When you are a cancer survivor, there are many milestones/anniversaries that are a reminder of how blessed you and your family are. Dennis was diagnosed with colon cancer a little over 1 ½ years ago. He completed his radiation treatment 15 months ago. His last chemotherapy treatment ended almost 8 months ago. Currently, we are coming up on the one year anniversary of his colon resection surgery. This first surgery took place on April 7, 2010. We received a call from the surgeon on April 12th (the day he came home from the hospital) letting us know the biopsies came back negative for cancer. Dennis has blood work done every three months which continues to show he remains cancer free. God is good!
While this is the good news we desired and continue to hope for, it doesn’t mean that everything has gone back to normal. The fact is, Dennis is still recovering. He is recovering from radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. There are side effects that linger from each of these. In some ways, recovery has been harder for us to deal with then treatment. During treatment we knew that Dennis would have side effects and feel weak and tired. When treatment ended, however, there was a mindset that life would move on as before and that Dennis would feel fine. This has not been the case.
To begin with, I think Dennis returned to work too soon. He was back at school just two weeks following his last chemotherapy treatment. He really needed more time to let his body recover before he began the day-to-day routine of work. That wasn’t possible though, so he pressed on. By Christmas, he was pretty exhausted. The two weeks off gave him some rest and he went back in January much more refreshed. Now he is enjoying the time off for Easter break and we are counting down to summer.
I wrote at Christmas that Dennis was doing well overall. This is true considering all he has been through; but he is facing some troubles because of all he has been through. His digestive system is still healing. His colon resection surgery involved removing a part of his colon and reattaching it. This was major surgery. While he generally doesn’t have too many problems during the day, the evening is troublesome for him. He can be up late which cuts into his sleep. His troubles generally keep us at home in the evening but even then he can miss out on family time. There have been occasions when we've been out where he's had to miss out on our activities, we've had to wait for him before heading home, or we've had some long drives home due to restroom stops.
On the plus side, Dennis has been in touch with a dietitian which has helped. We have added some different supplements, cut out certain foods from his diet, and have been learning what his “trigger” foods are. It is a bummer to have to avoid foods you love (or face the consequences when you decide to indulge!) We are hitting the one year anniversary of his first surgery, but after a recent appointment with one of his surgeons, he was told to expect recovery to continue for two years from his second surgery (the ostomy reversal) which took place May 23, 2011. Dr. Pigazzi said all of this is normal and should gradually improve as time goes on. Sigh. . .
Dennis has been off work for four days now for his Easter break. It’s given him a chance to sleep in, take a couple of walks, mow the lawn, and have a nap or two. We know summer will give him more opportunities to rest as well as exercise and begin to build back his strength and energy level.
In spite of the difficulties Dennis is facing, we do not overlook the fact that he is cancer free. Just as God has brought us through each treatment, surgery and the blockage Dennis had, we know He will continue to heal Dennis’ body and strengthen him day by day. This keeps Dennis hopeful. And the kids and I will continue to grow in love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) as we walk alongside Dennis through this time.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Water, Worship and Witnessing
In John chapter 3, jealousy began between John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ followers. While John remained loyal to his calling of proclaiming the coming of the Messiah, Jesus decided to change locations and traveled toward Galilee. This is the scene that opens chapter 4.
The route He traveled took Him through Samaria. In spite of the deep-seated hostility between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus did not back down from traveling this way. Jesus had ministry to do in the very village He and His disciples stopped in. While His disciples went into town to get food, Jesus sat down by a well to rest. When a Samaritan women came to draw water, Jesus asked her for a drink.
She was taken by surprise that a Jewish man would be asking a Samaritan woman for a drink. Jesus immediately begins witnessing to her by stating that if she knew who she was speaking to, she would have asked for the “living water” that only He could provide. While she was still thinking in earthly terms, Jesus was referring to eternal life. Warren Wiersbe in his New Testament commentary writes, any who drink of material water (anything the world has to offer) will thirst again. Those who drink of the water Jesus gives will never thirst again. “The things of this world never completely satisfy. In hell today, people are crying, ‘I thirst.’” (p. 240)
The gift God has for each of us is eternal life (living water). The Son of God is the one who is offering it to us freely. To receive it, all we have to do is ask.
While the woman expressed a desire for living water, Jesus goes further to help the woman fully understand her need for it. Wiersbe writes that “there can be no conversion without conviction. There must first be conviction and repentance, and then there can be saving faith.“ (p. 241) Jesus does this by asking her to get her husband. She becomes uncomfortable and tries to change the subject by discussing the different places of worship between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus tells her that the place of worship is not important, but that true worship comes from a personal relationship with Christ. John 14:6 tells us that, no one comes to the Father except through Christ. Wiersbe adds, “only those who have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and who obey the truth can worship God acceptably.” (p. 241) When the woman states that she knows the Messiah is coming, Jesus tells her, “I who speak to you am He.” (v. 26)
The disciples returned to find Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman which may have surprised them. When the woman and Jesus finished speaking, she was so overwhelmed by their discussion that she went back to the town to share with others what she had heard. In the meantime, the disciples tried to get Jesus to eat some of the food they had brought. Jesus responds by saying that He had food to eat that they knew nothing about; that His food was “to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” (vv. 33-34) The disciples were confused, wondering if someone had brought Jesus food while they were gone. Wiersbe adds that what Jesus meant was “that doing the Father’s will - in this case, leading the woman to salvation - was true nourishment for His soul.” He goes on to say that “the will of God ought to be a source of strength and satisfaction to the child of God.” He adds that while the disciples had been in the village getting food for themselves, they had neglected to share about Christ with anyone. The Samaritan woman actually took their place in this. (p. 241)
The woman told others that they should, “come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” (v. 29) The people responded to her testimony and followed her to Jesus. Having believed, they asked Him to stay. Verse 41 tells us that many more believed “because of His words.”
