Rnporter’s Weblog

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ,

When Paul said in Colossians 1:13, “He (God) has delivered us from the
domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son”, he
was claiming that by our response through repentance and faith, we were set
free from from the darkness of our sinful lives and brought into the
presence of His son Jesus Christ.

And as a result of what God has done for us through His son, we have been
blessed with five great benefits.

                                        1. He qualified us to share in his
inheritance.

2. He rescued us from Satan’s dominion of darkness and made us his children.

3. He brought us into his eternal kingdom.

4. He redeemed us — bought our freedom from sin and judgment.

5. He forgave us for all our sins.

We “must” be thankful for what God has done and thus show our utmost love
and devotion by the very lives that we live daily.

“Father God, I pray that each of us who understand the greatness of your
sacrifice for our sins and the extraordinary love you have shown us, is
deeply appreciated.  May we honor you by our service and glorify you with
our praises. And most importantly, share Christ effectively.”

Rosa went back to the Doctor last Friday.  The results of her blood work up revealed that she is not yet in remission.  But, things have definitely improved and are much better than when we first began this journey.  The doctor said that he would give it three more months and then test her again.  We are just so thankful that she is doing this well.  She actually is back working this week 30 hours.  We’ll see how that goes for her. 

So, again, thanks to everyone whose been praying for us and may the Lord’s mercy shine upon you.

Col 3:1-4
 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. NKJV

Here Paul begins to explain true Christian behavior. We are to put on the new self by accepting Christ and regard our earthly nature as dead. As soon as we receive Christ  within us, our moral and ethical nature changes so that He can shape us into what we should be. Verse one tells us that, if we are raised with Christ, then we are to become seekers of those things which are above, where Christ is. That our minds are to be set on things above and not earthly things. We know that we have died to the world and that our life is safely hidden with Christ in God when these principles become our passion. When nothing else gathers our thoughts and occupies our day as does the things of God.  Therefore, as Christ lives in us now, we will appear with Him in glory. 

Dear Lord,  Help each of us who are struggling, to give you priority in our lives, and, to stay focused on things eternal.  Show us how to set our minds on things above and not things of this world. May the principles of your word be in our hearts and our lives glorify you. Amen

We received a phone call yesterday from the Dr’s. office and they told Rosa to come to the hospital this morning where just an hour ago they removed the chest tube. PRAISE THE LORD!  That is a blessing that we cannot be thankful enough for and thank you all for your prayers that sustained us through this period.  Rosa feels relieved that it’s out and she can even get back to a more normal life. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Since I last posted Rosa has been back at work part time.  She worked two hours a day for the first week and this past week she tried it for three.  While she has been tired each day and has had to come home and rest, I feel that has been a good thing.  She not only has rested then but has been sleeping better at night.  The doctors are pleased with her progress.  The only thing now is that she still has the chest tube in.  This week however it didn’t drain any fluid at all, Praise God.  If that is the case next Friday when she goes back we are hopeful that too will become a thing of the past.  God has certainly been good for no one expected that she would be as far along as she is. So we want to be faithful and continue to pray thanking God for His blessings, giving Him praise and looking for complete healing in the near future. Amen! & Amen!

Rosa continues to improve on a daily basis and we are praising the Lord.  She will go back to work tomorrow on a part time basis.  Just 2 to 4 hours a week at first.  Today she went to church and after about 2 and one half hours she was tired.  So pray that she will be wise about the time and not over do.  She has a terrific support group with all of her co-workers and I’m personally thankful for each and every one of them.  Thank you guys!  We love you and are grateful for you showing Rosa just how much you love her.  Pray for me as I will be anxious every minute that she is at work wondering how she is doing.  Until her strength is fully renewed we simply want to be careful not to undo any of what progress she has made.  To God be the glory.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for Rosa and me while traveling to Florida and back.  Also for my sister’s family and the funeral service.  Continue to pray that the seed planted into their minds and heart will be watered and grow.  Ask God to give the increase and those who do not believe will be saved. 

Rosa is also sleeping and resting a little better.  We are hopeful the the chest tube will be able to come out soon.  That is still very uncomfortable and irritable.  But all in all she is improving so much over a few weeks ago.  We are giving God the glory.  In Christ alone, Roy

Rosa did make the trip after all with me.  She is doing well and we made it to Jacksonville on the first leg.  We saw Shane last night and was good to visit with him.  Rosa rested on the drive down.  Great to report that Rosa slept well last night.  Thanks for the prayers.

My oldest sister who lived in Valrico Florida passed away Wednesday evening at the age of 81.  My nephews have requested that I do the funeral since it has been several years that my sister had attended church and didn’t have a minister.  I know that she was a Christian and I’m thankful for that.  However, I’m not sure about my nephews who are 62 and 52.  So I would ask that you pray for me as I travel, and for the service that I can share not only about my sister and her life, but be able to share the gospel in such a way that the family present will hear and know the truth.  There will be others of my family there as well.

Pray also for Rosa as she wanted so much to be able to go with me.  She has had a bad headache the last few days and feels the trip might not be good for her.  I will miss her and certainly be worried about her while I am gone.  I’ll be back sometime late Sunday or on Monday.  Once again I call upon all of you for strength and faith to help us get through this trial as well.  God is good! All the time!  Amen!  In Christ’s Love, Roy

Coming to the Rocky Mount Theater September 26.  Check out the site below and I encourage all couples to go and take someone else to see this movie.  It’s a must see for all marriages.

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