The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1, ESV)
In 1 Samuel, chapter 16, Samuel responds to the Lord’s command, “I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for myself from among his sons” (16:1). There, Samuel finds a young David, around the age of 15, and anoints him to be the future king of Israel. When I reflected on the account of Samuel anointing the teenager David as the future king of Israel, I found parallels that could be applied to the future of Christian Nursing. An insight was that those of us active in Christian nursing ministry could be like Samuel and be on the lookout for the future of Christian nursing, which I see as David’s. This first devotion will explore three key points to guide the Samuels. In the next devotion, we will explore how to be a David, the future of Christian nursing.
The first point is to be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Lord spoke to Samuel and specifically told him where to go and what to do. “Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1, ESV). Like Samuel, we need to actively listen to the Lord. The Lord is at work in nursing, and we can hear and discover what He is doing and to whom He may lead us.
The Lord asked Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul…?” which brings up the next point: Get over the Past. From the Lord’s question, we can see that Samuel was having difficulty moving past King Saul, who was still king. Getting over the past is also an essential step for the future of Christian nursing. Older or more “seasoned” nurses are often stuck in their ways. This applies to nursing care, educational methodologies, and leadership skills.
Another way to get over the past was for Samuel to look to new ways the Lord would lead the Israelites. We can embrace the latest technology and tools the Lord uses or will use. How younger nurses connect or how future nurses will access scholarly publications and/or attend workshops are just a few questions to be open to new ways.
The final point is to Go. The Lord was evident to Samuel, residing in Ramah, to “go” to Bethlehem. Samuel had to leave his current place and role to venture into unknown territory and people to find the next king. For Christian nursing we may need to look for the future in new places or within different environments. This may be reaching out to new communities, clinics, or nursing schools.
As we look and pray for the future of Christian nursing, it takes an active purpose. Like Samuel, who the Lord sent, we need to be actively engaged in finding younger or less seasoned colleagues. Don’t wait for them to come to you! We need to look for Davids who are doing new and exciting things in ministry.
In the next devotion, we will explore how the Davids can be the future of nursing.
Christianity
Praying The Angelus Personally
One of the simple catholic prayers I have discovered is The Angelus which is Latin for Angel. It is a prayer based upon the Angel Gabriel’s announcement or annunciation to Mary, the mother of Jesus found in Luke 1:25-38. Even before I was Catholic, I appreciated and adored Mary, a teenage girl visited by an angel and told she would give birth to the Son of God. The first thing she asks is “How?” (verse 34). I love her practicality. She is a betrothed virgin and preparing to marry Joseph. So, being around farm animals, she knows where babies come from. “How will I get pregnant?” Once Gabriel clarifies how she will get pregnant, she says the most important words humans can say, “Be it done to me according to your word.” (verse 38).
In brief, the prayer dates back to 1317 when monks would ring a bell 3 times a day, morning, noon and evening while praying three Hail Marys. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelus
Let’s look at The Angelus Prayer and then I will review how I make a personal prayer.
℣. The Angel of the LORD declared unto Mary,
℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
℣. Behold the handmaid of the LORD.
℟. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, …
℣. And the Word was made flesh.
℟. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, …
℣. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O LORD, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen. (US Catholic Bishops website)
The ℣/℟. notations our when the prayer is said in a group. ℣ is for the Leader/Priest to say. ℟ is for the response of the people. All lines are said when praying individually.
The prayer, with meditations or adaptations, helps me align my life with the most obedient, holy human to walk the earth besides Jesus–Mary. Let me show you how.
The first line states: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. When, I say the Hail Mary response, I think or meditate asking the Holy Spirit to indwell within me for my life and work. I may ask specifically for a challenging situation in my home or work.
The second line states: Behold the handmaid of the LORD. Be it done unto me according to thy word. During the Haily Mary, I meditate and ask that I too may also be obedient to the word God sends to me.
The third line states: And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt among us. During the Hail Mary, I meditate and ask that Jesus (the living Word) be evident in my life for others to see. I may ask specifically to be Jesus to a family or friend who doesn’t know the Lord.
I have personalized the fourth line: Pray for me, O Holy Mother of God. That I may be worthy of the promises of Christ. During the Hail Mary, I will ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in becoming worthy of Christ’s promises.
I have also personalized the beginning of the final prayer: Pour forth, I beseech Thee, O LORD, Thy grace into my heart, …. I conclude the prayer without personalization or meditation:
that, we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The conclusion is a powerful reminder of the truth and hope of the Gospel– the Birth, Passion, Cross, and Resurrection of Christ is complete.
I am left with no other response except to follow centuries of the faithful with the Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.
When we personalize a prayer, we engage with our heart and spirit as part of a rich relationship with the Trinity.
NCFI Cares: Faith Proclamation to the World
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) |
NCFI Cares: The Gift of Death
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: Yahweh Tsidkenu: The LORD our Righteousness
A few months ago I attended a funeral service provided by the Mormon church. I was saddened, as I listened to an Elder of the church discuss the the spiritual journey of the deceased. First, the sermon detailed the need for Mormon’s to keep the 10 commandments found in the Old Testament in addition to the 2 commandments in the New Testament–Love the Lord and Love thy neighbor. The sermon also included how the deceased was in a placed called “paradise” working to achieve his eternal body for the next phase of eternal life. I have to admit I was exhausted and saddened by all the work the Mormons are required to do to achieve eternal life. It also grieved my soul to be reminded of how people devoted to God can truly believe their hard work will bring them to eternal life.
