Daily Focus, June 19, 2018

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  James 4:8

Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 7:1 – 8:13 (“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.“)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14

Remember These In Prayer:

Phil Pierce came through his surgery on Monday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville.  A mass had been discovered on one of his kidneys, and during surgery the decision was made to remove the entire kidney.  Lab results won’t be back for two or three days, but for now things look optimistic.  If all continues to go well, Phil will be discharged today to go home.

Charlie Grindstaff underwent surgery last Wednesday, we learned yesterday.  He is in ICU at Franklin Woods Hospital, and is still in some pain.  For now it would be best that there be no visitors.
Judy Jones was discharged from Johnson City Medical Center on Monday afternoon.  She seems to have recovered very well from the mild stroke she suffered on Saturday morning.
Johnny Trent remains at Johnson City Medical Center as he recovers from broken bones suffered in a recent fall.  He is doing better, and appreciates all of the prayers.
Brittany Thornton is having a very difficult time with the new medication she was recently given at UT Medical Center.  Doctors are hoping to shrink the tumor on her brain before surgery is performed, but Debbie Ingram reports that she is not near that time yet.  Many thanks to all who have kept this young lady from our community in their prayers.
Evie Koen, 3-year-old daughter of Heather and Daniel Koen, is scheduled to meet with specialists today at Vanderbilt Medical Center to discuss brain surgery.  It is hoped that this procedure will stop or slow down the debilitating seizures she has experienced for many months now.
Terry Brown, the dentist who bought Arlene Kellum’s dental practice, is recovering from cardiac bypass surgery, as well as heart valve replacement surgery last Friday.  Complications have developed, according to Arlene, and she asks that we pray for God’s help.
Syniah Giles, 12-year-old granddaughter of Dean Neal’s sister, is recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in a shooting last month in Oklahoma.  She has been readmitted to a hospital with severe pain, fever, and abdominal fluid.  Tests are being conducted to identify the problem.  Dean asks that we send up prayers for Syniah.
Carol Briggs’ brother continues to decline in health as he battles extensive cancer.  He is now in a skilled nursing facility in Arizona, and will return to the hospital every few days for blood transfusions.  Carol asks that we continue our prayers for him.
Stuti Daga and her mother Shilpa have traveled to Johnson City from India for an eight-hour surgery to correct Stuti’s scoliosis.  Cherie Doyle asks that we pray for the surgery to go well.
Jacob Mahaley leaves on Wednesday for Cadet Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky for one month. Our prayers for him have been requested.
Help Needed: We need volunteers to pick up communion cups and papers from the auditorium after Sunday morning worship.  If you can help with this task for a month, please sign the list that you’ll find at the Main Welcome Center.  (If you had earlier signed up, please do so again as the first list was inadvertently taken.)
When To Show Kindness?  *  “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)  *  “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”  (Proverbs 21:21)