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.

AUGUST 23rd; LORD'S Day (Sunday); 2026.

August 2026 makes exactly 30 years Dr. Spence has been serving the Care Facilities full-time.

THIS WEEK'S SERMON. In This Week's Sermon, Dr. Spence intends to begin his Conclusion concerning The Three Pourings Of Prayer. He will make final reviews and reflections respecting the First Pouring of Prayer in Zechariah 12.10, namely, that anywhere acceptable Prayer takes place, GOD, first, pours down the Spirit of Prayer.

THIS WEEK'S HYMN. “God Moves In A Mysterious Way” by Mr. William Cowper (1731-1800). Have you ever heard of the old saying “God moves in a mysterious way?” This Hymn is where the old saying came from. And what an exceptional Hymn it is! Every Verse is instructive. As for Hymns, the Phrase in Luke 5.39 richly applies. “The old is better.” Many Residents in the Care Facilities heartily agree. The author of this Hymn, Mr. Cowper, was an accomplished Poet, a tender Christian, and an intimate Friend of Rev. Mr. John Newton (the author of “Amazing Grace”). This Hymn was written in 1774. This is the last Hymn that the great Poet Cowper ever wrote.

THIS WEEK'S REPORT. Philippians 4.6 says: “Let your requests be made known unto God.” 1. Last week, Dr. & Mrs. Spence received a gracious email from one of the Activity Directors. Among her many thoughtful words, she said: “I truly appreciate your husband's willingness to consider coming earlier and adding a fourth service. That is very generous of him.” “I'm very happy to hear that he enjoys coming to... We are fortunate to have him.” 2. In one of the Memory Cares that Dr. Spence visited last week, THE LORD gave a blessed season. The attendance was considerable. Not a few there look forward to the Church Services. You could have heard a pin drop. Please pray that the words and impressions received that day will be a lasting Blessing. GOD is able. 3. A Resident's Brother passed away. Please keep the Family in Prayer. 4. Last week, in one of the Care Facility Church Services, a Resident came in to attend. When she saw the size of the attendance, she said to herself that the number of people was too large for her. Dr. Spence immediately said: “Well, think of how I feel. I'm the one who will be preaching.” The Resident then smiled, stayed, and specially spoke of the Sermon afterwards. 5. One Gentleman did not want to leave with the Aide when she came for him. Once the errand was done, he quickly and cheerfully returned to the Church Service. 6. In one Care Facility, please pray for the Church Services as they will now go on in a new wing of the building. The first Meeting last week went on well. One Lady who will turn 100 years old this year specially spoke of the Sermon. 7. During one of his days last week, Dr. Spence's third Church Service was somewhat extraordinary. Please pray for the lingering results from that peculiar day. 8. One Resident's Sister is on a trip. She desires Prayer. 9. Pray for those Residents who live with pain. 10. A Resident asks for Prayer regarding her hip. She often struggles with headaches. Lately, she was given a pleasant visit with her Sister in Skilled Care. 11. A Resident is grateful that he is sleeping better. 12. A Resident's Husband is going through important tests. Please pray that they will go well and find a solution. 13. A Resident's Niece died. Please pray for the Family. 14. Two Sisters used to constantly attend the Church Services. One of these Sisters very recently passed away. The other Sister is not well and left Personal Care for Skilled Care. In Matthew 16.18, JESUS says: “Upon this Rock [Jesus Christ Himself] I will build My Church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” *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 9.15 says: “For this cause He is the Mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the Redemption of the transgressions under the First Testament, they which are called might receive the Promise of Eternal Inheritance.” In his admirable Exposition Of Hebrews, that truly great Independent, Dr. John Owen (1616-1683), says of these Words: “There is a difficulty to be removed here. Why is the word 'Testament' used here instead of Covenant? The Word in the original Greek may be translated either Covenant or Testament. A Covenant implies the consent of two parties. The Word 'Testament' signifies free grants and donations without any consent of one of the parties, as not being necessary to it. It is in this second sense that the Apostle is about to speak of the disposal and communication of the good things unto us that God doth freely give. This hath more of the nature of a Testament than a Covenant.”