I was reading Matthew Chapter 8 the other night and noticed the wide variety of healings accomplished by the Savior. I guess you could categorize the sicknesses in this fashion:
1. Casual sickness. In verses 14-15, we discover that Peter's mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever. Maybe she had a cold or a virus of some sort. Apparently she didn't feel well and went to bed to recover. It is hard to say, but I'm thinking that maybe this was just a minor illness. After Jesus healed her, she got up and waited on Him. Many times in life we get hit by minor illnesses which are more or less a nuisance. We're not deathly sick, mind you. It's just that an illness interferes with our work or family plans. Maybe it goes away in a week or two, but it is still very annoying.
2. Chronic sickness. Verses 2-4 describe a man with leprosy, a chronic debilitating condition. Left untreated, leprosy caused permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. There was also considerable social stigma associated with leprosy as lepers were considered unclean and had to dwell apart from the general population. It was a horrible way of life.
3. Calamitous sickness. Verses 5-13 list the centurion's servant, lying in bed, paralyzed and experiencing tremendous pain. Not really sure what was going on with this person, but it appeared to be a painful illness. He was immobile and suffering. It was a desperate situation.
4. Chaotic sickness. Verses 28-34 tell of two men who were demon-possessed. They lived in the tombs and were so violent that no one could pass by the road. The local residents went to great lengths to avoid any interaction, fearing their own personal safety. Sometimes illnesses today are so complex that families and neighbors are perplexed to understand how to intervene. There appears to be no simple cure.
However, no matter the depth of sickness, from Peter's mother-in-law to the demoniacs, Jesus healed them all. The centurion, knowing Jesus' power, was well aware of the secret for removing all of these ailments. In verse 8, he proclaimed to Jesus, "...just say the word and my servant will be healed." That's all it takes. Just a word from Jesus. Just say it and everything will be made well.
Furthermore, in today's world, we may also experience the different types of illness. Being treated by healthcare professionals (of which I am one) can help, but the ultimate cure comes from the lips of the Savior. We must entreat His favor with the attitude, "...speak, for Thy servant is listening". (I Samuel 3:10). Once He speaks the true healing begins, whether instantaneous or in time.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Beware The Sabeans
I've recently read a book about Job while doing research for my second book. If you aren't familiar with Job, let me refresh your memory of his demise which occurs in the first chapters of the book of Job. Within moments he loses his livestock, servants and children. Later in chapter two, his health begins to deteriorate.
Nevertheless, the first action which occurred in this process is mentioned in Job chapter 1. "...The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword..." (Job 1:14-15). You could say the first domino to fall came about at the hand of a mysterious people called the Sabeans. Who were the Sabeans? Apparently they were some terrorizing robbers who were descendants of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:1-3). After they attacked Job's servants and livestock, they are hardly mentioned any further in the Bible, except a brief reference in Job 6:19. Hence, the Sabeans came and left after inflicting their harm and then seemed to disappear off the face of the planet. Isn't that how life is sometime? An evil person or an evil circumstance appears for a brief moment, does its damage, then vacates. I cannot forget the ways cancer attacked me in 2004 and 2006. After major surgery and chemotherapy, I am now more or less relatively healthy, although cancer forever damaged my body. You could say the Sabeans came and went, still leaving me to bear with the consequences.
On the other hand, sometimes good people or good circumstances appear for a short time, leaving a lasting joyous effect. I know that when I went through chemotherapy, a lady provided T-shirts for the staff to give to patients which stated "God heals cancer" and listed "I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord" (Psalms 118:17) written on the back. I never met the lady, don't know what kind of cancer she had, and was certainly unfamiliar with Psalms 118:17, although I had read my Bible numerous times. Yet, that verse ultimately became a life verse for me. As a matter of fact, I now wear a bracelet on my wrist at all times which lists this verse. How did this all happen? Basically, because a godly lady appeared on the scene for a season, ministered to me, then vanished. Yet, I am so grateful for her ministry.
Thankfully, even though Sabeans attack us at times, there are checks and balances in God's plan in which godly men and women minister to us, albeit just for a brief time to repair the damage of terrorizing robbers.
