Tag Archives: Old Testament

Amos: An Ordinary Man

There are many men and women who feel ordinary! Being ordinary is synonymous with being average. They might go to an average school, live in an average neighborhood, or be uneducated. One of the worse sentiments one might feel about being ordinary is presuming there is no purpose or calling in life. In today’s culture, we are impressed with wealth, beauty, popularity, being accomplished, and fame. But, let’s look at Amos — an ordinary man with a passion for God who was called to proclaim God’s message of judgment to Israel and other nations due to their sin and disobedience.

AMOS

Amos, an Old Testament minor prophet, was considered to be an ordinary man. In Amos 7:14-15, he says, “I’m not one of your professional prophets. I certainly never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd and I take care of fig trees. But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go prophesy to my people in Israel.’” [NLT]  Amos might have even been a seasonal worker due to the fact that he lived in Tekoa, a town 16 miles from the Dead Sea, where sycamore trees are not cultivated due to the altitude and climate. Thus, implying he might have had to leave Tekoa during certain months of the year to care for and cultivate the sycamore fig trees. Many commentaries believe Amos did not have any formal training, but he was learned in the ways of God. During Amos’ lifetime, Israel was a nation filled with pride, beauty, elegance, and riches. As Amos went about living “the ordinary life” God gave him, he was called by his heavenly Father for a particular task. He lived during the reign of Jeroboam II around 786-746 BC. It was during this time, he recognized his calling from God to proclaim the message the Lord gave him. He did not arrive on the scene to tickle anybody’s ears. He arrived able, prepared, and willing to work passionately on the assignment God gave him. You will find in the Book of Amos that Amos speaks little of himself; he is there to pronounce the judgment God sent him to do. Speaking God’s word throughout the Book of Amos, he became known for his repetitively saying, “Thus says the LORD” before many of his proclamations. He spoke God’s word throughout the Book of Amos.

As I read the Book of Amos, I became aware of some of the characteristics Amos possessed both prior to and during him announcing the destruction of Israel.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AMOS

  • He sought the Lord;
  • He had a deep-rooted faith;
  • He was being prepared by God;
  • He walked with God;
  • He accepted his lot in life;
  • He was wise in the ways of God;
  • He was close enough to God to know what the Lord said;
  • He spoke only what the Lord said;
  • He was confident in what he said;
  • He was not fearful in bringing bad news to others;
  • He was not fearful in talking to others outside of his class;
  • He sought good and not evil;

GOD CAN USE YOU

The Lord used other “ordinary” men throughout history. David, Eliab, Gideon, Peter, James, and John were used mightily. Even Jesus was a simple man that God called to be the most important influence in all civilizations. And, God can use you!

Someday God may ask you to step out of your comfort zone. We carry around barriers in our life. We don’t take the steps needed to be used by God. God is going to use those who are already steeped in His word and those willing to walk His ways. He will choose us and seek us as we prepare ourselves to expand our influence for him. With Amos, it is most likely he was called for a particular assignment at a particular time. Maybe he went back to tending sheep and sycamore trees after this assignment was accomplished – we just don’t know as there is no record. But, we do know that when God wanted to use him, he was available and willing. In our lives, we should remember that God is able to do whatever He wants to and he will equip anyone willing to carry out his plans. You may not be an educated person; you may not have been born into an elite family, but God can use you. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 states, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. God will give you strength to do what He is calling you to do. God desires to use us to our fullest. He knows if we are unprepared and He wants to prepare us. He knows if we are imperfect, but he sees the potential we have to pursue His purposes. You may have a dream or a vision, but feel unable achieve it. Don’t give up. Water and prune your vision, and wait for God’s appointed time. But, while waiting, follow his leadings, as small and/or as insignificant as they might seem, as this is part of his preparation for you. Just trust that His Spirit is working and perfecting you until the time He calls you like he did Amos. Then, when He shows you He is ready, you will be ready to act.

PREPARING FOR MINISTRY

  • Seek the Lord;
  • Develop a deep-rooted faith;
  • Allow God to prepare you;
  • Walk with God;
  • Accept your lot in life;
  • Be wise;
  • Develop a deep closeness to God through Bible study and prayer;
  • Speak only what is Godly;
  • Be confident in God’s words and whispers;
  • Develop a fearless spirit in speaking for God;
  • Understand that God can use you with anyone — regardless of social class, intellect, race, or religion;
  • Seek good, not evil.

Notice that our preparations mirror Amos’ characteristics.