Jesus used this as a lesson for the disciples; teaching them that they were to be sowers and reapers - planting seeds of faith and bringing people to repentance. Wiersbe also points out that witnessing is never a waste of time. We all play a part in the process. One person may sow seeds of faith while another may reap the harvest; but each worker will get his reward for the part he played in the process. (p. 242) Which goes back to the jealousy between John’s and Jesus’ disciples. It didn’t matter to John if more people followed Jesus than him because his purpose was to point people to Jesus.
Following His two days with the Samaritans, Jesus headed to Galilee. A father rushed out to meet Jesus to ask if Jesus would heal his son. Jesus speaks of people only believing if they see signs and wonders. The father begs Jesus to come with him before his child dies. Wiersbe points out that the father mistakenly assumed that Jesus needed to go to his son to heal him and that if he died it would be too late to do anything. (p. 243) But when Jesus tells the father that he should go home, that his son would live, the father believes and heads for home. Like the Samaritan woman, he believed and then acted on his belief.
On the way home the father was met by his servant who told him his son was alive. The father asked at what time his son got better to see if Jesus had healed him. The time his son improved was the same time the father had been speaking with Jesus. Because of this healing, the father and all his household believed in Jesus as Savior.
Warren Wiersbe points out that the father began with a crisis faith which became confident faith. “He believed the Word and had peace in his heart.” This led to confirmed faith when he heard his son was completely healed. His faith then became contagious because he shared with his family who then also believed. (p. 243)
John ends the chapter by stating that “this was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed.” (v. 54) The first one had been turning the water into wine which revealed Jesus as the God with authority over nature. This second sign showed that Jesus is also the Great Physician with authority over sickness.
The two things that spoke to me the most in this lesson had to do with the focus on worship and witnessing. John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” The NIV text note for this verse says that true worship must be in keeping with God’s nature, which is spirit. The note for Romans 12:1 states that worship is obedient service. Dictionary.com defines worship as homage or reverence. Therefore, to worship God means to honor Him with the way I live my life, by being obedient to His commands, growing in my knowledge and understanding of Him and following His will. When a person accepts Christ as Savior, he is given a new nature - eternal spiritual life and a restored relationship with Father God. As the new believer reads the Word of God, he will grow in understanding of who Christ is.
Leading a life of worship is one way we can witness to others about Christ. When others see how we live and hear about how Christ is working in our lives, we are planting seeds of faith. Our church has a sign as you leave the parking lot that reminds us that we are now “entering the mission field”. We don’t have to go halfway across the world to share the love of Christ with others. There are people in our own neighborhoods and families who need to be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. While I will continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), I will also pray for and look for opportunities to witness about Him to others. Whether I reap the harvest or not, at least I can say I helped in the work by planting seeds of faith.
Thank you, Lord, for calling me your own and for caring about the lost; for desiring that all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:4) May my life continue to be a song of praise to you. Please use me to help further reach those in need of living water.
The route He traveled took Him through Samaria. In spite of the deep-seated hostility between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus did not back down from traveling this way. Jesus had ministry to do in the very village He and His disciples stopped in. While His disciples went into town to get food, Jesus sat down by a well to rest. When a Samaritan women came to draw water, Jesus asked her for a drink.
She was taken by surprise that a Jewish man would be asking a Samaritan woman for a drink. Jesus immediately begins witnessing to her by stating that if she knew who she was speaking to, she would have asked for the “living water” that only He could provide. While she was still thinking in earthly terms, Jesus was referring to eternal life. Warren Wiersbe in his New Testament commentary writes, any who drink of material water (anything the world has to offer) will thirst again. Those who drink of the water Jesus gives will never thirst again. “The things of this world never completely satisfy. In hell today, people are crying, ‘I thirst.’” (p. 240)
The gift God has for each of us is eternal life (living water). The Son of God is the one who is offering it to us freely. To receive it, all we have to do is ask.
