Day 25: Faith, Hope and Love in Loss

And these three things remain: Faith, Hope and Love

I imagine that many of you reading to this point are asking, “but what if God does not heal me or my loved one?  What does that mean?” First, I want to acknowledge that I do not have all the answers-no one does. The bible tells us that God’s ways are higher than ours. While prayer and faith critically are important, ultimately there is no threshold of prayer or faith that can supersede God’s ways.  The hardest and longest I have ever prayed in my life was the overnight during the last hours of my nephew’s, Elijah’s life. After a night long of praying, pleading, and begging God to spare Elijah, I received the phone call from my dad say, “We lost him.”

Heartbroken my prayers for God to heal my nephew turned into prayers of trying to understand. I quickly concluded that there was no reason God could give me to justify losing my nephew. My heart became numb.  I was profoundly disappointed in and even somewhat angry with God for not answering my prayers.  If you are angry with God, know that God understands, and ask His help to guide you through your feelings. If you are feeling guilt, know that sometimes there is simply nothing you can do, such as having prayed harder or longer.

These feelings would increase every time I saw someone with a baby of a sonogram image from a pregnant woman. Why would God bless these families and allow mine to go through so much pain? When I was reunited with my family for the funeral, I asked my dad this question. In his wisdom, he reminded me that we only know three things: Elijah is with Jesus, Jesus loves Elijah, and Jesus loves us. While I still did not have a precise justification, these three truths made it easier for me.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, your future is Heaven, no illness, injury, person or feeling can take that away. That is also true for any loved one you have lost.  Jesus loved you enough to go to the cross for you, so could we doubt his love for us.

While Elijah was the most significant loss in my life, I have lost other friends, some to the same cancer I’m fighting-a young man and new father named Daniel, a mentor and father of three named Greg, to name a few. I know their families had these same questions, but a common thread in all our stories is that because our loved ones believed in Jesus, we know that they are in Heaven and that we will see them again. Scripture tells us that we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” Here the hope is not so much a longing or wishful thinking. Instead Hope represents the promise we have that God will join us with Jesus in Heaven if we believe in him. In the past, I have heard this referred to as a “know-so-hope.”

When I was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, questions surfaced again, why me? Would God heal me? How long will I have? How will my family make it without me? I was encouraged when a young man named JJ Hanson reached out to me.  JJ was a Marine Corp Veteran and married with a one-year-old son and only 33 years old when he was first diagnosed with glioblastoma. I have never met anyone more determined to live. When I spoke with JJ, I was not only impressed by his determination, but his faith. He told me that he believed God would heal him, but if God didn’t then God would use it for something greater-I was stunned. His faith increased mine. About a year after our conversation, JJ did go to be with Jesus, but only after he helped many people suffering from GBM, including me.

Years later, I am reminded of God’s promise that when all else is gone we still have Faith-in knowing God never leaves us; Hope-we know that those of us, who believe in Jesus will join him in eternity whenever he calls us home; and Love-in knowing that he loves us so much that he went to the cross for us.

In the next devotional, we will consider the hope that we can still have when we are not confident that our loved ones believed in Jesus.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     As painful as it may be, can you recall the greatest loss of a loved one you have had? What feelings did you have?  Have you been able to reconcile those feelings with God, how so?

2.     What can you do to keep Faith, Hope and Love alive in your life?

3.     Describe how you believe you will feel when you are reunited with your loved one(s) in Heaven.

Devotional 24: Greater Miracles Part 2

Day #25: Greater Miracles: Part 2

 Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

Continuing the subject addressed in the devotional from Day #24, perhaps and even more incredible miracle occurred in the New Testament account of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead.

From the account in the Gospel of John, we know the following:

1.     Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick before he died.

So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

2.     Jesus waited two days before making journey from Jerusalem to Bethany

So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days

3.     When Jesus left for Bethany, He was aware that Lazarus had already died

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

4.     When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been entombed for 4 days.

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.

5.     Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters so much so that “Jesus wept.”

Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

6.     Mary and Martha had faith that Jesus could heal Lazarus.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

7.     Some people doubted Jesus because they believed that  the miracle should have come sooner.

But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

That is when Jesus performed a greater miracle. He first asked the people gathered to remove the stone that sealed the tomb. At this point, even Martha protested, saying, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Undeterred, Jesus waited for the stone to be removed and then “called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’” And Lazarus did.

Like the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Jesus delayed a miracle. As a result, “many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” These were people who already knew that Jesus had healed a blind man, but for some reason, this particular miracle convinced those who did not believe to believe in Him.

Even Jesus’ disciples doubted, but God wanted to reveal more of himself to them. In speaking of the delay, “he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’”

Even before Jesus arrived in Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, He acknowledged that His own purpose was to use the event to bring glory to God, saying, “No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

Here, the delayed miracle resulted in the salvation of many people and an increased faith in His disciples.

We do not always understand the ways of God. Indeed, His ways are higher than our own (Isaiah 55), but it is comforting to know that God can take the pain, heartache, and trouble we experience and use it for a higher purpose.

The next devotional will address the very hard reality that God sometimes does not intervene in our life circumstances in the way we hope.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Looking back to the previous devotional on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, what are the similarities and differences? What does each account say about the character of God?

2.     Do you find comfort in knowing that God can use your troubles to achieve something great? Why or why not?

3.     Can you think of other scriptures or examples in the Bible of God using hardship and troubles to accomplish His higher purposes?

Devotional 23: Greater Miracles Part I

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them.

When I received the pathology of my brain tumor, it indicated that it was a grade IV. At that time, I was told that the tumor had started at a lower grade and had increased to grade IV. Of course, the chances of survival decreased significantly for each grade level, from 90-95% 5-year survivability (grade I) down to 5-10% survivability (grade IV). My mother especially was perplexed and disappointed that God would wait until the tumor had grown to the higher grade for it to be discovered. After praying and questioning God, she came to believe that it was because God wanted to do a greater miracle.

Indeed, this is consistent with how God sometimes chooses to operate. Answers to prayers and healing sometimes occur immediately, and sometimes God delays His response. Two instances in the Bible demonstrate this truth: the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told in the Old Testament book of Daniel and that of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead as told in the New Testament book of John.

In the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were three young Jewish men who worshiped God alone, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon commissioned a large golden statue and commanded every citizen in his kingdom to worship it or be executed by being thrown into a “fiery furnace.” The three young men refused to worship the statue and were thrown into a furnace so hot that it killed some of the soldiers who were throwing the men into the furnace. And that is when God showed up.

God had ample opportunity to intervene before the men were forced into the furnace. I have identified five points at which our Lord could have worked before the moment when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and placed in the furnace:

1.      God could have prevented the statue from being built. Supplies and craftsmen could have been unavailable. God could have simply destroyed the statue after it was completed, perhaps by sending an earthquake.

2.      God could have prevented the gathering of the people. Any number of events could have stopped the gathering—severe weather, war, a natural disaster, etc.

3.     Scripture tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar was told by astrologers that the three Jewish men refused to bow down to the statue. Presumably, the crowd that gathered was so large that Nebuchadnezzar could not identify who was not bowing and had to be informed. God could have prevented the astrologers from informing the king of the men’s defiance, either by working on the hearts of the astrologers or by blocking access to the king.

4.     God could have prevented the furnace from being lit.

5.     God could have worked on the heart of the king to compel him to reverse his command. Ultimately, King Nebuchadnezzar’s heart did change dramatically, but not until the last minute.

After the King was told of the young men’s refusal to worship the statue, he was enraged and ordered that the furnace be heated 7 time hotter than usual. The men were then thrown into a furnace so hot that it killed some of the soldiers who were near the fire. This is when God showed up-quite literally. The King was shocked when he saw 4 men in the furnace instead of 3, and proclaims that the fourth man, “looks like a son of the gods.” When the King called the men out of the furnace, not a single hair on their head was singed. God used this miracle to so dramatically change the heart of Nebuchadnezzar so profoundly that his command changed from worshiping the golden statute to a command that his people worship the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego!  Read to the King’s own words:

“Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and                          rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to                give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I          decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

From their own words, we know that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had a strong faith that God could rescue them, and a strong sense of obedience that they would not disobey God no matter what. When questioned by Nebuchadnezzar before the gathering to worship the statue, they told him:  

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

With such a strong statement of faith and obedience to God, why did God wait until the last moment to answer the prayers of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? Could it be that God wanted to perform a greater miracle? Certainly, God could have intervened at any point before the men were actually in the furnace? But, had that happened, would Nebuchadnezzar have turned so profoundly? I don’t believe so. People could have chalked it up coincidence.  But, when the miracle occurs so publicly and in such a dramatic fashion, no one, not even the King, could deny that the miracle came from God, becoming a witness to his mighty power and sovereignty.

In the next few devotionals, we will continue to explore the concept of delayed miracles and also miracles that never come.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Think of a time God delayed an answer to prayer or a miracle in your life? Why do you think there was a delay?

2.     What aspect of the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego tell us about God’s character?

3.     How does the account help or not help you patiently wait for God to perform a miracle in your life?

GBM Memo

Information for GBM Patients

Dear GBM Patient/Caregiver,

This is a memo I give to people who receive a GBM diagnosis.  Not all the information will apply to your situation, but I hope you can take from this anything that is helpful. I am a seven-year survivor and I’ve heard of people surviving as long as 25 years.  There are many who are researching a cure, and significant developments toward finding a cure have occurred even in just the past few years.