PERSONAL TESTIMONY

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Looking back at my life, I can see how God had been preparing me for my current ministry of writing devotional prayer journals and blogging. When I was around 7 or 8 years old, I loved the Science projects where I had to find leaves, label them, and glue them on cardboard. I call that gathering information and presenting it. As a senior in high school, I had an English assignment where we had to find poems and quotes, put them together in booklet form, and find pictures from newspapers or magazines that related to the poems or quotes. Again, I was gathering information and presenting it. I loved it. Imagine my distress when I received my first college essay back with a big, fat, red F on it. I thought I was an awful writer for years. But, God kept giving me little assignments along the way, i.e. writing Table Talks for Wednesday night church dinners, making educational bulletin boards, becoming a librarian.  One time I was given the assignment by our church planner to research an apartment complex where the church wanted to start a ministry. It was awesome. I used my detective skills; took notes on the bumper stickers in the parking lot; noticed the ages of the children in the complex; spoke to the apartment manager, and of course, put together a booklet with the results. Following God is fun and adventurous. My suggestion is for you to look over your life, see what you have enjoyed, and give your talents to the Lord and ask him to show you how he can use you in the small things. All God’s assignments are profitable, so as we go from one to the next, keep preparing yourself for the next one.

GOD CAN USE THE MOST UNLIKELY PEOPLE

God can use the most unlikely people in life to do a job for him. In God Uses Ordinary People, Mark Hiehle tells the following story of a man God used to meet a woman’s needs and how the recipient viewed it.

I once heard of a woman who had locked her keys in her car at a mall. Not having the funds to call a locksmith, she prayed and asked God to help her. Shortly after, a rough looking man came up to her and asked if she needed any help. She told him that her keys were locked in her car; and in no time, the man used a wire and lifted the lock. The woman thanked him and said that he was an answer to prayer and an angel. The man said, “Oh, I am not an angel, ma’am. I just got out of prison.” The woman looked to heaven and said, “Oh Lord, You are so good! You sent me an expert.” ¹

I love it!

The Lord is consistently calling his children to do His work. We have the choice whether to answer him or not. Our problem is the world in which we live in allows us to questions whether we have enough desire, time, money, and intellect to follow through in His calling(s). We need to make time to listen to the Lord; seek out His will; follow His leading: and let him supply all that is needed to accomplish his purposes through us. Let’s seek out our reasons for not moving forward. Is it because we don’t feel spiritual enough? Then work on that through prayer and Bible study. Is it because you need money to start the ministry God is calling you to? Start with what you have and allow God to find what you need to move on. It is not our strength that gets God’s work done, but our willingness and trust in Him to accomplish the calling and ministries He puts on our hearts.

As the former governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, says,

“It’s when ordinary people rise above the expectations and seize the opportunity that milestones truly are reached.”²

And, we do this by not depending on our abilities and intellect; we do this by depending on God as our source to achieve mighty things for him – even though we might be ordinary.

What does God have in store for you in 2016? Pray, Read, Listen, and then Act.

Blessings and feel free to share this article with your friends and family!

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Bible Verses:

He that is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much. Luke 16:10 NABS

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 2 Corinthians 11:30 ESV

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at the table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! Luke 12:35-38 ESV

Prayer:

Lord, I want you. I want to be used by you. I am asking you today to make me faithful in all the little things that honor you. I confess my sins to you knowing that you will forgive me. I may feel ordinary in the world’s eyes, but I know I am the apple of your eye. Give me the ability to discern each and every step you have for me in my life. Let me obey you and accomplish your purposes for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


¹ Hiehle, Mark. “God Uses Ordinary People.” http://atcmag.com. January 2010.  Web. 2 January 2016.

² Huckabee, Mike. www.brainquote.com. n.d. Web. January 2, 2016.

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Test Your Knowledge: Old Testament Bible Trivia Quiz

I don’t think I look like a nerd, but I think I am. Back in college, I thought about becoming a librarian, but I was totally turned off when I thought I might have to wear my hair in a bun, wear straight gray wool skirts, wear pumps, and grace my face with thick old glasses. But, after I “grew” up, I did become a librarian! I have always liked little Bible trivia facts, research, and making worksheets, so it was no surprise to me that when in the summer of 2014 I decided to read the Bible through and write down questions I had as I perused the Bible.

Doing what I love to do, I made up a little Old Testament quiz from my summer reading just for you. Give it a try. And remember, I would have received a 10% or less if I would have taken this quiz before my “summer reading initiative.” But, isn’t that what summer reading programs are for — to learn something? Answers and explanations follow the quiz.

