Daily Prayer - Be careful!

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
From experience I can tell you that there are two circumstances when Satan attacks with all he's got: when we are embarking on an adventure for God, and after any spiritual victory.  Those are times that we must be particularly mindful of the enemy's influence in our lives.  I think particularly of my family, and you, my friends, who have been praying for my brother, Lyle, through his battle with leukemia.  He is now home, on a trial basis, as his recovery has been progressing well and ahead of schedule (thanks to your answered prayers!).
 
So I caution you (and me) to be careful in these days - to put on the full armor of God.  Let this prayer serve as a reminder of who we truly are, of our present place in the Kingdom, even if we are sometimes blinded by our earthly surroundings.
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 

Father in heaven, thank You for including me as an intercessor, as one who, in Jesus' name, can help defeat the wicked one.  How I rejoice that Jesus is Victor over all the powers of evil, including Satan himself.
 
I praise You that on the cross Jesus stripped the evil rulers and authorities of their power and won the victory over them - and that death could not keep Him in its power.  You showed Your incomparable power by raising Him from the dead and seating Him in the place of supreme honor at Your right hand, a place infinitely superior to any other rule, authority, power, or lordship, both visible and invisible.  There He now reigns in power for us - and prays for us!  So great is His power that His enemies cringe before Him!
 
And You have raised me up and seated me with Him!  I am in Him, high above all our spiritual enemies, and He is in me, far greater than Satan who is in the world.
 
Thank You that these things are true of all Your children.  We are on the winning side!  So I stand boldly before Your throne, grateful that I'm not praying alone.  Rather, I'm joining Your Son and all Your "prayer warriors" as we strive in prayer against the enemy - as we advance Your purposes and defeat Satan's purposes in lives and situations throughout the world.  And in our lives and situations.
 
Father, because of this privilege as Your child, I stand boldly before You and pray for _____________, ________________, and ________________________.
 

I praise You for the overwhelming victories we win as we pray in the name of Jesus - the Name above all names, both now and in all the ages to come.
 
(Warren and Ruth Myers, 31 Days of Prayer - Day 30)

Daily Prayer - O for grace to trust Him more

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 

I trust God with my finances, but I still worry about them.  I trust God with my marriage, but I still worry about whether I am a good enough husband..  I trust God with my children, but I still worry about how we are raising them.
 
There is an interesting scene in the Mark's Gospel where a man brings his son to Jesus to be healed.  Jesus says to the man "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."; to which the man replies "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24).  Oh how I can relate.  How many times must Jesus show us that He is trustworthy before we believe it?  I can look back over my life and see it again and again.  And I do believe it, but Lord, help my unbelief!
 
O for grace to trust Him more.
 

Grace and peace and belief be yours in abundance!
Bruce
 

Father, You have called us to a journey of faith where we learn to trust You for all that we have need of, for the present and the future – in our relationships, our health,  our earthly provisions and our spiritual needs. 
 
Like the songwriter, Louisa Stead, wrote; "I'm so glad I learned to trust You, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; For I know that You are with me; Will be with me to the end.  Jesus, Jesus How I trust You, How I've proved You o'er and o'er;  Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,  O for grace to trust You more." 
 
Help us to find the sweetness of wholeheartedly trusting in You, we pray in Jesus' name. 
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/a-prayer-of-trust-when-its-hard/)

Daily Prayer - Blending

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
It is so easy to blend in.  All we have to do is keep quiet, don't object, don't respond.  Or, just as easily, to agree with what we know to be wrong and participate in it.
 
It takes courage to stand out, to stand up for the Truth.
 
My prayer for me and for you is that today we find that courage in Christ.
 

Grace and peace and courage be yours,
Bruce
 

Father, as we deal with the temporal demands of this day, may the principles that guide us be of eternal origin.
 
We seek not to blend in with this sin-darkened world but choose to be the salt of the earth.
 
You have made us a peculiar people who are called to be the light of the world.
 
May our light shine for all the world to see so that our good deeds bring praise to Your holy name.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/a-prayer-for-being-people-who-honor-god/)

Daily Prayer - God is crazy ...

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

John Fischer wrote: 

God is crazy about you. He's all over you like a glove. God waits for you, hanging on your every word. He loves to hear you call to Him. He has been relentlessly pursuing you since before you were born; He sacrificed His Son to remove the barriers to His love for you; and He has plans for you that go way beyond anything you can imagine. How do I know all this? I've been reading about it in the Bible for most of my life, and I know it in my heart, and I'm telling you about it because I figure if I keep on like this, I'll begin to believe it for myself. 