While the woman expressed a desire for living water, Jesus goes further to help the woman fully understand her need for it. Wiersbe writes that “there can be no conversion without conviction. There must first be conviction and repentance, and then there can be saving faith.“ (p. 241) Jesus does this by asking her to get her husband. She becomes uncomfortable and tries to change the subject by discussing the different places of worship between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus tells her that the place of worship is not important, but that true worship comes from a personal relationship with Christ. John 14:6 tells us that, no one comes to the Father except through Christ. Wiersbe adds, “only those who have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and who obey the truth can worship God acceptably.” (p. 241) When the woman states that she knows the Messiah is coming, Jesus tells her, “I who speak to you am He.” (v. 26)
The disciples returned to find Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman which may have surprised them. When the woman and Jesus finished speaking, she was so overwhelmed by their discussion that she went back to the town to share with others what she had heard. In the meantime, the disciples tried to get Jesus to eat some of the food they had brought. Jesus responds by saying that He had food to eat that they knew nothing about; that His food was “to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” (vv. 33-34) The disciples were confused, wondering if someone had brought Jesus food while they were gone. Wiersbe adds that what Jesus meant was “that doing the Father’s will - in this case, leading the woman to salvation - was true nourishment for His soul.” He goes on to say that “the will of God ought to be a source of strength and satisfaction to the child of God.” He adds that while the disciples had been in the village getting food for themselves, they had neglected to share about Christ with anyone. The Samaritan woman actually took their place in this. (p. 241)
The woman told others that they should, “come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” (v. 29) The people responded to her testimony and followed her to Jesus. Having believed, they asked Him to stay. Verse 41 tells us that many more believed “because of His words.”
Jesus used this as a lesson for the disciples; teaching them that they were to be sowers and reapers - planting seeds of faith and bringing people to repentance. Wiersbe also points out that witnessing is never a waste of time. We all play a part in the process. One person may sow seeds of faith while another may reap the harvest; but each worker will get his reward for the part he played in the process. (p. 242) Which goes back to the jealousy between John’s and Jesus’ disciples. It didn’t matter to John if more people followed Jesus than him because his purpose was to point people to Jesus.
Following His two days with the Samaritans, Jesus headed to Galilee. A father rushed out to meet Jesus to ask if Jesus would heal his son. Jesus speaks of people only believing if they see signs and wonders. The father begs Jesus to come with him before his child dies. Wiersbe points out that the father mistakenly assumed that Jesus needed to go to his son to heal him and that if he died it would be too late to do anything. (p. 243) But when Jesus tells the father that he should go home, that his son would live, the father believes and heads for home. Like the Samaritan woman, he believed and then acted on his belief.
On the way home the father was met by his servant who told him his son was alive. The father asked at what time his son got better to see if Jesus had healed him. The time his son improved was the same time the father had been speaking with Jesus. Because of this healing, the father and all his household believed in Jesus as Savior.
Warren Wiersbe points out that the father began with a crisis faith which became confident faith. “He believed the Word and had peace in his heart.” This led to confirmed faith when he heard his son was completely healed. His faith then became contagious because he shared with his family who then also believed. (p. 243)
John ends the chapter by stating that “this was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed.” (v. 54) The first one had been turning the water into wine which revealed Jesus as the God with authority over nature. This second sign showed that Jesus is also the Great Physician with authority over sickness.
The two things that spoke to me the most in this lesson had to do with the focus on worship and witnessing. John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” The NIV text note for this verse says that true worship must be in keeping with God’s nature, which is spirit. The note for Romans 12:1 states that worship is obedient service. Dictionary.com defines worship as homage or reverence. Therefore, to worship God means to honor Him with the way I live my life, by being obedient to His commands, growing in my knowledge and understanding of Him and following His will. When a person accepts Christ as Savior, he is given a new nature - eternal spiritual life and a restored relationship with Father God. As the new believer reads the Word of God, he will grow in understanding of who Christ is.
Leading a life of worship is one way we can witness to others about Christ. When others see how we live and hear about how Christ is working in our lives, we are planting seeds of faith. Our church has a sign as you leave the parking lot that reminds us that we are now “entering the mission field”. We don’t have to go halfway across the world to share the love of Christ with others. There are people in our own neighborhoods and families who need to be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. While I will continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), I will also pray for and look for opportunities to witness about Him to others. Whether I reap the harvest or not, at least I can say I helped in the work by planting seeds of faith.
Thank you, Lord, for calling me your own and for caring about the lost; for desiring that all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:4) May my life continue to be a song of praise to you. Please use me to help further reach those in need of living water.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Learning and Growing at 42
Yeah, I’m 42 today! I’ve said to my family that while being forty-something isn’t old, I do feel like I’ve aged so much this past year and a half. (I’ve got the gray hair to prove it!) Trials can take a lot out of a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; but they also refine and help make a person better. I know I’ve grown in many areas; “not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
Some things I’ve been learning (in no particular order):
* Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, ”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse talks about trust. God has reminded me that I am not in control of things. While I may not always understand why God allows difficult things into my life, I can fully trust that He is in control and has a plan. God works all things for my good and His glory. (Romans 8:28) So I am wise to fully submit my will to His if I am to navigate this life well.
*While humility has to do with having a submissive spirit (1 Peter 5:6), it also is the opposite of pride. This is a constant struggle for me; and the Holy Spirit works over-time chiseling away at my arrogance. God has been teaching me that my convictions are personal and don’t need to be shared by others. And while we may choose things for our family that are in line with our values and goals, others may not choose the same things. As long as fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord are not in sin, it’s okay that they don’t share the same thoughts and opinions and make the same choices as I do. I am not to be the Holy Spirit for other people. 1 Peter 3:8 reminds me that I am to “live in harmony with others. . . (to) be humble.”