Yet, at the same time, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for the grace and mercy of God. For the Lord loved and saved me from a life of worthless devotion and meaningless work. See, I was Mormon until the age of 19. Then, after a period of rejecting God and the Mormon church, I responded to the call of Holy Spirit. Weary and heavy laden I accepted the wonderful free gift of salvation found in Jesus Christ. This salvation secured my righteousness found in the Messiah or God’s other name Yahweh Tsidkenu—The LORD our Righteousness.
The name Yahweh Tsidkenu was first used by the prophet Jeremiah when he said, “The days are coming,” declared the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6). This was the anticipated Messiah for the Israelites and for us.
As we meditate upon the name of God–Yahweh Tsidkenu and celebrate our unearned righteousness, don’t forget to pray for the unsaved. Keep in mind, there are millions of people who have been led away from the truth of Christ by the Deceiver.
More information on Mormonism at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism
CARES: Reflections for Nurses–English Only
I think the best way to share the good news is tstart with an insightful story.
Recently, I was in Taiwan and gave the CARES: Reflections for Nurses to a Taiwanese nursing student. He received his gift with joy and thanks. The next day, he approached me and said, “I can’t read this book, it is in Spanish.” This is when I explained how the book is bilingual–English on one side with Spanish on the other side. With the simple explanation, he went away happy excited to enjoy his gift. A few days later, he confirmed his enjoyment of the English reflections.
This incidence solidified a thought I had been contemplating, to publish an English only edition. So here it is with a bonus feature. Instead of just removing the Spanish translations, I went one step further to add a note page for each reflection. This provides space for meditations, insights, and/or prayers.
The book is available through Amazon Book Store
Hopefully soon, it will be available on the NCFI webpage as a free pdf.
NCFI Cares: God’s Name in Nursing: Yahweh
Recently I completed a study on the Names of God and explored the various compound names of Yahweh. According to Wayne Grudem a Bible scholar and author of Systematic Theology shared how “the many names of God in Scripture provide additional revelation of His character. The multiple names are not mere titles assigned by people but, for the most part, God’s own descriptions of Himself.” In other words, God reveals himself to us through his name and characteristics. For example, most Christians are familiar with Yahweh or Jehovah. This is how God revealed himself to Moses “I AM who I AM” (Exodus 3:14). God also said “I am the God of your fathers, and the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:15); revealing or reminding Moses of the covenant relationship found through his lineage.
The use of Yahweh, usually translated as all caps LORD in our English Bibles, speaks to an eternal, unchangeable intimate God. Wow! The idea that God is eternal, unchangeable is beyond words. It means amidst our evolving health care systems with emerging technologies that God is the same. He is the same God when penicillin was discovered, is the same God today with cancer therapies and tomorrow with the threat of emerging infections. Not only is Yahweh unchanging and eternal, he is intimately acquainted with each one of us through our covenant relationship through Jesus Christ.
Imagine the hope and encouragement we can give our patients, families, and colleagues through sharing the meaning of God’s name—Yahweh. Look for a future NCFI Cares devotion on Yahweh Jireh.
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!” (John 8:58)
Share how you live out the hope and reality of Yahweh!
NCFI Cares: Humility toward Men & Women
The Lord has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).
Thankfully, we need to look no further than to Jesus Christ to demonstrate how to “walk humbly with our God”. We readily think of the humble self-sacrifice Christ provided for our redemption (Philippians 2:5-11); additionally Jesus demonstrated his supreme love for mankind by humbly serving others. Andrew Murray’s Humility exclaims that our humility with God is demonstrated by loving our neighbor through sacrificial service to others:
“It is easy to think we humble ourselves before God: humility towards men will be the only sufficient proof that our humility before God is real; that humility has taken up its abode in us; and become our very nature; that we actually, like Christ, have made ourselves of no reputation.” (p. 12).
A perusal of Murray’s work on Humility reflects our Savior’s meek and lowly heart (Matthew 11:29) while revealing a few excellent tips:
-Pray for the Holy Spirit to wash us afresh with the humility of Christ.
-Explore new ways of honor others above ourselves in both home and work.
-Bear upon ourselves the failings and sins of fellow-Christians for the unity of peace
-Look upon every person as a child of God with honor and preference as an esteemed son of a King.
-Praise God most fervently when others are preferred and blessed
Finally, may we seek to live like the Apostle Paul in saying through both word and deed, “I am the least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8).
NCFI Cares: Celebrate Unity-a NCFI Values
One of the coolest things about NCFI is the unified voice of Christian nursing. I am not saying everyone is in agreement, nor that there is never conflict. Disagreements are to be expected with any family, group or organization, especially considering the diversity of cultures, experience, education, and personalities NCFI represent.
What I am speaking more about is the unity of Christ manifested by the lack of individual denominations. In other words, the question “What denomination do you belong to?” or “Where do you go to church?” has never come up. I have attended 2 NCFI Congresses, International Board meetings, and various international conference calls and our focus has been on Christ-centered nursing.
We are all disciples, unique members of the body of Christ and unified for the same goal—equipping and encouraging Christian nurses to integrate Biblical principles and Christ centered values. Which, by the way, is our mission!
Ephesians 4:1-6 is a passage to anchor us to our purpose in NCFI:
“….I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Let’s take the unity of Christ beyond NCFI and into our daily nursing practice–committed to focusing on commonalities instead of areas of dispute while preserving our unified faith through the dwelling Spirit.
Carrie Dameron 