You can read more about the vicious attacks I endured while battling cancer but yet the victories I achieved by reading my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer." It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Nevertheless, the first action which occurred in this process is mentioned in Job chapter 1. "...The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword..." (Job 1:14-15). You could say the first domino to fall came about at the hand of a mysterious people called the Sabeans. Who were the Sabeans? Apparently they were some terrorizing robbers who were descendants of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:1-3). After they attacked Job's servants and livestock, they are hardly mentioned any further in the Bible, except a brief reference in Job 6:19. Hence, the Sabeans came and left after inflicting their harm and then seemed to disappear off the face of the planet. Isn't that how life is sometime? An evil person or an evil circumstance appears for a brief moment, does its damage, then vacates. I cannot forget the ways cancer attacked me in 2004 and 2006. After major surgery and chemotherapy, I am now more or less relatively healthy, although cancer forever damaged my body. You could say the Sabeans came and went, still leaving me to bear with the consequences.
On the other hand, sometimes good people or good circumstances appear for a short time, leaving a lasting joyous effect. I know that when I went through chemotherapy, a lady provided T-shirts for the staff to give to patients which stated "God heals cancer" and listed "I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord" (Psalms 118:17) written on the back. I never met the lady, don't know what kind of cancer she had, and was certainly unfamiliar with Psalms 118:17, although I had read my Bible numerous times. Yet, that verse ultimately became a life verse for me. As a matter of fact, I now wear a bracelet on my wrist at all times which lists this verse. How did this all happen? Basically, because a godly lady appeared on the scene for a season, ministered to me, then vanished. Yet, I am so grateful for her ministry.
Thankfully, even though Sabeans attack us at times, there are checks and balances in God's plan in which godly men and women minister to us, albeit just for a brief time to repair the damage of terrorizing robbers.
You can read more about the vicious attacks I endured while battling cancer but yet the victories I achieved by reading my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer." It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Monday, July 22, 2013
Where Is Thy Sting?
I recently cut my father's grass while he was recovering from an injury. I had trouble getting his lawn mowers started so I gratefully found a neighbor who was willing to loan me her lawn mower for the project. Due to my work schedule and the increasing growth of the grass, I felt an urgency to cut the grass on that particular day. So, with a self-propelled lawn mower in hand, I commenced to cutting.
The project began rather smoothly. The lawn mower was cutting at a good clip. I felt a sense of pride, seeing the grass getting mowed down at a good pace.
Then it happened. I felt a sharp stinging sensation in my calf. As I looked down, I could see the culprit...yellow jackets. I had cut over a yellow jacket nest and they were swarming in the vicinity. I quickly vacated the premises, but not before I had received two stings on my left calf, one on my right calf, and one sting on my right hand. I rested for a short time, then resumed my project, carefully watching for additional yellow jacket nests. Thankfully, my father-in-law came over and helped me cut the rest of the grass. The yard was mowed but I left the project wounded from those pesky yellow jackets.
When I went to bed that night, the stings were very painful, just a constant ache. I wondered if I would even be able to sleep due to the pain. This concerned me because I needed to rest to be able to work the following day. Finally, I took some Tylenol and got some rest. The stings itched for several days and I coated the areas with antihistamine gel. Finally, after about 2-3 days, the stings caused no discomfort whatsoever.
Nevertheless, the stings reminded me of 1 Corinthians 15. As a matter of fact, death is described as having a sting. It bites with a vengeance, sometimes gradually as seen with progressive illness, but sometimes rather quickly as loved ones are removed from this earth in a moment. However, the pain of death is overcome by the eternal victory of those who belong to Christ. Our lives on this earth, just as the fleeting stings and lives of yellow jackets, are only temporary. Death ultimately leads believers into the eternal glory of heaven. Thus, it is no wonder the scripture taunts death, saying, "..O, death, where is thy sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55). In other words, death, is that the best you can do?
The yellow jackets may have felt they had gotten the best of me. Yet, in the big picture, as a believer in Christ, I truly am the victor.
Hence, "...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).
The project began rather smoothly. The lawn mower was cutting at a good clip. I felt a sense of pride, seeing the grass getting mowed down at a good pace.
