bible-truths.com/forums

=> General Discussions => Topic started by: Dennis Vogel on March 07, 2010, 02:04:01 PM

Title: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Dennis Vogel on March 07, 2010, 02:04:01 PM
It's easy to miss the updates at the top of this page:

http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,11503.0.html
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Deborah-Leigh on March 07, 2010, 02:18:22 PM
Thank you to Ray, Dennis, for the update and to you for posting it.

We live in unprecedented times! Our circumstances certainly extend to us the privilege of seeing God's work unfold in our midst through the expounding of His word that graces our hearts, minds and souls via the insights we receive that Ray shares with us. I never did find any foolishness of preaching in Babylon - only foolishness. With Ray, there is only the Spirit of God showing us that Ray is no fool and despite the pains of his body, he is sound in heart mind and soul.

May Ray continue to prosper and find comfort in our thoughts of hope and well being that continues with him!

3Jn 1:2  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.  

Deborah

Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: mharrell08 on March 07, 2010, 02:30:10 PM
Thanks for the update Dennis  :)


Marques
Title: Re: Ray's Current Condition March 7th, 2010
Post by: emkayfey on March 07, 2010, 03:09:13 PM
It is simply humbling to see the way Ray bears his condition, which is a great example for us. More importantly, I'm excited he's able to write, May God continue to grant him strength and wisdom in this regard...And we'll never stop praying for the miracle of healing.

[On the side, I note few typos in the preview of Hell is a Christian hoax, e.g muslem/muslim and pray/prey. I know it's an effort for Ray to write at all and I hope Dennis and others will look at this before publishing as I am sure this will generate a lot of interest, outside our circle.

Thanks
Title: Re: Ray's Current Condition March 7th, 2010
Post by: Ninny on March 07, 2010, 03:23:10 PM
Thank you Dennis for posting that! It's sad to hear, but encouraging to know that he is strong in the Lord and trusting God for every breath!
Please tell him that we are all still praying...
Kathy
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: judith collier on March 07, 2010, 03:38:44 PM
Totally unbelievable in the physical realm!!! I don't know many people personally who have suffered this long and have been able to bear it with such faith and dignity. God uses Ray in every factor of his life, doesn't He!! Ray encourages us to keep the faith. That Ray's mind is keen and stable blows me away. His life says more about the gospel of Christ than anything he has written.
Fortitude has got to be Ray's middle name. That I would respond to God's grace like Ray. Ray having lost a child, bearing such ridicule over many years and now this horrendous illness testifies to the love of God flowing back and forth between God and Ray.
Praise to our God!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Ray's Current Condition March 7th, 2010
Post by: myms on March 07, 2010, 03:42:10 PM
Yes Dennis ...... please pass on our thoughts and prayers to Ray. Its a privelage to be taught by a man who understands and sympathises with our own trials and guides us through them with strong words of encouragement born from his own suffering. He touches us, and I hope our prayers touch him. Myms
Title: Re: Ray's Current Condition March 7th, 2010
Post by: Fester on March 07, 2010, 04:47:06 PM
Praying for you daily Ray.  I always look forward to everything you write.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Roy Coates on March 07, 2010, 05:00:17 PM
Looking forward to Ray's new paper. Thanks for all the hard work both past and current. Your in our prayers Ray, Peace be with you.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: chav on March 07, 2010, 06:02:15 PM
Hi
Thanks for the update Dennis.
Dave
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: arion on March 07, 2010, 06:54:57 PM
Thank you for the update Dennis.  Ray certainly doesn't seem down in the dumps about his condition and neither should we.  God's will is being done, people are being reached and the Spirit of God is accomplishing it's will in our lives and in the lives of those who read the website and forum.  Ray certainly is a teacher that not only talks the talk but walks the walk and it is an honor to be here and to have a part in the work.  Ray's body is getting weaker day by day but his spirit is getting stronger and really thats the best any of us could hope for.  His strength indeed is magnified though the weakness of this body of flesh.  All glory to God and may God continue to uphold Ray and his dear wife and fully accomplish His will in their lives.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: gmik on March 07, 2010, 07:19:44 PM
Glad to read Ray's update!  Just that little bit of his writing sends chills-he is so gifted!!  That paragraph under that picture teaches more than 99% of the people that sat in church got!!! BT-ers we are so blessed!
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Darius on March 08, 2010, 12:37:37 AM
Thanx Dennis. You are truly an inspiration Ray...I thank God every day for bringing you into my life!
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: aqrinc on March 08, 2010, 01:14:57 AM

Thanks Ray, for the updates.