Having lived with a grade IV GBM diagnosis for seven years, I understand the fear and desperation you may be facing right now.  Over the course of the past years, I have learned of several treatments and information that may prove to be helpful in your journey battling a brain tumor.  I put this document together to share with fellow fighters such as yourselves. I was diagnosed in December 2015. I have now had clear scans with “no evidence of the disease” since June 2016.  I believe Christ has healed me, and he can heal you too. God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20.

My story was featured on LifeTime TV and available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNgY-NpGBPQ&t=13s

Statistics

I try not to read them or dwell on them. The stats on brain cancer survival are not accurate because they clump everyone together, as confirmed by one of my doctors. There are dozens of factors that make a difference one way or the other. Remember a doctor’s job is to give you the worst news. No one but God can put an expiration date on your life. The truth is many people live long and beautiful lives after even the worst of brain cancer diagnosis; they are just not sufficiently tracked for statistics purposes.

Medical Care: Conventional and Natural

A thorough and cutting-edge medical team is critical to obtaining the best care. Good hospital and medical groups for brain tumors include the Duke Cancer Institute (Durham, NC); Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York), and Baylor Scott & White Nuero-Oncology Associates in Dallas, TX (specifically Dr. Karen Fink). 

Dr. Fink is my nuero-oncologist, and we have been very pleased. For surgery, I recommend Dr. Toral Patel at UT Southwestern in Dallas. For me, she was able to remove all visible tumor. If you are told your tumor is inoperable, it’s important to get a second and even third opinion. One surgeon told me he could not operate, then Dr. Patel removed all visible tumor. Following surgery, I underwent the standard radiation and chemotherapy for approximately 6 weeks.  Following this time, I did 24 rounds of “Maintenance Chemotherapy” over the course of two years.

Equally important is consulting with a good expert for nutrition, diet and other treatments. Be aware that many physicians and surgeons will advise that diet is not important. They are wrong. They simply have not been trained in nutrition.  Everyone who successfully battles GBM has instituted a strict diet and supplemented standard medical care with natural treatments.

In Dallas, I strongly recommend Dr. Barham Meymand. His specialty is for all cancer, not just GBM. https://junemeymand.com/ Dr. Meymand provides supplement and dietary advice, as well as alternative treatments, like vitamin infused IVs, foot detox, acupuncture, and more. Patients are also allowed to stay in her facility (even overnight), and they provide meals.

Another Option Nationwide is Nutritional Solutions. https://www.nutritional-solutions.net/. Dr. Jeanne Wallace and her team were recommended to me by my oncologist. They specialize in brain cancer and provide individualized diet and supplement plans for GBM patients. Their consultations are done virtually.  

Reading Material & Support Groups

I recommend reading:

Anticancer a New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber MD PhD

Radical Remission by Kelly A. Turner Ph.D; and

Surviving Terminal Cancer by Dr. Ben Williams. 

I am also a member of a Facebook support group called, “GBM Surviving and winning.” It is a wealth of information.

Working, Financial Help, and Assistance

STRESS MUST BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS, which is why I recommend not working while on treatment. I have found that getting well is a full-time job in and of itself. Instead of working, I opted to help with homeschooling my niece and nephew as well as doing some volunteer writing and editing for nonprofit organizations to occupy my time and keep my mind active. After finishing chemotherapy, I have been able to gradually bring work back into my routine. I now work part-time from home as a consultant.

GMB patients should apply for Social Security disability as soon as they can after receiving a diagnosis. https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/dapply.html It is relatively easy, and I was approved very quickly without having to undergo an interview. They don’t appear to question GBM as a legitimate disability.

Keep careful track of all medical expenses for tax deduction purposes, including vitamins and supplements prescribed by any doctors, naturopaths and/or chiropractors. I did this by opening a separate bank account with a debit card solely for medical expenses. 

If you are forced to withdrawal money from a 401(k), you likely qualify for an exception to the strenuous tax consequences for early withdrawal but should discuss with an accountant before making the withdrawal.

 I also recommend asking a friend to set up a fundraiser for medical expenses through “Go Fund Me” or an equivalent online fundraiser.  It helps to have a friend do this and the initial promotion because people will be more likely to give.  Of course, you and your family should also post on Facebook, Twitter, and via email. 

I also had a friend use “Caring Bridge” to coordinate meals to be delivered to my family. Even when food brought was outside of my diet restrictions, it was helpful for my family. I also had friends offer to do an array of things to help financially, from T-shirt sales to bake sales. I never refused the help.

Spiritual Help

It is critical to stay focused on Christ during this time.  I prayed after my diagnosis that I would run toward Christ and not away from Him. I have story after story of how he provided for me, sometimes right at the last minute.  Be prepared to experience multiple examples of His faithfulness to you during this time. And do not be afraid to ask Him for anything, big or small. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:12, “through Christ we have the right to go boldly before the throne of God with our requests.”  

I encourage patients and family to place immediate and regular prayer requests to churches, friends, and through social media.  I keep a small group of faithful prayer warriors on hand for prayer requests that I wish to keep more private. I also recommend asking the Elders (or their equivalent) of your church/parish to specifically pray for healing in accordance with James 5:14. 

I was not able to make it to church every Sunday due to feeling ill, or to avoid germs during flu outbreaks. When that happened, I would listen to a message on Youtube or via a live Internet service and take communion at home. Some churches/parishes will deliver communion at home, additionally Joseph Prince publishes a helpful booklet on Communion with prayers for an at-home communion, “Health and Wholeness Through the Holy Communion” available at JosephPrince.com. I would also say healing scriptures out-loud, as well as rebuke cancer an illness out loud in the name of Jesus Christ.

Matt Chandler, a Dallas-area pastor who survived GBM has a helpful and short Youtube video about how to pray for healing, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v51BqqGjSNQ. 

Diet

The most important thing about diet is to implement one you can stick to. Some people are able to do a full Ketogenic diet. (https://www.ruled.me/guide-keto-diet/)  I’m not fully Ketogenic, but I eat all organic, anti-biotic free meat; avoid sugar and chemical substitutes (Stevia and Swerve are okay). I even avoid certain fruits. Berries are okay. Blueberries are very good for you. I try to keep my carbs low as well. In short, I consume no sugar, no white flour or white rice, no alcohol, no milk from an animal such as a cow or goat (coconut milk is a good substitute and often available at coffee shops like Starbucks) For dairy, organic aged cheese and organic sugar-free dairy is okay. I also avoid sunflower, safflower and vegetable oils. Butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil are best. Aim for a plate of 50% Veggies, 30% meat and 20% grains. I also try to get organic veggies, dairy, fruits, and grains as much as possible. I also avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn.

Of course, this can be modified if absolutely needed. Often, I would allow myself more carbs when on chemo because I had a hard time keeping anything else down. It is important to consult a nutritionist or other qualified expert for assistance with diet planning.

Supplements

I follow the Supplement plan provided by my nutritionists and add additional Omega 3 oils and Garlic capsules. I also take two drops of medical grade Frankincense oil (Young Living brand) under my tongue three times daily. I take two squirts of CBD oil three times daily under my tongue. This does not contain TCH and can be legally purchased here: https://pluscbdoil.com/cbd-products/cbd-oil-spray/pluscbd-oil-spray/ (choose the Peppermint or Vanilla flavor). I drink 32 oz of Macha Tea daily (you can usually find at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Asian grocers), first boil ginger root in the water then add the tea mix. This can be drunk hot or iced. There is a mix available on Amazon that contains ginger and turmeric, so you don’t have to separately add those ingredients: Match Tea with Turmeric on Amazon

Optune (by Novocure)

As part of my on-going treatment, I wear a head device, called Optune or Novocure, Optune patient website.   I experience virtually no side effects and find it easy to use. Studies show proven benefits. I recommend asking your oncologist to prescribe it once you have completed radiation. The team at Novocure is well trained and exceptionally accommodating. They even deal directly with your insurance company so you don’t have to. A TedTalk on Optune can be viewed here: https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_doyle_treating_cancer_with_electric_fields/up-next

Other Helpful Tips

·      CMV Virus: Ask your doctor to test you for the CMV Virus and prescribe Valcythe (an anti-viral medication) if positive.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3922527 This is especially important if you have ever contracted Lyme Disease or mononucleosis. I tested positive and was on Valcythe (an anti-viral drug) for 4 months.

·      Celebrex: Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory drug, which I take daily.  Studies indicate it may stop the growth of tumor cells https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00068770

·      Exercise daily, even on days you feel awful, simply walking to the mailbox and back is imperative to keep you body active. On better days, aim for 30 minutes of walking or other exercise daily.

·      Avoid cookware and vitamins that contain copper.  Copper contributes to brain cancer growth

·      Use glassware or BPA free storage, glasses and water bottles. These can be purchased on Amazon.

·      Avoid using the microwave

·      Avoid all kinds of stress as much as possible

·      Take oxygen daily. You can buy oxygen canisters; (https://www.amazon.com/95-Pure-Oxygen-Boost-Supplemental/dp/B077NPSQB2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519878858&sr=8-1&keywords=oxygen+canisters) have oxygen administered by a naturopath or oxygen bar in your community, or order and oxygen machine. I use this one (https://www.amazon.com/Zadro-Products-OXY01-Tranquil-Personal/dp/B000XTBHFK/ref=sr_1_26_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1519878920&sr=1-26&keywords=oxygen+machine) thirty minutes a day, when possible.

