Friday was the cremation and thanksgiving service for Glen in Liverpool. It was a time of sadness and tears but also a time of laughter and hope, as we were reminded we were not saying goodbye to Glen but goodnight see you in the morning.
Often we hear such things spoken as a vague wish much as a child may make a wish when they blow a candle out on their birthday cake, but this was not a paper thin wish. It was a hope with all the confidence and power of God Almighty behind it! We said goodnight to Glen knowing with certainty that the almighty creator of the universe who by his mighty power raised his Son from the dead has promised that Jesus is just the first of those who put their faith in him to fall asleep before waking in his presence. Our hope as we said goodbye was as concrete as the physical and historical resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Thankfulness to God is what marked the service on Friday. Thankfulness to God for the gift of Glen to Anne, to his family and to those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, thankfulness to God for saving Glen by faith in Jesus, thankfulness for God's faithfulness in keeping Glen through his battle with cancer, and thankfulness that this was not a final goodbye but a hope filled goodnight see you in the morning.
Two passages from the bible which meant a lot to Glen were read:
Romans 5:1-11"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
1 John 4:7-21
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us. If we say we love God yet hate a brother or sister, we are liars. For if we do not love a fellow believer, whom we have seen, we cannot love God, whom we have not seen. And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love one another."
There was a realism about the suffering Glen faced, a realism about the questions we are left with, and a realism about the need to grieve a life full yet short, and there was a realism about hope - the distinctive hope of those who trust in Jesus as their Saviour, a hope that is a confident expectation that this was not a goodbye but a temporary goodnight see you in the morning.
Knowing Glen and his passion for Jesus there is one last thing he would want me to ask. Can you face death with that same hope? It is not something you can summon or create within yourself but which comes through faith in Jesus, the one who died for us to bring us back to a God who loves us. Why not explore that hope by reading one of the gospels and asking yourself who Jesus is? Or by finding a good church where they teach the bible near you to go to and ask that question - who is Jesus who brings hope even in the face of death?
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Update - Wednesday 1st June
Thank you for all your prayers, the transfer to the hospice went well and he is settled there and seems more comfortable. It is also a good environment for family and friends as they say goodbye to Glen.
Please be continuing to pray for Anne and the family as they spend time with Glen, there have been moments of laughter even in Glen's final days which for so many of us will be the way we remember him. It is a real blessing for them to have those moments in this situation.
In John's gospel and chapter 11 we see the authority and power of Jesus over death, Lazarus Jesus friend has died and as he speaks to Martha his grieving sister he says these words: "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus then goes on to prove who he is by raising a four day dead Lazarus back to life again, but interestingly he comforts Martha not with a promise of what he is about to do but what he will ultimately do, what he does now for everyone who trusts in him. Death is not the end for Jesus, so it is not the end for Lazarus and it will not be the end for Glen, because whoever lives by believing in Jesus will never die.
And that is the comfort for Anne and the family. It is not a comfort that the pain will lessen over time though it may, it is the comfort that is found in Jesus words: "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Which was true of Glen who believed even in the face of his living for Christ with cancer.
But notice Jesus ends by posing a question, how would you answer it? How you do determines whether you have hope or not.
Prayer: Father God thank you that because Jesus is the resurrection and the life we can entrust Glen into your care knowing that he is falling asleep in you and will awaken into your presence. Thank you that you have conquered every illness and even death itself in Jesus. Father we pray practically that Glen would be comfortable and that you would take him to be with you where he will know that he is more than a conqueror in you.
Father thank you too that the comfort we have to share is the comfort of a hope that is certain because it is grounded in the life, actions, death, and resurrection of our Saviour. And we ask that you would comfort Anne and the rest of the family with your word and your work in Jesus.
Amen.
Please be continuing to pray for Anne and the family as they spend time with Glen, there have been moments of laughter even in Glen's final days which for so many of us will be the way we remember him. It is a real blessing for them to have those moments in this situation.
