Loose him and let him go……

John 11:43-44 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

When Jesus spoke these words I am sure they began to unwrap Lazarus from the graveclothes.

Perhaps there are some things that have you bound that need to be loosed. There are so many things that can bind us up. Fear, doubt, worry, sickness, heartache, etc.
When Jesus spoke things began to happen. Lazarus was made alive and then he began to be freed of the bondage.

That is how Christ works in our lives. He speaks life into us by salvation and then by His spirit He begins the process of freeing us from those things that have us bound.

I think the last thing to come off Lazarus was that napkin that was bound around his face. Many times that is the most difficult of all to be freed of. That napkin, if left on, can determine our speech and hinder our eyesight.

If left on, his speech would be filtered through the grave napkin and what he saw would be the same.

How many times have our words not reflected life but death in speaking negative things and our vision blurred to only see the negative?

Once we allow Him to remove the napkin on our face we then can begin to see clearly and speak correctly.

What is it that you have been seeing lately and what is it that you have been saying. Perhaps there are still remnants of the grave cloth on your face and today Christ wants to remove it all.

Maybe today you are only seeing life through your circumstances and not through His promises and that is causing you to speak defeat rather than victory. This could be the day your freedom comes.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Be Blessed,
Rick

Go forward......

When Moses was facing the Red Sea the children of Israel were complaining about everything. Here was God's response to Moses:

Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Is there something that has you hitched to a post and you are going no where? A past hurt, an injustice, a sickness, a sorrow, a victory.

We can hitch to anything in life and stay there. I know men that are still talking about the touchdown they made in high school. That is where they are hitched.

Here is what Paul said: Philippians 3:12-14 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. NLT

When Paul speaks of forgetting the past he does not just say the bad things in my past but he was forgetting his past. He could not depend on his successes or failures to help him press on or go forward.

What is it that identifies you? I don't want to be known as the pastor that had cancer but I want to be know as the pastor that loves Christ. Cancer is not my identity just as a hurt or sorrow or anything else should be yours.

Philippians 3:7-11 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! NLT

Are there things in your life that you have hitched yourself to? Perhaps today would be a good time to allow Christ to loose you and let you go. Just as He spoke when Lazarus was raised from the dead. All the old grave clothes had to go.

There is an old song we used to sing entitled The Move is On. Let its words inspire you today to "Go Forward".

The move is on, my Lord, the move is on;
The move is on, my Lord, the move is on.
I can hear the rustle of the mulberry trees,
And I know, I know, I know the move is on.

Move on brother, move on sister,
This is the moving day,
Move a little closer,
Where the streams are flowing;
Move on, brother, move on.

Be Blessed,
Rick

Let the healing begin......

Today I finished all of my radiation treatments and now my neck and throat can begin to heal.

Radiation does help to kill cancer cells but also burns the skin and tissue in the area it is used. There can be several side effects.

It keeps working for about two weeks after the last treatment but the healing process can and will get started.

So in a couple of weeks the swelling and redness and soreness should begin to go away. I should begin to be able to speak without a lot of discomfort and my hands free device should stay in place better.

Think with me for a moment on this. Many times we bombard our lives with things that keep the healing from starting.

Worry, doubt, fear, anger, resentment, grudges, mistrust, etc. (I think you get the idea). With all that being radiated in us, healing can not really start or at least won't be able to finish.

Today I laid on the table, put on the mask and took the last treatment. I am done being bombarded with radiation. Today the healing begins.

Perhaps today healing can begin in your life by not laying on the table and putting on the mask and bombarding yourself with all that stuff I listed above. In doing so healing can begin in your life. Healing from fear, doubt, worry, anger, mistrust and so on.

Let me shout it out. LET THE HEALING BEGIN IN YOUR LIFE TODAY!

Be Blessed,
Rick

If you don't succeed at first try, try again.....

We have all heard that statement. Last Sunday when I used my hands free device it blew out (wouldn't stay in) in a few minutes.

This week I used it again and it stayed where it was supposed to for the complete message.

It looks like it is going to work and for that I am thankful.

So many times we want to give up when something doesn't work the first time. If it is the right thing to do then keep on trying until you get it. You may have to go at it from a different angle but you will eventually get it. I had to do a few things differently but it worked.

I know people who have given their lives to Christ and then quit serving Him because they say, "It didn't work". I guess what they are thinking is that when one submits their life to Christ that everything is going to get easier. My experience has been just the opposite, sometimes life gets tougher.

The devil wants you to give up so he will throw road blocks in your way. The three Hebrew Children got a fiery furnace, the Children of Israel got a Red Sea, David got a giant and the list could go on and on.

Christ never promised smooth sailing He just promised He would sail with us. That is good enough for me.

If you have given up on serving Jesus why not give Him your life again, only this time keep on, keeping on.

2 Cor 4:15-16 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Be Blessed,
Rick

Look mom no hands....

This Sunday was the first time that I preached with my hands free device installed. I have been using it since last Wednesday and it works great.

While I was preaching I blew it out and it would not stay installed so I had to revert back to the other way to talk by covering my stoma with my thumb.

The problem is my neck has swollen because of the radiation so it does not hold as well. I believe it will be OK once the radiation is finished and the swelling goes down.

I am continuing my series "UP" and this Sunday was "Listen Up". One point was: if you feel like quiting, listen up, don't quit. I had the illustration, first hand, by continuing on even through the hands free device was not working.

It is easy to get frustrated and feel like quitting but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The point is...you can't give up when things don't go as expected. You stop, refocus and keep moving forward.