Wow.  That is so me.  I keep telling you and others about God's love so that I can accept it for myself.  And it is sinking in.  I hope that is true of you as well.

 

Grace and peace and God's love ARE yours (and mine) in abundance!
Bruce
 

Jump in the mess of human lives undressed
And sin unconfessed... and see beauty.
Look at the sea of misfits and misery
And cry 'til you bleed... and see beauty.
That's what God does!
That's what God does!
That's what God does, why can't we?
 
Waste all the best on the most dishonored guest
When she's unimpressed... and see beauty.
Give 'til you're gone to the least deserving one
And call him your son... and see beauty.
That's what God does!
That's what God does!
That's what God does, why can't we?
 
Everyone I know has failed me
Shall I let them take that cross and nail me?
That's what God does!
That's what God does!
That's what God does, why can't we?
Why can't we?
Why can't we?
 
- What God Does, Skypark

Daily Prayer - Focus

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

I read these words of wisdom yesterday on Chris Erdman's "Living Prayer Meditations - Contemplative Prayer"  blog: 

Keep watch over the speed of your words when speaking,

the character of your handwriting,

the quality of your eye contact,

the quickness of your mind to return to center

with each distracting thought.

These are words to live by, especially for followers of Christ who seek to bring others to an understanding of the great Gift awaiting them should they choose to accept it - a relationship with Jesus, and reconciliation with God. 

 

I am particularly prone to distracting thoughts. And my handwriting is nothing to write home about either! The quality of our eye contact is a direct indicator of how well we are listening to the person we are engaging.  Like I said, words to live by.  How quickly does your mind return to Center?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!
Bruce
 

Father, there are so many enticements this world has to offer that rival for my devotion.
 
I must be careful not to let the  allurements this world has to offer deter me from the bigger picture; my eternal home in heaven or the promises that are yet to be filled.
 
So that I don't lose sight of the kingdom of God, I desire godly discernment day in and day out in the choices I make that will help me remain faithful and fully committed to You in my Christian walk.
 
I ask for Your help in the strong name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/a-prayer-for-an-eternal-perspective-3/)

Daily Prayer - Go light your world

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
Oh to be "on fire for Christ".  How is your flame doing?  Are you trying to keep it alight through your own efforts?  Or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to kindle and feed it?
 
Take your candle, and go light your world.  

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
I light my candle
at your flame, Holy Spirit.
 
Let me burn brightly,
and let my light so shine
that others may see
and glorify the Father.
 
Let my light not fade or fail
until my course is run
and the victory won,
in Jesus' name, amen.
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/07/i-light-my-candle.html)

Daily Prayer - Welcome home!

Good Friday morning, my friends.

  

I hope you feel the same way about this that I do - I never get tired of hearing the Gospel spelled out.  I may be a little thick (I have enough family members on this list to attest to that!), and need to hear it often, but there is also that whispering that Satan constantly does, reminding me of my past sins.  Incidentally, I heard a pithy little saying this morning in a sermon - "The next time Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future."  (It was attributed to Greg Laurie).

  

Welcome home            

 by John Fischer 

  

I have some really good news for everyone today, but it's not just good news; it's preposterously Good News. I found it as I was reading in Isaiah.

  

 "I, the Lord, made you, and will not forget to help you. I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." (Isaiah 44:21-22)

  

Here it is: God forgave us first; then He invites us home.

  

It could just as easily have been: Return to me and I will forgive your sins. That would have been remarkable enough. But instead, it's: Come home because you've already been forgiven.

  

This was precisely the case for the prodigal son. He was forgiven before he ever reached the front driveway. That's why his old man was running to meet him. There was no discussion. No: "I hope you learned your lesson." He needn't even ask for forgiveness, for it had already been granted.

  

This is our message to the world: You have already been forgiven, so come home. Christ has already paid the price to set you free. He has removed the barrier between God and us. How can anyone resist so great a love? No wonder Paul calls it Good News. Can you imagine anything better when it comes to God and our sin?

  

 We know we are guilty. Our consciences tell us that. We know the demands of the law. We have the commandments for that, and we aren't doing very well by them. We know that if we mess up in just one thing, we are charged with breaking the whole law. God does not grade on the curve. Instead, He offers us a blanket pardon -- the only thing that could ever save us.