·      Stay positive.  Fear Not. Christ Heals. Know you will have a beautiful testimony once you get through this.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions:

Jeanneane Maxon

455 Crystal Clear Lane

Princeton, TX 75407

Email: JNMaxonConsulting@gmail.com

Cell: (405) 642-5637

www.Jeanneane.maxon.com  

https://www.facebook.com/jeanneane.maxon

For Him,
Jeanneane

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. –Galatians 6:9

Devotional #22: Being Born Again

Devotional #21: Being Born Again

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

-John 3:3 (NIV).

In the first half of this devotional book, we have evaluated God’s passion for healing, purpose for our lives, provision of the armor we need to fight our battles, and His promises of faithfulness.  At this point, we must understand that God’s promises are only available for those who are “born again,” including his promise of everlasting life in heaven.  The term “born again” may be somewhat loaded. Perhaps you have heard this term before but do not understand what it means.  If so, you are not alone. 

Two thousand years ago, a man named Nicodemus was confused by this term as well. He asked of Jesus, “how can someone be born when they are old?” “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4 NIV). Jesus explained, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” After revealing God’s plans for Jesus’ own death and resurrection, Jesus continued, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV).

Love. Love compelled Jesus to leave the beauty of Heaven and come to a fallen, sinful, and broken world. Love empowered Jesus to endure forty days of grueling trial and temptation in the wilderness.  Love drove Jesus to the cross. Love caused Him to take our payment for sin, and His love rose Him from the grave so that we could live in God’s promises and have eternal life with Him.  Such love is hard to comprehend.

I love how Judah Smith, pastor of the Churchome in Seattle, formerly the City Church, phrased this in his sermon Jesus is loving Barabbas:

“Could it be that there is a God with a Love so Scandalous, so Wide, so Deep, so Vast, so High, so Expansive, so Welcoming, so Inclusive, [that he would say] Let me have your sins…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E4Pdik0wuY

Yes, there is such a God, and His desire is that you would be born again. But how can someone be born again? In Romans, the apostle Paul answers this question: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV).

Two important points now arise. First, being born again is not something you can do for yourself. Only God has that power.  We cannot earn our way into Heaven.  God is so holy and so pure that we need the covering of Christ over our sins. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV). Second, we do not have to “wait and see” what happens.  We can have assurance of our salvation before our physical bodies die, and we will also get the promises God provides to those who have accepted this gift, which have been discussed in earlier devotions. 

I have come to find that people often have misconceptions about what it means to be born again.  While our physical bodies will die, everyone’s soul will live for eternity.  We a have a choice where this life will be spent, either Heaven or Hell.  This is the single most important choice we will make in our lives, and choosing nothing is the same as rejecting God. God respects us enough to give use free will do decide this ourselves.  He will not force us to follow Him.

Hell is best understood as the complete absence of God. The Bible describes it as a “blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” (Matthew 13:41 NIV), and “an eternal fire for the devil and his demons” (Matthew 25:41 NIV).  Think of the most horrendous act of cruelty you can imagine. Because the holiness of God is absent and unable to mitigate this evil, the forces that prompt such acts abound in Hell and surround its residents for all of eternity. Sadly, many Christians fear saying this truth because they could be ridiculed or rejected.  What a greater injustice it is to those who reject the gift of being born again because no one spoke the truth about eternity! 

On the other hand, those who accept God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus, spend eternity absent of all evil, pain, and sorrow. When you accept this salvation, you become an adopted child of God (Ephesians 1:5 NIV), and He prepares a room for us in His own house. (John 14:2 NIV).  What we consider “Heaven,” includes a new Earth that God will create which will be exciting beyond our wildest imaginations. In his book Heaven, author Randy Alcorn states:

Our belief that Heaven will be boring (and I hear this from people all the time) betrays a heresy — that God is boring. I think that we will see that for the lie it is if we realize that Heaven is God’s place and it’s the person whose place it is that determines the nature of the place….if we’re experiencing the invigorating stirrings of God’s Spirit and trusting Him to daily fill our lives with divine appointments, experiencing the childlike delights of His gracious daily kindnesses to us, then we will know that God is exciting and Heaven is exhilarating. People who love God crave His companionship. To be in His presence will be the very opposite of boredom.

As someone fighting cancer, I take comfort in my knowledge that do not need to have a “bucket list.” On the new earth, I will be able to experience everything I may miss on earth-every untraveled place and unaccomplished experience, and I will do so with full health, energy, and mental sharpness. I hope you will be able to join me.

The wonderful news is that you can be born again, even today. As Paul tells us: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV). The first step is believing God raised Jesus from the dead. If you struggle with this step, I encourage you to pray to God that he would reveal to you whether this is true, or not. I do not think you will be disappointed. Once you believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, you need to accept Him and declare verbally that “Jesus is Lord.” This can be done by praying a “prayer of salvation,” in which you confess your sins and acknowledge Christ as your Savior, and then telling someone of your decision.

A prayer of salvation can be as simple as:

Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer.

Upon doing this, you should seek a Bible-believing church so you can be connected to the Christian community.  Again, I would pray that God would help you to do this. In the next several devotionals, we will explore the reasons why people who hear the message of being born again do not accept it and what it will be like to spend eternity with Christ on the new earth.  Even if you are already born again, I ask that your read the upcoming devotionals because there are insights that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     If you are born again, share your “salvation story.” If you are not born again, what is keeping you from making a decision to be born again?

2.     Read John 3:1-21. What part of this scripture stands out most to you?

3.     What do you most look forward to in your life in eternity? 

Devotional #21: God of the Impossible

Devotional #21: The God of the Impossible

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

“Jesus did not calm the storms all the time, He did not walk on the water all the time, but he did heal all the time.”

--Anonymous

Working in the pro-life movement in Washington, D.C. was often very stressful and sometimes left one feeling powerless.  So many concerns, from the larger questions:  How much longer must we live in a country that allows abortion through all nine months of pregnancy for any reason?  Is there any hope of defending the unborn after 40 years of legalized abortion?  To the smaller ones: Will we be able to renew our lease?  Will we have the funding we need to accomplish our goals? 

One day, my boss, Charmaine Yoest, the then President and CEO of Americans United for Life read a twitter post from a woman who was born alive during a botched abortion. Everyday at 11:11, she prays for the impossible. From that day forward, Charmaine and I started praying for the impossible every day at 11:11. We would both routinely see the number 11:11 in other areas, always reminding us that God can do impossible things.

Feeling powerless in circumstances was not an uncommon feeling for me when I was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December 2015. But, I clung to the Truth that I knew: What is impossible with man (me, doctors, researchers) is possible with God.” I also knew, aside from creating a path to salvation, Christ’s primary activity while on Earth was physical healing.  Indeed, “Jesus did not calm the storms all the time, He did not walk on the water all the time, but he did heal all the time.” Cancer and other illnesses are nothing for the God who created the universe and everything in it, who raised Lazarus from the dead, and who has already conquered the grave for all of us. 

I believe God has the ability to speak to us in ways we understand.  I’m not a believer in numerology from the New Age viewpoint, but I know certain numbers have biblical significance.  It amazed me how frequently, after my diagnosis, I would see 11:11 or 1:11. Every time, I was reminded: I am the daughter of a loving Father who can do anything, even the “impossible” things. 

As you battle your illness or struggle, look for the ways God is speaking to you about His ability to heal, and have faith that He will. He certainly is able to do so, and He wants to do so! After all, He healed on Earth, and Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).

Remember that no one, other than God can put an expiration date on your life. Doctor’s jobs are to give you the worst-case scenario. But, our God still preforms miracles, big and small. In the future pages, you will see examples of these during my journey.

Cherish the reminders Jesus gives you about His power and plan for your health and future.  List them and read them daily, and never forget: Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with you (Psalm 23). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Have you ever prayer for the “impossible”? If so, please describe the circumstance and outcome.

2.     How does God give you reminders of his faithfulness?

3.     Describe a time when you knew God was with you and did not forsake you.

Devotional #20: The Sword of the Spirit

Devotional #20: The Full Armor of God- The Sword of the Spirit

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…Take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

-Ephesians 6: 11,17 (NIV).

In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul tells us that to stand against the devil’s schemes we must “take up the Sword of the Spirit.” The Sword of the Spirit is the final piece of Armor of God.  Interestingly, Paul also defines the Sword of the Spirit, saying it is the “Word of God.”  Unlike, helmets, breastplates, and shoes, swords are known to be offensive weapons, and Jesus himself demonstrates how we can use the sword, or Word of God to protect ourselves from Satan’s lies.

The Word of God is also described as a “sword” in the book of Hebrews:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

When I was diagnosed with cancer, friends and family surrounded me with the Word of God by providing me with scripture—in paintings, in books, with notecards posted throughout my home, in phone calls, in emails, and reading them aloud to me. One that scripture frequently shared was Psalm 118:17 (KJV): “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” God brought that scripture to the minds of many who were walking through my illness with me---people in different locations, at different times, and of different backgrounds. I have no doubts that God has intended that scripture for me. 

We know that scripture is a powerful weapon to combat  the devil when he lies, tries to put us in despair, or tempt us.  When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Christ repeatedly proclaimed scripture, and Satan eventually relented.  See Matthew 4:1-11 (NKJV).  The final words Christ spoke to the devil in this instance were, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” The next verse says, “then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.” Matthew 4:10-11 (NKJV).