Questions

  1. Who is referred to as “knock out gorgeous” in the Book of Samuel? a. Mephibosheth, b. Uzzah, c. Absolom; d. David;
  2. What disease did King Asa most likely have in his old age? a. diabetes; b. Achilles tendon rupture; c. peripheral artery disease; d. lymphedema;
  3. Who is the son of DoDo? a. Abishai; b. Benaiah; c. Shammah; d. Eleazar;
  4. What was the sign that Hezekiah would live longer? a. the siege of Jerusalem; b. a sundial; c. Sennacherib’s fall; d. a vision from God;
  5. What does precept by precept mean? a. studying the Bible book by book;  b. ranking biblical words by alphabetic order; c. studying the Bible line by line; d. dismantling the meaning of words;
  6. What were cisterns used for in the Old Testament? a. storing gold and silver; b. hiding those with leprosy; c. storing wine; d. hiding fugitives and prisoners;
  7. Why did Job call himself a “friend of ostriches?” a. ostriches have inspired cultures for years; b. ostriches like desolate places; c. ostriches can go without drinking for days; d. ostriches have very large eyes;
  8. Why did the Canaanites and the Perizzites cut off Adonibezek’s thumbs and his big toes? a. because he had done the same to 60 civilians; b. to show their kingdoms had been divided; c. because he had done the same to 70 kings; d. because a painful journey was upon them;
  9. What is a parapet? a. an extension of a wall at the edge of a roof; b. a parrot residing in the Middle East region; c. a sandal popular in Old Testament times; d. a lampstand used in making the tabernacle.
  10. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding a. like the knowledge of good and evil; b. like the Lion of Judah; c. like the stars in heaven; d. like the sand on the seashore.

Answers

  1. c
  2. a
  3. d
  4. b
  5. c
  6. d
  7. b
  8. c
  9. a
  10. d

More for the Inquiring Minds . . .

  1. The Bible infers Absolom was knock-out gorgeous.

Bible Verse: Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 2 Samuel 14:25

  1. Many scholars today say King Asa most likely had diabetes in his old age. Some even say it could be the first record of diabetic gangrene.

Bible Verse: But in his old age he was diseased in his feet. 1 Kings 15:23

  1. DoDo’s son was Eleazar.

Bible Verse: And next to him amoung the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. 2 Samuel 23:9

  1. Through a sundial, Hezekiah was given a sign he would live longer.

Bible Verse: Behold, I will make the shadow cast by the declining sun on the dial of Ahaz turn back ten steps by which it had declined. Isaiah 38:8

  1. Precept upon precept means studying the Word of God line by line.

Bible Verse: To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, those taken from the breast? For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:9-10

  1. During Biblical times cisterns were used to store water They were also used as hiding places for fugitives and burial places. The prophet Jeremiah was held as a prisoner in Malchaiah’s muddy cistern, where he was eventually pulled out with ropes.

Bible Verse: So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. Jeremiah 38:6

  1. Clark’s Commentary says, “both the jackal and the female ostrich are remarkable for their mournful cry, and for their attachment to desolate places.”

Bible Verse: I am a brother of jackals and a companion of ostriches. Job 30:29

  1. The Canaanites and the Perizzites cut off Adonibezek’s thumbs and his big toes because he had done the same to seventy kings, whom he made to gather their food under his table. This is your Bible states, “The cutting off of the thumbs makes work with the hands impossible. The cutting off of the big toes makes walking difficult. The act reduced the king to a state of dependency on others.”

www.thisisyourbible.com

Bible Verse: Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. 7 And Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. Judges 1:6-7

  1. A parapet is a barrier which is an extension of the wall at the edge of a roof, balcony, or other structure.

Bible Verse: Moses was telling them, “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house, if anyone should fall from it.” Deuteronomy 22:8

  1. The answer is the sand on the seashore. Matthew Poole’s Commentary says, “Even as the sand that is on the sea-shore; which cannot be numbered or measured; and which, though it be so vast and comprehensive, yet consists of the smallest parts: and so it may note that Solomon’s wisdom was both vast, reaching to all things; and most accurate, searching and discerning every small thing.”

Bible Verse: And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29

And, to continue the story from the beginning of this blog, one day when working in my high school library, I looked down and there I was — wearing a straight gray wool skirt, pumps, and black glasses. The only thing missing was the bun which I sometimes wear now as a “retired” librarian.

So maybe, I really am a full-fledged nerd after all! If so, I love it. It’s exactly how God made me! Be yourself. Be the person God intends you to be!