What has not gone the way you thought? Has it stopped you or just caused you to refocus and move on? Bottom line...we cannot quit or give up in times of adversity.

One of my favorite verses in the bible is 1 John 4:4 You are of God little children and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world.

Next Sunday...Look mom no hands...and away I go.

Blessings,
Rick

Are we there yet?

We have all either said that or we have been asked that when traveling on a trip. My answer was always, "We will be there when we get there".

I am half way through my radiation treatments. At least with these I do know the ending day. I am almost there.

Today I should get my hands free device. This is one of those things that you can't 'try and then buy' but it is just the opposite, 'buy and then try'.

I am fairly confident that it will work. It will be nice, especially when speaking, to be hands free.

I have been blessed thus far with very little side effects from the radiation.

Back to the question, "Are we there yet?" If we think about Christ and His return I can say that we are almost there. No man knows the day nor hour but we can surely see the signs of His coming.

Gordon Jensen's song says it best:

Redemption Draweth Nigh

Years of time have come and gone
Since I first heard it told
Of how Jesus would come again some day
If back then it seemed so real
Then I just can’t help but feel
How much closer His coming is today

Wars and strife on every hand
And violence fills the land
Still some people doubt He’ll ever come again
But the Word of God is true
He’ll redeem His chosen few
Don’t lose hope soon Christ Jesus will descend

Signs of the times are everywhere
There’s a brand new feeling in the air
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky
Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh

Keep looking up.

Blessings,
Rick

P.S. I will let you know next week how the hands free device worked.

What a great day. I am continuing the series "UP" on Sunday mornings. Last Sunday was "Get Up" and this Sunday was "Wake Up". My voice seems to be getting clearer and stronger each week.

I hope to have my hands free device before long. I am looking forward to seeing how that will work.

Radiation treatments are going well. I have eight done and only twenty-two more to go. The treatments only last about thirty seconds. I am learning things every day concerning this "new normal".

Emotionally at times it is more difficult then physically. Some days it all hits me but I push through with God's help.

I am grateful for all the prayers that have been prayed for me and will continue to be prayed for me.

Blessings,
Rick

"Your voice is clearer now then it has been for two years." That is what was said to me tonight after preaching.

What a joy to stand behind the pulpit and share God's word. I began a series tonight entitled "UP".

Tonight it was "GET UP". When Paul was stoned and left for dead the believers gathered around him and he "GOT UP". Acts 14:19-20 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. NLT

You never know what your part of helping someone get up will be. A kind word, a prayer, a handshake or some other kind gesture just may be what helps someone to get up from being knocked down by the enemy.

Being knocked down can come any many forms and ways but it is not being knocked down that will keep you out of commission; it is not getting back up.

I want to encourage you today to get back up. I know it can be easier said then done but the good news is, IT CAN BE DONE. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Let's "GET UP" together.

Blessings,
Rick

We always have something to say...

When the Shunammite woman's son died on her lap she said, "It is well".

When there were five thousand to be fed Philip said, "There isn't enough."

When Job was sick his wife said, "Curse God and die."

When Israel stood on the brink of the promised land ten spies said, "We can't do it."

When Israel stood on the brink of the promised land Joshua said, "We are well able to go up."

When Jairus' daughter was sick his servants said, "Why trouble the Master your daughter is dead."

When Jesus heard Jairus' daughter was dead he said, "Only believe."

When the man with the lunatic child saw Jesus he said, "Your disciples couldn't help."

When Jesus heard the man with the lunatic child he said, "Bring him to me."

I think you get the picture. We always have something to say. We can either look on the dark side of things or we can look at things the way Jesus looks at them.

I have made a choice to look at things the way Jesus does. He has never been stumped as what to do. He has never looked at things the wrong way. His words always bring hope and peace.

What are you saying about what you are facing today? Would you consider saying what Jesus said, or what others in the bible said in their faith and trust in Christ.

Let's be honest. We are going to say something about what we are facing and the bible indicates that our words carry some weight. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue...

Chose today to speak life. Speak life into your home. Speak life into your friends. Speak life where you work.

We will always have something to say. Let it be LIFE giving.

Blessings,
Rick

Same thing only different.

Tomorrow I will start the process of radiation treatment. This is the second round of treatment. This time it will be a wider band of radiation.

I don't know what to expect from this. Last time I did have some side effects but not that bad.

This time because I have to tape on a part of my new speech device it could get a little sensitive. I will just have to wait and see about that.

Have you ever had to face the same thing in your life but it was at a different time and place?

Here is the good news! Jesus is the same. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

I am going to a different doctor, different hospital, even a different radiation machine.......same Jesus.

Whatever "same thing" you may be facing today although it is a different time and may involve different players, Jesus is still the same.

He will be with you in this time as He was before. Hebrews 13:5...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Now that is some good news!

Blessings,
Rick

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

I am learning new things each day when it comes to talking and how to deal with the bumps in the road that try to obstruct moving forward.

It takes more time and effort right now to do what used to be just a few minutes but I am learning.

I know that my speaking will get better and clearer as I progress forward. The change will seem to be the norm after a period of time.

Speaking of change or new things that must be done in our lives; what new thing or change are you having to deal with right now in your life?

I realize that most of us do not embrace change overnight. I know there are exceptions to that but most of us like to hang on to the familiar.

Yet, if we are going to go forward there will always be changes taking place. Think about this. A newly married couple have to make changes when they get married, then when children come along more changes are made, then as the kids get older more changes, then when they move out more changes, then as their children get married that couple now have grandchildren and still more changes. I think you can see that there will always be something that changes.