Using Christ as an example, cancer patients and others facing serious illnesses should practice speaking out loud scriptural truth when Satan plants lies in your mind.  Below are examples lies that Satan tried to make me believe during my battle with terminal cancer, and scriptural responses to each:

1.     The Lie: You will die. Scripture Response: I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17 KJV)

2.     The Lie: You will be ruined financially. Scripture Response: And my God will meet all [my] needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

3.     The Lie: Your future is over. Scripture Response: But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Matthew 10:27 (NKJV)

4.     The Lie: Your family will never recover. Scripture Response:  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 NKJV)

5.     The Lie: You are weak. Scripture Response:  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)

6.     The Lie: God has forgotten you. Scripture Response: For He (Christ) Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

If you or a loved one are fighting cancer or another serious illness, using the Sword of the Spirit is critical to combat the lies of the devil in your spiritual battle. As Christ demonstrated in Matthew, speaking scripture in the face of lies results in the devil leaving. I have found this to prove true during my own battle. Sometimes I have had to speak scripture more than once, and sometimes every day. Remember, Christ spoke scripture three times before the devil left.  Eventually, the Word of God will win.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     What is the most common lie the devil is telling you in your current situation? Can you locate a scripture that responds to that lie?

2.     Read Matthew 4:1-11, Do you believe that following Jesus’ example can help you “take your stand against the devil’s schemes”?  Why or why not? 

3.     Describe a time in your life where using the Sword of the Spirit has helped you.

Devotional #19: The Helmet of Salvation

Devotional #19: The Full Armor of God- The Helmet of Salvation

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…Take up the helmet of salvation…

-Ephesians 6: 11,17 (NIV).

In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul instructs us that to “take up the helmet of salvation.” It seems appropriate that I write this devotional the Sunday before Christmas.  As we get caught up in the festivity of Christmas, it is easy to forget that the whole point of Christmas (Christ’s birth) was so that we could have Easter (salvation through His death and resurrection).  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV). Earlier in John, the Christ’s journey from Christmas to Easter is described as follows:

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

-John 1:9-14 (NIV)  

The book of John continues providing an account of Christ’s life, including His many miracles, His promise of eternal life through salvation, His crucifixion, His resurrection, and ultimately His ascension to Heaven.   For those of us who accept the gift of salvation, we will also ascend to Heaven and live eternally with Him.

Truly, Christmas was the beginning of God providing a path for our salvation. This truth causes me to remember a verse from one of my favorite Christmas hymns, “O Holy Night:”

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears, and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

I’ve often wondered how people can survive this world without Christ.  It is easier to imagine just how awesome it was that finally the weary world received “a thrill of hope” in Christ.  Oh, how the shepherds must have rejoiced with the angels upon hearing the news of Christ’s birth that lonely night. More precious than all the Christmas gifts given throughout the world and throughout time, is the gift of salvation in Christ.

And then Paul tells us in Ephesians that this salvation is the helmet in our Spiritual Armor. Helmets protect our heads, brains and minds from severe injury. Similarly, the assurance of our salvation protects our minds from the attacks from the enemy.  Whatever the enemy may throw at us, nothing or no one, including the devil, can take away our salvation, which Christ Himself, guards in His Book of Life.  “The one who is victorious will, like them (those who have accepted His salvation) be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the Book of Life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5 (NIV).

For people battling cancer or other serious illnesses, the enemy often likes to implant thoughts of death. Those who have accepted Christ’s salvation can respond by remembering that they are unequivocally saved and can never experience death. Not just for the ill, such reminders are necessary for us all. If we experience depression or anxiety, we know God is still on His throne, and nothing will ever change this fact. I’m also reminded of a verse in my favorite Christmas song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during a dark time in life.  Longfellow had burns on his body after a tragic fire which would ultimately take the life of his wife. He was in such serve grief that he feared he may be committed to an insane asylum. Following the news of his oldest son, a Union soldier in the Civil War, had been paralyzed due to a battle injury, Longfellow penned a poem that would later be set to music for this power Christmas song:

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail; The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

What could bring a man experiencing such great suffering to turn His mind to Christ that Christmas Day? The helmet of salvation.

 If you have not yet accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, I encourage you to make a decision to do so today.  You can do this by praying this simple prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.

Once you have prayed this prayer, it is important to connect with a local bible-believing church. While you are search, purchase a Bible and begin reading (I suggest starting with the new testament).

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     What is your favorite Christmas song, and why? Does your song provide any insights or wisdom on the impact of the birth of Christ?

2.     Read John Chapter 1:1-18, What verse(s) do you find most compelling and why?

3.     Thinking about the struggles in the world today, how can wearing the helmet of salvation help us carry on?

Devotional #18: The Full Armor of God- The Shield of Faith

Devotional #18: The Full Armor of God- The Shield of Faith

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes… take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

-Ephesians 6: 11,16 (NIV). 

In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul instructs us that to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 (NIV). Paul’s instruction first begs the question, “what is faith?” We can find this answer in Hebrews: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).

For a person battling cancer, or another serious illness, we hope for healing, and long for an assurance about what we do not see—how God will accomplish our healing.  The shield of faith is necessary to “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  Cancer patients and those similarly situated, often face many obstacles—flaming arrows—in  addition to needing healing.  The evil one, who is the devil,  certainly likes to hit you when you are down. When you are battling illness or cancer, you are exerting all your energy on preserving your health; yet the evil one, will often attack when you are at your weakness. The flaming arrows in your life may be financial troubles, health insurance issues, relationship problems, and even lesser stressors such as lost keys, etc.

Looking back at my own cancer experience, the evil one launched many arrows at me: issues getting my health insurance covered, financial struggles, constant reminders of past wrongs and pain others had perpetrated on me, to name a few.   

One week in particular, the evil one through a flaming arrow in the form of threatening to remove my transportation. My mother had been using my Honda Civic to drive me to my daily radiation appointments. Being able to maintain my car payments was essential, but I had been unable to work, and my savings were quickly being depleted due to medical expenses. I needed to continue my payments on my car loan. Additionally, I had an unexpected $3,000 medical bill that was causing me significant stress. To make matters worse, around this time I had been wrongfully rejected by a short term and long-term disability policy due to a miscommunication by a third party.

I had communicated with many D.C. connections that I had known that could easily cover the cost of my medical bill, and I asked a nonprofit which I had donated exactly $3,000 the previous year to return my donations. Every single plea was rejected. Every one. Just when I thought it could not get worse, one of the notorious North Texas hailstorms hit my community and totaled the car that we so desperately needed.  I certainly struggled to hold up my shield of faith, which felt particularly heavy at that time. I simply could not see a way out. In desperation, I prayed, and God told me to just be still and have faith that He would take care of me. So, I left my problems the alter of God. I didn’t realize it at the time, but God was teaching me to exercise my faith by having an assurance about something I could not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). 

This response is Biblical. Scripture tells us:

·      “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

·      “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 (NIV).

If you believe you are living in a “when it rains it pours” situation, you are likely correct.  The evil one loves to attack when you are most vulnerable—this is why the saying “when it rains it pours” so often proves true in the lives and circumstances of many. I know that the stressors I faced were not unique to me, but are faced by many of those who are battling cancer and other serious illnesses.

Recognizing this problem, we have to hold our shield of faith, even in times when the shield feels very heavy and we feel very weak. Christ will help us do this.  Scripture tells us that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV). Spending time reading the Bible and listening to what Christ might say to you is essential to building your faith.  

Sometimes this means completely letting go of your problems and giving them to Christ.  Early into my diagnosis my good friend Troy shared a piece of wisdom.  He told me he had a file in his office entitled “God’s Problems,” and that when a problem appeared too overwhelming, he would pray and file it away under “God’s Problems.” Troy said that he has been amazed at how God has taken care of those problems throughout the years. Troy provided me an example of living the Bible’s definition of faith: “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). While I do not have a literal file for “God’s Problems,” I file many problems of various levels as “God’s Problems” in my mind.   Frankly, I’m not sure that I would have made it these past years if I had not done this. And, like Troy, I have been amazed at how holding up the shield of faith as resolved many of the problems I faced.

Because of His mercy and grace, God took my problems upon Himself.  An appeal of the short term and long-term disability claim as ruled in my favor and provided me critical money needed for my daily life of not being able to work and medical expenses.

As for my car, God took a hailstorm and turned it into a blessing. Even though my car was totaled, it still ran—it just looked like a golf ball. Because it was totaled, my insurance paid off my car loan. Miraculously, the insurance also repaid me for the excess that I had already paid into my car loan. Astonishingly, that amount was $3,000-the exact amount I needed for my surprise medical bill. My dad worked with my insurance on my behalf, so I did not have to lift a finger for this blessing.

The situation became even more amazing when people I had not thought to approach for help with my finances stepped in to fill the gaps left by my rejected requests. One remarkable man, Tom, who leads a pro-life nonprofit ministry ran a fundraising campaign for me which resulted in my receiving enough funding to cover my expensive COBRA premium payments and my out-of-pocket medical expenses for years. Once that funding started to be depleted, another leader of a pro-life nonprofit, Peggy, contacted me to connect me with a foundation that provided me significant financial support for three years. Again, I received these blessings with little effort on my part.

Putting this in the context of the biblical definition of Faith, I needed confidence in what I hoped for (which was resolution of my problems) and an assurance of what I could not see (how God would resolve my problems).  This took significant prayer at my weakest moments. It took the prayers of others. It took people like my dad, Troy, Tom, and Peggy to exercise their wisdom and compassion, as followers of Christ, to help me. Looking back now, I am utterly amazed at how God deflected the flaming arrows of the evil away from me.  Not only this, He also blessed me abundantly in ways I could not see in the midst of crisis. 