  

"Oh, return to me, for I have [already] paid the price to set you free."

  

That's just nothing short of preposterously good news.

  

This is the essence of the Gospel of Welcome. Everything has already been done. Every barrier has been removed. Every price has been paid. You don't have to chant, say the right words, pray, complete the requirements, jump through any hoops, renounce your former life ... you only have to get on home. Arms are open wide. All is forgiven. Welcome.

  

Welcome home.

  

  

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

  

  

Father, it is only through the sacrificial blood of Your Son that my sins are forgiven. 

  

My guilty stains are plunged into the bottom of the ocean to be remembered no more. 

  

All the adjectives in one's vocabulary cannot adequately describe the depth of my gratitude for such a selfless act of love. 

  

Your redeeming blood sacrifice frees us from the penalty of sin in this life and for all eternity. 

  

Thank You, Jesus, for freely shedding Your blood on my behalf. 

  

Amen.

 

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/a-prayer-of-thanks-for-christs-shed-blood/)

Daily Prayer - Cheerleaders

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

Do you remember what it was like to be playing hockey or soccer and being cheered on by your parents?  Or maybe you had dance or piano recitals and they were beaming as they watched you?  Isn't it wonderful to have someone in your corner who believes in you, and applauds your every effort?

 

The author of Hebrews provides a pretty impressive list of men and women of faith who are cheering you and me on:  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets!  And then he says: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebrews 12:1-3) 

Can't you just hear Abraham shouting his encouragement to you?  Let's fix our eyes on Jesus and win the only race that matters.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, the people of faith listed in Hebrews died without receiving all that You had promised, but they never lost their faith vision of heaven as a "better country – a heavenly one."
 
We take courage from these fearless heroes of our faith who remained faithful to You in this life so that they could inherit a future life with You for all eternity.
 
We who follow You many generations later trust Jesus' promise that He returned to heaven to prepare a place for all who remain faithful.
 
We anticipate with great joy the hour that we are joined with You to receive our commendation in the clouds of glory for all eternity.
 
In Jesus mighty Name, Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/a-prayer-for-spiritual-commendation/)

Daily Prayer - Let there be light!

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Jesus said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
 
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5)
 
Without physical light we cannot see the physical world.  Without spiritual light we cannot see God at work. Let His light illuminate your life today, and see His amazing hand at work all around you.
 

Grace and peace and light be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
I watch this morning
for the light that the darkness has not overcome. 
 
I watch for the fire that was in the beginning
and that burns still in the brilliance of the rising sun. 
 
I watch for the glow of life that gleams in the growing earth
and glistens in the sea and sky. 
 
I watch for your light, O God,
in the eyes of every living creature and in the ever-living flame of my own soul. 
 
If the grace of seeing were mine this day
I would glimpse you in all that lives. 
 
Grant me the grace of seeing this day. 
Grant me the grace of seeing.
 
(J Phillip Newell - Celtic Benediction)

Daily Prayer - The tyranny of the urgent

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
God is at work.  All the time.  In you.  In me.  In the hearts of those who believe.  And in the lives of those who do not.
 
He is at work in nature and in the universe.
 
And yet most of the time we are so preoccupied with the "tyranny of the urgent" that we miss what is truly important - the work of God in our midst, and His desire to make us a part of it.
 
Still your heart today and look for the works of God around you.  And then participate in them through word, action, prayer, thanksgiving and worship.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, help us with the spiritual exercise of observing how You are working in our own heart and in the lives of those around us. 
 
And we especially need to observe the ways You are present in nature and in our everyday lives. 
 
The daily routine can easily squeeze out those special sightings of Your glorious presence and supernatural workings where You make visible that which is not seen with human eyes, but only through the eyes of faith. 
 
Faithful and True God, just as You formed the universe with Your own hands, You also shape the human heart with Your own Spirit, bringing it into conformity to Your will for our lives. 
 
Help us to surrender ourselves fully to You so that we are among those who have supernatural faith which makes us confident of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see with human eyes.
 
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/a-prayer-for-observing-gods-creation/)

Daily Prayer - Unmet expectations

Good Thursday morning, my friends.
 
As I reflect on the journey my family is on with my brother's illness it occurs to me that during challenging times our natural tendency is to focus on the challenge itself.  We look at how big, how long, and how painful it is.  But we can make another choice.  We can choose focus on Jesus and "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:18-19).
 
