Chaplain Dr. Paul Spence

An Independent Chaplain Serving Long Term Care Facilities For More Than 29 Years

"Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth." "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help." --Psalm 71.9,12.

AUGUST 31st; LORD'S Day (Sunday); 2025.

THIS WEEK'S SERMON. Isaiah 40.1,2.

THIS WEEK'S HYMN. “Man Of Sorrows” by Mr. Phillip P. Bliss (1838-1876). Mr. Bliss was an Independent. He was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. This particular Hymn was written by Mr. Bliss in 1875, which was the year before his death.

THIS WEEK'S PRAYER REQUESTS. 1. The stomach bug in many places is already making its rounds. Please pray for those who are sick. 2. A Lady who lost her son. He was only 39 years old. Many are touched by this death. Please keep the family and friends in Prayer. 3. A Gentleman, who, while he was visiting Walmart with his friends, had a bad fall on the concrete floor. When Dr. Spence came into his Care Facility last week, this Gentleman took the time to describe his fall and the pain he still has. In fact, because of the pain, he was on his way to his bed to rest. But when he found out it was time for the Church Service, he immediately revamped his plans and went with Dr. Spence to the Church Service. Let us keep this Gentleman in Prayer during these days. He attends Church every week. 4. Several Residents request Prayer for their families. 5. In one of Dr. Spence's Care Facilities, a Lady plays the Hymns and Psalms on the piano in the Traditional manner. Last week, Dr. Spence led in a Hymn she didn't know. Therefore in the first verse, she was quiet. In the second verse, she played only the lead notes. By the end of the third verse, the Lady had the tune down. When Dr. Spence remarked upon it, she said: “The key is hearing.” And is it not the same when it comes to the Gospel? Romans 10.17 says: “Faith cometh by hearing.” 6. In another Care Facility, because of the largeness of the place, there is a Resident who (when she can) meets Dr. Spence in the foyer, walks with him, and directs him to the place of Meeting. This is a help, so that time is not wasted. *In the Thanksgiving and Prayerlist sections, the names of the people have been withheld to protect their privacy. Nevertheless, the Thanksgivings and Prayer Requests are real and actual.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTATION. Hebrews 3.12 says: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you and evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” In his admirable Exposition Of Hebrews, Dr. John Owen (1616-1683) says of these Words: “When it comes to the special instances of unbelief, and the Gospel is proposed unto this or that man, for his assent and submission unto it, there is always some especial corruption of the mind or will voluntarily acted, if the soul be kept off from believing; and on that account principally, and not merely of original impotency and enmity against God, is the guilt of unbelief reflected upon the soul. Some are kept off believing the Gospel by inveterate prejudices in their minds; this is what the Scripture says shut out many Jews in unbelief. There is also an especial obstinacy of the will, strengthened by those prejudices. So that our Saviour saith to the Pharisees: 'Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life.'”

DO YOU WANT A BIBLE? Would you like a copy of the faithful King James Version Scriptures? Dr. Spence has two types. 1. There are used Bibles. These dear Books were read by different Residents in the Care Facilities. Before these Residents passed away, they gave their Bibles to Dr. Spence. They wanted Dr. Spence to distribute the Bibles in the Care Facilities. In these more recent years, these are the Bibles Dr. Spence has mainly given out. Many have been happy with them. Some of these Bibles are worn. Others are in good condition. Some are little New Testaments. Others are complete Bibles. Nevertheless, all contain the Word of GOD. 2. There are new Bibles and New Testaments. 3. There are the Psalms in Braille. If you or someone you know would use any of these, please contact us. The Books and postage are free. Revelation 1.3 says: "Blessed is he that readeth." Revelation 22.7 adds a second direction. "Blessed is he that keepeth the Sayings of this Book." In Rev. David Brainerd's last days of life, when the Scripture was read to him, he exclaimed: "O that lovely Book!"