Be blessed,

Patti Greene

Bible Verses: See Above.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making me in your image. I may be differently from everyone else, but it is a blessing to know I am exactly how you want me to be. Let me use my talents and gifts for your glory. Take away my fears as I pursue Your calling upon my life. I love You Lord Jesus. Amen.

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www.PattiGreene.com

 

Woman to Woman: Pelvic Floor Disorders

A good friend invited me to a Pelvic Floor Disorder seminar recently. And, being the good friend that I am, I accepted. It wasn’t hard to accept the invitation at all. I have always been interested in medical information and in sharing what I learn. As a child, I remember sneaking into my parent’s bedroom to look at the black and white pics in the old medical book my parents owned. I was fascinated with the rare and unusual diseases pictured in the book. Now, as an adult, I read medical books before I go to sleep – okay, not every night! I subscribe to some of the most prominent journals available, such as the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, the John Hopkins Medical Letter Health after 50, the Harvard Health Letter, and Neurology Today. And, if any physician is reading this, I even own my own copy of Lange’s Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2013!!!

My Bookshelves!

In-between all my “medical reading”, I have been trying to look at every situation I encounter as an opportunity from God. Hence, I went to the Pelvic Floor Disorder seminar all psyched up to learn some Godly truths from a urogynecologist, a bowel doctor, and pelvic floor physical therapist. So please indulge me as I combine my love for the medical field and my love for Jesus Christ in this unusual blog.

Some problems, both medical and spiritual, resolve themselves. However, when they don’t, we are left with the quandary of how to best resolve them. Do we ignore symptoms? Do we put off getting help? Or, do we go to the best source possible to remedy our difficulties? When comparing medical problems with spiritual problems, there are ways to get on the right track.

With medical problems:

  • Admit you have a problem;
  • Go to a physician who specializes in your problem;
  • Be totally open and honest when talking to your physician;
  • Find out the treatment options available to you; and
  • Make the changes necessary to remedy your illness or disease.

With spiritual problems:

  • Admit you have a problem;
  • Go to Jesus Christ who understands your concerns;
  • Be totally open and honest when talking to the Lord;
  • Read your Bible, pray, and ask the Lord for wisdom in treating your problem; and
  • Make the changes necessary to get your life back on track.

Sometimes we become so stressed with our problems, we end up approaching them in negative ways. We may experience:

  1. An inability to control our actions;
  2. An inability to handle extreme pressure and stress;
  3. An inability to give all to God;
  4. An inability to slow down; or
  5. Difficulty in making a needed decision.

NEGATIVE WAYS WE DEAL WITH OUR PROBLEMS 

HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM PROPERLY

  1. Inability to control ourselves and we do what we don’t want to do.
[Incontinence]¹ – See definition below.

Many people feel a loss of self-sufficiency and weariness when they encounter a problem that is difficult to handle on their own, such as incontinence.

We try to handle the symptoms on our own, but sometimes they don’t improve and we end up creating a worse situation for ourselves. As with incontinence, a competent physician can help us to know the truth about what is going on medically.

Likewise, when we feel we can’t control problems, like unemployment, excessive drinking or gossiping, we need to go the source – Jesus Christ – and He will help us. Trusting Jesus Christ in every detail of our life is essential. God may use many sources to help us with the issues we can’t handle, such as counselors, mentors, pastors, or family members. Spending time in his presence seeking, praying, reading His Word and listening to Him is the key.

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate . . . So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:15

  1. Inability to handle extreme pressure and stress.
[Prolapse]² – See definition below.

Pressure hurts. Ask anyone who is dealing with any kind of medical prolapse, such as a cystocele, urethrocele, uterine prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse, prolapse vaginal vault, rectocele, or an enterocele.

Pretending our problems are not creating stress and pressure is unwise and unhealthy. As women, we sometimes don’t want others to know how much stress we are experiencing even though we might be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. If you have ever had a broken heart, you know the feeling. Your heart physically hurts. You don’t know what to do. You just want to forget about everything, crawl in a ball, and try to get through one day at a time.