In the midst of your challenge, make that choice - the choice to focus on Jesus.  Yes, you may have unmet expectations in your walk of faith.  You expected healing.  You expected financial relief.  You expected that relationship to flourish, not disintegrate.  The Jews in Jesus' time had great expectations for the Messiah, but Jesus was not the Messiah they expected.  Even His disciples were disappointed and astonished when Jesus was arrested, tortured and killed.  They thought it was over.  They had many unmet expectations.  But as they discovered, Jesus had something completely different in mind, something much better.  And He does for you as well.  Hang in there.  Don't leave in the middle of the movie - the ending is spectacular.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, Your Word admonishes us to "Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." 
 
There are many obstacles that will lead us astray as we contend for the faith if our eyes become fixed on the obstacles. 
 
Instead we want to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who set His eyes on the throne of God, enabling Him to endure the cross, its shame and agony. 
 
Fix our eyes on the goal of heaven where all will finally be made perfectly clear when we see Jesus face to face. 
 
In the meantime sustain us through Your mercy, grow our faith, and help us to take as many as possible with us to our eternal home in heaven.
 
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/07/02/a-prayer-during-times-of-darkness/)

Daily Prayer - Random?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
I want to share with you one last message from my sister, Beth, on this journey our family has been on.  As some have noted to me, perhaps Beth should start her own blog - she certainly conveys her heart and faith in a way people can relate to... 

Well friends and family, I head home tomorrow with very mixed emotions. I feel like I've been gone for a very long time so it will be nice to get home (and wonderful when I get to see my hubby and baby girl next Sunday). But leaving isn't easy either. Lyle has been up and down since the transplant. There are so many drugs and so many variables and his body is starting a new fight which is tiring. It's been a huge education in science and medicine. It hasn't exactly been a vacation but there have been some good times and good laughs along the way. God has been so gracious and kind. I talked to a 75 year old lady today who also counts herself blessed as she has battled her own cancer for 7 years. Without the breakthroughs in medicines and cancer treatments, she wouldn't have lasted 5 months. The time has allowed her to reconnect with her estranged children, the final holdout being her oldest daughter who she spoke to on July 4th for the first time in 10 years. God brings many blessings through trials and gives us chances to reconnect, heal, and make amends. These journeys may not be easy, but they are not wasted time. Ironically this same random elderly lady that we ended up sharing lunch with because the cafeteria was so full, told me that she has 9 children... 7 of whom live in Calgary.... the other 2 in Charlottetown, PEI. I fully expect to run into them randomly some day because that's just what God seems to do. I wish you all blessings in the midst of your own trials and I thank you for sharing this journey with me and all my family. Thank you for your continual prayers, encouragement and support. I will see you all soon. Signing off with love from Calgary. Beth 

 

Nothing is random.  God intertwines lives in a way we can not imagine.  Our trials, difficulties and failures will put us in contact with people we would never otherwise have met.  And this all fits in with God's greater perspective, His great plan.  Keep this in mind as you meet someone new today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Almighty God, Father God, God of great mercy. I love and am grateful I can come before you knowing you accept me as your child whom you love.
 
Thank you so much dear Jesus that you are with me where ever I go. Like a child in his mother's arms I come to you. Take ownership of me, guide me, prompt me, teach me, and instruct me dear God in the way I should go. May your great plan for my life be fulfilled so I may be closer to you.
 
Thank you Father even for the trials and failures that I have endured and will endure.  Teach me that Your plan is unfolding according to Your purpose even in those hard times.  Open my eyes to the people You place in my path, especially in those times, and may I pour into their lives in a way that affects eternity for them and others.
 
Thank you dear God for all you have done and will do.
 
(adapted from http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=2905)

Daily Prayer - Rest for your soul?

Good Monday morning, my friends.

 

One of my favourite scriptures is where Jesus says: 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) 

Does religion weigh you down?  Does it burden you?  Jesus invites us to come to Him, not to a set of rules and regulations, but into a relationship.  I know that most of us know this already, but is it the truth in our lives today?  Our relationship with Jesus should bring rest for our souls.  We should be rejuvenated by prayer, by time reading God's word.

 

If your yoke feels heavy, perhaps you need to come back to the One Who can replace it with something lighter.  When was the last time you read the Gospels just to spend time with Jesus?