In John's gospel and chapter 11 we see the authority and power of Jesus over death, Lazarus Jesus friend has died and as he speaks to Martha his grieving sister he says these words: "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus then goes on to prove who he is by raising a four day dead Lazarus back to life again, but interestingly he comforts Martha not with a promise of what he is about to do but what he will ultimately do, what he does now for everyone who trusts in him. Death is not the end for Jesus, so it is not the end for Lazarus and it will not be the end for Glen, because whoever lives by believing in Jesus will never die.
And that is the comfort for Anne and the family. It is not a comfort that the pain will lessen over time though it may, it is the comfort that is found in Jesus words: "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Which was true of Glen who believed even in the face of his living for Christ with cancer.
But notice Jesus ends by posing a question, how would you answer it? How you do determines whether you have hope or not.
Prayer: Father God thank you that because Jesus is the resurrection and the life we can entrust Glen into your care knowing that he is falling asleep in you and will awaken into your presence. Thank you that you have conquered every illness and even death itself in Jesus. Father we pray practically that Glen would be comfortable and that you would take him to be with you where he will know that he is more than a conqueror in you.
Father thank you too that the comfort we have to share is the comfort of a hope that is certain because it is grounded in the life, actions, death, and resurrection of our Saviour. And we ask that you would comfort Anne and the rest of the family with your word and your work in Jesus.
Amen.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Update - Tuesday 31st May
Glen is being moved to the hospice today and the family are travelling over to Liverpool to say their good byes. In the midst of this sorrow God is still good and there are comforts for both Glen and them even in this situation. Whilst Glen is unable to talk and is paralysed on his right side he is more settled and calmer than he has been and has enjoyed having the bible read to him and a visit from his pastor. It is a great reassurance to know that he has hope even now.
I would ask you to pray today that the transfer goes well and does not cause any discomfort and that Glen settles quickly at the hospice, pray too for the family on what is going to be a very hard day for them, pray that they would know God's comfort and his strength.
Romans 8v31-39 says: "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We are confident as Glen enters his final days that even now his and our Saviour is in heaven interceding for Glen, for the family and for us. We are confident that nothing (not paralysis, not cancer, and not death) shall separate Glen or his family from the love of God that they have experienced, are experiencing, and will experience in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen this afternoon, asking that the transfer to the hospice would go well, and that he would quickly be comfortable and at peace there. Thank you that even now your word means so much to him and we ask that he would continue to treasure your promises. We pray for the family today as they go to say their good byes to a loved son and brother who has blessed them, encouraged them, spurred them on and so often made them laugh. Father we know that those who hope in you grieve differently but we still grieve and we pray that you would be with them as they grieve and say good bye today. Father, when that is done we would ask that you show mercy to our brother and friend and that he would suffer no more.
I would ask you to pray today that the transfer goes well and does not cause any discomfort and that Glen settles quickly at the hospice, pray too for the family on what is going to be a very hard day for them, pray that they would know God's comfort and his strength.
Romans 8v31-39 says: "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We are confident as Glen enters his final days that even now his and our Saviour is in heaven interceding for Glen, for the family and for us. We are confident that nothing (not paralysis, not cancer, and not death) shall separate Glen or his family from the love of God that they have experienced, are experiencing, and will experience in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen this afternoon, asking that the transfer to the hospice would go well, and that he would quickly be comfortable and at peace there. Thank you that even now your word means so much to him and we ask that he would continue to treasure your promises. We pray for the family today as they go to say their good byes to a loved son and brother who has blessed them, encouraged them, spurred them on and so often made them laugh. Father we know that those who hope in you grieve differently but we still grieve and we pray that you would be with them as they grieve and say good bye today. Father, when that is done we would ask that you show mercy to our brother and friend and that he would suffer no more.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Hope in a Hopeless situation
Dear all, I've been asked to write this blog by Glen's mum. The weekend has been hard, Glen had another fit and has been in hospital since, he has not really recovered from this second fit and has not been coherent since. Yesterday a scan on Glen's brain revealed a number of additional tumours, including a large one at the front of his brain. These tumours mean that no further treatment is possible and in all probability that Glen does not have long left until God calls to take him to be with him.