So how can an "old dog" learn new tricks...

1. Don't fight the inevitable. If you need to change then change. I could fight learning how to speak in a new way and never learn or I can simply say, "This I must do", learn and move forward.

2. Embrace those things that need to change. That simply means to me that we need a right spirit when it comes to change. Don't begrudge it but embrace it.

3. Don't be intimidated by change. I know at first it was very difficult for me to try and talk in public. I felt embarrassed and very self conscious about it. One day, however, I made up my mind to just jump into it. This was how it was going to have to be right now so I decided I just have to do this regardless of how I felt. It really wasn't as bad as I thought.

4. Keep moving forward. The bible verse that I like so much when it comes to change and moving forward is this one: Philippians 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,* but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, NLT

I am sure there are other things that will help us but these four things have certainly helped me to make the changes I need to make.

What is it today that you are struggling with in the area of change and moving forward. I want to encourage you to look into the Bible for help and direction. Speak to someone that can help and encourage you with sound advice and then "Go Forward".

When Moses went to God for help when facing the Red Sea this was God's advice to him. Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

When you think of what happened at that point (Red Sea split) it sure makes me to want to take God's advice.

I am an "old dog" but I am learning new things everyday.

Blessings,
Rick

It is good to know we are not alone.....

Today I went to another minister's fellowship meeting. It is great to know we are not alone in this life.

When I was going through all that surgery it was good to know that there were people there praying for me and people all around the world praying for me.

There is a great verse in the bible: Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.


There are those today who would say they don't need anyone. That is so sad. God created man so that He could fellowship with him. If God wanted to fellowship with man and we are created in His image then we need fellowship with one another as well.

Today as I was standing with the other ministers at that meeting I was so thankful to know that we are workers together.

If you are a loner today, stop and realize, you were not created to be alone. God even said: Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone;

I am gaining strength each day. My voice is getting clearer each day. I still experience strain in my throat when I try and talk for a length of time. I guess I will never be accused of being a long winded preacher from this day on.

Blessings,
Rick

I believe I can do that....

Yesterday we had a minister's fellowship meeting. I am one of the presbyters so my responsibility was to open the meeting and close it.

This would be the first time I have gotten up front and said more then a couple words to a group of people.

Everyone seemed to be able to understand me. I am working at being able to talk at the correct pace.

I am going to be preaching my first sermon since this surgery on October 2nd, in our evening service. I am beginning a series entitled "UP" and I will then continue it on the following Sunday morning services in October.

There is still a lot of work to do to be able to talk for more then a few minutes but by then I hope to be there.

I will begin radiation treatments soon so I don't know how that will affect things. I will just have to wait and see on that.

At least for now I believe I am over the hump and hopefully the worst is behind me.

I love this portion of scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 But this precious treasure — this light and power that now shine within us is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe. TLB

Blessings,
Rick

There will be some things you can't do....

After my surgery I was reading some material about what to expect afterwards and some things I may not be able to do. One of them was water sports.

I am not a real water sports enthusiast anyway so it didn't really matter except I like to fish.

Of course I can fish off the bank but it is always better in a boat. Of course, you understand that if I fell in the water that water would come into my lungs with nothing to stop it. That would not be good.

Today I did go fishing. I went with a friend of mine. He has a great boat and he is a great fisherman and knows how to handle his boat.

It was great. We caught a few but it was just good to be out fishing. I did have fish for supper tonight.

There will always be things that we can't do and many times we focus on those rather then on the things we can do.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard a Christian say, "Do you mean I can't do that?" I realize Paul said, 1 Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

That leads me to believe that there were things that even Paul would not do. Things that would not edify. The idea here as you read on in 1 Corinthians is that he did not want to hurt others by what he did. He wanted to be a good example.

So there are things I will no longer be able to do after surgery just as after becoming a believer in Jesus Christ there will be things that I no longer want to do.

Ask yourself this question. "Do the things that I do lead others to want to know Christ or cause them to question my commitment to Christ?"

Something to think about...while fishing.

Blessings,
Rick

The high price of living.....

It is hard to believe the price of the device that I am using on my neck now. They are only good for a couple days and then you have to get a new one.

I can buy them thirty in a package plus I have to buy the adapter that sticks on my neck. They are not cheap either and they are only good for a day.

Today I was experimenting with one of the cartridges and realized I can take it apart and clean the filter. I think I can now get a few days out of one rather then just two days.

The other brand I am also using can't be taken apart without breaking it. I am sure as time goes by I will learn some other tricks to save on money without putting my health in danger.

When I say the high cost of living I am not just talking about bills but about breathing. Without these devices I would be hacking all the time and it would be very difficult to get out in the colder months. So it will cost but it will be worth it.

What about the "high cost of sinning"? The bible tells us in Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

James says, James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Sin brings death but Jesus gives life. Today might be a good day to look at your life and ask yourself..."Am I living or dying?"

Deut 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

This verse reminds me of taking a multiple choice test in school, except here God gives us the correct answer. CHOOSE LIFE!

I encourage you today, if you haven't already, to choose life.

Blessings,
Rick

Have you ever played the game with your kids...."I've got your nose"? Then you put your thumb between your first and and second finger.

Today I got a new nose. I know it sounds strange but since I no longer breath through my nose I got a device that is a filter/humidifier that goes over the stoma in my neck and does what my nose did before.

It won't help me smelling things but it will help cut down on the coughing that I have been doing.