 

 

Grace and peace be your in abundance,

Bruce

 

(I want to thank each and every one of you who has been praying for my brother, Lyle, and the rest of my family these past few days.  We are so deeply appreciative for the blessings that have been showered down on us because of your prayers.  Lyle is doing very well and actually went home Saturday on a "day pass".  Perhaps counter-intuitively, perhaps not, home is a safer place for him than the hospital.  There are far fewer viruses and bugs at home, and access can be much more easily restricted.  This is extremely important because Lyle's immune system is not simply compromised, it is non-existent.  And until, by the grace of God, it rebuilds, Lyle is susceptible to any infection or disease that comes along.  We are praying that God creates a "force-field" around the house that keeps Lyle safe and healthy during his recovery.)

 

God you not only have a lovely dwelling place, you are a lovely dwelling place. A perfect peace upon which to rest my weary head. I'm tired today…I do not always want to do what you want me to do…but sustain me past the unwanted and move me to what is needed. Because what is needed is more of You.
 
I do not always make good choices. I stumble and fall daily…but because you surround my heart…I can breathe. I choose peace. I choose joy. I choose love…because that is where I find you. Your dwelling place is hopeful and positive. It reinforces in me everything that I know to be true. Keep me dwelling with you Lord…it's my safe place…my refuge and shelter.
 
Surround me with your love today. Wrap me tight into your promises. Guard my heart from joy thieves and rest my mind with you. Thank you that no matter what, you never leave me. I'm stuck to you and you let me stick.
 
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
 
(http://stephanieclayton.org/2011/12/05/prayer-for-a-weary-soul/)

Daily Prayer - Easter Friday?

Good Friday morning, my friends.

  

It may be Friday, but it feels like Sunday in my family.  Easter Sunday.  A day of the dead being raised to life.  There is lots of anticipation as my brother Lyle's stem cell transplant begins at 9:00am Calgary time this morning.  I am so grateful for all the prayers you guys brought to the Throne Room yesterday - they have definitely been heard.  The medical staff "harvested" an abundance of stem cells from my sister, Beth - way over the amount needed.  And it goes way beyond that as you will read.  God is good.  I feel you have become part of my family during this and I wanted to share with you what Beth wrote last evening:  

If any one here ever doubted the power of prayer I can tell you that those doubts are all gone. With the exception of a few very miserable hours, the effects the doctors and nurses have been expecting have been minimal or nonexistent. Instead of being greeted by a half dead man in his bed this morning as we expected, he met us at the door to his room in a frustrated state because there were no towels and soap in his bathroom and he wanted to have a shower. He looked better than any day since I've come! It was stunningly unbelievable to all of us. We got the nurse to fix him up so he could shower before his total body radiation and I went on my way down to the clinic to get ready for my hook up. He was really nerved up today because they were due to give him a double dose of yesterday's medication and he thought he was going to die from it. Instead, he has not thrown up once today, he has not run a fever, and has only had mild chills occasionally. In addition to the drug we call the rabbit juice (because it comes from rabbits), he had 2 sessions of radiation as well as a chest xray. When I saw him after my collection was finished, he looked like it was just any other day. And then we all celebrated with hugs and tears as it sank in once again what is happening. I wish I could put into words what this is, but I cannot even put it into thought. It is only in the exchanged looks where eyes fill with tears that it can be felt and shared. This frustrates me a little because I try to understand it and want to share it, but I am totally baffled by the strength of the emotions attached to it. Tomorrow we want to be there as they hang that bag of cells to feed to his body. It seems a very momentous occasion that will be totally underwhelming in its simplicity. This blood is new hope, promise, new life.... the only way to life. Again I can't help but see the glaring analogy to the Father's love. I feel great. I should be exhausted but I'm barely tired. Many hugs and thanks to all of you who have been praying, our Lord is listening and faithfully answering. Your hearts and souls are such a blessing, don't ever underestimate your worth. Lyle is looking forward to coming down to the Island to hug every one. He's talking August. I used to think that was crazy. I'm now putting bets on it. lol GOD HEARS AND HE IS GOOD!

  

God is good.

  

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours!

Bruce

Dear Jesus, Divine Physician, Healer of the Sick.

We call upon you and ask your help for our loved ones who are suffering from cancer.
We entrust them to your loving care.
They are your children and they are in pain.
Give them the ability to know in their hearts
that you are with them in this difficult time.

