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.

JANUARY 11th; LORD'S Day (Sunday); 2026.

THIS WEEK'S SERMON. In This Week's Sermon, Dr. Spence will continue, GOD Willing, his Series entitled The Three Pourings Of Prayer. This week he will by GOD'S Grace persist in the consideration of The Second Pouring Of Prayer. Psalm 62.8. “Pour out your heart before Him.”

THIS WEEK'S PSALM. This week we'll be resinging the Twenty-Third Psalm by Rev. Dr. Isaac Watts (1674-1748). Last week, many enjoyed the tune and the words. This week we shall endeavor to write this music more into our hearts. These words and tune formed beloved music that was commonly sung at the time of our American Revolutionary War and throughout the years of our Civil War. Dr. Watts came from a Family of Independents. During his childhood, his Father was often persecuted for his Faith. When a wealthy Physician offered to pay for Dr. Watts' education so he could be ordained in the Church of England, he preferred for conscience's sake to identify himself with the suffering Independents. In time, Dr. Watts became one of the leading Independents of his time. He pastored the little but famous Mark Lane Independent Chapel in London, England, where the great Dr. John Owen once served as Pastor.

THIS WEEK'S REPORT. 1. Pray for a dying Sister. During these days, she is back and forth from the Care Facility to the Hospital. Not only is the Sister concerned about her Sister, but in last week's Church Service, there were others who were saddened and concerned for this sick Lady too. Please keep her in Prayer. 2. After bringing his Family to several of the Care Facilities two weeks ago, Dr. Spence was pleased to see a new Lady attend. It was the result of the Family's attendance. This Lady has lived in her Care Facility for 4 years, yet it was the first time she attended the Church Services. After the Meeting, she voluntarily said that she'll now be attending every week. And from the manner in which she attended the first Church Service, it will not be a surprise when she continues. 3. Because of “the super flu” outbreak, some Care Facilities have for the present closed their doors. For this reason, Dr. Spence missed one of his usual Church Services last week (although the majority of his Homes are keeping their doors open). 4. Yet some Residents pointed out that they are glad that almost all of their Families are in good health. 5. Last week, before the Church Service, a Lady in one of the Care Facilities had “a health episode.” Please keep her in Prayer. 6. Some Residents will be having surgery soon. 7. A Lady fell and cut her head in several places. 8. A Lady who will be going to a Dentist in the approaching weeks. She says this appointment is important. 9. A Gentleman (who was not well since last Fall) is feeling much better. He is now sleeping through the night. Isaiah 44.6 says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God.” Verses 24-28 say in part: “Thus saith the Lord, Thy Redeemer, He is My Shepherd, and shall perform all My Pleasure.” *In This Week's Report, 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. The last Words of Hebrews 6.2 say: “And of the doctrine of baptisms.” In his admirable Exposition Of Hebrews, that truly great Independent, Dr. John Owen (1616-1683), says of these Words: “There is no little difficulty by the Word 'baptisms' being in the plural. The most general interpretation of the Words and meaning of the Apostle is, that though baptism is never to be repeated on the same subject [person], yet because those who are baptized are many, every one of them being made partakers of the same baptism in special, that of them all is called 'baptisms.' Some have thought the reference is to the various baptisms, such as baptism of external purification, baptism of the Spirit, baptism of affliction, even unto blood; and this hath in it much probability, and which next unto what I have fixed on that I should embrace.”