Nephronmate #1

 For about 25 years (since the 1990s) nephrologists worldwide only had RAS blockers (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) in their treatment armamentarium to slow CKD progression. However in the last 3 years we have had 2 agents which have been proven to slow CKD progression in addition to RAS blockade. These are SGLT2 inhibitors and non-steroidal MRAs (Finerenone) . Therefore we can have a triple therapy approach to manage CKD and proteinuria. These drugs also work by targeting different sites on the nephron,which explains the cumulative benefits when these drugs are given in addition to RAS blockade. The other important factor is that these 2 drugs also reduce cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients who are already on RAS blockade.       

God's character #4

 God is holy and there is none like Him (1 Samuel 2:2). He sits on a heavenly throne high above us. He is in his holy temple (Psalm 11:4). He cannot be seen (1 Samuel 6: 19) or touched by anything that is unholy ( 2 Samuel 6:7) . His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts ( Isaiah 55: 9).  His character of holiness is something that needs to be appreciated. Yet because of Jesus's sacrifice we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). This gives me confidence that I can approach Him in His holiness.      

Destination Prague

 Looking forward to visiting Prague later in the summer. 3 famous Czech people spring to mind and I hope to learn more about them in Prague.

1. Alexander Dubcek (politician)

2. Jan Huss (theologian)

3. Antonin Dvorak   (musical composer)

3 key events in Prague that I hope to learn during my trip there

1. Prague Spring

2. Velvet revolution 

3. Bohemian reformation 

 Adding this experience to the beautiful architecture of the city would make this an awesome visit.   

God's character #3

 I the Lord do not change.  Malachi 3:6. 

God's character is unchanging. We physically change with age. Our circumstances change. The earth is changing all the time. However, our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Because He does not change, we can be assured of His faithfulness and His Word. This helps me develop confidence in my faith in Him.    

God's character #2

 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 

God wants to be near us, in fact he is always with us even in times of trouble. God does not put out of office e-mail replies. He is always in His office and His door is open 24 hours a day. We have easy access to His office through prayer, fellowship and reading the word of God. This is the character of God, ever-present even when we are in trouble. His presence matters more than anything else because we find safety in Him and draw our strength from Him.  

God's character #1

 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86: 15 

How do we develop confidence in our faith in God during difficult times? Jesus asks his disciples ' where is your faith?' in Luke 8: 25.

Knowing God's character helps us develop confidence in having faith in God. In Psalm 86: 15, David describes God as a God of compassion and grace. God is slow to anger and full of love. He is a faithful God. These are just 5 aspects of God's character that we can lean on during tough times as well as during good times.