NCFI Cares

bi-monthly devotions for health care providers through NCFI

NCFI Cares: Live Out the Advent Season

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13, ESV)

Advent is a time of anticipation! One website describes the anticipation of advent as:

The weekly themes of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy are meant to guide people through a time of spiritual preparation and reflection. As each week of Advent passes, people are encouraged to align their hearts with the message of Christ’s birth. Advent is a time to prepare for the anniversary of Christ’s birth on Christmas and his second coming. 

This holiday season I encourage each of us to purposefully radiate each theme to all in need of the spirit of Advent. Take a moment, right now, and ask the Holy Spirit. Who do I know that needs Hope? Peace? Love? Joy? Let’s review each theme and discover the miraculous work of Christ.

Hope: As believers our hope is based on the truth of the Gospel through Jesus Christ.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:24-25).

Our hope is not based on something tangible like leaders, policies, health, and economics. Instead, our hope is based on the truth found in scripture. When the tide and concerns of this world threaten to lead us to hopelessness, we open the word of God and find the tangible, realistic hope solidly rooted in faith. And Jesus said to him, If you can! All things are possible for one who believes. (Mark 9:23). Faith is believing in the teachings of scripture. Through our act of belief, the Holy Spirit grows our hope into a miraculous experience where we can confidently say, For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39).

Peace: Maybe you know someone in need of the miraculous peace of Christ. First, Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and our peace is found in Him. Paul, who suffered extensively to spread the Gospel, blessed each believer in many of the Epistles: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” The Peace of Christ is a peace that surpasses understanding as described by Paul in the letter to the Philippines: ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (4:7). Paul then gives us directions on how to obtain this miraculous peace: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (4:8-9).

Love: As believers, we are more familiar with the love of God and how it radiates to each one of us. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Jesus’ life exemplified how the love of God was to be dispensed to humanity, thus we can be the love of God to others by imitating Jesus. Once again Paul helps us out with his teachings found in 1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (4-8).

Joy is the final theme for Advent and a great way to wrap up our Advent reflections of hope, peace, and love. We can have all three, yet if we lack joy, then we can’t shine. Joy is an outward expression of an inside state of mind. Jesus promised joy through himself and his teachings. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11). through the indwelling, continuous Holy Spirit And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).

Let’s spread Advent to our colleagues, patients, friends, and family. For through us, they experience the tangible presence of hope, peace, love, and joy found in Christ Jesus.

Final Prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

NCFI Cares: You Did it to Me

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I recently sang an amazing song at church. The song was so poignant as to the needs of our patients, our neighbors and our community. May this beautiful song remind each of us that Christ is the one who embodies the broken and hurting in our world today (Matthew 25:40).

There’s a hungry one, lives in the street. There’s a thirsty one, without a cup to drink;
There’s a little one, with no shoes on her feet. There’s a family, sleeping in the rain;
And the one abused, will bever be the same;  The addicted one, with no one left to blame.

All of these people are my people.
All of these long to be free.
All of these are my beloved.
All of these are me.

Refrain:
So when you hold out your hand selflessly and give help to the stranger in need, then whatever to do to the least of these, you do to me.

In a prison, so far from home, I was lonely, so bitter and alone;
Evicted, illegal, incurable, different, despised. I was locked out, you took me in.
I was at the end; you helped me to begin. I’m a lot like you: sister, brother, friend.

So follow me, into the kingdom.
Follow me, you have been wise.
Follow me, you who have known me.
Right before your eyes.

Refrain (repeat)

The hungry, the lonely, the forgotten,
the neglected, the abandoned, the invisible,
the homeless, the battered, the frightened,
the hopeless, the dying.