How about this? "I got a new heart". Of course, that is possible today with transplants but I am not talking about our physical heart that pumps our blood but a "new heart" given to us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.

David said this:Ps 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

In Ezekiel it says this:Ezek 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Many today are still living with an old heart that has yet to be cleansed through Jesus Christ. It does not have to be that way for you. You can get a new lease on life, a fresh new start. 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

There is a chorus we sing written by David Ingles.

I'm a new creation
I'm a brand new man
Old things are passed away
I am born again
More than a conqueror
That's who I am
I'm a new creation
I'm a brand new man

You can make that your song today simply by asking Jesus Christ into your life. Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Yes, today I got a new nose. Today you can get a new heart.

Blessings,
Rick

But I am feeling so much better.......

Recovery does not happen over night. I am feeling better and because of that I think I overdo it on some days and by the end of the day I can really tell it.

I think there are times when we push ourselves when we really need to let up. I realize also that there are times when we must push ourselves. I guess that is when we need to know the difference when to do that and when not.

In my case my body begins to let me know. It is at that time I need to realize I am still recovering from major surgery.

Let's take a look at this in our spiritual lives. If you are a new believer there are going to be things you are not ready to do. I have seen many new believers think they are ready to pastor a church are begin traveling and preaching only to give up when it gets tough. Why? They were simply not ready to do that.

The twelve disciples spent three years with Jesus before they were on their own and even then, at times, it seemed they weren't ready.

Paul the apostle took time with some of the disciples to make sure he was on target as to what he was to be preaching.

This does not mean that we are not to share our faith, pray with others, get involved in ministry at our church. It does mean that we need a covering, that is to say we need to be accountable.

I realize there are things I can do and there are things I can't do at this time. There are things God has called me to do and there are things He hasn't.

I try to remember this:It's not the one who runs the fastest nor he that shines for a day but He that endureth to the end shall be saved.

I guess the question would be. How can I know what I am to do and not to do. There are some things we don't even need to pray about. I don't need to pray about praying, going to church, giving, etc. These things are already spelled out in the Bible that we are to do.

The other things I must do: Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

As I look to Him, He will direct me in areas of my life that are not specifically spelled out in His word that I am to do.

As we ready His word and look unto Him we will know when to push and when to rest.

On your mark, get set, GO..........

Blessings,
Rick

Did you just say something?

We are told a picture is worth a thousand words. Today I would rather have the thousand words.

If you click on the play button below my picture you can get a sample of what I am sounding like right now.

I believe, as time goes on, that my voice will become stronger and clearer. It has just been a little over a week since I had the voice prosthesis installed and then for a few days I really didn't try to talk because my throat was sore.

I am sure that I will learn not to waste words. It does take more effort to talk now then it did before.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak...

The Bible has a lot to say about our words. It is important what we say. Has what you said ever gotten you in trouble? Have you ever wished you could take back what you said? We probably all have at one time or another.

I am going to be more careful in the future. I want my words to count. I want my words to make a positive difference in people's lives.

We have this article on our refrigerator. I don't know who wrote it but it is good.

"Words can destroy or build up, reject or accept, humiliate or encourage, injure or heal. Proverbs 18:21 say, "The tongue has the power of life and death" (NIV). Indeed. Words can break hearts, crush spirits and ruin lives. The can also convince people to do great things, overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and live better lives. Words have the power to set a person onto a course of God-given fulfillment.

At their best, words can let us know we are loved, forgiven, set free and accepted. Start a sentence with "I" and string a couple of words to it and suddenly you have phrases such as "I love you", "I am sorry", "I believe in you", "I forgive you" and "I am a follower of Christ". You can literally transform your world by what you say".


What is that you said?

Blessings,
Rick

Life......it's all about perspective.

It is so easy to focus on what we are going through and our problems. Who doesn't have a few problems that have to be dealt with?

Today was Salem Assembly's turn to help with the Salem Ministerial Alliance food pantry. That is where food is given to those who sign up for it. Today there was a large group of people. They are from all walks of life.

My responsibility along with four other men was to help carry the groceries out the the car. Reminds me of when I worked in a grocery store and was a carry out boy.

Many of the those receiving groceries could carry their own but many could not for whatever reason. One man told me that he was not feeling well and didn't know what was wrong. There were those with canes and walkers that needed help.

It only took about an hour to help around 140 get their groceries and when we were done I was thanking God for each one that was able to be ministered to. I was ministered to myself from helping.

Having had this surgery it was great just to be out helping others. It helps to keep the right perspective. As Christians we are on this earth to touch others and not just be concerned about ourselves and our problems or needs.

What is it like where you work, or where you shop, or anywhere you go? Those people that seem to be giving you problems could actually be an opportunity to show the love of God to them. Sometimes all a problem (person) needs is a little kindness shown to them.

We could all spend most of our time thinking about ourselves and what we are going through but if we keep the right perspective we can realize what we are facing is not all that bad when we see others that have needs as well.

There is a little song that we sang in Children's Church when I was growing up. It went like this.

J.O.Y., J.O.Y. This is what it means. Jesus first and yourself last and others in between.

I want to stay focused. Focused on what He wants me to do...not how I feel. Focused on ministering to others...not on my own needs. Helping others make it...not just wanting others to help me.

Well, it is perspective isn't it. It is all how you look at it. I remember hearing a preacher use this statement. "I used to complain about having no shoes until I met a man that had no feet".

Blessings,
Rick

Hurry up...........and wait.

