my prayer life up to now? MY list, MY satisfaction. As that old saying goes, there no "I" in the word "team." My prayer life has been very self-centered. Looking back, I can see that. Why is it that you can be blind in the moment, but in hindsight, everything is always crystal clear?
As we pray this week, let's reflect on the hope that we've been provided through the gift of salvation. Let's reflect on our response going forward to that gift. Let's reflect on what it means to connect with Him through prayer that is not self-centered, but God-centered. Sometimes we hear the question, "What would Jesus do?" Let's reflect on not only that, but also "What (or how) would Jesus pray?"
Heavenly Father,
This week, we ask not for our will to be done, but for Yours. Forgive us for the times when we've prayed selfishly and have been frustrated by our perception of Your response. Remind us not to treat salvation as something that can be earned, but as Your gift to us, a gift that we should share with others. But sometimes it can be hard to share that gift. Sometimes we worry that our attempts will be rejected. Give us the courage to keep trying. Present opportunities for us to meet others wherever they are and tell them of the hope that can only be found through a relationship with You.
We thank You for all the blessings You continue to provide. Too many blessings to count. But help us to see those blessings daily as a means of encouragement. We thank You for those who have been declared to be in remission. But there are so many people we know of who are hurting now, too. We ask for peace for those awaiting test results. We ask for healing for those who are too weak to continue their treatments. We know there are different kinds of healing. Sometimes, people we love are healed and given more time here on Earth. Sometimes they are healed through death. Sometimes we struggle to understand how someone can be healed when they are taken from us. But what we ask this week is for You to remind us all of the unique purpose You have (through life or death) for each of us to fulfill. In Acts 9, You told Ananias, that Saul was "Your chosen instrument." Each one of us is "Your chosen instrument." Make us aware of Your purpose for our lives. Transform us, as You transformed Saul, into people who use the precious resource of time to bring glory to Your name. Amen.
ThuThursdayFebFebruary16th2012
Prayer Requests - 2/16/2012
New Living Translation (NLT)
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.
At the beginning of 2012, I chose the word TRUST as my spiritual theme word for the year. This is the area that I feel God has told me that I personally need to work on. Leaning on Him, relying on Him at all times, and not trying to navigate life on my own. I've tried the self-reliance route in the past. Don't ask how that worked out. I think you all know the answer is "nowhere good." Reading this verse reminds me that God is the one who is in control. His plan for my life has already been determined. Knowing that His plan will ultimately lead somewhere good is making it easier for me to trust that it will, even when I encounter moments of doubt.
Romans 15:4
New Living Translation (NLT)
4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
If I had to pick a second theme word, it would probably be PATIENCE. I know I've gotten myself tangled up in troublesome situations because I wanted things to be done on my schedule. I'm certainly willing to share my calendar with God. But He doesn't need me to tell Him when, why or how to get things done. Sometimes I'm the one who needs to slow down. Sometimes I'm the one who needs to wait patiently instead of jumping into a situation just so I can tick it off of my to-do list. Sometimes our ability to be patient is one of God's ways of showing us mercy. Patience may keep us from deviating from the path He's set us on. Reading this verse reminds me that God's promises will be fulfilled. And when I'm having trouble processing that notion, reassurance can be found in reading God's word.
2 Corinthians 5:7
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
One of the things I love about being involved in this outreach is being able to share stories where people are bold enough to tell others how God has worked in their lives, even in what some would call the worst of times. I became aware of the Harrison family's story through Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL. If you have six minutes to spare, consider watching the video link below. (This one brought me to tears but they were the good kind.)
Lord, This week we've heard from so many people who are in need of patience and trust. So many who are awaiting test results like Hannah, Priscilla and Andrea. So many, like Johnny, who are awaiting healing so they can resume their treatments. So many like Angela and Kim, who are recovering from surgery. So many like Kaitlyn, who are waiting for the correct diagnosis so that effective treatments may begin. We've heard of people like Janis, who are not only dealing with cancer, but also taking care of children on their own. Lord, we ask for You to provide resources to help all of those people who are struggling financially, for those who are struggle to be caregivers when they need care themselves. We pray for all of the people, like Peter, who are caring for a loved one with cancer. Give them the strength and patience to be loving in times of frustration. Give them peace and times of rest and joy. Lord, we thank you for the lives of all those whose journey here has ended. We thank You for families, like the Harrisons, who are willing to share the story of how You walked with them and worked through them as they faced cancer head on. We ask that You comfort all of the families who a grieving the loss of loved ones, but especially the families of Anthony and Mary. Lord, we ask that in times of doubt, that You fill our hearts and minds with constant reminders of all You've promised. Remind us that Your plan and Your timing is perfect. Remind us to lean on You. We thank You for the blessings You give us every day. Let Clyde Harrison's words from the video above ("Who could ask for anything more than what God has given me? What a life!") be the words that remind us of how much we are loved. Amen.