Give them strength and healing.
Comfort them in their fears,
soothe their anxiety,
and let them rest securely in your arms.

Help those who care for them.
Give insight to researchers that they may discover cures.
Give patience and energy to doctors and nurses so that
they will care for them with grace and love.

For us, their families, their friends and their community,
we need your courage and strength,
to be with them and help them bear their burdens.
Give us joy, peace and confidence in you
so that we may stand with them in faith and trust,
witnessing to your healing love.

For you are blessed, for ever and ever. Amen.
(adapted from http://www.anthonian.org/resources/prayers/300-prayer-for-those-who-have-cancer-and-their-loved-ones)

Daily Prayer - A personal prayer request

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

I try to avoid using this message as a personal prayer request line.  But today is different.  Tomorrow my brother, Lyle, will undergo a stem cell transplant procedure in Calgary to treat leukemia - blood cancer.  The donor will be my beautiful little sister, Beth.

 

These last few days have been very difficult for both of them, and all our family.  Here is a snippet of what Beth wrote the other day:

What is it, T-3 (three days to transplant) now? Friday is coming and the thought occurs to me that this is a bit like Easter. Today things are fine, and Lyle has an absolute cast iron stomach and a will to match. But we have been absolutely assured tomorrow will not be fine. The next 3 days will be the toughest. Lyle will not get out of the hospital. It is time to completely kill his immunity and it will be harsh and even risky. Though I still have no doubt that he sits in the palm of God's hand and will be fine, we are all preparing mentally for the next 3 days. But just like Easter Sunday is the start of new life, so is Friday for Lyle. He will be given new life through the blood of someone who loves him.

 

It is nothing short of mind-blowing. New life. But death first. We will cry. We will try to comfort - him and each other. It will be torture. But our Easter is coming and we hold on to that, looking forward to the new chapter. 

Mind-blowing indeed.  I love her faith.  And it has been amazing to watch God move throughout this ordeal.  Every step of the way He has been answering our prayers (and there have been many).  Last night there was a gathering at another brother's house.  About 25 people were there - my mother, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends - to pray for the coming days.  I and others joined them through a live Skype-like teleconference.  It is incredible to know that in the midst of this great ordeal that God is at work in my family, drawing us closer to Him and to each other.

 

So my request to you is to lift up Lyle, his wife Mona, and kids Trevor and Ellise.  Lift up my family.  Lift up the medical staff.  And praise God for what He has done and is about to do.

 

Thank you on behalf of all of us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord, we pray for Lyle today, that the Lord will work out His perfect will in this situation and bring about healing. We ask that The Great Physician will heal him and that the fire of God will destroy all the cancer cells. We speak peace to Lyle and ask the healing virtue of Our Lord God will flow through every vein, tissue, cell, ligament and that healing will manifest.
 
We believe that Gods desire is manifest in his life. His desire is written in 3 John 2 "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along".
 
We speak peace to Beth and to Lyle's family. We speak uncommon provisions to cater for all the expenses needed to take care of them.
 
We destroy every generational curse and declare that they will not continue but the blessings of God will overshadow each and every one of them.  We are in agreement with Gods word in Jeremiah 30:17 " But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the LORD."
 
So be it, in Jesus Name. Amen.
 
(adapted from http://prayer-for-cancer.com/)

Daily Prayer - What can I do to help?

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

This morning I listened to a podcast sermon by Andy Stanley on leadership.  Two things he spoke of stood out for me ... 

The first was this statement: "Do for the one what you want to do for all."  Jesus did this all the time.  He did not heal everyone in the world when He was here - but He did heal all those He had an opportunity to meet face-to-face.  And so it should be for us.  We may not be able to bring about world peace or alleviate starvation in the third world, but we can take each opportunity God puts in front of us and do for the one what we want to do for all.

 

The second think was this simple question: "What can I do to help?"  This is the essence of servant-leadership.  Not that we stand and hold the door all day for others and not get anything done, but rather we use whatever power, whatever authority we have, to help those who are in our charge - be they employees, children, spouse, whomever.  As someone today (and everyday) what you can do to help. 

Living out these two principles is, in essence, living out the Gospel. And it will Bring opportunities to present the Gospel.

 

May you and I be the leaders we were created, and called, to be.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord,
 
Grant us the wisdom know what to do with this teaching
And the courage to to do it.