Good day dear friends. As we pray, please remember Milton Hughes. Doctors trying to work out a plan to deal with a shattered vertebrae found a large mass near his lungs. Milton also has pnuemonia, but is in good spirits because not too long ago, a "mass" such as this turned out to be an infection and he's hoping it is the same thing this time. Please pray for him and Muriel.
Also, this afternoon at 1 pm, Dee Dee Murdoch is having major cancer surgery. We're praying for a miracle for her and David and their sons.
Phyllis Gaddie was awaiting results of an MRI to see if doctors had successfully removed a stone. If not, she was to have surgery. Please hold these and all on our prayers lists in your prayers.
We continue to affirm the Bible as God's word for our lives. Here is the study guide:
Tuesday: In Hebrews 4:12 we find a strong statement about the power of the Word of God. Please read that passage and see what it may say to you. Can you leave such a powerful weapon just lying around your house without being aware of what it can do? Who tries to break into not your house, but your very life to harm you? Do you defend yourself with this powerful weapon or do you see yourself as helpless?
Here is that passage: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Two ads of the last century come to mind when one speaks of swords. I remember Wilkinson blades coming out as the first stainless steel blades, which forced other shaving blade companies to follow suit. Their ad featured a very shiny and what we believed to be a sharp sword. The other ad is for the US Marines, that featured also a sword and how special it is to hold same as a Marine. The writer of Hebrews as he shared his thoughts about God's word calls it "sharper than any double-edged sword," with power to "penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow." He knew what God's word is capable of when we honestly open ourselves to listening and receiving it. In the first part of the verse, he says that "the word of God is living and active." As shared on Sunday, countless people have found the word of God to be alive and relevant even today.
Some has used this verse to describe the Bible as a weapon of protection. While you might not necessarily agree with that, think of the power God's word does have to bless and protect. Why not use it both defensively and offensively? God seeks to be in relationship with us and having God close to us is the best blessing and protection we can have against anything.
PRAYER: Come, God whose power is found even in words, to speak to me as I read Your word. I ask You allow me to draw near to You and walk with you this day and all that I might face with You. I ask the same for those who are facing surgery and other serious challenges that life has brought to them. Deliver them from harm and evil is my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day.
e.v.