*We were recipients of the tremendous compassion of others during Dennis’ cancer treatment. It was another lesson in humility for me as I learned to accept help; but it also served to develop a more sympathetic nature in me. In comparison to the incredible support expressed by so many, it was the silence of a few that spoke the loudest. I knew that I had in fact been that person to others in the past, and that I had served others out of “duty” and not so much with a compassionate heart. One of the hallmarks of Christ’s ministry on earth was compassion. Many verses like Matthew 9:36 tell us that Jesus “had compassion on them.” As I desire to be more like Jesus, I will seek out opportunities to express compassion to others who are going through difficult times.
*When I started my first blog in 2008, I chose the name “Patient and Kind” because these were character traits I felt I needed to work on. I have a tendency to speak with a condescending tone when others are not meeting my expectations. Having my kids home with me has served to give me daily lessons in patience and kindness. There are many more opportunities for me to become impatient with them and I sometimes hourly (or minute by minute) have to make the choice to speak with kindness and not annoyance. Dennis’ health challenges have served to be good lessons in patience for all of us as we have had to make sacrifices to accommodate his needs. Demonstrating patience and kindness are two ways we show true love (1 Corinthians 13) and are worth developing.
*I have been on a quest for true joy. I’ve read Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts” and Sally Clarkson’s book “Dancing with my Father”. Both were excellent and served as great reminders that there are things we can be thankful for each and every day in the midst of all kinds of circumstances. So often we think we can only be happy or content if we have what we want whether it be material things or certain experiences. But this is false sense of joy because the things of this world are only temporary; they don’t last. We end up wanting something else that is bigger and better. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11 that he learned to “be content whatever the circumstances.” We personally have experienced times of plenty and times of need. I think it has been in the times of need that we have experienced greater joy because our eyes were fixed on the Lord and the promised future we have in Him.
*I am passionate about three things: growing in my relationship with the Lord; my husband-nurturing our almost 20-year marriage, caring for his needs, and making our home a retreat for him; and my children - building close relationships with them, teaching, training and discipling them. Because these are my priorities, everything else in my life is done in moderation. If I were to place too much emphasis on other activities, it would cause me to sacrifice the time I need to pursue my true passions. Scripture tells us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) and I feel that pursing my three passions is how I can best do this. When discerning what is really important, I think about meeting the Lord face-to-face and ask myself if He will care about that particular activity. If not, then it doesn’t deserve too much of my time.
A while ago, Casting Crown’s song “And Now My Lifesong Sings” came on my iPod. I think this best sums up my life at this time. I recognize that I once was lost, blind and dead in my sin. But the Lord found me, gave me His vision for how to live and the promise of eternal life with Him. This in itself is more than enough to be joyful about, but the Lord has blessed me beyond what I could have ever asked or imagined. So my response to this is to completely surrender my life to Him. It is my greatest desire that my life sing to and of the Lord, showing others what He has done in my life. The Lord gives me purpose and direction and I will continue to walk with and serve Him all the remaining days of my life.
Some things I’ve been learning (in no particular order):
* Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, ”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse talks about trust. God has reminded me that I am not in control of things. While I may not always understand why God allows difficult things into my life, I can fully trust that He is in control and has a plan. God works all things for my good and His glory. (Romans 8:28) So I am wise to fully submit my will to His if I am to navigate this life well.
*While humility has to do with having a submissive spirit (1 Peter 5:6), it also is the opposite of pride. This is a constant struggle for me; and the Holy Spirit works over-time chiseling away at my arrogance. God has been teaching me that my convictions are personal and don’t need to be shared by others. And while we may choose things for our family that are in line with our values and goals, others may not choose the same things. As long as fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord are not in sin, it’s okay that they don’t share the same thoughts and opinions and make the same choices as I do. I am not to be the Holy Spirit for other people. 1 Peter 3:8 reminds me that I am to “live in harmony with others. . . (to) be humble.”
*We were recipients of the tremendous compassion of others during Dennis’ cancer treatment. It was another lesson in humility for me as I learned to accept help; but it also served to develop a more sympathetic nature in me. In comparison to the incredible support expressed by so many, it was the silence of a few that spoke the loudest. I knew that I had in fact been that person to others in the past, and that I had served others out of “duty” and not so much with a compassionate heart. One of the hallmarks of Christ’s ministry on earth was compassion. Many verses like Matthew 9:36 tell us that Jesus “had compassion on them.” As I desire to be more like Jesus, I will seek out opportunities to express compassion to others who are going through difficult times.
*When I started my first blog in 2008, I chose the name “Patient and Kind” because these were character traits I felt I needed to work on. I have a tendency to speak with a condescending tone when others are not meeting my expectations. Having my kids home with me has served to give me daily lessons in patience and kindness. There are many more opportunities for me to become impatient with them and I sometimes hourly (or minute by minute) have to make the choice to speak with kindness and not annoyance. Dennis’ health challenges have served to be good lessons in patience for all of us as we have had to make sacrifices to accommodate his needs. Demonstrating patience and kindness are two ways we show true love (1 Corinthians 13) and are worth developing.