Glen is sleeping a lot, but seems to like to know that there are people in the room with him. They are waiting for a hospice space to be organised so that he can be moved. These are words that many of us had hoped and prayed that we would never have to write or to read, but they are not words without hope.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 5:1-11 "1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
This is the hope that Glen, Anne, Ruth and the family have in this situation. It is not a vague hope but one grounded in God showing his love for them in sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for Glen, so that he is made right with God (justified) can enjoy a relationship with God (reconciled) and a certain hope that he will see God face to face healed and liberated from every physical ailment. The cancer will not win God will.
I would ask you to pray this evening for Glen, that God in his mercy would ensure that he does not suffer and take him home. I would ask you to pray to for Anne, Ruth and the rest of the family, that they would know the certainty of their hope in Christ.
I know Glen would want me to ask this of those for whom death is a terrifying thing. What is your hope? You can know the same hope that Glen knows by trusting Glen's saviour for yourself.
Prayer: Father God we come to you with heavy to hearts and bring our loved friend Glen to you. We pray that you would be merciful to him and take him home to be with you. We pray for his family may they know your strength at this time we ask, may the hope that Glen has and they share sustain them. And may they know your love for them by your Spirit and through your people. Amen.
Glen is sleeping a lot, but seems to like to know that there are people in the room with him. They are waiting for a hospice space to be organised so that he can be moved. These are words that many of us had hoped and prayed that we would never have to write or to read, but they are not words without hope.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 5:1-11 "1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
This is the hope that Glen, Anne, Ruth and the family have in this situation. It is not a vague hope but one grounded in God showing his love for them in sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for Glen, so that he is made right with God (justified) can enjoy a relationship with God (reconciled) and a certain hope that he will see God face to face healed and liberated from every physical ailment. The cancer will not win God will.
I would ask you to pray this evening for Glen, that God in his mercy would ensure that he does not suffer and take him home. I would ask you to pray to for Anne, Ruth and the rest of the family, that they would know the certainty of their hope in Christ.
I know Glen would want me to ask this of those for whom death is a terrifying thing. What is your hope? You can know the same hope that Glen knows by trusting Glen's saviour for yourself.
Prayer: Father God we come to you with heavy to hearts and bring our loved friend Glen to you. We pray that you would be merciful to him and take him home to be with you. We pray for his family may they know your strength at this time we ask, may the hope that Glen has and they share sustain them. And may they know your love for them by your Spirit and through your people. Amen.
Friday, 25 February 2011
Friday 25th February - Update
It has been a hard week for Glen, Anne and the family. The good news is that subject to a scan and one or two other things Glen should be able to join one of the clinical trials. We need to be continuing to pray that Glen would be suitable for the trial and that it would prove successful.
Whilst it has been a hard week Glen and Anne are continuing to trust in God. Their confidence is in their redeemer who they know lives and who intercedes on their behalf.
In Mark 14 we see Jesus at his lowest point, he is in the garden of Gethsemane and he knows what is coming. He knows that everyone will abandon him, he knows that he is about to be betrayed, that he will be arrested, mocked, beaten and crucified. And he knows that he must drink the cup of God's anger against sin. That's why he asks God, his Father, if there is any other way, not once but three times, before having prayed he resolves to do his father's will willingly.
It is an astonishing scene which shows us the full consequences of our rebellion against God, but also Jesus great love for his people that he will face God's anger willingly so that we do not have to.
What also strikes you as you read the story is Jesus dependence on his father. By contrast his disciples Peter, James and John the three who have made boasts about standing with him when everyone else fails don't pray and they fail; fall asleep. Our Saviour loves us so much he gave himself for us knowing the full extent of his Father's anger against sin and the full extent of our weakness and failings. It also reminds us of the wonder of access to God we have in prayer, that we can't stand in our own strength but must learn to depend on him.
Prayer: Father God we want to thank you for your great love for us which is shown in your sending your son who so willingly pays the cost for our rebellion against you. Father thank you that because of Jesus we can come to you as your children and bring you our prayers. We lift Glen and Anne to you we pray that they would both continue to depend on you and that you would continue to prove yourself faithful. We pray too for test results which mean Glen can join this clinical trial.