I cannot possibly attribute to these miraculous events and blessings to anything but God Himself. The manner in which these problems were resolved, with virtually no effort on my part truly attests to the majesty of Christ. Blessed be His Name.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Can you think of a time when the evil one was throwing flaming arrows your way? How did you respond? Would you change your response if faced with the same circumstance today? Why or why not?

2.     In Hebrews 11, scripture lists 17 specific examples of Old Testament men and women who exercised faith: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtah, David and Samuel.  Select one person and read the account of their faith in the Old Testament.  How did his/her actions reflect what we know about faith, as it is defined in the New Testament?

3.     Looking back on the previous question. How can we, living in today’s world, exercise the same faith as the person you selected?

Devotional #17: The Full Armor of God-Feet Fitted with the Readiness that Comes from the Gospel of Peace.

Devotional #17: The Full Armor of God-Feet Fitted with the Readiness that Comes from the Gospel of Peace.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

-Ephesians 6: 11,15 (NIV). 

In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul  instructs us that to “stand against the devil’s schemes” our feet must be “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Paul is essentially saying we must always be prepared to share the message of Christ’s gift of salvation to us. We know through scripture that God’s ultimate desire is to restore and reconcile our sinful and broken lives to Him. He desires this so much that God Himself came to Earth to pay the price for our sins. Through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and Christ’s defeat of death through His resurrection, we are able to live in eternity with God. This is the gospel.

·      In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:1,14 (NIV)

·      For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

·      Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. (NIV)

·      But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)

·      But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 (NIV)

The promise of salvation also brings the promise of peace as we walk through our earthly lives. The “gospel of peace” referenced in the Armor of God passage is not only for our eternal salvation, but and also for our daily lives in the here and now.  This is the gospel of peace.

·      Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  Romans 5:1-2

God desires His gospel of peace to be shared with others.  Following His resurrection, His final instruction to His disciples before ascending to heaven was, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20. Peter reiterates our need to have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace by telling us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV).

If Christ went to the cross for the lost, how could we fail to share His “Good News” with others?  As fighters of cancer or other serious illnesses, we are uniquely positioned to share the gospel of peace, and must keep our feet fitted to do so.  During my journey, I have found that the  questions asked to cancer patients naturally lend themselves to sharing the gospel:

·      What are you doing that is causing you to live so long? (My Answer: Jesus has healed me.)

·      How do you stay so strong? (My Answer: I am not strong by myself, but Christ has given me the strength and relationships I need to endure)

·      What advice to do you give to other cancer patients (My Answer: Cling to your family, friends and faith, and never give up hope.)

·      What has helped you the most during your battle with cancer? (My answer: Prayer, reading the Bible, trusting that God holds my future, holding onto the love of my friends and family.) 

·      Aren’t you afraid of dying? (My Answer: I believe I am healed and will live a long life, but regardless, I know that I will spend my eternity with Christ in heaven.)

Of course, being bold enough to share the gospel takes courage and practice. I certainly have not done this perfectly, or even sufficiently.  I encourage you to start small, perhaps by posting a scripture on social media. Also, pray that when God provides those opportunities to share, you will be courageous enough to respond with the message of Christ’s love, power, and healing.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Can you think of a time when God provided you an opportunity to share the gospel of peace? Were your feet ready? Looking back, would you change your response? If so, how would you respond now?  

2.     Do you believe that the gift of salvation in Christ benefits us in our daily, earthly lives as well as giving us eternal life? Can you think of examples in the Bible that support your position?  

3.     Read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.  What earthly factors can prevent us from getting the full abundant life promised by God if we accept salvation through Christ?

Devotional #16: The Full Armor of God-the Breastplate of Righteousness

Devotional #16: The Full Armor of God-the Breastplate of Righteousness

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…with the breastplate of righteousness in place… -Ephesians 6: 10,14 (NIV).

One of the predominant ways the Devil tries to attack us is through tempting us to sin. In Ephesians 6, Paul  instructs us to that the second piece of armor needed to “stand against the devil’s schemes” is the Breastplate of Righteousness.  God places a high value on righteousness. “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 (NKJV). To paraphrase, doing the right thing first is more desirable to God than later atoning for a wrong act.

Righteousness, however, does not mean being sinless, which is impossible because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NIV.  So, how can Paul instruct us to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness if we are inherently sinful?  Because Christ took our place on the cross and cleansed our sins with His righteousness. “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2.

Interestingly, Meriam-Webster defines “righteous” as being  “free from guilt or sin.”  By being a sacrifice for our sin, Christ has freed us from guilt and sin and  imputed His righteousness on us, so that we may stand before God as clean and blameless. “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!  For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:9-11 NIV.

Even though we are imperfect humans, we are still called to seek out righteousness, even though we probably will fail. Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness by resisting sin helps us honor God and to lead others to Christ through our example. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 NIV.

Make no mistake about it, as you battle cancer or illness, Satan  will tempt you to sin in his effort to completely devour you. I Peter 5:8 NIV. A few examples I have struggled with during my journey include:

·      Self-pity (Job 10:1 NIV)

·      Blaming God (Jeremiah 45:3 NIV)

·      Anger (Proverbs 14:29 NIV; James 1:20 NIV)

·      Withholding Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13 NIV)

·      Failing to Trust God (Proverbs 3:5; Matthew 6:25 NIV)

How can we put on the Breastplate of Righteousness to resist the temptations of Satan?  By praying to God for help, “ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV.

Of course, recognizing temptation and learning to respond righteously take practice. This reality seems to have tormented even Paul himself, as he describes in Romans 7:21-23 NIV, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;  but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”  Start your practice today, by asking the Lord to help you recognize temptation and then to resist it. A short prayer for this is found in Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Think of a temptation or sin you are struggling with. How can you put on the Breastplate of Righteousness to resist sinning?

2.     Read Romans 7:14-25. What can we learn about the struggle to be righteous? Who does Paul say is able to deliver us from our sinful nature?

3.     What would you say to someone who would argue that it is impossible for you to be righteous? Was Christ’s sacrifice on the cross sufficient to free you the guilt and consequence of sin?

Devotional #15: The Full Armor of God-the Belt of Truth

Devotional #15: The Full Armor of God-the Belt of Truth

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist -Ephesians 6: 10,14 (NIV).

People suffering from cancer and other illnesses are often prone to more intense spiritual attacks from Satan.  This is because the Devil loves to attack the most vulnerable people in our world: To “hit you while you are down,” so to speak.  Scripture confirms this: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”- I Peter 5:8 NIV.  “Devour” is a strong and telling word.  It means to “destroy completely, ” according to Oxford Languages.

Because Satan wants to destroy us completely, it is critical that we put on the full Armor of God to resist him. As Paul explains in Ephesians 6, the first component of the armor is the “Belt of Truth.”  The belt is the piece of the armor that holds everything else together.  Without it, the armor fails completely.  When facing a life threatening illness, it is important to strap the truth around your waist daily, supporting the rest of the armor needed to resist Satan’s attempt to destroy you completely. 

Scripture also tells us that Satan is not only a liar, but the “father of lies.” John 8:44 NIV. In fact, the Bible is full of examples of Satan’s attempts to conceal the truth--from his lies in the Garden of Eden to the lies he speaks in our modern era.  As people already vulnerable, cancer fighters must strap on our Belt of Truth every day to combat Satan’s lies.  

During my journey fighting cancer, I have  clung to a few primary truths: Jesus healed every disease and sickness he encountered in His ministry (Matthew 4:23 NIV); Only Christ holds the “keys of death” Revelation 1:18 NIV, and His desire is that  “none should perish” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV); that God has already ordained my “days” (Psalm 139:16 NIV); and because I know Christ, I have eternal life and can never die (John 10:28 NIV).

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Think of an example in the Bible of Satan’s lies to mankind. What were the results?  How can we learn from the example to better secure the Belt of Truth in our armor?

2.     Read Matthew 4:1-11 NIV.  List the lies Satan told Christ.  How did Christ respond to Satan’s lies.  What can we learn from this?

3.     What could you do every day to help secure the Belt of Truth around your waste as you battle illness?

Devotional #14: Living a Life Worthy of the Calling You Have Received

Devotional #14: Living a Life Worthy of the Calling You Have Received 

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. – Ephesians 4:1 NIV.  

The book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, has long been my favorite book in the Bible. This book is best read in one sitting.  In the first three chapters, Paul builds up the Christians in Ephesus with reminders of Paul’s love for them and of the benefits they received when they accepted Christ as their Savior. Paul, a Jew from Tarsus, had managed to reach the pagan Gentiles of Ephesus with the message of the love of Christ. I have always been moved by Paul’s love for the Ephesians and his prompting them to live up to the who they are in Christ.  The book of Ephesians can best be broken into four parts:

·      Part I,  Chapters 1-3: Paul reminds the church of the benefits of their salvation and Paul’s love for them.

·      Part II, Chapter 4, verses 1-16: Paul’s admonition to the Christians in Ephesus.

·      Part III, Chapters 4-6: Paul’s instructions on living a righteous life.