Then it happened. I felt a sharp stinging sensation in my calf. As I looked down, I could see the culprit...yellow jackets. I had cut over a yellow jacket nest and they were swarming in the vicinity. I quickly vacated the premises, but not before I had received two stings on my left calf, one on my right calf, and one sting on my right hand. I rested for a short time, then resumed my project, carefully watching for additional yellow jacket nests. Thankfully, my father-in-law came over and helped me cut the rest of the grass. The yard was mowed but I left the project wounded from those pesky yellow jackets.
When I went to bed that night, the stings were very painful, just a constant ache. I wondered if I would even be able to sleep due to the pain. This concerned me because I needed to rest to be able to work the following day. Finally, I took some Tylenol and got some rest. The stings itched for several days and I coated the areas with antihistamine gel. Finally, after about 2-3 days, the stings caused no discomfort whatsoever.
Nevertheless, the stings reminded me of 1 Corinthians 15. As a matter of fact, death is described as having a sting. It bites with a vengeance, sometimes gradually as seen with progressive illness, but sometimes rather quickly as loved ones are removed from this earth in a moment. However, the pain of death is overcome by the eternal victory of those who belong to Christ. Our lives on this earth, just as the fleeting stings and lives of yellow jackets, are only temporary. Death ultimately leads believers into the eternal glory of heaven. Thus, it is no wonder the scripture taunts death, saying, "..O, death, where is thy sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55). In other words, death, is that the best you can do?
The yellow jackets may have felt they had gotten the best of me. Yet, in the big picture, as a believer in Christ, I truly am the victor.
Hence, "...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).
Monday, July 8, 2013
Bearing More Fruit
Many years ago I lived in the house of my great aunt and great uncle after they passed away. It was an old house but rather unique. It was located on a large amount of property, meaning there was a big yard which required much effort to keep the grass cut on a regular basis. The property also contained several fig trees which were somewhat unproductive. I admired the large leaves of these biblical trees but didn't see much fruit of which to speak.
However, after I moved out, my parents moved into this house, a nice move for them but even better fortune for the fig trees. My father, in his wisdom, recognized the problem with the fig trees in that they contained multiple dead limbs. Therefore he commenced to pruning the trees or "cutting them way down" as he put it. That was several years ago.
Now you wouldn't believe the number of figs that we harvest every year. The trees have grown to gigantic proportions with extensive foliage. Hence, as the summer progresses, the challenge is to pick the figs as soon as possible (before the birds get them) and distribute them to whoever desires their sweetness. Needless to say, my father's pruning has been very productive.
Jesus says that the Heavenly Father is also in the pruning business. John 15:2 says, "...every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit." What does the pruning entail? I would imagine it could be any type of hardship or difficulty. For me, I underwent a major pruning when I went through cancer. Yet it could be financial difficulties, relationship issues, work problems, whatever. Some very painful processes. On the other hand, the abundant harvest (just like my father's fig trees in due time) proclaim the value of the pruning. Consequently, just like my father gives away figs, the pruning in my life may provide nourishment for many others. That is my prayer.
However, after I moved out, my parents moved into this house, a nice move for them but even better fortune for the fig trees. My father, in his wisdom, recognized the problem with the fig trees in that they contained multiple dead limbs. Therefore he commenced to pruning the trees or "cutting them way down" as he put it. That was several years ago.
Now you wouldn't believe the number of figs that we harvest every year. The trees have grown to gigantic proportions with extensive foliage. Hence, as the summer progresses, the challenge is to pick the figs as soon as possible (before the birds get them) and distribute them to whoever desires their sweetness. Needless to say, my father's pruning has been very productive.
Jesus says that the Heavenly Father is also in the pruning business. John 15:2 says, "...every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit." What does the pruning entail? I would imagine it could be any type of hardship or difficulty. For me, I underwent a major pruning when I went through cancer. Yet it could be financial difficulties, relationship issues, work problems, whatever. Some very painful processes. On the other hand, the abundant harvest (just like my father's fig trees in due time) proclaim the value of the pruning. Consequently, just like my father gives away figs, the pruning in my life may provide nourishment for many others. That is my prayer.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Playing Through Pain
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2 NASB)
I get many inspirations through running. Although, jogging can be hot, tiring, and painful, it gives me a great opportunity to clear my mind and think about life decisions. It's also a great chance to pray because it limits the number of distractions in my life. Perhaps the only distractions during the jog would be the occasional dog who may bark at me in the neighborhood or a car travelling on my street. Yet I focus on finishing the run.