Father God thank you that Glen's future is in your hands. Amen.
Whilst it has been a hard week Glen and Anne are continuing to trust in God. Their confidence is in their redeemer who they know lives and who intercedes on their behalf.
In Mark 14 we see Jesus at his lowest point, he is in the garden of Gethsemane and he knows what is coming. He knows that everyone will abandon him, he knows that he is about to be betrayed, that he will be arrested, mocked, beaten and crucified. And he knows that he must drink the cup of God's anger against sin. That's why he asks God, his Father, if there is any other way, not once but three times, before having prayed he resolves to do his father's will willingly.
It is an astonishing scene which shows us the full consequences of our rebellion against God, but also Jesus great love for his people that he will face God's anger willingly so that we do not have to.
What also strikes you as you read the story is Jesus dependence on his father. By contrast his disciples Peter, James and John the three who have made boasts about standing with him when everyone else fails don't pray and they fail; fall asleep. Our Saviour loves us so much he gave himself for us knowing the full extent of his Father's anger against sin and the full extent of our weakness and failings. It also reminds us of the wonder of access to God we have in prayer, that we can't stand in our own strength but must learn to depend on him.
Prayer: Father God we want to thank you for your great love for us which is shown in your sending your son who so willingly pays the cost for our rebellion against you. Father thank you that because of Jesus we can come to you as your children and bring you our prayers. We lift Glen and Anne to you we pray that they would both continue to depend on you and that you would continue to prove yourself faithful. We pray too for test results which mean Glen can join this clinical trial.
Father God thank you that Glen's future is in your hands. Amen.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Thursday 24th Feb - Update
Glen is waiting on hearing whether he is suitable for one of the clinical trials and whether there is space on that trial for him. It will be at least 2 weeks before whichever treatment is decided is best begins.
We need to be praying for patience as they wait to find out which treatment is best and then as they wait for the treatment to start. The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for all of the family and we need to pray for them to continue to trust in God as they wait results and treatment starting.
Psalm 61
"Hear my cry , O God,
listen to my prayer,
from the ends of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy."
Prayer:
Father God your word reminds us that you are sovereign and you are also unfailing faithful to your word and your purposes. It reminds us of the privilege it is to know you and be known by you, and we come and thank you for Glen's knowledge of you and that you know him as your child. Father we lift Glen, Anne and the rest of the family to you; we ask that you would sustain them as they await yet more results and treatment, Lord when their frustration mounts or they feel drained be their resolve and their comfort we pray. Help them to draw comfort from your love and your plans and purposes for them we pray. Father we continue to ask that as the one who made us, who formed us, who knows our every breath you would graciously heal Glen's body. We ask all this trusting in your will and your way.
Amen
We need to be praying for patience as they wait to find out which treatment is best and then as they wait for the treatment to start. The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for all of the family and we need to pray for them to continue to trust in God as they wait results and treatment starting.
Psalm 61
"Hear my cry , O God,
listen to my prayer,
from the ends of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy."
Prayer:
Father God your word reminds us that you are sovereign and you are also unfailing faithful to your word and your purposes. It reminds us of the privilege it is to know you and be known by you, and we come and thank you for Glen's knowledge of you and that you know him as your child. Father we lift Glen, Anne and the rest of the family to you; we ask that you would sustain them as they await yet more results and treatment, Lord when their frustration mounts or they feel drained be their resolve and their comfort we pray. Help them to draw comfort from your love and your plans and purposes for them we pray. Father we continue to ask that as the one who made us, who formed us, who knows our every breath you would graciously heal Glen's body. We ask all this trusting in your will and your way.
Amen
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Tuesday 20th February - update
This afternoon Glen and Anne met with Mr Marshall the consultant to discuss possible treatments. There are a number of options open to them, and they have gone home this evening to decide which ones they want to take up. It is possible that Glen could take part in a clinical trial or that he could undergo a course of Chemotherapy. Tomorrow they will have a phone consultation about their decision and the way forward.
They would value our prayers for them in the decision they must make. Lets be praying that God would enable them to trust in him and rest secure in the decision they make. Lets also be praying that tonight they enjoy a good rest.
