Spiritual Sounding Board – This is your place to gather and share in an open format.
-by Kathi
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Acts 9: 32 – 10: 7
As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
In Joppa there was a disciple name Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.
When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Psalm 5
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors.
Bit I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your old temple. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies – make straight your way before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Proverbs 14: 7 – 8
Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you from the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
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Feel free to join the discussion.
You can share your church struggles and concerns.
Let’s also use it as a time to encourage one another spiritually.
What have you found spiritually encouraging lately?
Do you have any special Bible verses to share, any YouTube songs that you have found uplifting?
Photo credit: Kathi – Alpacas in Oregon!
Spiritual Sounding Board 
I know today may be a difficult day for some because it is Father’s Day. You may have endured abuse by your father, had an absent father, or are a father who has strained relationships with your children. If that is the case for you, please know that we are here to support you. You are not alone! May you find peace as you go through your day.
And, to all of our readers here who are fathers, I wish you a restful and enjoyable day.
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It is a mixed day for my husband and I. I cut contact with my earthly father due to his poor treatment of me. we lost my father in-law two years ago and he was such a sweet man. But my husband is an amazing father to our children. Watching him has healed some of the stuff my father did.
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Off topic question, but I don’t know where else to put it. Does anyone know anything about why Gary W. hasn’t been posting here or at the Warburg Watch or ACFJ for a long time? Is he okay? My Sister and I miss his comments/perspective.
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Father’s Day is always difficult for me due to growing up with an abusive father. This year, the whole week leading up to it was rough. Maybe it was the anticipation; I don’t know. But today was actually pretty good. I got through church without crying, had a restful afternoon, and fixed a nice meal for the hubby, who is a great dad to our kids. I’m relieved that Father’s Day weekend is over, though.
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