Yesterday I went for an appointment to set up the radiation therapy. The appointment was for 2:30. I saw the doctor at 4:30. Fortunately I didn't have to be anywhere else.

It is interesting that Peter said in the list of things to "add to your faith" that patience is one of them.

James put it like this: James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Patience has a big part in receiving from the Lord. Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

It seems to me that a lot of things in the Bible are tied in with patience. Being patient does not mean we just set or stand idly by and do nothing. It is during those times of waiting that we continue to trust, believe, pray and stand fast in His word.

What is it that you are waiting on today?

There is a chorus that we used to sing, it went like this:

You can't hurry God,
You just have to wait.
You have to trust Him and give Him time,
No matter how long it takes.
He's a God that you can't hurry,
But He'll be there so don't you worry.
He may not come when you want Him,
But He's right on time.

I am sure I will have many opportunities to practice patience these next few months and as I do I am sure things will go a lot smoother.

Blessings,
Rick

But I don't want too.........

Today I go to the Cancer Center in Mt. Vernon, IL, and begin the preliminary work to begin radiation treatment.

I was hoping not to have to do this but the doctor felt it would be a good thing to have done. Perhaps this time won't be as severe as last time since this is preventative and the last time they were actually attacking a cancer tumor.

As I had stated in an earlier post all the pathology reports came back negative which indicated that they got all the cancer out with the surgery. The doctor said that cancer can, at times, get into nerves so that is the reason for radiation.

We have all had to do things we did not want to do because it was something that needed to be done.

How many times have you went to work but you didn't want to but at the end of the week, when you got your pay check, you were glad you did.

There are things in our spiritual walk that we need to do even when we don't feel like it. We need to pray, read the Bible, attend church, give to the work of the Lord.

I am sure there are times when we all didn't feel like doing these things but did them anyway and in the end were glad we did.

Even Jesus said there were things He must do: John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 4:3-4 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria.

When we don't feel like it that is the time when you and I must press on and do what we know to do.

2 Peter 1:4-10 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Notice the last part of these verses...FOR IF YE DO THESE THINGS. What is it you don't want to do today but need to anyway?

Blessings,
Rick

It was the only one we had and it was broken.....

After I got home from the hospital I had to be fed through a feeding tube in my neck. It was too short for me to be able to do it so Marcia did the honors.

The syringe they gave us at the hospital finally wore out and broke. We were in a dilemma because it was the last one we had.

The next day Marcia looked all over town to try and find one. She finally went to the farm store in town and found one for giving medicine to farm animals. The problem with it was the tip did not fit the feeding tube. We had to rig it so it would work. It did not work real well but at least we could get the food and medicine I needed down the tube. It was quite messy because it would leak.

The next day she went to the clinic and they had what we needed. We had to work with the make shift syringe for a couple days before getting a replacement.

One a side note...the syringes were good for just a short time. The rubber on the plunger would begin to stick and then be very difficult to push in.

A couple days later I went to get something out of the trunk of the car and there I found a large bag filled with the correct syringes. The nurse at the hospital had put them there when she loaded some other supplies in the car for us. We were unaware they were in there until I found them.

This is a case of "having what you need but not knowing it". Think of the time and energy it took to try and find what we needed only to get one that did not work that well but we settled for it thinking that was the best we could do.

I wonder how many today settle for something that just barely gets them by. We had exactly what we needed...it was in our possession...it had been given to us...but we didn't know it.

Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

We were struggling along with a make shift syringe not because we didn't have the correct kind but because we didn't know we had the correct kind.

What is it that you are struggling along with today? God has the correct thing you need. He has made it available for you.

I think of all the promises in the Bible that are ours. They have been given to us but if we don't know it we will just struggle along.

I want to invite you today to open up the Bible and see for yourself. He is a Great God who has given us great and mighty and precious promises that are ours. They can all be obtained through faith in Him.

As the father told the elder son in the story of the prodigal son...Luke 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

Blessings,
Rick

That tastes good....

I was told that after surgery I would probably lose my sense of taste and smell. I do think I have lost most if not all of my sense of smell but thankfully I have not lost all of my sense of taste.

Marcia made some potato soup the other night and I could taste it very well. I am thankful for that.

David said in the Bible:Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

If I did have to lose my taste I would much rather lose my taste of food then my taste of the things of God.

Ps 119:103103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I wonder how many today have lost their taste to the Word of God? Most of the time our appetite is related to our taste. If we can't taste it we lose our appetite for it.

I am praying today that as you read this that your taste and appetite for God will be renewed. That there will be a renewed hunger and desire to read God's word.

David went on to say:Ps 119:104-105 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

His word will help light the way when we hit dark areas in this life. With it we can always have direction.

I am thankful that I have retained the ability to taste even though I was told it would probably be lost.

Let me ask you....have you read His word lately....how did it taste?

Blessings,
Rick

Today I spoke a few words. My voice does not sound pretty and when I do talk it hurts my throat. I am sure that my throat will finally get used to it.

We have all heard the saying that you really don't miss something until you don't have it. How many times has the electricity gone out and we go over and turn on the switch anyway or the water is shut off and we turn the faucet on out of habit.

Well, I guess the same goes with my voice. Communication is so important and we take for granted at times even the fact we can speak.

How important is your voice. It is very important. Yet we can speak without saying a word. Yes we can write down what we want to say or we can learn sign language or some other form of communicating.

Yet everyday we speak without uttering a word. We speak with our actions. Do people know we are Christians by our actions. We all have heard this, "Actions speak louder then words". How true that is.

What are your actions saying today?