All of these are me.



















































There’s a hungry one, lives in the street. There’s a
thirsty one, without a cup to drink;There’s a little one, with no shoes on her feet. There’s
a family, sleeping in the rain;And the one abused, will bever be the same;  The addicted one, with no one left to blame.  All of these people are my people.All of these long to be free.All of these are my beloved.All of these are me.  Refrain:So when you hold out your hand selflessly and give help
to the stranger in need, then whatever to do to the least of these, you do to
me. In a prison, so far from home, I was lonely, so bitter
and alone; Evicted, illegal, incurable, different, despised. I was
locked out, you took me in. I was at the end; you helped me to begin. I’m a lot like
you: sister, brother, friend. So follow me, into the kingdom.Follow me, you have been wise.Follow me, you who have known me. Right before your eyes. Refrain (repeat)The hungry, the lonely, the forgotten, the neglected, the
abandoned, the invisible, the homeless the battered the frightened, the
hopeless, the dying. All of these are me.  

NCFI Cares: Double Portion of the Spirit

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Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken brom you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” (2 Kings 2:9, ESV)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elijah_throwing_his_mantle_on_Elisha.jpg

At NCFI, we are looking for ways to encourage the next generation of nurses. Whether through mentoring, fellowship, or networking; the global nursing community is focused on bringing along those nurses entering the profession. As a Christian, there are many biblical examples of older or mature believers reaching out to younger or less experienced Christians. We think of Paul and Timothy (1 & 2 Timothy).

There are Moses and Joshua. I wrote a few devotions on this leadership relationship and the wonderful advice Moses gave his successor.

Another mentoring relationship we may not be as familiar with is Elijah and Elisha. Elijah chose Elisha as his servant (1 Kings 19:19). Elisha accompanied Elijah for six years until it was time for Elijah to go to heaven. Then the time came for Elisha to assume the role of prophet. Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit.

The Lord grants Elisha’s requests and we immediately read how Elisha performs greater miracles than Elijah (parting of the waters, doubling of oil, raising the dead, etc).

As we think of the next generations, Elijah’s example can provide us with great insight into how we can create a succession plan.

First, choose someone who will replace you. This may sound hard to believe, but none of us will be in ministry forever. Today is the day you begin praying for your replacement.

Second, have the person work alongside you in ministry. Not just any task, but the tasks that you are currently doing. If you organize meetings, have the person organize meetings. If you write reports, have the person write reports. You get the idea.

Third, finally, plan on giving them a double portion of what you need to perform your ministry duties. Like Elijah, we can’t dispense the Spirit to others, but we can pray for them. We can give them more than we have had for ministry, such as more training, hours, and resources. Thus ensuring they would become more successful than we were.

NCFI Cares: My RX for Insomnia

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“On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” (Esther 6:1)

What do you do when you are unable to sleep? Do you listen to music or use an app on your phone to occupy your brain until you get tired? Do you read books or get out of bed to watch television or videos?

I have to admit I have had some very difficult times with insomnia. Some of it is part of getting older; our bodies don’t sleep as well as they used to. Don’t you miss the ease and depth of sleeping when you were younger? I do. In addition to aging, stress or overwork can wreak havoc on our ability to shut off our brains and rest.

The scripture above is found in the account of Queen Esther. During a bout of insomnia, the king asked his attendant to bring the chronicles of his kingdom. Like reading the newspaper, King Ahasuerus wanted an update on what was happening in his kingdom.

While the king may read about the events of his kingdom, I would prefer to pray. One of my favorite passages is Psalm 136:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

As you continue reading the psalm you will see clear sections marked out by a repeating refrain, “his steadfast love endures forever.”

Versus 4-9, focus on the Lord’s awesome works in creation: made the heavens, spread out the earth above the heavens, made the great lights, the sun, and moon and stars.

The next section, verses 10-22, provides a brief account of the Lord’s work on behalf of the Israelites: struck down the firstborn, brought Israel out, divided the Red Sea, overthrew Pharaoh, killed mighty kings, and gave a heritage to Israel. This is the section I alter for myself. I will begin to recount the good deeds the Lord has done in my life:

Blessed me with children and grandchildren,
“his steadfast love endures forever.”
Provides a job for me and my husband,
“his steadfast love endures forever.”
Guided me through caring for my mother,
“his steadfast love endures forever.”
And so on….