*I have been on a quest for true joy. I’ve read Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts” and Sally Clarkson’s book “Dancing with my Father”. Both were excellent and served as great reminders that there are things we can be thankful for each and every day in the midst of all kinds of circumstances. So often we think we can only be happy or content if we have what we want whether it be material things or certain experiences. But this is false sense of joy because the things of this world are only temporary; they don’t last. We end up wanting something else that is bigger and better. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11 that he learned to “be content whatever the circumstances.” We personally have experienced times of plenty and times of need. I think it has been in the times of need that we have experienced greater joy because our eyes were fixed on the Lord and the promised future we have in Him.
*I am passionate about three things: growing in my relationship with the Lord; my husband-nurturing our almost 20-year marriage, caring for his needs, and making our home a retreat for him; and my children - building close relationships with them, teaching, training and discipling them. Because these are my priorities, everything else in my life is done in moderation. If I were to place too much emphasis on other activities, it would cause me to sacrifice the time I need to pursue my true passions. Scripture tells us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) and I feel that pursing my three passions is how I can best do this. When discerning what is really important, I think about meeting the Lord face-to-face and ask myself if He will care about that particular activity. If not, then it doesn’t deserve too much of my time.
A while ago, Casting Crown’s song “And Now My Lifesong Sings” came on my iPod. I think this best sums up my life at this time. I recognize that I once was lost, blind and dead in my sin. But the Lord found me, gave me His vision for how to live and the promise of eternal life with Him. This in itself is more than enough to be joyful about, but the Lord has blessed me beyond what I could have ever asked or imagined. So my response to this is to completely surrender my life to Him. It is my greatest desire that my life sing to and of the Lord, showing others what He has done in my life. The Lord gives me purpose and direction and I will continue to walk with and serve Him all the remaining days of my life.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
He Must Increase; I Must Decrease
In John chapter 3, we read about a Pharisee named Nicodemus who came to Jesus at night to talk with Him. Although it might seem that he was afraid to be seen talking to Jesus, it is more likely that Nicodemus wanted to be able to speak with Jesus at length, without the interruptions and distractions of the crowds. I like how it was pointed out in my study that Nicodemus began their conversation by identifying himself with a group - the Pharisees. But Jesus made sure to turn their conversation around to make it personal. There are two things that stand out to me here in the beginning of the chapter: 1) We need to spend time with the Lord one-on-one and 2) We need to keep our focus on our own growth, and not make comparisons with others.
Jesus then speaks to Nicodemus about being “born again.” This was a new and confusing idea to Nicodemus. Jesus was not referring to a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one. Warren Wiersbe writes that spiritual rebirth requires the Spirit of God and the Word of God. He goes on to say that if our nature determines our appetite, than as Christians, we should have an appetite for the things of God (1 Peter 2:2-3). We “feed” on the Word of God and grow in spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:11-14). We are “born again to a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).
In verses 10-21 Jesus talks about how He will have to be “lifted up” and that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. In Numbers 21:4-9, we read about the Israelites being saved from deadly snake bites by looking on the serpent Moses formed and placed on a pole. As the Israelites were saved by looking in faith at the serpent on the pole, so are we saved by believing in Christ, by looking to Him in faith. Wiersbe writes that “the difference between perishing and living, and between condemnation and salvation, is faith in Jesus Christ.” Jesus came in love “as our Savior, and He died for us on the cross.” He became the “uplifted serpent.”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 This single verse captures the Gospel message. The price God paid to save the world was giving up His one and only Son. When we choose to believe in Christ as Savior we are free of condemnation.
The chapter goes on to record a dispute between the followers of John and Jesus. More people were beginning to go to Jesus, and John’s followers were jealous. John understood his mission as being the forerunner to the Messiah. He considered himself like a best man to a bridegroom - attending to his needs until the wedding and then stepping away to allow the new couple to be together. Warren Wiersbe writes that “all ministry and blessing come from God. Our gifts and opportunities come from God and He alone must get the glory.” John humbly stated that Jesus must become greater, while he became less.
So often it is tempting to put the focus on ourselves and what we are doing for Christ instead of keeping the focus on what Christ is doing for us. It is the prayer of my heart to live a life of worship. I desire to remain mindful that all I am is because of Christ who is in me. And that all I am able to do is because of Christ who works in and through me. Anything sinful is my responsibility, but anything good is because of Christ. He must increase, and I must decrease.
In verses 31-33 John the Baptist was directing people to the Messiah by describing how Jesus represented the Father. Wiersbe writes that Jesus came from heaven. He represented the Father (v. 31). Jesus shared what he had seen and heard from the Father. Those who receive His witness and act on it know by personal experience that His witness is true. Christ’s teachings aren’t to be studied intellectually, separated from everyday life. It is when we obey His Word and put it into practice that we see its truth and experience its power (vv. 32-33). God sent Jesus, gave Him the Word, the Spirit and all things. To reject the Son’s witness is to rebel against the highest authority in the universe. But when we receive His witness, we share in His love and his wealth (vv. 34-35).