Paul put it like this:2 Thess 3:7-9 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

Phil 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Paul said to Timothy...1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

So we can speak without saying a word out of our mouth. Be an example. Jesus said: Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. NLT

What did you just say to those around you?

Blessings,
Rick

Yesterday, August 23, I went back to the doctor for my surgery followup. The staples were removed, the feeding tube was removed, the voice prosthesis was installed and the reports from the pathologist came back negative. Not a bad visit at all.

I am going to have to have another round of radiation treatment. I am really not thrilled about that but the doctor felt that it would be a good thing to do so I will begin that in a couple of weeks.

Now begins the process of learning how to talk with the prosthesis. I know my voice is not going to sound anything like it did before. I am sure that it is going to take some getting used to by me and, perhaps, everyone else.

There may be those when they hear it for the first time who may want to chuckle or laugh or cringe or some other reaction. That will be fine with me. I cringed myself the first time I heard it. I am sure it will get better the more I talk. As with anything, the first time you do something in public there is apprehension but that will just have to be pushed beyond.

I guess it would be kind of like sharing your faith in Jesus the first time. You don't know what kind of reaction or response you are going to get but you know you are doing the right thing by sharing what Jesus has done in your life.

So today I start talking. It may not sound pretty and may at first be difficult to understand. It may even hurt my throat some, but I am determined to do this.

Are you determined to do what you need to do to follow Christ. There is an old song that goes like this.

I am determined, I've made up my mind
I'll serve the Lord
I'm leaving the pleasures of this world behind
I'll serve the Lord
I'll follow wherever He leads me
I'll pasture wherever He feeds me
I am determined, I've made up my mind
I'll serve the Lord.

Blessings,
Rick

Ah......church!!

Yesterday, August 21, I was able to go to church after missing the last three Sundays. What a breath of fresh air. It was wonderful seeing my church family and worshiping the Lord together.

There are many today that do not attend church. Sunday has just become another day off for activities. I have never been apposed to a day off, especially when you can spend it with your family but to forsake attending church is not a good idea.

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Forsake is a pretty powerful word. It means:to renounce or turn away from entirely.

There are those who have done exactly that for some reason or other. They have been hurt, disillusioned or some other reason. None of which are legit enough to forsake attending church.

Forsaking is not the same as missing because of a legitimate reason. I missed because of major surgery but am returning when able. There are many today who are unable to attend church because of a legit reason. They want to be there but are unable to attend because of extenuating circumstances.

Perhaps today you have began to forsake or neglect attending church. I want to encourage you to rethink your reasons. I think the church is much like Noah's Ark. There may have been a lot of things on the ark that stunk but it was still the best thing floating.

Be encouraged to attend church this week and worship the Lord with friends and family.

Tomorrow I head back to the doctor. Hopefully the feeding tube can be removed and I can begin the next phase of learning how to talk with a prosthesis. Your prayers are more then appreciated...they are desired and needed.

Blessings,
Rick

Overwhelmed.....

Yesterday afternoon I was setting in our back room and all of this began to hit me. Seven weeks of radiation...told there was no more cancer...voice getting no better...continued pain...re-diagnosis with cancer returning...two surgeries...voice box removed...unable to talk...thirty-two staples in my neck...hole in my neck...feeding tube...huge medical bills.

I can understand why David cried out this prayer:Ps 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

It is no sin to be overwhelmed by what you may be going through. I think the sin would be to dwell there and give up. My address is not, "101 Valley of Despair" but it is, "Ps 27:1...the Lord is the strength of my life".

Whatever is overwhelming you right now is not bigger then Jesus. When you begin to feel everything closing in on you...run to Jesus.

I think of that old song, I GO TO THE ROCK.

I go to the Rock, I go to the Rock
I go to the Rock, I go to the Rock
I know, I know He's able

Where do I go
When there's no body else to turn to
Who do I talk to
When no one wants to listen
Who do I lean on
When there's no foundation stable
I go to the Rock I know He's able
I go to the Rock

CHORUS

I go to the Rock of my Salvation
I go to the Stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me
When the earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ, the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,
I go to the Rock

Where do I hide
When the storms of life are threatening
Where do I run to
When the winds of sorrow blow
Is there a refuge (a refuge) in the time of tribulation
Cause I go to the Rock
I know (I know) He's able.

CHORUS

When the earth all around is a-sinking sand
On Christ, the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,
When the earth all around is sinking sand
On Christ the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter, When I need a friend
I go to the Rock

I go to the.. I go to the Rock
I go to the Rock. I go to the Rock
I go to the Rock

Blessings,
Rick

Ouch that hurts!!!!

On July 27, I was at St. John's in Springfield, IL. I was getting ready to have surgery so the doctor could get a biopsy from my vocal cords. This is an out patient surgery. Of course, I was completely sedated for this procedure. When the doctor got me out and started they could not get the scope down my wind pipe. They said that it was almost completely closed and that my vocal cords were like stone.

This meant that they had to do an emergency tracheotomy on me. To do this they had to wake me back up. I could feel them cutting on my neck and going through the layers of skin and flesh to get to my wind pipe.

I can remember laying there moaning and groaning feeling the pain. I could here them talking to me. I guess they can't do that procedure while a person is totally out. They did use local anesthesia on me.

When I got back to my room I was thinking about the times that Jesus has to prune us, shape us and mold us to make us what He wants us to be. He has never done that to me while I was sleeping.

The doctor told me that he didn't even know how I was able to breath. He said once they got the procedure done I began to breath with great ease.