·      Part IV, Chapter 6, verses 10-17: Putting on the full armor of God

In reading chapters 1-3, one cannot help but feel elation and joy at hearing what our salvation means for us in the eyes of God the Father. Below, I have identified twenty-one (21) benefits that God has bestowed on those of us who have accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, as stated in the first 3 chapters of Ephesus.  Note that these are paraphrased but accurately describe each blessing.  Read these slowly and bask in the joy of each one 

Blessings of our Salvation in Christ according to Ephesians (NIV)

1.     You are blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ-1:3

2.     God  chose you in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight- 1:4

3.     God, in love predestined you for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. 1:5

4.     God has freely given you his glorious grace, through the One He loves. 1:6

5.     In God, you have redemption through his blood and the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. 1:7-8

6.     With all wisdom and understanding,  God made known to you the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 1: 8-10

7.     You are chosen. 1:11

8.     When you accepted Christ as your savior, you were marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing your inheritance until the time of your redemption. 1:13-14

9.     God called you, and has given you incomparably great power, which is the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  1:19-22.

10.  Because of God’s great love for you, God made you alive with Christ, through his rich mercy, even when you were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 2:4-5

11.  God raised you up with Christ and seated you with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show you the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 2:6-7

12.  You have been saved by grace, through faith—and this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God. 2:8

13.  You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. 2:9

14.  God has prepared you. 2:9

15.   You, who once were far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 2:13

16.   God has given you peace by uniting the Jews and Gentiles into one new humanity and ended our hostility toward one another. 2:14-17

17.  Through Christ you have access to the Father. 2:18

18.  You are no longer a foreigner and stranger, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also a member of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. 2:19-20

19.  In Christ, you are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 2:22

20.  You may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 3:18-19

21.  Christ is able to do immeasurably more than all you could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within you.  3:20

Now that you have reflected on the blessing of your salvation, hear Paul’s admonition at the beginning of Chapter 4: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” 4:1. Wow, do you feel as convicted as I do when you read this? Afterall, Paul has just reminded me that I am an adopted daughter of God the Father Himself, that I have a rich inheritance, and that, through the Holy Spirit, I possess in me the same power that raised Jesus from the dead! Understandably, such extraordinary blessings are difficult for us as mere humans to understand.

What does it mean to be God’s adopted daughter or son? When I think of daughters of kings, I think of Queen Elizabeth, who has been in the public eye her whole life, and especially so after her uncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne, making Elisabeth heir apparent to the British throne at only ten years old.  At age fourteen, she was called upon by Winston Churchill to give her first radio broadcast to millions during World War II.  Surely, the young Elizabeth understood the tremendous honor and impressive responsibility that comes with being a daughter or son of a King.  What does that mean for us who are not only the sons and daughters of a king, but the one King of all Kings? Taking this question one step further, what does it mean for us, who are God’s adopted sons and daughters, when we face cancer?

During the course of my five-year battle against brain cancer, being a daughter of God has meant that I can boldly go before His throne with my prayers,  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV), that God has infinite love for me, I John 4:16 (NIV), that I can trust God to provide for my needs, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” Matthew 7:9, and that with the power that raised Christ from the dead living in me, I can boldly pray for my own healing and the healing of others. Ephesians 1:19-22 (NIV).

In the next six coming devotionals we will continue to look at Ephesians by examining the Armor of God and what that means for Christians battling cancer.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Which of the above 21 blessings speaks to you the most and why?

2.     When you think of God adopting you as His own daughter or son what thoughts come to mind? How does this compare with earthly adoption?

3.     How can you best live a life worthy of the calling you have received today?

Devotional #13: Overcoming Fear

Devotional #13: Overcoming Fear

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.- Psalm 23 (KJV)

Fear is something that grips most cancer patients. After years of battling cancer, I still struggle with “scanxiety” before every MRI scan. Now, when I look back at the few months before my diagnosis of grade 4 glioblastoma (brain cancer), I have realized that I was crippled with fear and panic even before I knew of the tumor growing in my brain.  I feared that I would continue suffering from migraines until I became debilitated, which had been the fate of my grandfather.  After I decided to move to Texas, about three months before the tumor was discovered, I feared finding a good home for my two cats. I feared leaving my colleagues in a lurch. I feared being able to find employment in Texas. I just feared the future in general. After my diagnosis, my fears turned toward worrying about my family.  How would they fare if I didn’t survive? Would I be too much of a burden on them? How will I afford the expensive medical treatments I need? Will my life ever be normal again? In speaking to victims of all kinds of cancers, I have learned that these fears are all too common.

For me, God used the disease to increase my trust in Him. As one example, I  was uncertain if I would be able to continue to make payments on my  car, so that my mom could drive me to my radiation appointments. Providentially, through a hail storm, God allowed my car to be so dented that it was “totaled,” but still running. As a result, my car loan was paid off and I even received a balance of about $3,000 which went straight to my medical fund. I can tell you example after example of where God has come through for me and other cancer patients. Yet, before I was able to experience these miracles, I had to learn to trust Him.  I did not get the “car miracle” until after I prayed God saying, “Lord, you know my need to keep my car. I’m giving this need to you knowing that you care for me and trusting you to provide.” I have learned that faith and trust are the most effective ways to combat fear. 

About two years into my cancer journey, I read “The Hiding Place,” which is the true account of a Christian Dutch watchmaker Corrie Ten Boom and her family who courageously hid Jews in their home during the Holocaust. The heroic actions of Corrie and her family resulted in Corrie’s father dying shortly after his arrest by the Gestapo in 1944.  Without knowing of their father’s death, Corrie and her sister Bestie were sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where both sisters would witness and suffer unspeakable acts of cruelty, and where Bestie would ultimately die.  To bolster her faith, God gave Corrie an amazing gift while she was interned—a message that every Jew that was hiding in her house was safe in spite of the Gestapo’s raid. Corrie’s story is known world-wide as a fantastic example of heroism, faith, and forgiveness. However, in reading this in the middle of my cancer journey, I was more struck by Corrie’s ability to overcome fear than anything else.  I’m certain Corrie was terrified when the Gestapo stormed her home, when she entered the concentration camp, when she saw her sister get severely ill, and every time she witnessed the horrific treatment of her fellow prisoners. In reading more about Corrie, I was struck by a quote of her’s, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Indeed Corrie had learned to trust God even in the midst of the most extreme evil imaginable.

I started to reflect on examples in the Bible of reactions of fear. There are several. The most notable of which is Peter’s denial of Christ as told in Luke 22:54-62. Peter, who was Christ’s closest disciple, who had declared Jesus to be the Messiah before anyone else, and who cut of the ear of a Roman soldier arresting Christ only hours before, denied Christ three times the evening before Christ’s crucifixion. I’m sure Peter was fearful of being whipped, mocked, imprisoned and even crucified alongside his Messiah. Peter, however, forgot the a critical lesson Christ taught him, that is told in Matthew 14:22-23. One windy night on the Sea of Galilee, while the disciples were in a boat, Christ approached them walking on the water and cried out to them, “Take courage!  It is I,” Christ said, “Don’t be afraid.” Peter, ever faithful, got down off the boat and walked on the water toward Christ, assured of Christ’s protection. But, when the winds picked up, Peter started to doubt and began to sink. After Jesus pulled Peter out of the waters, He asked Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  The key to combatting fear, as I have come to learn is by learning to better trust God.

Nineteenth century Scottish preacher, Alexander MacLaren puts it this way,  “Faith, which is trust, and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust.”

I am certain that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were fearful of being thrown in the fiery furnace when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the citizens of Babylon to worship a false god  in the image of a statute. However, the three displayed what is tremendous courage, arising from their faith and trust in God.  Boldly, the three told King Nebuchadnezzar, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.” Indeed, God Himself did deliver them from the furnace so that their clothes were not even singed. Daniel 3:13-30 (NIV.) In my own life, these lessons have proven true.  When you feel gripped with fear, try praying and asking God to increase your faith and trust in Him to see you through.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     When in your life were you the most afraid?  What did you do to calm your fears?  What was the result?

2.     Can you think of a time when God taught you to put greater trust in Him?

3.     Read the account of Moses parting the Red Sea in Exodus 14:10-28. How does the trust and faith of Moses compare with that of the Israelites? How did God bless Moses’ trust and faith.  What did the Israelites learn from this experience?

Devotional #12: Work Out Your Salvation

Devotional #12: Work Out Your Salvation  

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

- Philippians 2:12 NIV

I was always perplexed that the Apostle Paul would urge Christians in Philippi  to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” After all, Paul is the very one who also told the church in Ephesus, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV. Surely then, Paul was not instructing the Christians in Philippi to replace works with grace.  When I was hit with the news of a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, I suddenly understood what Paul was saying.  Paul was speaking of resolving doubts to overcome any uncertain about your place in eternity. This is a very real consideration to anyone who has looked at death in the face.  When it comes to people with cancer, I have heard stories of people who wake up every day to this question. Many delve into multiple religions to work out the uncertainties regarding life after our time on Earth.  

For me, I was fortunate in that I had already worked out my salvation with absolute confidence before the tumor in my brain was discovered. I now encourage you to do the same, if you have not. When you are unexpectedly facing emergency brain surgery, you do not have time to suddenly  “get right with God.”  We don’t tend to feel the need to think of these things when we are young and healthy, but tomorrow is never promised.  When I was going into anesthesia, I didn’t know whether I would wake up in heaven, wake up in a vegetative state, or wake up normal.  Facing this, I was in a state of absolute peace because I knew that Jesus was with me. I know the possibility of death is a very scary thing for many people to face, for me I was comforted by the fact that if the worst happened, I would be in eternity with my Savior, Jesus.