Stop now and take a moment to write down the immediate needs the Lord has fulfilled.

This is my RX for insomnia, recounting the personal good deeds the Lord has done for me along with proclaiming “his steadfast love endures forever.”. Depending on what has happened that day or my current stress, I will alter my accounts and ensure I conclude with a final refrain:

Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

NCFI Cares: Faith Proclamation to the World

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First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:8-12, ESV)

We are on the countdown to the NCFI World Congress in Malaga Spain. We will convene for a Pre Congress training course from 24 to 26 of June. The Congress begins with an opening ceremony on the 27 of June. Romans 1:8-12 can guide our hearts and spirits as last-minute preparations are being made. I have pulled specific phrases to guide our thoughts and prayers.

—First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

Let’s start by thanking God for every Christian nurse and midwife attending the Congress. Their faith is a witness to the world. Pause momentarily and imagine the people impacted by each attendee’s preparation: embassy workers, airlines, managers, churches, communities, families, hotels, etc. Wow! What an amazing witness to Jesus. In addition, their faith will be proclaimed in Malaga as hundreds of nurses convene for the Congress. PTL!

—For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers,

This is a great reminder to keep praying. Please continue to pray for each attendee, speaker, and staff member at the Casa Diocesana. Notice how the prayer is specific:

—For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—

The prayers are specific—spiritual gifts to strengthen one another. Our theme for the congress is Strength and Courage. Prepare your heart and spirit ahead of time so that you can dispense gifts of strength and courage to at least one person during our time together.

–that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Finally, we know that we are mutually encouraged when fellow brothers and sisters come together. Your faith blesses me, and my faith blesses you. It is a joyous time of fellowship and community.

Unfortunately, some people are unable to attend the Congress. I know nurses who have been denied visas, are unable to leave personal responsibilities and face economic challenges. Our heart goes out to those who so desired to attend but cannot. You are part of the NCFI community and our loved AND valued!

We need you! We need your prayers as we endeavor to encourage nurses from more than 30 different countries. Please commit to pray for the Congress! In the NCFI Prayer Guide for April – June, 2024 contains prayer prompts for the final week of June. https://ncfi.org/resources/general-resources/ I have included the Prayer Prompts.

Pray for wisdom, love & unity for NCFI leadership meetings that will be held in conjunction with IB meetings (22-24), International & Regional Forums (28-29), and Board of Directors (1 July).  “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28a)
Pray everyone involved in the NCFI Congress–may they experience the Lord in a new and courageous way. May the workers at the Casa Diocesana see the love and light of Christ in each attendee.
Pray that the Lord places a hedge of protection around the families of all attendees so that they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s voice. “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Pray that the Lord will equip all attendees with the courage and strength to be a bright light and loving grace to the world. “He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit’s work during the Congress.“they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with the wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Prayer Prompts for the NCFI Congress

NCFI Cares: Are You an Eli?

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And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the young man. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel said, Speak, for your servant hears”.

(1 Samuel 3:8-10, ESV)

Samuel came into temple service as a young boy. His primary service was ministering to the Lord with his guardian, an elderly priest, Eli (1:11; 2:26). Samuel, possibly a teenager by this time, slept near the Ark of the Covenant, yet close enough to Eli, who suffered from impaired vision.  One night, Samuel is awakened by a voice, “Samuel, Samuel.”  Samuel assumes, typical for any other night, that Eli is calling him, so he checks with Eli. Not needing assistance nor having called Samuel, Eli sends the young man back to bed. This happened three times. Notice chapter 7, chapter 3, “Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD been revealed to him.”  After the third visit from a confused Samuel, Eli directed Samuel to answer the Lord by saying, “Speak, LORD, for thy servant is listening.” When the Lord called Samuel this time, he was ready to listen.

As we reflect on this passage of scripture, we are reminded of Jesus’ teachings, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15). Young Samuel had not been taught to know the Lord nor to hear from the Lord.”