Proverbs tells us "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
Prayer: Father God thank you for the skill and wisdom you have given to those treating Glen, thank you to that there are further possibilities treatment wise. We lift Glen, Anne and the family to you this evening praying that you would help them to trust in you as they make the decision about what treatment to have.
They would value our prayers for them in the decision they must make. Lets be praying that God would enable them to trust in him and rest secure in the decision they make. Lets also be praying that tonight they enjoy a good rest.
Proverbs tells us "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
Prayer: Father God thank you for the skill and wisdom you have given to those treating Glen, thank you to that there are further possibilities treatment wise. We lift Glen, Anne and the family to you this evening praying that you would help them to trust in you as they make the decision about what treatment to have.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Monday 21st February
Tomorrow afternoon Glen and Anne see the consultant to discuss the scan and potential treatments, I will update the blog with news as and when I get it to keep you up to date.
But in the meantime it would be great if you would remember them in your prayers. Uncertainty is hard to live with, we all tend to start crossing bridges, trying to answer the what if questions. It is right and good that we pray for them to rest, not just to sleep though we should pray that for the family, but that they would rest in God.
Rest is one of the Bible's big theme, creation climaxes on day 7 when God rests from his work of creation, that doesn't mean that God got out the deck chair and put his feet up but he rested from his creating. Adam and Eve are made to enjoy the rest of God. But that rest is forfeited when they, just as we do, decided they wanted to rule, to decide right and wrong, for themselves, and as a result of the fall rest became difficult. In a world where work is hard, death exists, suffering is real, and illness experienced by all rest is ruined by sin.
It is what makes Jesus words in Matthew all the more startling "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." And its against that backdrop that the writer to the Hebrews reminds those he writes to, who are in danger of forgetting, the rest that is theirs in Jesus.
God promises that by faith in Jesus we will enter his rest, a rest which is worth entering, that is coming and yet we taste now, that is still open, that is certain because he promises it, and which is reached by faith.
Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen, Anne and the family. We ask that they would rest in you, that they would turn their anxieties and worries over to you. We ask that they would be able to physically rest this evening and tonight, and that they would know the comfort of tasting now the rest that comes from being in a right relationship with you, a rest dependent not on what we do but on what Jesus has done for us.
But in the meantime it would be great if you would remember them in your prayers. Uncertainty is hard to live with, we all tend to start crossing bridges, trying to answer the what if questions. It is right and good that we pray for them to rest, not just to sleep though we should pray that for the family, but that they would rest in God.
Rest is one of the Bible's big theme, creation climaxes on day 7 when God rests from his work of creation, that doesn't mean that God got out the deck chair and put his feet up but he rested from his creating. Adam and Eve are made to enjoy the rest of God. But that rest is forfeited when they, just as we do, decided they wanted to rule, to decide right and wrong, for themselves, and as a result of the fall rest became difficult. In a world where work is hard, death exists, suffering is real, and illness experienced by all rest is ruined by sin.
It is what makes Jesus words in Matthew all the more startling "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." And its against that backdrop that the writer to the Hebrews reminds those he writes to, who are in danger of forgetting, the rest that is theirs in Jesus.
God promises that by faith in Jesus we will enter his rest, a rest which is worth entering, that is coming and yet we taste now, that is still open, that is certain because he promises it, and which is reached by faith.
Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen, Anne and the family. We ask that they would rest in you, that they would turn their anxieties and worries over to you. We ask that they would be able to physically rest this evening and tonight, and that they would know the comfort of tasting now the rest that comes from being in a right relationship with you, a rest dependent not on what we do but on what Jesus has done for us.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Sunday 20th February
We were privileged to share lunch and board games with Glen, Anne and the rest of the family along with other friends today and it was great to see both Glen and Anne looking well. Glen has finally come to his senses and realised beards are cool! Though I think Anne may take some convincing.
They were both in good spirits and it was a fun afternoon with laughter and love. They would both value our continuing prayers for the week ahead especially Tuesday, as would the rest of the family.