Perhaps today you are having a difficult time breathing spiritually and Jesus needs to do some work on you. It may hurt but when it is done it will be like a breath of fresh air.

What is it that Jesus needs to prune away from your life or you need to lay aside. Whatever it is, it will be worth having done or doing, even though it may hurt some.

Don't allow a little pain of change to keep you from becoming all He has for you.

Yes, it did hurt that day, but I am alive and breathing well now. It may hurt some at the altar of prayer but when you are done you will be alive in Him.

Blessings,
Rick

The other day a friend asked me when I thought things would be back to normal. That is a legitimate question. I have thought that myself.

As I thought about that question I came to the conclusion that what was normal for me before all this will no longer be normal for me after I recover.

I am headed for a NEW normal.

I think that is how it is no matter what we deal with. The thing we deal with will cause us to change. It will cause us to change the way we think, act, etc., and in my case the way I talk.

There will be things that I will not be able to do. One thing is water activities. I do like to jump in a pool every now and then but that is something I won't miss. Even shaving will be a little different.

So now I am moving toward a new normal. I think of the disciples after they were called by Jesus. What they thought to be normal in their life would no longer be normal.

Once we accept Christ in our lives we take on a new normal. 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

That sounds like a new normal to me. Life happenings will always cause us to make changes. Very little actually ever remains the same. As students go back to school this year there are changes from last year. We have to learn to move forward amidst the changes and allow God by His Spirit to mold us and shape us as we become what He wants us to be.

So I guess we could say that we will never be just normal. That doesn't mean that there is something wrong with us it just means that as each days brings what it does, we are going to have to remain flexible so that Christ can make any adjustments in us that need to be made so that we may do as Paul said, "run with patience the race that is set before us".

Blessings,
Rick

I looked up the word journey. Here is one of the definitions I found. JOURNEY: usually suggests that one travels a long distance and often that the traveling may be dangerous or difficult.

We are all on a journey of some sort. Some have more twists and turns then others but none the less we are all on a journey.

The journey I am on has had some real bumps in the road these last few years. From diagnosis of cancer on my vocal cords followed by seven weeks of radiation with the report that the cancer was gone.

My voice never did clear up and seemed to keep getting worse. I went back to the doctor five months later only to find that the cancer had returned. Now I was facing a bigger bump in the road. I was going to have to have my voice box removed. For a preacher that is really not great news but none the less it had to be done.

So the journey continues with some new twists and challenges. Am I up to them? In myself probably not but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My challenge and bump is learning to talk again with a voice prosthesis. What is yours? Each of us, no matter what we face, have to face it. It would do no good for me to give up. That is what the enemy of our soul wants us to do.

I am reminded of what God told Moses in the wilderness...Go Forward!

Be encouraged today that no matter what you are facing, He already knew you would be facing it and and has given the equipment to be victorious.

Blessings,

Rick

The Journey 3/16/2011

Today I went back to the doctor who diagnosed the throat cancer back in September of 2010. I started radiation treatment in October of 2010 and ended it on December 8, 2010.

There is no cancer present and my throat and vocal cords look good. There is scar tissue.

He said it can take a while for my voice to come back but it will. As far as the sore throat and coughing, that all goes with recovery from the radiation treatment.

Please pray that the recovery will be without complication.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/24/11

Today I was reading 1 John. There are several references to light and darkness. I began to think of other opposites in scripture; sweet and bitter, love and hate, heaven and hell, righteousness and unrighteousness.

I think there is a line to be drawn in the sand as so to speak. I am reminded of Moses when he came down the mountain with the 10 commandments. He saw Israel dancing around the Golden Calf and then, as so to speak, drew a line in the sand.

Exodus 32:26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me." And all the Levites gathered around him. NLT

The KJV actually puts it in question form: Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

Perhaps that is a question we need to ask ourselves. Maybe there are areas of our lives that are on the Lord’s side and areas that are not.

Maybe it is time to draw a line in the sand in your own life and step across it to the Lord’s side in every area.

Blessings

P.S. Just a note about my recovery from cancer on my vocal cords. My voice is getting stronger and clearer. This cold weather seems to affect it some. It is great to be able to speak and not squeak.

The skin on my neck has healed up nicely with very little noticeable signs of radiation treatment.

Once again I want to thank you for your prayers. I go back, hopefully, for one more visit to the doctor in mid March.

Today I am reading 2nd Peter. This letter is filled with warnings. Peter reminds his friends to stand firm in the truth they have been taught.

Where are you standing today? I know many who at one time were standing in the truth of God’s word but have fallen away.

That doesn’t mean that God has quit loving them but it does mean they have turned away from Him.

Peter gives the way in which not to turn away or fall away as he puts it.

2 Peter 1:5-11 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NLT

Stand strong in Him. No matter what you are facing today, He can help you walk through it, if you let Him.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/18/11

My devotions today were in 1st Peter. There was a statement he made in the very beginning of his letter.

1 Peter 1:1-2 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. NLT

The part that got my attention was “living as foreigners”. I believe the KJV says “strangers”.

Do you ever feel like a foreigner or a stranger as you walk through this life as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Perhaps we should if we don’t. We are citizens of heaven. We, like Abraham, are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.

Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. KJV

1 Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. NLT

We are just “temporary residents”. Think of this. Since we are just “temporary residents” then the difficult things we face are just “temporary”.

Don’t give up. Stay prayed up. Keep looking up.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/14/11

Today I thought I would just update you on the progress of my recovery from vocal cord cancer.

It has been a little over a month since my last radiation treatment. My voice is coming back pretty good.