Dwight L. Moody, likely the most prominent preacher and evangelist in the 19th century had this to say:

“Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. I shall have gone up higher, that is all; out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal—a body that death cannot touch; that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body.”

What an amazing peace those of us who have worked out our salvation have! If you do not have this peace, I hope you will start today to work out your salvation.  

Accepting the free gift of salvation provided in Christ only requires two things: 1. Confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and 2. Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. “If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.

 The harder of these two requirements for most people is #2. Believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, for most people needs to be worked out in both one’s heart and mind.  On the heart matter, I believe praying to God to reveal himself to you will feel that prompting in your heart toward Him. This is a promise of God, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:8 NIV.  On the mind matter, we live in a society that constantly bombards us misconceptions about whether Christ was raised from the dead.

Several excellent books have been written to help someone genuinely seeking to resolve their beliefs about Christ. A favorite of mine for years has been Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Christ,” in which 14 of the most common questions regarding whether Christ existed and whether the Bible’s account of Jesus is accurate. Another good one is Norman Giesler’s “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist.”  

Listening to the testimonies of others who have come to Christ is also helpful.  Some of my favorites are:

·      Lon Solomon (young Jewish man finds Christ and become a Christian Pastor): https://lonsolomonministries.com/ (Scroll down to “Listen to Lon’s Story.”)

·      Ravi Zacharias (young Indian student who found Christ after attempting suicide): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDSOnaMeG70.

·      Chuck Colson (Convicted in the Watergate scandal and found Christ before going to prison): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_0mk16wNfs

·      “I am Second”-multiple stories of God’s power in people’s lives: https://www.iamsecond.com/film/.

Once you have resolved your beliefs enough to say that you believe in your heart that God raised Christ from the dead, you are ready to take the next step of accepting the gift of Salvation and following Christ.  Very simply, you pray this, or something similar to God:

Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe your son Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has a more detailed step-by-step explanation here:  https://peacewithgod.net/?utm_source=bgmainsite&utm_medium=pwg%20link&utm_campaign=pwg%20internal&utm_content=do%20i%20need%20to%20accept%20jesus%20what%20does%20this%20mean%20062017&outreach=accept%20jesus%20what%20means

Once this has been prayed, your salvation is secure; however, you should find a church and a community of Christians to continue your faith walk. Christian friends, co-workers or family can be helpful.  An online search tool: https://www.churchfinder.com/christian-church-directory may also help. The article, “I just decided to follow Jesus. Now What?” is also helpful, and found here: https://www.compellingtruth.org/Jesus-now-what.html.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If so, how are you working out your salvation? If not, what steps do you need to take to reach that decision?

2.     Which testimony mentioned above was most compelling to you and why?

3.     What do you think is the most significant hurdle for people to come to Christ in today’s world?

Devotional #11: God Pursues Us

Devotional #11: God Pursues Us

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

-I John 1-9 NIV

In a prior devotional, we have established the availably of permanent salvation through the grace of God alone. But, many Christians wonder whether their loved ones who have passed were able to accept salvation through Christ beforehand.  I have come to believe that God pursues people up to the very point of passing. This is evidenced by the many people who have been confronted by Christ while in comas, as revealed by a simple internet search. Also, with illness people tend to sleep deeply. Increasingly, Jesus is appearing to people in dreams. This phenomenon of Jesus appearing in dreams is so common even among the Muslim world that it has become the subject of many books, sermons and news articles.

The fact that God pursues us up to the very end is also founded in scripture, as David writes in the Psalms:

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there;  if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,  even there your hand will guide me,  your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139: 7-12.

Another example occurs during the crucifixion of Christ, when a thief on the cross was dying next to Jesus and asked to be remembered. Jesus told him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 NIV. Indeed, God desires to save us all and is patient so he may do so. As further evidence, Peter tells us that the second coming of Christ has not yet occurred because “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

For others, the issue is whether loved ones have sinned so much that they could not receive salvation. This fear is also not founded in scripture or history, as shown in the account of Paul. Before becoming an apostle, Paul persecuted multitudes of Christians, and described himself as the “worst of sinners,”  and “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man.”  1 Timothy 1:13,16 NIV.   Paul then explains that saving sinners, even murderers and blasphemers is the very reason why Jesus came into our world, again emphasizing Christ’s patience: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners… But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me…[that] Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV.

Christ is clear on this matter. He states: “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” Matthew 12:31 NIV.  

So what exactly is this  unforgivable sin? The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association explains it well:

The sin of the religious leaders [described in Matthew 12], blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, was a refusal to accept the witness of the Holy Spirit to who Jesus was and what He had come to do, and then submit their lives to Him. Jesus said concerning the Holy Spirit, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). They chose rather to reject the Spirit’s witness to their sin and to Jesus, and accused Him of being demon possessed! The point for us is that if we have received Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we have not blasphemed the Holy Spirit; we have accepted His witness.

If you fear you have lost a friend of loved one before they accepted the free gift of Christ’s salvation, rest assured that Christ pursues all to the very end with the abundance of forgiveness and exceptional patience that only He can provide.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Watch the story of Robert Maasbach, pastor of Life Church UK, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAExSMvGWJg&t=17s. What does this story tell us about God’s patience and pursuit of people? What hope does that give us for our loved ones who have gone before us?

2.     Read the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16.  What does this tell us about people who accept salvation toward the end of their lives?

3.     What are your thoughts on the sin of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit being defined as “ a refusal to accept the witness of the Holy Spirit to who Jesus was and what He had come to do, and then submit their lives to Him”? Think of one person in  history who may have committed Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?  Perhaps Judas Iscariot, Pharaoh, or Hitler?  What evidence do we have that they committed blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

Devotional #11: Encouraging Words

Devotional #11: Powerful Words

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

-Proverbs 18:21 NIV

The grim day that my family and I received the news of a “terminal” diagnosis of grade 4 glioblastoma brain cancer, my dad looked me straight in the eyes and said, “We will win.” At the time I didn’t realize just how powerful these three short words were. Shortly thereafter, many people confirmed to me through scripture and other encouragements that “I shall live and not die, and declare the glorious works of the Lord.” Every time I started to despair I would repeat the words of my dad to myself to help me carry on.  Over time, I have come to understand better the of  power our words-words we speak, write, think, and even view.

I change my speech. Previously I would say “I have brain cancer.” I soon amended my words to say “I am a brain cancer patient.”  The difference may seem minimal, but it is significant to me.  The fact that I’m being treated for brain cancer does not mean I believe that I have brain cancer. I believe I am healed and that actually I have already won. Victory over illness was won the day Christ defeated Satan on the cross, “For by his stripes, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.  

That word have power is verified by scripture.  Jesus tells us in Mark 11:23, "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” The book of Acts in Chapter 4 tells the account of the Sadducees confrontation of Peter and John, who had been sharing the message of salvation in Christ, and the healing of a lame man. In response, the Sadducees, “called them [Peter and John] in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Reinforcing the fact that words have power, even one name for Jesus is “the Word.” John 1:1 NIV.

I’ve also learned of the importance of positive thoughts. Psychology Today reports that 80% of the thoughts of an average human are negative, and that such thoughts can lead to depression and even substance abuse. For me this was best shown through my interaction with a cashier in the cafeteria of the cancer center where I received treatment.  In between my MRIs and oncology appointments, my parents and I would often go to the cafeteria.  One day, a new display of rubber cancer awareness bracelets was on display: pink for breast cancer, orange for leukemia, emerald for liver cancer, etc.  When I reach out for the grey brain cancer bracelet, the cashier boldly asked me, “Why would you wear that? You would be telling yourself every time you look at you wrist that you have cancer.” She was right. I immediately put the bracelet back and was grateful for the correction.

Any cancer patient will tell you that it is hard to deflect discouraging comments from others.  For me, stories of others who have died from glioblastoma were difficult. While I had great compassion for these others, I would have to remind myself that their story is not mine.  While I know it is easier said than done, I implore you to refrain from speaking, viewing, or thinking negatively about your situation, even when you are feeling your worst.  Try saying, “I will win,” “I will live,” “I am victorious in Christ,” “I am strong,” “Christ has already healed me,” etc. As it says in Ephesians 4:27, “Do not give the devil a foothold.” And do not allow others to do so.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Read the story of Peter and John in Acts 4. What does this tell us about the power of speaking the name of Jesus? How does this apply in a situation in your life today?

2.     List three positive statements about a situation you are facing today.  How do these statements make you feel?

3.     Colossians 3:1-4 NIV says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” How can you set your mind on things above in your current situation?

Guest Devotional #4: Trusting God

Guest Devotional #4: Trusting God

By Kirk Baker

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.- Proverbs 3:5-6

I would like to thank my dear friend Jeanneane for asking me to write this week’s devotional. The words typed in this are to bring glory to the good name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. 

Before you read any further, I humbly request you raise both arms open and reach out to the Lord and ask: “God, what is it that you want me to receive from this? Please show me what it is you want me to know.”

“The word of the Lord came to me, Son of man, propound a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel.” - Ezekiel 17:1-2 In the video of my testimony, you will hear me say, while in prayer God said you me: “Why are you crying? End your tears. For I have saved your beautiful wife. I have given your son life. It is time for you to tell your story.” 

What God is saying to me there is, Do you trust me? For if you do, lean on my understanding not your own. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 

Every day we wake up is a good day. The rest is what we make of it. Some days are easier than others, but it is having complete faith in God that sees us through. 