Last week I went running and began to develop a migraine headache. I've had them for years on occasion. I have what would be called "classic migraines" in that I have an "aura" or warning that a headache is coming. For me, this aura involves having blurred vision in my left visual field. This usually occurs several minutes before the headache comes. The first time this occurred to me years ago I thought I was having a stroke. Now I don't panic when the blurred vision occurs but simply take some Tylenol as soon as possible. In most instances the blurred vision goes away after a few minutes and the headache never develops.
However, during this instance while running, I was not sure what to do. The blurred vision started shortly after my run and I had no access to Tylenol. In addition, the run was on a straight street. Thus the farther I ran in one direction, the farther I would have to run to get back to my car. So, I had a couple of options. For example, I could stop running and walk back to the car. On the other hand, maybe I could shorten the length of my run and get back to the car as soon as possible. That's exactly what I decided to do. Try to run at least a minor distance and then treat the blurred vision and impending headache as soon as possible. So, I ended up running only a little over a mile.
Yet, to my surprise, as I got closer and closer to my car, the blurred vision began to dissipate. It was practically gone when I got to the car. I imagine I took some Tylenol at that point but it impressed me in that I had worked through my discomfort while running. In other words, I had done as some athletes would proclaim, I had "played through the pain".
Playing through pain, that's how we sometimes have to live our lives. Keep going, keep moving, in spite of the discomfort. Don't let the affliction afflict you. Sometimes life hurts and illness or circumstances try to bog us down. Yet, when we reach the finish line in accomplishing a task (in spite of the difficulties), there is much joy. I'm sure I would have felt good about myself if the run had not been eventful. However, after completing the run under adverse circumstances, I felt fantastic, not only for finishing the jog but for learning something new about life as well.
To learn more about my victory over adverse circumstances, check out my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer' on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
I get many inspirations through running. Although, jogging can be hot, tiring, and painful, it gives me a great opportunity to clear my mind and think about life decisions. It's also a great chance to pray because it limits the number of distractions in my life. Perhaps the only distractions during the jog would be the occasional dog who may bark at me in the neighborhood or a car travelling on my street. Yet I focus on finishing the run.
Last week I went running and began to develop a migraine headache. I've had them for years on occasion. I have what would be called "classic migraines" in that I have an "aura" or warning that a headache is coming. For me, this aura involves having blurred vision in my left visual field. This usually occurs several minutes before the headache comes. The first time this occurred to me years ago I thought I was having a stroke. Now I don't panic when the blurred vision occurs but simply take some Tylenol as soon as possible. In most instances the blurred vision goes away after a few minutes and the headache never develops.
However, during this instance while running, I was not sure what to do. The blurred vision started shortly after my run and I had no access to Tylenol. In addition, the run was on a straight street. Thus the farther I ran in one direction, the farther I would have to run to get back to my car. So, I had a couple of options. For example, I could stop running and walk back to the car. On the other hand, maybe I could shorten the length of my run and get back to the car as soon as possible. That's exactly what I decided to do. Try to run at least a minor distance and then treat the blurred vision and impending headache as soon as possible. So, I ended up running only a little over a mile.
Yet, to my surprise, as I got closer and closer to my car, the blurred vision began to dissipate. It was practically gone when I got to the car. I imagine I took some Tylenol at that point but it impressed me in that I had worked through my discomfort while running. In other words, I had done as some athletes would proclaim, I had "played through the pain".
Playing through pain, that's how we sometimes have to live our lives. Keep going, keep moving, in spite of the discomfort. Don't let the affliction afflict you. Sometimes life hurts and illness or circumstances try to bog us down. Yet, when we reach the finish line in accomplishing a task (in spite of the difficulties), there is much joy. I'm sure I would have felt good about myself if the run had not been eventful. However, after completing the run under adverse circumstances, I felt fantastic, not only for finishing the jog but for learning something new about life as well.