Thanks Dennis for the new post.

george :).

 
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Lupac on March 08, 2010, 02:12:29 AM
I'm very sorry you've been confined to a wheel-chair. I hope you aren't in too much pain. I'll be praying for you.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Stacey on March 08, 2010, 03:47:52 AM
Quote
I am not discouraged

Quote
My trial is not greater than I can bear.

Quote
I am able to sit and work at my computer on most days.

Quote
Don't be discouraged over my present condition, I'm not.

Quote
For it is when God makes us weak, that He gives us the power to do greater things.

Quote
Stay strong!

These are not words I would expect to hear from a person who has been through and is still going through so much suffering. At a time when one in Ray's condition would normally need to be encouraged by others to just carry on, he is the one still fighting the good fight and passing on his strength and encouragement to us. Amazing!

God bless you Ray, He has surely blessed each of us through you.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: mmijares on March 08, 2010, 03:52:58 AM
God bless you Ray.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Roy Martin on March 08, 2010, 09:33:39 AM
Ray, your like a bit bull with a spiked collar on, not giving up on the fight.
 Will keep you in my prayers daily.

Peace
Roy
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Roy Coates on March 08, 2010, 10:42:56 AM
Quote
I am not discouraged

Quote
My trial is not greater than I can bear.

Quote
I am able to sit and work at my computer on most days.

Quote
Don't be discouraged over my present condition, I'm not.

Quote
For it is when God makes us weak, that He gives us the power to do greater things.

Quote
Stay strong!

These are not words I would expect to hear from a person who has been through and is still going through so much suffering. At a time when one in Ray's condition would normally need to be encouraged by others to just carry on, he is the one still fighting the good fight and passing on his strength and encouragement to us. Amazing!

God bless you Ray, He has surely blessed each of us through you.
Couldn't have said it better ;D
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: dave on March 08, 2010, 10:47:29 AM
I Thank the Lord thank prayers are answered, even if not in all the ways I/we would like. To have a saint like Ray be able to continue to teach those who who love him as he goes thru this trial and walk of faith.
Bless you in your healing Ray
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: firefly77 on March 08, 2010, 11:19:45 AM
Ray,
You are truly an inspiration to me, and I am so very grateful to have found the real "Good News" through the bible-truths site.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Angie
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Astrapho on March 08, 2010, 12:55:16 PM
I would go woot in real life if it wouldn't freak out my parents, but dang! Ray's physical health may be weak, but his spirit's going strong as ever! Thank God!
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: geokuhns on March 08, 2010, 01:55:34 PM
Thanks Dennis for the update on Ray. I don't think God is done with Ray yet. I believe He is preparing Ray for greater works. Why else would God put Ray through this lengthy trial? We just came through one of the worst winters here in Pennsylvania that I can remember. But now the sun is shining for several days, the temperature is up, the birds are singing and the snow is melting and it feels exhilarating. I anxiously await the arrival of Ray's spring. God bless you Ray.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: LiberatedEagle on March 08, 2010, 02:06:14 PM
Thank you Ray for giving us an example of what the life of a true believer really entails. When I read your words they sound so familar to the letters of Paul in regards to suffering. I've always believed that when God showed me a real man of God I would notice by the things he suffers in his life. You are that example Ray and it helps and encourages me to embrace a life of suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

Thank You So Much,


Charles
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Joel on March 08, 2010, 10:12:17 PM
Thanks Ray, and Dennis,
Looking forward to Ray's next paper, sounds very interesting.
I am thankful that God has given me eyes to see the gift, and the LOVE of God in Ray Smith.
My prayers are with you.
Joel
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: jeetkunejimi on March 09, 2010, 07:37:52 AM
Keep rockin' Ray, my prayers are with you and your family and other loved one's near to you, and to Dr Stiger, may God guide him to do what's right for your body for your healing. God's will be done, as always,amen.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Yab Yum on March 09, 2010, 12:49:15 PM
God has blessed me with Ray's writings. God please bless your teacher, Ray.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: G. Driggs on March 10, 2010, 01:45:04 AM
Thank you Dennis for the update.

Whenever I think of Ray and what he is going through these verses always come to mind.

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1Pe 4:2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

G.Driggs
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Deborah-Leigh on March 10, 2010, 04:36:45 AM
Thank you for sharing that G. Driggs.

That Scripture fits so perfectly with Ray in my mind as I also know him and recognise and welcome Him!

