Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

“You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

• John 5:33-40

When I was in the Army, I was taught to answer any rebuke with “No Excuses, Sir!”

I am not in the Army anymore.  In this scheduled slot, I should have my Bible Study for Isaiah 43-45.  I was more than two weeks ahead when my wife had her fateful colonoscopy.  The colonoscopy had no direct effect on her passing away, but it set a bizarre series of events in motion.  She went from vibrant and hopeful in the future, although on kidney dialysis, to being with Jesus in less than a week.

At the time of her passing, I was ready to start working on the Bible Study.  After spending four of the next six days in the hospital and two days holding her hand at home, I was still more than one week ahead of schedule.

In my grief, I could not concentrate.  For two days, my son was with me, but concentration was even more fleeting.

The Bible Study lesson each week takes more time, and concentration, than two or three of the other posts.  I hope to have Isaiah 43-45 prepared by next week.  I have done some of the initial preparation.  Now I need to focus.

I apologize for the week interruption.

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.