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 10th; LORD'S Day (Sunday); 2024.

THIS WEEK'S HYMN. “O God Our Help In Ages Past” by Rev. Dr. Isaac Watts (1674-1748). These words were written by Dr. Watts for his Psalmbook and forms the Ninetieth Psalm. In the Singing-book that Dr. Spence compiled specially for the Care Facility Meetings, there is printed the entire piece. The words (unedited and unabridged) fill nine verses. This week we'll be singing the entire Psalm. There will be a pause after the fifth verse—at which time, Dr. Spence will give his usual Exhortation during the Psalms and Hymns—and, afterwards, the rest of the Psalm will be sung.

MATTERS FOR PRAYER. 1. At two Care Facilities last week, there were Funerals that happened during the time of the Church Services. Therefore some who usually attend were absent. Nevertheless, there was a good attendance. Please pray for those who have recently lost close Friends. 2. In another Care Facility, there is a dear Lady who is always concerned about the Church Service. For years, the Care Facility was unable to secure the services of a Preacher. Therefore after the Weekly Church Service, when Dr. Spence is about to leave every week, she always asks: “But, Dr. Spence, when will you be back?” Please pray for the Meetings in all the Homes, that they will be spiritual Blessings in every place. We still ask for great things from GOD. Psalm 90.12 says: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto Wisdom.” *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 3.9,10 says: “They saw My Works forty years in the wilderness.” In his admirable Exposition Of Hebrews, Dr. John Owen (1616-1683) says of these Words: “These Words are wonderful. They show the best advantage of a 'wilderness.' The wilderness was the place where the Jews were brought unto liberty after the sore bondage of Egypt; it was the place where they lived solely and visibly upon God's extraordinary daily provision for them; it was also the place where they had none to tempt them, to provoke them, to entice them into sin, for the people 'dwelt alone and were not reckoned among the nations;' and it was the place where they continually saw the Works of God, and that for 'forty years.'" "And yet the recorded Jewish history testifies that all such spiritual advantages will do men no good, if they are not careful to 'walk with God.'"

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!"