In addition, visions by the Lord and direct word from the Lord were rare (3:1-2). Nurses and midwives frequently encounter people who do not know the Lord. It may be because they are non-believers, or maybe they are Christians, yet they cannot hear the Lord due to their current experience. This may be due to illness, disease, or a lack of faith. Samuel not only did not know the Lord but he had not been taught the word.

For us, this is knowing scripture. Many times, we encounter people who know the Lord, but they do not know the Bible. Or let’s go further and say they are not familiar enough with the Bible for it to guide their relationship with Jesus. Let’s not miss this opportunity to point out a deficit in Samuel’s training. He worked in ministry; he had grown up in the temple and had a priest as a mentor/father figure. When encountering people who know the Lord, let’s not assume they are familiar with scripture.

I see two application points in this passage. First, we can ask ourselves whether we are so familiar with the word, attuned to the Holy Spirit, and quiet in prayer that we know when the Lord is speaking to us. Or does he speak to us multiple times, and his words land on untrained ears?

Now, my favorite part of the account of Samuel is the Lord. The Lord calls Samuel multiple times. Isn’t that like our God—he calls out to Samuel in an intimate, personal way by his name. And even though Samuel was unfamiliar with his voice, God kept calling, demonstrating his unwavering love and commitment. “Samuel, Samuel.” Eli, recognizing what is happening, gives the best advice a mentor could give–tell the Lord, “Speak, for thy servant is listening.”

Thus, the second application point is God is always calling to people. We can help our patients and colleagues by being an Eli and guiding those unfamiliar with hearing God’s voice.

NCFI Cares: The Gift of Death

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I am the resurrection and life. Whoever believes in me though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

(John 11:25-26, ESV).

Recently, my pastor spoke about the resurrection of Lazarus, which is found in John 11. He mentioned the incredible gift we have been given to die. Yes, that is what he said. We have been given the wonderful gift of death. For when we die, we will no longer be bound to this world. Instead, we will be ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the angels, and all the saints (Revelation 21). Thus, we should not be afraid of death; instead, we should welcome the time when it comes.

Like you, I was shocked to hear my pastor say this. I know I look forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face and dwelling with Him for all eternity. Yet, I have never wanted to die nor am I looking forward to my final hours on earth as a gift from Him. The more I reflected on this teaching, the more I wondered how it would change my perspective as a nurse.

How would I alter my nursing care for the terminally ill, actively dying, or elderly? In addition to treating my patients’ pain, providing comforting words, or praying for peace, could I encourage them to get ready to enjoy their gift of death? Maybe I could help them say goodbye to the suffering they have experienced in this world–a time without pain, tears, or loneliness. I would help them anticipate an eternity without racism, abuse, or evil.  And even though they will miss their loved ones, maybe I could assist them with writing a letter to each family member. Instead of words expressed as a forever goodbye, the letter would be in expectation of seeing them again after death in the presence of Jesus.

I could help them imagine what they would do when they finally did see their Savior face-to-face. Will they hug Him like a long-lost older brother they haven’t seen in years? Maybe fall at His feet with humble thanksgiving? Or would they prostrate themselves in reverence at the magnificence of His holiness?

I have always hoped that when I finally see Jesus, I would be inclined to weep shedding like Mary, that would wash his feet with my hair and tears (Luke 7:36-38; John 11:2). These wouldn’t be tears of sadness; they would be tears of gratitude for a life with Him. A life on earth and in Heaven filled with love and joy.

This Easter season let’s share our wonderful gift of death as the passage to a life of eternity with our Lord Jesus.

I have always hoped that when I finally see Jesus, I would be drawn to tears and, like Mary, would wash his feet with my hair and tears (Luke 7:36-38; John 11:2). These wouldn’t be tears of sadness; they would be tears of gratitude for a life with Him. A life on earth and in Heaven filled with love and joy. This Easter season let’s share our wonderful gift of death as the passage to a life of eternity with our Lord Jesus.