The skin on my neck is healing up good. The cold weather makes it hurt a little but not much. I still apply the cream I bought. I will use it until it runs out. It is supposed to help the skin from scaring.

At this point I no longer have to shave where the treatment was given. I don't know if that will be always or just for a while.

I still have a hack and that has not seemed to let up. It seems to be more prevalent when I eat. I am sure it will eventually clear up.

My throat is still a little sore when I swallow but not near as much as before. I am hoping that will clear up as well.

Over all I am fairly confident that all the cancer is gone. I go back to the doctor in a couple of months. By then I am hoping everything will be cleared up.

It is really great being able to preach on Sunday mornings without a squeaking voice.

Thanks again for all your prayers and I ask that you continue to pray.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/13/11

This morning by devotion time is in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. NLT

All through 2 Timothy, Paul is warning Timothy. Warning him that he will face some difficulty, that some may abandon him and others with teach non truths but even some will follow after that.

The scripture I started with, is what seems to me, the bottom line for Timothy. Remain faithful to what you have been taught. You have been taught from the scriptures and you know who taught them to you.

Where are you right now? Not the physical place you are at but the spiritual place. Have you been discouraged but you feel abandon? Have others taken the truth you believe and have shared and twisted it to mean something not right?

Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy… “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you”.

Although some may abandon you, don’t abandon the truths you have been taught. Listen to the words of the Psalmist.

Psalms 119:103-105 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. NLT

Keep on keeping on.

Blessings

The Journey 1/12/11

I am reading 1st Timothy in my devotions this morning. What a great message to Timothy from Paul.

Paul gives Timothy several warnings to help keep Timothy from straying from the truth of the message of Jesus Christ.

Let me focus in on the charge to Timothy in chapter 6.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. NLT

He instructs him what to run from and what to run to.

What are you running from and what are you running to? Paul tells Timothy to run from evil things.

I wonder, at times, if what we run to could be considered evil if it keeps us from running to God.

So many times we run to the store, run to work, run to a school event, etc., and we are slow or at times negligent in running to church, prayer, serving, etc.

The store, work, school event, etc. are not necessarily evil in themselves but if we are bent more to those things then to the things of God they can become weights that keep us from pursuing God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. NLT

What is it that you may be pursuing? If it is pulling you away from the things of God it may be time to do what Paul told Timothy to do. “Fight the good fight for true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses”.

Perhaps today is a good time to re-evaluate what we are pursuing and what it may be doing in us. Is it bringing us to a better relationship with God or pulling us from it? Only you can determine that.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/11/11

I was reading in Philemon this morning. It is a letter from Paul to Philemon. It seems that Paul wrote most of his letters from some kind of prison or tough situation. His letter to Philemon was from prison and it was to ask for some help. He wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus. He said to Philemon, "Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us".

Those words make me think that Philemon and Onesimus had some conflict at one time. Onesimus was a slave and it seems had run away from Philemon.

Philemon 17-18 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.

This verse may give us some insight as to what the problem was. (see bold)

As we travel the journey we are on, people go in and out of our lives. Some go out because they move away, have conflict, some pass away and others just drift away. Some come into our lives because of church or job or some other cross road.

Let's think today of those who have gone out of your life because of conflict. We have all heard this statement, "people change". That is so true. Here Onesimus had evidently changed in some form or fashion. He was willing to be sent back to Philemon and also Philemon would have to make some changes to receive him back.

Onesimus was coming back with different attitude, Philemon 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Perhaps today it is time to try and reconnect with someone where there was conflict or disagreement. Maybe things have changed. That person that has drifted out of your life because of conflict at one time was an important part of your life.

This may be the time to make the choice and effort and bring reconciliation between you and someone else.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/10/11

Acts 2:1-2 On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. NLV

As I was reading this today, I was reminded once again of the awesome power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

That is not totally what caught my attention. There is a word that seemed to jump off the page and it was the word “suddenly”.

We know the 120 in that upper room that day had been there at least 10 days prior to this “suddenly”.

I am thinking that after 5 days they may have been thinking, “Why hasn’t anything happened yet?” But when it did happen it was “suddenly”.

Have you ever had God promise you something and it seemed like it was never going to happen but when it did it seemed it happened “suddenly”?

I can remember God telling me something was going to take place in my life but it would take time to get every thing in line but when that happened it would seem that what He promised me would happen “suddenly” although it took time to make it happen.

Remember when Jesus told His disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat? They had fished all night and caught nothing but at His word they did what He said and caught a net full of fish.

Sometimes we only look on the surface of things and most of the time the only thing we see is our own reflection of fear and doubt. Yet what was happening under the water is what counted. I wonder if when Jesus said, “Cast your nets on the right side of the boat”, if every fish in the pond didn’t start heading that way.

Sometimes we can’t see or it is not shown to us what is taking place under the surface, we are only told to trust, have faith and obey. He will take care of the details. There was nothing those disciples could do that day to get a load of fish except obey Jesus command.

What is it that God has spoken into your heart? What is it that seems like will never take place? Keep trusting Him. Keep looking unto Him. He will bring it to pass and when it happens it will startle you because it will be “suddenly”.

What He promised me was several years in the making but when it happened, it was “suddenly”.

Blessings.

The Journey 1/7/11

As you can see I have changed my blog page to a different source. The other only allowed so many post before I had to start deleting them. I trust you will come back to this blog from time to time. I hope to begin daily blogging starting next week. I trust it will be a blessing to all who check in from time to time.

Blessings