Thank goodness I am not superstitious. Knock on wood! Spent the morning in the hospitals but came out with good reports. Little Ethan Isaacs is doing well and Pat Shepard should receiver her prognosis by Monday or Tuesday. Phil Darlage has a heart back in rhythm but now they want to work on his breathing. Hopes to be home Monday or Tuesday. And Debbie Hamilton was up and eager to come home. Amazing!
Still remembering my neighbor with the untimely death of his wife. Made a short visit and they are certainly suffering. Kids are in. Keep them in your prayers.
The mission group had a great trip but are certainly tired. Accomplished much with much still to be done.
If you are balding, forgive me for the following thought. Most men resist or do not realize they are going bald. What others see clearly they only begin to realize by teasing over the last remnants of hair to sadly hide the truth.
That reminds me of Samson, who "did not know that the Lord had departed from him" (Judges 16:20).
A similar thing happens to the Christian who dabbles in the things of the world. He goes deeper into sin, slowly sliding away from the Lord, without knowing what is happening. It is not until he has had some startling experience—perhaps due to God’s discipline—that he sees his true condition. When brought under the searchlight of the Word of God, the deceived one is shocked to realize how Satan has stripped away his spiritual power and discernment.
Television, movie, and home video habits reveal how far some people have slipped. Suggestive words and immoral themes, once considered offensive, are tolerated as acceptable entertainment.
To avoid the kind of shock that Barney experienced, it’s important to examine ourselves daily.
O Lord, help us to recognize
When we begin to compromise,
And give us strength to follow through
With what we know is right and true.
Most often, falling into sin is not a blowout but a slow leak.