Arc
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Linny on March 10, 2010, 11:26:25 AM
It is always good to hear from Ray and I have been anxiously awaiting this new paper! My husband and I saw that hell book in a WalMart once and stood there and skimmed through it just amazed at the ridiculousness of it. Look forward to seeing how Ray dissects it!
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Phil3:10 on March 10, 2010, 07:43:07 PM
Thank you Dennis and Ray,
Dennis your support and help provided to Ray is sent from GOD. You are truly a friend and brother to Ray and all who value his teachings and this forum. It is my prayer that I will be financially able to forward a contribution to Ray by the end of this month. You both mean so much to all who visit this forum and love the teachings of Ray Smith. My prayer is that GOD will provide HIS full blessings for the both of you.
In HIM,
Phil3:10
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: MePogo on March 11, 2010, 06:08:37 AM
Thanks so much for the update.  My husband's Stage iV is following downhill progress but is becoming too weak now.  He can no longer sit in the wheel chair for more than a few minutes and is in so much pain.  Even elevating his upper body puts more weight on his hip.  The prosthetic inserts were bolted into healthy bone but that bone is now cancerous and the rods have nothing to hold on to so every movement is agony.  In my Wayne's case, we know we are reaching the end but God has given me such strength.  I'm very tired and I've lost 60 pounds (not a bad thing).  I have sad moments and times of weakness but feel closer to God than ever.  At the worst times, I seem to be strangely strong.  Then, I pray and feel such love and support that sometimes I even feel like the Lord folds me in his arms.  We were having good days and bad days but now have good hours and bad hours.  Sometimes he doesn't have the strength to talk and I have to guess what he wants or needs. I'm so strangely at peace and I surprise myself every day. 

I think about Ray and his wife all the time and keep them in my prayers.  This evil illness!  How is his wife doing?  Are the doctors able to keep Ray somewhat pain free?  Please give them my love and best wishes.  How obvious it is that Ray's work isn't yet finished and it seems he is being given time to this purpose.  I hope and pray for his improvement.  He is quite an inspiration to me and his work has set me on a path that changed my life; my outlook on life.

Again, thank you Dennis. 

Pogo   
Title: Re: Update on Ray's condition March 7th, 2010
Post by: Dennis Vogel on March 11, 2010, 11:35:49 AM
Ray is never pain-free Pogo but it is manageable much of the time. His wife is in more pain than he is in most of the time.

I passed your post on to Ray.

I wish I had some answers for you, but I don't. The best I can do is pray for your husbands comfort.

Dennis
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: onelovedread on March 11, 2010, 01:46:37 PM
Ray
Just know that we never stop giving thanks to God for you, and praying that God continue to hold you and your family close to His "heart" and should it be His will, heal you completely in body and spirit.
Dennis
Thank you for always keeping up to date with Ray's progress. I have prayed for your health and hope your difficult days of pain are now behind you. Blessings to you and your entire family.
Onelove
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: OBrenda on March 13, 2010, 08:43:08 PM
I just simply want to say we Love You L. Ray Smith!!!!!
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: iris on March 13, 2010, 11:18:39 PM
Brother Ray, you and your family are always in my prayers!


Love,
Iris
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Samson on March 15, 2010, 06:25:57 PM
Thanks Dennis,

                    Brother Ray has endured so much physical suffering, but God continues to use Him to Spiritually benefit, All of us. To be confined to a Wheel Chair is not something I wish on anyone, especially Ray. I've never known of anyone in Modern Times that continues doing God's Work in the midst of so much suffering without complaining to any of us. May His example inspire the rest of us to cope with Our lot in life without complaining.

                                  Kind Regards, Samson.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Phil3:10 on March 17, 2010, 07:43:05 PM
Samson,
Ray and so many other elect of GOD are asked to share in the fellowship of CHRIST"S suffering "Phil3:10". We see more and more of this every day and each of us can be assured that our time will come. My prayers for all, especially for Ray and his wife, as their load seems almost unbearable. However, we are promised that GOD will provide a way and in that we can be confident.
Phil3:10
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: Jennie on March 18, 2010, 11:29:38 AM
The suffering in this world is so hard to take sometimes. I pray for all the care-givers. Often times the patient has meds. to ease their pain but care-givers just have to go through it. Love from Old Jennie
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: bpenelli on March 19, 2010, 08:04:17 PM
Hebrews 6:7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God...10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.

Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance...

Ray, you are in my prayers.
Title: Re: Update on Ray's conditon March 7th, 2010
Post by: brok54 on March 20, 2010, 03:43:50 PM
I struggle for the right words to pray for Ray's comfort.  I come to the site and Ray's words comfort me...amazing!