In conclusion, John writes in verse 36 that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” The Harvest study writer adds that “verse 36 is not simply speaking of heaven; every believer possesses that life right now! Anyone who does not believe has already been judged (v. 18), but the sentence has not yet been carried out.” Warren Wiersbe adds that “there is no neutrality. Either we trust (accept) Him or we reject Him. Everlasting life doesn’t just mean eternity in heaven. We all face eternity. The question is where will we spend it? Believers in Christ possess the ‘life of God.’ Those who do not believe in Christ are already condemned - but the sentence has not yet been executed because God is patient and He continues to call sinners to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).”
I love what Warren Wiersbe had to add in his New Testament commentary regarding having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
1) It is a living relationship that begins with new birth. When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, we share His very life and become children in the family of God.
2) It is a loving relationship. He is the bridegroom and we are a part of the bride. We desire that Jesus Christ increase as we decrease. He must receive all the honor and the glory.
3) It is a learning relationship. He is the faithful Witness who shares God’s truth with us. What a delight it is to receive His Word, meditate on it and make it part of our very lives.
We must never forget the cost of these blessings. For us to be born into God’s family, Jesus Christ had to die. For us to enter into the loving relationship of salvation, He had to endure the hatred and condemnation of men. He had to be lifted up on the cross so that we might experience forgiveness and eternal life. May we never take this for granted. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Jesus then speaks to Nicodemus about being “born again.” This was a new and confusing idea to Nicodemus. Jesus was not referring to a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one. Warren Wiersbe writes that spiritual rebirth requires the Spirit of God and the Word of God. He goes on to say that if our nature determines our appetite, than as Christians, we should have an appetite for the things of God (1 Peter 2:2-3). We “feed” on the Word of God and grow in spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:11-14). We are “born again to a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).
In verses 10-21 Jesus talks about how He will have to be “lifted up” and that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. In Numbers 21:4-9, we read about the Israelites being saved from deadly snake bites by looking on the serpent Moses formed and placed on a pole. As the Israelites were saved by looking in faith at the serpent on the pole, so are we saved by believing in Christ, by looking to Him in faith. Wiersbe writes that “the difference between perishing and living, and between condemnation and salvation, is faith in Jesus Christ.” Jesus came in love “as our Savior, and He died for us on the cross.” He became the “uplifted serpent.”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 This single verse captures the Gospel message. The price God paid to save the world was giving up His one and only Son. When we choose to believe in Christ as Savior we are free of condemnation.
The chapter goes on to record a dispute between the followers of John and Jesus. More people were beginning to go to Jesus, and John’s followers were jealous. John understood his mission as being the forerunner to the Messiah. He considered himself like a best man to a bridegroom - attending to his needs until the wedding and then stepping away to allow the new couple to be together. Warren Wiersbe writes that “all ministry and blessing come from God. Our gifts and opportunities come from God and He alone must get the glory.” John humbly stated that Jesus must become greater, while he became less.
So often it is tempting to put the focus on ourselves and what we are doing for Christ instead of keeping the focus on what Christ is doing for us. It is the prayer of my heart to live a life of worship. I desire to remain mindful that all I am is because of Christ who is in me. And that all I am able to do is because of Christ who works in and through me. Anything sinful is my responsibility, but anything good is because of Christ. He must increase, and I must decrease.
In verses 31-33 John the Baptist was directing people to the Messiah by describing how Jesus represented the Father. Wiersbe writes that Jesus came from heaven. He represented the Father (v. 31). Jesus shared what he had seen and heard from the Father. Those who receive His witness and act on it know by personal experience that His witness is true. Christ’s teachings aren’t to be studied intellectually, separated from everyday life. It is when we obey His Word and put it into practice that we see its truth and experience its power (vv. 32-33). God sent Jesus, gave Him the Word, the Spirit and all things. To reject the Son’s witness is to rebel against the highest authority in the universe. But when we receive His witness, we share in His love and his wealth (vv. 34-35).
In conclusion, John writes in verse 36 that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” The Harvest study writer adds that “verse 36 is not simply speaking of heaven; every believer possesses that life right now! Anyone who does not believe has already been judged (v. 18), but the sentence has not yet been carried out.” Warren Wiersbe adds that “there is no neutrality. Either we trust (accept) Him or we reject Him. Everlasting life doesn’t just mean eternity in heaven. We all face eternity. The question is where will we spend it? Believers in Christ possess the ‘life of God.’ Those who do not believe in Christ are already condemned - but the sentence has not yet been executed because God is patient and He continues to call sinners to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).”
I love what Warren Wiersbe had to add in his New Testament commentary regarding having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
1) It is a living relationship that begins with new birth. When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, we share His very life and become children in the family of God.
2) It is a loving relationship. He is the bridegroom and we are a part of the bride. We desire that Jesus Christ increase as we decrease. He must receive all the honor and the glory.
