Chaplain Dr. Paul Spence

An Independent Chaplain Serving Long Term Care Facilities For More Than 30 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.

OCTOBER 4th; LORD'S Day (Sunday); 2026.

THIS WEEK'S SERMON. In This Week's Sermon, GOD Willing, Dr. Spence will continue his new Series of Sermons entitled Reflections On King Zedekiah. In this particular Sermon, the consideration will concern the historical dates of this Jewish King. If you live in one of the Care Facilities where Dr. Spence serves, please plan to attend.

THIS WEEK'S HYMN. “God Bless America” by Mr. Irving Berlin (1888-1989). This piece was written in 1918 and revised in 1938. Our Country today stands in the deepest need of GOD'S Blessing. Psalm 67.1 says: “God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us.” Psalm 85.6,7 says: “Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee? Shew us Thy Mercy, O Lord, and grant us Thy Salvation.”

THIS WEEK'S REPORT. Philippians 4.6 says: “Let your requests be made known unto God.” 1. One Resident requests Prayer for her Friend. 2. While Dr. Spence was visiting one of the Care Facilities last week, a Resident was speaking in detail about her Mother. She said that her Mother used to rise every Morning to pray and read the Scripture. The Resident spoke how this behavior of her Mother deeply impressed her. As the years went on, she rose early and joined her Mother. What a precious history this is! Years ago, this is the way that Christians lived. The world suffers today because of a lack of such Christians. 3. Many Residents received flu shots last week. Pray for them that they will stay well during the upcoming Fall and Winter Seasons. 4. One Resident expressed gratitude that her Family is well this week. Isn't this much to be thankful for? 5. A Resident fell last week. When he attended the Church Service, he was still sore. But he insisted that “it could have been much worse.” 6. A former Resident who since went on to live in her own apartment had a hurtful fall on her bike last week. Pray that she will fully recover. 7. A Resident asks Prayer for his Brother, who is suffering with back pain. 8. One Resident had many of her belongings stolen. Pray that GOD will help her through this trouble. She lost some precious things. 9. A Resident who recently lost her Husband is doing much better. Pray for her as she continues to live without her Husband. 10. One Resident who has not attended her Care Facility's Church Services for a good while returned to the Meetings last week. Before leaving, she said that she was “happy to be back.” 11. Harvest time is speedily approaching. A Farmer and his Wife who attended one of the Care Facility Church Services last week said how thankful they were for such a large hopeful harvest this year. 12. One Resident who regularly attends the Care Facility Church Services said last week that she is thankful that her physician's new approach to her headaches has significantly helped. Luke 14.11 says: “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” *All the Weekly Prayer Requests come from the Residents, their Families, the Staff, or Dr. Spence's observations. In This Week's Report, the names of people and places have been withheld to protect their privacy. Nevertheless, the Thanksgivings and Prayer Requests are real and true.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTATION. Hebrews 9.26 says: “But now once in the end of the world hath Jesus appeared to put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself.” Are not these Blessed Words? In his admirable Exposition Of Hebrews, that truly great Independent, Dr. John Owen (1616-1683), says of these Words: “By the Words 'but now once in the end of the world,' God teaches that it is His Prerogative to determine the times and seasons of the dispensation of Himself and His Grace unto those who believe in His Son. For it is here expressly written that God sent Jesus in 'the end of the world.' No sooner. No later. All was in God's time. By delaying the appearance of Jesus, God testified His Displeasure against sin; He also did it to try and exercise the faith of the of those who believe; also to prepare them for the reception of Him; also to give the world a clear revelation of what might be attained towards true happiness and blessedness in this world; and also that Satan's destruction might be more conspicuous and glorious.”