Revelation 4 gives us a peak behind the curtains of history into the throne room of God, it shows us God sat on his throne, he reigns and rules and nothing jeopardises his rule. A Uganda bishop put it like this “Satan can roar like a lion but he has no right to shake the throne…” That is the reality that God is unveiling to John and to us.
God sits on his throne and creation worships him and the church worships him because he is sovereign and that is what he is due. This week God remains sovereign, he remains enthroned and history is heading inexorably to the moment when everyone will recognise him and his people will enjoy eternity forever with him. In the meantime we live longing for that rule and reign to be established, praising God for his sovereignty and his unfailing goodness even as we live in a world sick with sin and riven with its consequences. They do not challenge God's rule but remind us that our great and glorious God will one day remove all suffering, he will place his thumb on the cheek of his people and wipe the tears from their eyes, as he throws open the doors of his kingdom to welcome them in. In the meantime we are to live longing and praying for that day to come and God's will to be done.
Prayer: Father God we thank you and praise you for keeping Anne and Glen at this time. We pray that they would know your continuing help and the comfort of your sovereignty and love. Father we bring Tuesday to you and ask that you would remove anxieties and give wisdom to both the family and the doctors and nurses. Thank you for the comfort the knowledge of your sovereignty brings and for the promise our future holds because of your work of grace in our hearts and lives. Amen
They were both in good spirits and it was a fun afternoon with laughter and love. They would both value our continuing prayers for the week ahead especially Tuesday, as would the rest of the family.
Revelation 4 gives us a peak behind the curtains of history into the throne room of God, it shows us God sat on his throne, he reigns and rules and nothing jeopardises his rule. A Uganda bishop put it like this “Satan can roar like a lion but he has no right to shake the throne…” That is the reality that God is unveiling to John and to us.
God sits on his throne and creation worships him and the church worships him because he is sovereign and that is what he is due. This week God remains sovereign, he remains enthroned and history is heading inexorably to the moment when everyone will recognise him and his people will enjoy eternity forever with him. In the meantime we live longing for that rule and reign to be established, praising God for his sovereignty and his unfailing goodness even as we live in a world sick with sin and riven with its consequences. They do not challenge God's rule but remind us that our great and glorious God will one day remove all suffering, he will place his thumb on the cheek of his people and wipe the tears from their eyes, as he throws open the doors of his kingdom to welcome them in. In the meantime we are to live longing and praying for that day to come and God's will to be done.
Prayer: Father God we thank you and praise you for keeping Anne and Glen at this time. We pray that they would know your continuing help and the comfort of your sovereignty and love. Father we bring Tuesday to you and ask that you would remove anxieties and give wisdom to both the family and the doctors and nurses. Thank you for the comfort the knowledge of your sovereignty brings and for the promise our future holds because of your work of grace in our hearts and lives. Amen
Friday, 18 February 2011
Friday 18th Feburary
Glen and Anne are away visiting family this weekend and I'll be keeping the updates coming for the next few days. We need to remember them in our prayers as they await Tuesday and meeting Mr Marshall and as they take time to think, pray and discuss the future with family and friends.
Psalm 73 is a wisdom Psalm, in it the Psalmist looks at a broken world and seems on the point of despair until in the final stanzas he remembers where he is - in the temple - and that God's presence is his joy not circumstance, and his future is secure for all eternity. With this renewed perspective he can conclude that it is good for him to be near to God.
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds."
Psalm 73v23-28
Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen and Anne, that they may they have a restful few days, keep them safe as they travel, we pray that you would enable them to lie down and rest safe in the knowledge that they are yours. We pray that they would know you as their refuge and strength as you sustain them in the emotions and decisions they face.
Psalm 73 is a wisdom Psalm, in it the Psalmist looks at a broken world and seems on the point of despair until in the final stanzas he remembers where he is - in the temple - and that God's presence is his joy not circumstance, and his future is secure for all eternity. With this renewed perspective he can conclude that it is good for him to be near to God.
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds."