3) It is a learning relationship. He is the faithful Witness who shares God’s truth with us. What a delight it is to receive His Word, meditate on it and make it part of our very lives.
We must never forget the cost of these blessings. For us to be born into God’s family, Jesus Christ had to die. For us to enter into the loving relationship of salvation, He had to endure the hatred and condemnation of men. He had to be lifted up on the cross so that we might experience forgiveness and eternal life. May we never take this for granted. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Purpose of God
Read this tonight in "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. Am posting it so I'll remember. . .
"(Jesus') life was an absolute failure from every standpoint except God's. But what seemed to be failure from man's standpoint was a triumph from God's standpoint, because God's purpose is never the same as man's purpose.
Our real test is truly believing that God knows what He desires. The things that happen do not happen by chance - they happen entirely by the decree of God. God is sovereignly working out His own purposes.
If we are in fellowship and oneness with God and recognize that he is taking us into His purposes, then we will no longer strive to find out what His purposes are. As we grow in the Christian life, it becomes simpler to us, because we are less inclined to say, "I wonder why God allowed this or that?" And we begin to see that the compelling purpose of God lies behind everything in life, and that God is divinely shaping us into oneness with that purpose. A Christian is someone who trusts in the knowledge and the wisdom of God, not in his own abilities. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the calm, relaxed pace which should be characteristic of the children of God." -Oswald Chambers
A Need for Heaven
I have been reading Sally Clarkson’s book “Dancing with my Father”. It is a wonderful book and has helped me press on in my quest for joy. In the chapter I was reading the other day, Sally Clarkson was sharing about her experience as a missionary in Communist Europe and how it related to the idea of finding joy in the midst of suffering.
As she pondered over how people living in such great oppression could express such joy and hope, a woman shared the following with her:
“When you really need there to be a heaven and when you believe in it with all your heart, you have great reason to rejoice because you know this life is so short. You count on the fact that you will live forever in a place that you were designed for from the beginning of the world. The problem is that, sometimes, you who live in the Western world have so much of heaven on earth, with all your things and relative security and stability, that you can’t clearly see the world that is ahead. And often, I think, you don’t feel as much a need for heaven. The one who can clearly understand why heaven will be such a place of blessing will never demand too much of life in a world that has been separated from God. We know from the shadow of beauty we see here that we were designed for a better place. It is for our joy in that very real fact that our hearts are full and that we sing so strongly.” (pp. 159-160)
I’ve been thinking on this so much the past couple of days. In general, we have a great deal of freedom and abundance in our lives here in America. But more and more we are seeing various types of suffering. We deal with things like disease, death, loss of jobs, financial struggles, and even a gradual whittling away of our freedoms. During these times of struggles, people have two choices. They can either become anxious, worried and/or bitter over their circumstances; or they can seek hope, joy and peace in the midst of their difficult circumstances.
Not long before my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, I was listening to Mercy Me’s song “Bring the Rain”. There are the lyrics, “bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free, bring me anything that brings you glory. And I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that’s what it takes to praise you Jesus, bring the rain.” At the time I was doing a Woman of Faith study on living a life of worship and I remember lifting these words up as a prayer to the Lord because my desire was to worship Him in all things. Little did I know at the time that I was going to be asked to put that prayer into practice.
Which takes me back to the quote from Sally Clarkson’s book. It was during those first days of my husband’s diagnosis, going through treatment, dealing with large amounts of medical bills and now working through recovery that I have begun to see that this life is indeed short, that we were not made for this world, and that I have much to rejoice over as I have the hope and joy of heaven because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. Compared to eternity, this life is short and anything pleasurable or difficult will not last.
I am grateful for the heavenly perspective I have developed through our trials. It is my prayer that I will continue to see my need for heaven. May I keep my heart and mind focused on the eternal things to come and not seek the temporary things of this world, the world for which I was not made. If it takes difficult things to keep that mindset, then I accept them willingly; because living a life of worship here with pain is more valuable than a life of ease with no hope for eternity.
As she pondered over how people living in such great oppression could express such joy and hope, a woman shared the following with her:
“When you really need there to be a heaven and when you believe in it with all your heart, you have great reason to rejoice because you know this life is so short. You count on the fact that you will live forever in a place that you were designed for from the beginning of the world. The problem is that, sometimes, you who live in the Western world have so much of heaven on earth, with all your things and relative security and stability, that you can’t clearly see the world that is ahead. And often, I think, you don’t feel as much a need for heaven. The one who can clearly understand why heaven will be such a place of blessing will never demand too much of life in a world that has been separated from God. We know from the shadow of beauty we see here that we were designed for a better place. It is for our joy in that very real fact that our hearts are full and that we sing so strongly.” (pp. 159-160)
I’ve been thinking on this so much the past couple of days. In general, we have a great deal of freedom and abundance in our lives here in America. But more and more we are seeing various types of suffering. We deal with things like disease, death, loss of jobs, financial struggles, and even a gradual whittling away of our freedoms. During these times of struggles, people have two choices. They can either become anxious, worried and/or bitter over their circumstances; or they can seek hope, joy and peace in the midst of their difficult circumstances.