To learn more about my victory over adverse circumstances, check out my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer' on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Friday, June 14, 2013
No Escape (Trussville Tribune Article)
I had an article published in The Trussville Tribune regarding a comical experience while visiting a music store. Check it out at:
http://www.trussvilletribune.com/?p=6811
The article doesn't really deal with cancer but hope you enjoy it.
http://www.trussvilletribune.com/?p=6811
The article doesn't really deal with cancer but hope you enjoy it.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Doing The Right Thing
I heard about a man who customarily went to church every Sunday. His wife usually went with him. However, one Sunday, he just didn't want to attend. After he turned off his alarm clock, he mentioned to his wife several reasons why he didn't want to go on this particular Sunday. For example, he was tired and needed extra sleep. Also he mentioned some of the unfavorable conditions in the church, stating, "The people aren't very friendly and no one ever talks to me". In addition, the music and the preaching were uninspiring. To make matters worse, there was also a light rain falling outside. Finally, after he mentioned all of his reservations about attending his wife replied, "Honey, I understand why you don't want to go today. However, you have to go...you're the pastor!"
Sometimes we have to do the right thing in spite of our circumstances. Being an off day from work today, I went jogging in my community. Even though I was tired from a long week of work, I commenced to running. At first, I hated it. I had to run up a rather large hill and sensed that this run would be a rather unenjoyable workout. Eventually I made it to the top of the hill in spite of my physical and mental anguish. As I continued to run, I picked up a certain rhythm and the run wasn't quite as difficult. However, the running was still tough. The weather was hot and humid. My feet hurt. I was thirsty. Nevertheless, I ultimately completed my run (roughly three miles in distance). Even though I dreaded the run at first, at the end, I was glad I had put forth the effort. I felt better about myself. I felt more healthy. I also felt less guilty when I engorged myself at a fast food restaurant afterwards with a sandwich and tater tots. So, my running, as Wilford Brimley used to say in the Quaker Oats commercial was "the right thing to do".
Jesus also did the right thing in spite of circumstances. Hebrews 12:2 states how "...Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". This wasn't easy, the Scripture attesting to how He wanted to turn back from the cross. Luke 22:42 mentions how He prayed, "...Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." But Jesus persevered, was crucified and rose again. I am so glad He ultimately did the right thing for me. My sins are washed away by His atoning sacrifice, and I have a home in heaven prepared for me.
When I was going through chemotherapy, it was extremely painful, both physically and emotionally. I was tired. I was nauseated, I was even hospitalized on several occasions. There were times when I felt I could not endure any more agony. But looking back, now that I'm cancer free, it was the right thing to do.
If you wish to know more about my cancer story and survival, check out my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer" on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Sometimes we have to do the right thing in spite of our circumstances. Being an off day from work today, I went jogging in my community. Even though I was tired from a long week of work, I commenced to running. At first, I hated it. I had to run up a rather large hill and sensed that this run would be a rather unenjoyable workout. Eventually I made it to the top of the hill in spite of my physical and mental anguish. As I continued to run, I picked up a certain rhythm and the run wasn't quite as difficult. However, the running was still tough. The weather was hot and humid. My feet hurt. I was thirsty. Nevertheless, I ultimately completed my run (roughly three miles in distance). Even though I dreaded the run at first, at the end, I was glad I had put forth the effort. I felt better about myself. I felt more healthy. I also felt less guilty when I engorged myself at a fast food restaurant afterwards with a sandwich and tater tots. So, my running, as Wilford Brimley used to say in the Quaker Oats commercial was "the right thing to do".
Jesus also did the right thing in spite of circumstances. Hebrews 12:2 states how "...Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". This wasn't easy, the Scripture attesting to how He wanted to turn back from the cross. Luke 22:42 mentions how He prayed, "...Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." But Jesus persevered, was crucified and rose again. I am so glad He ultimately did the right thing for me. My sins are washed away by His atoning sacrifice, and I have a home in heaven prepared for me.
When I was going through chemotherapy, it was extremely painful, both physically and emotionally. I was tired. I was nauseated, I was even hospitalized on several occasions. There were times when I felt I could not endure any more agony. But looking back, now that I'm cancer free, it was the right thing to do.
If you wish to know more about my cancer story and survival, check out my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer" on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
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