The following has been taken, adapted, and edited from a presentation I did in schools a few years ago.

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The theme for today is: Consider.

Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him.” The word ‘poor’ doesn’t just refer to ‘poor.’ It refers to those who are weak, lonely, oppressed, disadvantaged and helpless. It refers to those who cannot speak up for themselves. It’s these types of people that God requires us to ‘consider.’

The word translated ‘consider’ means we “take thought for others.” We consider others. We do so wisely. We do so kindly. It means believers are to pay close attention to the weak, poor, lonely, oppressed, disadvantaged and helpless. It means believers are to seek to understand the causes of their condition. Finally, it means believers are to spend significant time and energy to change their life situation.

We praise God that He considers Zach. We praise God that He is using doctors, nurses, health care workers, family, friends, church members, work colleagues, people we don’t know, and folks all across the country to ‘consider’ Zach. Blessed is the one who considers the poor! May we all be encouraged to consider all the other “Zach’s” out there too. Take time to find them. Pay close attention to them. Seek to understand the causes of their condition. Spend significant time and energy to change their life situation. By God’s grace, we’ve got this!

Today’s Updates:

Zach has been in a good mood for the last few days, working hard at his therapies. Speech therapy has been working more on getting Zach to communicate with an iPad. Sometimes this is difficult for Zach because his hand movements have to be more precise, but he’s slowly learning how to use some more of the tools on the app. Please pray that Zach will be able to communicate more effectively with us in the coming days and weeks.

Zach had his seating clinic this afternoon, which is an important step towards getting Zach a custom wheelchair that fits his body type. Please join us in thanking God that Zach could have a seating consultation. Please pray that he will be able to have a custom wheelchair soon that will fit his needs and his body.

Please continue to pray for healing in Zach’s body and brain. Pray that God will continue to grant Zach energy, joy, and patience as he faces new tasks and challenges every day.

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” (Psalm 41:1-3)