If we find ourselves in this mode, either physically or emotionally, it is imperative we talk to someone. Medically, we talk to a doctor. While friends, family, and even counselors help, we need to talk to God about what is really going on. Often, when we are experiencing the most stress and pressure, we stop spending time in prayer and Bible study. At these times, taking control and surrendering ourselves to the Lord, we experience a new type of freedom and release from pressure.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

  1. Inability to give all to God; thus we suffer excruciating pain and hurt.
[Urinary Retention]³ – See definition below.

Medically, the inability to urinate can really hurt — so much so that we may not be able to concentrate on anything else. When I was a teenager, I encountered this awful “inability to empty disorder.” I was in so much pain. At 10:00 a.m. my mother was able to get a doctor’s appointment for me, but when she told me it wasn’t until 3:00 that afternoon, I thought I was going to die. Then, I thought I would doubly-die when I went to the doctor and he–let me stress HE–gave me a prescription for some pills “that should help before I went to bed.” Couldn’t he see and feel my unfathomable agony, my excruciating pain, and my dire anguish? At the moment of my deepest need, I could not see any hope. But, hope did come. The pills allowed relief, but way too slowly for my liking. But, today when I read Proverbs 13:12, I am reminded of my suffering that day. I now understand that when hope is deferred, the tree of life is around the corner. But, we must patiently wait for it.

God is our tree of life. He is never apathetic to what we are going through. Yes, we may be in misery and despair in our affliction. We may be experiencing a major issue and we need a rapid-fire fix. Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, once told the Lord he was fatigued and that he wanted to just quit and die. Like Elijah, when we encounter situations like this, the only thing that will help us is to empty ourselves to God. God wants us to talk to him, even plead with Him, when we are totally overwhelmed and experiencing turmoil.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

  1. Inability to slow down from our going, going, going lifestyle.
[Overactive Bladder]⁴ – See definition below.

Someone with an overactive bladder is continually seeking out where the nearest restroom is. Making restroom facilities a refuge can make us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired. Most friends, family, and acquaintances have no idea what someone encountering this problem deals with and especially the humiliation of not being able to make it to a bathroom destination.

How well I know! As a child, having this disorder along with having shy bladder or bashful bladder, I can totally relate to the feeling. It is so tiring, stressful, and embarrassing.

On a spiritual sense, a going, going, going person gets so involved doing “things,” there is barely time to think. Hopping from one meeting to the next; one good deed to the next; answering one phone call after another; dropping kids from one place to the next, these individuals are wiped out from overworking. In the work field, they are called workaholics. At home, they might be called perfectionists. Either way, when we go, go, go, the quality of our life is affected – usually negatively. If you find yourself too busy to pray and read the Bible, you are way busier than God wants you to be.

Medically, while this disorder may not need an immediate solution, spiritually it does! Those who do not spend time with God and God’s Word, lose the deep, quiet relationship Jesus wants with them. To keep a solid relationship with our Lord, we must take time out to refresh ourselves with Him.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

woman to woman copyright

  1. Difficulty in making a needed decision.
[Fistula]⁵ – See definition below.

Most fistulas require surgery to correct them. Yes, we need a physician to help with this problem. Spiritually, many people are dealing with major or life and death conditions and a decision needs to be made pronto, i.e. suicidal thoughts; drug overdose; alcoholic blackouts.

You may be dealing right now with something ONLY the power of God can help you with. Never believe that God leaves you powerless to deal with your problems on your own. God will give you the strength, but you must turn to the one and only Jesus Christ who is willing and waiting to help you.

If you haven’t made a full commitment to follow Him, I encourage you to do that today. By confessing your faults and sins, and asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you will not walk this journey we call life alone, but you will have someone to help you with whatever you are facing right now. Take an honest look at your life and decide for Christ. Only you can make that decision – not your parents, your spouse, or your friends. Surrendering your life to his will is the best decision you can ever make.

As with any medical disorder or issue, we may visit a primary care doctor only to be referred to a specialist. However, regarding our spiritual life, there is no PRIMARY CARE GOD, there is only the powerful God of the Trinity. As with all our problems, let’s turn to the Lord first for help and make Him our first course of action. He knows the big picture of our life. He knows what is going on in our lives. And, He knows what we must go through to achieve His plans for our lives.

Blessings Always,

Patti

Bible Verses:

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32

Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

Prayer:

Jesus, I know that sometimes I don’t handle my problems and difficulties in the way that pleases you. I just want to leave my problems with you and depend on you to guide me into your perfect ways. Give me wisdom and lead me by your Holy Spirit to those who can help me to see my life from your perspective. I love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

¹ Incontinence is the inability of the body to control the evacuation functions or urination or defecation. www.merriam-webster.com.

² Prolapse is the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position or relations. www.merriam-webster.com.

³ Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely. www.medicinenet.com.

⁴ Overactive bladder is a condition that is characterized by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder resulting in a sudden unstoppable need to urinate. www.medicinenet.com.

⁵ A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus.

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Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using the BG² List.

www.PattiGreene.com