Not long before my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, I was listening to Mercy Me’s song “Bring the Rain”. There are the lyrics, “bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free, bring me anything that brings you glory. And I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that’s what it takes to praise you Jesus, bring the rain.” At the time I was doing a Woman of Faith study on living a life of worship and I remember lifting these words up as a prayer to the Lord because my desire was to worship Him in all things. Little did I know at the time that I was going to be asked to put that prayer into practice.
Which takes me back to the quote from Sally Clarkson’s book. It was during those first days of my husband’s diagnosis, going through treatment, dealing with large amounts of medical bills and now working through recovery that I have begun to see that this life is indeed short, that we were not made for this world, and that I have much to rejoice over as I have the hope and joy of heaven because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. Compared to eternity, this life is short and anything pleasurable or difficult will not last.
I am grateful for the heavenly perspective I have developed through our trials. It is my prayer that I will continue to see my need for heaven. May I keep my heart and mind focused on the eternal things to come and not seek the temporary things of this world, the world for which I was not made. If it takes difficult things to keep that mindset, then I accept them willingly; because living a life of worship here with pain is more valuable than a life of ease with no hope for eternity.
Monday, February 27, 2012
What is the Cost?
In our lifetime we have a multitude of choices to make. Some are made in a split second, others we may take our time to consider. My thoughts the past few days have been whether we really consider the COST of our choices.
By cost, I don't mean financial. I am talking about how our choices affect our character and reputation, meeting our family's needs, the care and running of our home, our relationships with others, and most importantly our walk with the Lord.
Some topics I've been considering:
Demanding my own way instead of considering the desires and needs of my spouse, children, and others (Proverbs 19:13; Proverbs 21:9; Philippians 2:3; Romans 15:2-3; 1 Peter 3:1-8)
The types of books, television shows and movies my family takes in (Philippians 4:8)
The type of and amount of activities my children and I are involved in (Proverbs 19:14; 1 Corinthians 7:3; 1 Peter 1:15)
Mothers working outside the home (when there is in fact a choice to do so or not) (Proverbs 13:11; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Proverbs 31; Titus 2:5; Hebrews 13:5)
The type of and amount of work my husband does (2 Corinthians 6:14; Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 11:3; Proverbs 13:11; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:33; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; 1 Timothy 6:10)
The best way to educate my children based on their personalities, learning styles and needs (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Titus 2:4-8)
Deciding where to live - rent or buy? near family or work or church? (Luke 14:28)
Caring for aging parents and grandparents (1 Timothy 5:4)
I am not giving specific responses to these thoughts because the cost will be different for everyone. And sometimes the benefits of a choice will outweigh the cost. But what is important is that we consider carefully.
Our pastor taught on Sunday from James 3 regarding wisdom. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
Wisdom is not something we can gain all at once. It is a process. We are continually gaining wisdom as we study the Bible and pray and experience life. As I put the two thoughts together, I can't help but think that the most effective way to evaluate the cost of each decision in life is to look at it through the filter of Scripture.
It is far too easy to make decisions based on our own initiative, pride, selfishness, laziness, or greed; putting our own wants ahead of others and before obedience to God. May we who call Christ our Savior continually seek wisdom and carefully consider how we live - not as unwise, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15).
By cost, I don't mean financial. I am talking about how our choices affect our character and reputation, meeting our family's needs, the care and running of our home, our relationships with others, and most importantly our walk with the Lord.
Some topics I've been considering:
Demanding my own way instead of considering the desires and needs of my spouse, children, and others (Proverbs 19:13; Proverbs 21:9; Philippians 2:3; Romans 15:2-3; 1 Peter 3:1-8)
The types of books, television shows and movies my family takes in (Philippians 4:8)
The type of and amount of activities my children and I are involved in (Proverbs 19:14; 1 Corinthians 7:3; 1 Peter 1:15)
Mothers working outside the home (when there is in fact a choice to do so or not) (Proverbs 13:11; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Proverbs 31; Titus 2:5; Hebrews 13:5)
The type of and amount of work my husband does (2 Corinthians 6:14; Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 11:3; Proverbs 13:11; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:33; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; 1 Timothy 6:10)
The best way to educate my children based on their personalities, learning styles and needs (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Titus 2:4-8)
Deciding where to live - rent or buy? near family or work or church? (Luke 14:28)
Caring for aging parents and grandparents (1 Timothy 5:4)
I am not giving specific responses to these thoughts because the cost will be different for everyone. And sometimes the benefits of a choice will outweigh the cost. But what is important is that we consider carefully.
Our pastor taught on Sunday from James 3 regarding wisdom. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
Wisdom is not something we can gain all at once. It is a process. We are continually gaining wisdom as we study the Bible and pray and experience life. As I put the two thoughts together, I can't help but think that the most effective way to evaluate the cost of each decision in life is to look at it through the filter of Scripture.
It is far too easy to make decisions based on our own initiative, pride, selfishness, laziness, or greed; putting our own wants ahead of others and before obedience to God. May we who call Christ our Savior continually seek wisdom and carefully consider how we live - not as unwise, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15).
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