Psalm 73v23-28
Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen and Anne, that they may they have a restful few days, keep them safe as they travel, we pray that you would enable them to lie down and rest safe in the knowledge that they are yours. We pray that they would know you as their refuge and strength as you sustain them in the emotions and decisions they face.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Thursday 17th February - Update
Glen has asked me to write the blog for today. Today was scan results day and they were not what we had all been hoping for. The scans have shown some other tumours which have grown since the last scan.
Glen, Anne and the family are coping and continuing to put their trust in God who is and always will be good and sovereign. Next week they will see the consultant when they will find out more. They would value our prayers love and support as they take time to come to terms with the results and think about what is to come and the decisions they have to make.
Habukkuk is a little read prophet, his prophecy is like a bite sized version of Job, as he wrestles with the injustice of a world sick with sin. His conclusion provides words we need to hear:
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there be no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the sheepfold
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights."
God is not to be judged faithful by circumstance but by what he reveals to us of his character in his word and through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God we bring our brother Glen and his family to you. We are struck again by the sin sick nature of our world and mourn the affects it has on those we love. Father we ask you to heal Glen's body, to remove the tumours. Whilst recognising that our way is not always your way or even the best way.
Sustain Glen, Anne and the family at this time we pray, may they rejoice that their hope is in you. Make their feet that feel so weak, strong as they walk this path, give them rest, comfort and the reassurance that none of this has surprised you, that they are loved by you as you have shown by giving your son for them and securing their glorious future.
Amen
Glen, Anne and the family are coping and continuing to put their trust in God who is and always will be good and sovereign. Next week they will see the consultant when they will find out more. They would value our prayers love and support as they take time to come to terms with the results and think about what is to come and the decisions they have to make.
Habukkuk is a little read prophet, his prophecy is like a bite sized version of Job, as he wrestles with the injustice of a world sick with sin. His conclusion provides words we need to hear:
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there be no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the sheepfold
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights."
God is not to be judged faithful by circumstance but by what he reveals to us of his character in his word and through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God we bring our brother Glen and his family to you. We are struck again by the sin sick nature of our world and mourn the affects it has on those we love. Father we ask you to heal Glen's body, to remove the tumours. Whilst recognising that our way is not always your way or even the best way.
Sustain Glen, Anne and the family at this time we pray, may they rejoice that their hope is in you. Make their feet that feel so weak, strong as they walk this path, give them rest, comfort and the reassurance that none of this has surprised you, that they are loved by you as you have shown by giving your son for them and securing their glorious future.
Amen
Saturday, 25 December 2010
A Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas to you all. Thought it would be good to have an update on today of all days. Amazingly our prayers have been answered and the latest news is that Glen will be going home today, though he will return for a scan tomorrow, the doctors have been very pleased with his progress. There is still some blurring to his vision but that is to be expected and the doctors are not concerned.
Glen and the family are grateful for God's grace and mercy to them and the skill and ability he has given the surgeons and medical professionals, and the amazing way God has made our bodies.
Prayer: Praise God for his goodness and Glen's amazing progress, pray for him to be wise as he continues to heal and not expect or try to do too much too early.
Scripture: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Glen and the family are grateful for God's grace and mercy to them and the skill and ability he has given the surgeons and medical professionals, and the amazing way God has made our bodies.
Prayer: Praise God for his goodness and Glen's amazing progress, pray for him to be wise as he continues to heal and not expect or try to do too much too early.
Scripture: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Friday, 24 December 2010
Update
Glen went down for his operation at about 10am this morning. By 1pm he was awake and had sat up in bed. The great news and answer to our prayers is that there have been no complications, both Glen and the family are very thankful to God for his work and our prayers.
I'll update again later this evening when there is more information. But for now let's praise God for his help and guidance this morning, and lets pray for a swift recovery, Glen would love to be out for Boxing Day so he can spend some time with Anne and the family. Let's pray too for them to know God's care and comfort during the recovery.
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
I'll update again later this evening when there is more information. But for now let's praise God for his help and guidance this morning, and lets pray for a swift recovery, Glen would love to be out for Boxing Day so he can spend some time with Anne and the family. Let's pray too for them to know God's care and comfort during the recovery.
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
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