NCFI Cares: The Holy Family

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And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

This beautiful nativity scene is replayed in movies and church celebrations throughout the Christmas season. It is a reminder of the humble circumstances that the holy family experienced. It is hard for us to imagine the poverty in which a child is born amidst straw and manure. Yet, unfortunately, even today, the vulnerability of the family is too common throughout the world.

As nurses, we encounter fathers who are unable to provide adequate housing for their families. We counsel young single women who are alone and afraid, yet choose birth in hope of a better life; and mothers who lack the basic necessities of food and clothing. Overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting and marriage, parents separate and divorce. Mothers and/or fathers paralyzed by mental illness become too debilitated to care for their children. In war-torn areas, parents are challenged to protect their children from bombs and violence.

Then there is the addiction crisis, where any number of substances demands priority over the love and care of children. Thus leaving a growing number of emotionally and possibly physically abandoned children to mature into adulthood on their own.

Next time you see the nativity scene, don’t get swept up in the celebration. Whether it is through our nursing services, our supportive churches, or from the fruit of our wages, find a way to help the most at-risk group in our society—the family. Through our work in Christ’s name, we can go into the nativity scene and bring the essentials needed to support the birthplace of our Saviour—the family.

NCFI Cares: Joshua’s Final Leadership Tip: Unfinished Business

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Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.

Joshua 13:1, ESV

Over the past few months, we have learned many great leadership tips from Joshua’s life. We have learned how courageous leaders focus on God’s word and His plan for organizations. As the Lord prepared us to lead, we looked at changing our perspective, confronting sin, and cleansing our hearts to be ready to witness the mighty deeds the Lord would perform. No matter how much we dislike conflict, our workplace is fraught with opposition and disputes. Joshua provided a battle strategy that included worship, contentment, and humility.  We also discovered how reflecting on our successes and creating memorial stones are essential for guiding teams.

The final snapshot of Joshua’s life reminds us that the Lord’s work is incomplete.  Even though we know our work must continue beyond our time as leaders, we bypass the importance of mentorship. Joshua reminds us that preparing the next generation of leaders is a two-part phase. First, we recognize that the work of the Lord continues when we identify the next generation of leaders. The second part is to train the emerging leaders by providing wise words.

Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14-15, ESV).

Joshua was ready to retire and pass the leadership responsibilities to the next generation. He reminds them to put away failures or false gods their fathers had followed and to stay faithful to the Lord’s promises and plans. There is always unfinished business in ministry and in nursing. God’s work on earth is incomplete and He continues to use people to carry out his plans. So, whether you are changing leadership positions or retiring, actively prepare the next generation of nurses by imparting wisdom and faithfulness to God.

Joshua’s Leadership Tip #11: Reflect on Your Success

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So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war. Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land

(Joshua 11:23; 12:1 ESV)

When we first emerge from a difficult time, it is challenging to have time to reflect on the good that was accomplished. Have you stopped and thought about what your organization gained during the COVID 19 pandemic? Or what you gained for your own nursing practice, did you gain a new skill, meet new colleagues, or find better solutions to consistent problems?

How about your personal faith, what spiritual growth did you experience?  Are you more trusting of the Lord, or have you found new confidence when challenges arise? Have you found a deeper peace or assured hope than what you felt prior to 2020?

A similar reflection can occur with regard to your family. Did the lockdown bring you closer to your loved ones and friends? I am reminded of a conversation I recently had with my granddaughter, who is 13 and spent an entire year in virtual school. We chatted about her academic struggles and depression. I asked her, “If the lockdown happens again, what will you do differently?”

Her first response was, “No way. NEVER again!”

I replied, “We hope and pray it won’t happen again, but what if it did? What would you do differently?” I then shared what I would do differently. This helped her look ahead and said, “I would get out of the house more and stay connected with my friends through Facetime.” I agreed with her plan and said, “We all need to stay more connected.”

Take some time to reflect on your successes during the pandemic—professionally, personally, and with your loved ones. Be sure to share your reflections so that we can grow as a community of nurses and believers.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?  You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.” (Psalm 77:11-14, ESV)