Trusting in the Lord May not come easy to some, especially those who aren’t followers of Christ. For most of my life I turned my back on God, I denied God. With my faith in man instead of God I was faced with a decision no one wants to be in. 

The decision I was faced with was having to choose between the life of my love, my soulmate or that of our unborn son. While pregnant with our son, my wife became ill and lost 42 pounds in one month. She was hospitalized for most of that month. Eventually the doctor told us “There is nothing more that I can do. If you don’t terminate the pregnancy you will die” We were now faced with deciding who shall live. 

How does one make that decision? If you were faced with that decision, what would you choose? Earlier I mentioned because our faith was in man instead of God, we chose to terminate the pregnancy. This decision was made in 2002 and still affects us today. 

While inside the abortion center God intervened. Just before we were about to sign the death certificate to our son, my wife looked at me and said “I don’t care if I die. I am not going to kill our baby”. We got up and walked out. Two weeks later God healed my wife and later that year she gave birth to Cameron. Praise God. My wife has a very special place in my heart for her. She was willing to sacrifice herself to give our son life. 

We became believers but as believers we didn’t realize we had to just do more than believe. Christ calls us to be followers. There is so much wisdom God put forth in this message. Here is a link to this message. It is appropriately titled From non-believer to believer to follower of Christ Jesus. 

https://youtu.be/8vqQ1rlm3PI

As our faith started to strengthen, so did the spiritual warfare we have faced. Over the years we’ve had our house burn down and we lost everything we owned. My wife became disabled with a nerve disorder twice as painful as child birth. 

A few years later our house was foreclosed on. I went from a stable work history to 9 jobs in 10 years with 5 of my last 7 jobs shutting their doors or laying me off. 

My wife has been in multiple car accidents. My son and I were rear ended. Last year a vehicle almost hit me head on at 70 mph. We narrowly avoided a head on collision and my vehicle was struck one foot behind the driver side door. 

That accident left me with herniated discs in my neck and my back which I still have today. A few months after this accident, my precious daughter became paralyzed from the neck down. She fights hard every day trying to regain use of her limbs. 

There has been much more tragedy than this in our life. Without a strong faith, this would have been much more difficult to endure. Trusting God made getting through all of this much easier. There is a Scripture that taught me how to trust God. A Scripture to fall back on when times it get tough. 

We made a family video about trusting God. A video to be a light to those in need. To let people know that it only takes one person to make a difference. While we may not always see the fruit of our labor, let this message remind you that you make a difference, that you matter. 

https://youtu.be/zy3gfxXTVXM

Jesus was the perfect example of this when he bore our sin upon the cross. Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Thank you Jeanneane for asking me to fill in the gap while you recover. Continued prayers for you my dear friend. I pray this message and the two videos I included are a blessing to everyone that reads this. Thanks and God bless. 

Discussion Question

1.    In the Cameron’s Chance video you saw the Scripture that helped me trust God. Part of that Scripture reads l: If iniquity is in your hand, cast it far away and let not injustice dwell in your tents. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish.

 Is there an iniquity in your tent? Is there something bringing you down that takes away your focus from God? For us it was the decision we made to abort Cameron. For 13 years our hearts were full of anger. Anger at ourselves for making the decision instead of trusting God, and angry at the doctor for withholding care to try and profit from murdering our son. 

 It was that Scripture that helped us trust God and in doing so God turned that anger into love. We now lift up our face without blemish and do our best to be a light to those in need. 

Devotional #10: Healing Hezekiah

Devotional #10: Healing Hezekiah

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

-Luke 19:40 NIV

Earlier in my diagnosis  people were assuring me that God would heal me.  I must admit, however, that my faith was weak in face of the grim statistics, which indicated that I only had a 10% change of surviving after one year. Grimmer still, my odds of surviving after 5 years were only 5%.  I certainly believed in healing, but my faith was shaken, and I was depressed.

One evening,  when I was very ill from a round of chemo, I opened my heart up to God and begged for my life. God then brought me to the story of Hezekiah, as told in 2 Kings 20, specifically God’s response when Hezekiah also had begged for his life, “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” NIV.  I knew then, without reservation, that God intended to heal me.  I continued reading and found that God also used the prophet Isaiah to accomplish this healing.  God instructed Isaiah to “Prepare a poultice of figs” and apply it to Hezekiah’s boil.   I imagine a poultice of figs is the closet thing in the Ancient Era comparable to our modern medicine. 

Filled with hope and the assurance of God’s promise to heal me, I started declaring my healing on Facebook posts.  At the same time, I continued to ask for prayer as I underwent chemotherapy treatments.  A question by one individual came as a great surprise to me, “If you believe God has healed you, then why are you continuing to receive medical treatments?”  While in my mind, the continuation of chemotherapy was an obvious necessity, this individual’s question was completely legitimate. I was reminded of God’s instructions to Isaiah, which indicated to me that God sometimes uses medicine and people to heal others.  Of course, God also can heal without using medicine or humans, in those miraculous ways he has in the lives of so many. Both methods are legitimate and both serve a significant purpose-they Glorify God.  Luke 19:40 NIV tell us that, if we do not glorify God, “the stones will cry out.”  If stones can glorify God, how much more can surgeons, doctors, scientists, and other working to cure cancer and heal the sick? After all, each of these people were created in the very image of God himself. (Genesis 1:27 NIV).

I was also reminded of a quote from my favorite sermon, “Raised to Run” by Ravi Zacharias, in which Ravi said:

When I think of the millions [of children] we have obliterated in the womb, I shudder to think of what we will say to God…[when we ask] “Why did you allow so much suffering, so much cancer, so much hepatitis, so much this, so much that?”  What will we say when God says, “ I sent a whole lot of people into your world with cures for those, but you would not even allow them into your world.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeZdVW8CpLM)

Indeed, God has uses humans throughout history to accomplish his good work on Earth, combatting evil and disease—all ultimately to His glory.

For Additional Study & Discussion

1.     Think of a person in history that God used to accomplish His good and perfect will?  Why did you chose that person?

2.     Read 2 Kings 20.  Have you ever cried out to the Lord with the same passion as Hezekiah?  What was the result?

3.     In what area(s) of your life could God use a human to help you?  How should you pray to God for that?

Guest Devotional #3: Even If

Guest Devotional #3: Even If

-by Dr. Carolyn Perry

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods."

-Daniel 3:17-18 NIV

I have to begin by saying that I am honored to be contributing to Jeanneane's blog.  Jeanneane has been such an important part of my family for nearly 20 years: traveling with us (as a student) to northern England; loving and caring for my children; discussing theology with my late husband; and becoming my precious friend. Thank you, Jeanneane--and love you dearly.

My story begins on a beautiful fall day in 2015, when my husband was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Given that he had been feeling just fine, we were stunned to learn that his cancer was aggressive, and we had to move quickly.  Thankfully, his doctor was able to get him into a hospital just a few hours from home that was one of the best for his disease, and so we began the journey of life with cancer.

We were among the "lucky ones," having flexible careers, near-adult children, a loving church family, and an excellent hospital close to home. And yet, the road was a rough one. Greg responded very well to treatment, but his cancer returned within months. After another round of treatment, it returned again, resulting in not one, but two stem-cell transplants. Two years after the diagnosis, having never quite recovered from the second transplant, his body simply couldn't cope any longer, and he went home to God.

Those two years were among the worst and best of my life. Greg and I had always been quite independent, even though we were married for over thirty years and had raised three children together. Our expressions of faith were quite different: he relished studying the Bible and held fast to the great Truths of the Word; I relished the beautiful mystery of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and was closest to Christ not when studying or debating, but when "doing." We often disagreed on matters of life and faith, and yet were deeply committed to each other. Those two years of camping out in a hospital room together, experiencing the tremendous support of our family and church together, and letting go of differences in order to focus on what mattered brought us to a beautiful place in our marriage that we had never before experienced. Greg would be the first to admit that he wasn't a saint, but he finished well--and I had the great privilege of being by his side.

One morning in the middle of our journey, my friend Eunice sent me the song that carried us through our final year together: MercyMe's "Even If." Greg had had an encounter with the Spirit on the day of his diagnosis that left him assured that all would be well, whether he survived or did not. But it wasn't until we had experienced a few setbacks that we were forced to consider the reality of that assurance. In the end, we knew that no matter what happened, our God was our God, and He would never abandon us. We were able to come to terms with God's will, whatever it happened to be. "Even If" ends with these words:

I know You're able and I know You can

Save through the fire with your mighty hand

But even if You don't

My hope is You alone.

I know the sorrow, I know the hurt

Would all go away if You'd just say the word

But even if You don't

My hope is You alone.

It is well with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Like Daniel's friends in the fiery furnace, we were completely dependent on God for delivery. And we knew full well that no matter what the outcome, God was not just our only hope, but our all-sufficient hope. A few days before Greg died, we spent an evening listening to hymns together in the ICU. He could no longer communicate, but he often smiled. It seemed clear that all was well with his soul.

Writing this story makes my heart hurt with longing for my late husband and for our family to be complete again. And yet I am deeply thankful for how my faith has grown because of what we went through. I no longer cling to things I once thought necessary to be content, and I can see more clearly what it means to live “like Christ” in this world. Although his life was cut tragically short, Greg is fine--I am confident of that. And I have been forever changed through the challenges we endured together. I thank God that I, too, can say with confidence, it is well--truly well--with my soul.