ThuThursdayFebFebruary9th2012
Prayer Requests - 2/9/2012
Galatians 6:2
2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Lord, in times of trouble, it is so easy to seek refuge in places we shouldn't. We think that we can handle things on our own. We don't want to burden other people with our problems when we know that those around us may be suffering, too. Remind us that when we share each other's burdens, we are providing and being provided with a source of relief. There are so many around us now who need relief. We pray for Chloe, who is 5 yrs. old and undergoing treatments. She is fighting against the people who are trying to help because she is scared and doesn't understand what cancer is and why she has to go to the doctor again. Help Chloe's parents and doctors. Give them gentle hands and loving words to help reassure Chloe as her treatments continue. We pray for Kaitlyn, Cindy, Danny, Charlie, Johnny, Vicki, Thomas and Hannah all of whom are undergoing treatments or awaiting test results. We ask for continued strength and healing. We ask for freedom from pain and fear. Let their hearts be filled with peace.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God Offers Comfort to All
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Lord, we praise You for the good news of Barbara's remission. We are thankful that we were able to be a source of comfort to her during her journey. We ask that You continue to use all of the people who make phone calls, write cards or pray for our patients and their families. Use those who are now cancer survivors to be a source of encouragement to others who are just now beginning their journey. Help us show Your love to others in all that we say and do.
Psalm 94:19
19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Lord, there are times when we doubt You, Your existence and the promises in Your word. When we lose people we love, grief can be overwhelming and it can consume us. We pray for the families of Mary, Rick and Mary Beth. If they are doubting now, we ask that You provide reminders of Your presence, reminders that Your promise of heaven has been fulfilled. Take the burden of grief away from these families and replace it with the comfort that will give them renewed hope and cheer.
And finally Lord, we thank You for all the blessings that You have and continue to provide to each of us individually and to our organization as a whole. Sometimes we don't realize how lucky we are. We live in a country that has so many resources and so much freedom. Sometimes we forget that there are places in the world where cancer and other illnesses are viewed as curses, where people are ostracized for being sick, where resources like hospitals and medicine are not available. We ask that You remind us to keep all those around the world who are suffering in prayer. Give us generous hearts to share our gifts and do what we can, where we can. Expand our outreach to those in need, no matter where they are in the world. Amen.
ThuThursdayFebFebruary2nd2012
Prayer Requests - 2/2/2012
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Lord, It is easy to do what you command in the verse above when life is calm. Why is it so hard to be strong when life takes a turn for the worse? Why is it so easy to forget that You are with us, no matter what, and wherever we go? There are so many who have lost that sense of calm and peace. So many, like Dave and Hannah, who are undergoing tests and awaiting results. So many, like Stacy, who don't know what is coming next. Lord, we pray for wisdom and guidance for their doctors to diagnose symptoms and determine the best treatments. Lord, we pray for the families of those, like Harriet, who have been called home. Lord, bring that sense of calm and peace back to all who need it. Remind them all of Your promise. You will not leave us or forsake us. You ARE with us wherever we go.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT) The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[d]
Lord, We need Your protection each and every day. We've had many reports of people connected to our organization being attacked in various ways. Whether it's cancer or other health issues, whether it's broken relationships, job related stress or other forms of spiritual/emotional attacks, we need to use the tools that You've already given us to defend ourselves. Keep us connected to You and each other through reading Your word and through prayer. When we are dealing with others, give us compassionate hearts and ears that are willing to listen, and tongues that are slow to speak. Let our response be Your response. Give us the words to provide comfort and hope to those who come to us for help.
Psalm 27:13-14 (NLT)
13 Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD
Lord, Every day we see examples of Your goodness. Every day, we are blessed in some way, no matter what troubles the day may bring. Here at the office, we are blessed with phone calls, cards and e-mails from the people we support. Yesterday, JoAnn called to share her story. She is a 76 years young, a widow, a mother/grand/great-grandmother, and a breast cancer patient. She called to praise You for the healing you have already provided. She said that she knows for certain that her healing and response to treatment so far, is by Your grace. She is so thankful for all the people who are lifting her up in prayer. But Lord, she also said that she felt she had to call to let us know that she was praying for all of us, too. She asked that You send angels to guard us as we continue to reach out to others. Thank You for JoAnn and all those who continue to pray for and encourage us. Thank You for all that You have and will continue to enable us to do. Amen.
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