John 1:29
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus, the Lamb of God
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Luke 24:5-7
New Living Translation (NLT)
5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[a] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
It's always nice to open up the mail and receive a card or letter from a patient that lets us know how they are doing. But today, we received something special. We have patients who are talented artists, too.
The attached photos were sent by James from Kansas. The first one is a picture of a lamb. It says that it was done on a scratch board. The second is a picture of a wooden cross. It has the word "Risen" etched into it with a wood burning tool and also pictures of two doves.
The verses above come to mind as I look at these pictures. Both pictures are beautiful reminders of the fulfillment of God's promises to us. A big "Thank You" to James for sharing his artwork with us.
Heavenly Father - We have a lot of people to pray for this week. So many who are going currently going through treatments and other who have procedures coming up soon. We ask for healing and protection for Larry, Jim, Carol, Evelyn, Camille, Vincenza, Holly, Charles, Jennifer, Gloria, Lynne, Corrine and Baby Matthew. We give You thanks and praise for Marci's recovery from brain surgery. She has asked for healing and strength for her upcoming chemo treatments. Lord, we know of families with loved ones who have received word that physical healing may not be possible anymore. Guide those families through the decisions that they have make regarding transitions to hospice care. It's hard, Lord, to watch as those we love suffer. So for those patients we ask for relief from pain. For those families we ask for patience as they wait for whatever is next to come. We've also heard from several families with loved ones who have been called to be with You in heaven. Comfort the families and friends of Otto and Kaitlyn as they grieve. Lord, we thank You for all of the doors that You continue to open. Continue to connect people to this outreach and allow us to bring the hope that can only be found in You to those affected by cancer. We pray for all of our patients, volunteers, staff members and all of their families. Strengthen our relationships. Make us aware of circumstances where forgiveness and reconciliation are needed. Give us the courage to ask for forgiveness when we make mistakes. Give us the grace to extend forgiveness to others. Remove our stubbornness so healing in those circumstances can begin. Remind us that we should seek forgiveness because of all You've done for us through Jesus Christ. Make us aware of Your presence. And may Your presence be magnified in our lives so that through our example others will see how we are different. Use us to draw others closer to You. Amen.