Category: Christian Blog

How to Destroy the Cancer of Sin in Your Life

How to Destroy the Cancer of Sin in Your Life

When they said that dreaded word, “Cancer”, my head began to twirl. It was hard to hear the rest of the words. The plans for surgery and chemotherapy were like a distant whisper. I was in the middle of my Master’s Program in Nursing. It was late October. The semester would end in early December. The plan was to have surgery in December. That month throughout November, I could envision this evil force eating away at the good cells. The thought of these destructive cells multiplying, growing and taking over filled my mind with disgust. These cells had been there growing for many years in silence without my being aware of their presence while all along they had been consuming all that was good within their reach.

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Sin is like that. It is a poison, a sickness deep within our hearts that grows steadily throughout our lives until our heart, spirit and soul is consumed; unless, we come to recognize it and seek the cure. We can try to ignore it, hide it, and place bandages on it; but, it continues to grow unless we come to the place where we “cut it out at its core.” For that we need the surgeon. Jesus is that surgeon to cut out the source; destroying its power. He did that at the cross when He took our punishment upon Him. He willingly obeyed the Father’s command. Righteousness and Justice demanded that sin’s penalty be paid. If God could just ignore man’s rebellious heart, Satan would have won. Evil would have won and righteousness would be consumed by the cancerous cells of evil. Righteousness could only win if evil were destroyed.

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Do You Really Want To See The True Jesus?

Do You Really Want To See The True Jesus?

“Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:20 NKJV). That was the words of these Greek men as they approached Phillip. They wanted to see Jesus. He had just rode into Jerusalem on the young donkeys back triumphantly with the people crying out “Hosanna” which means “save us now.” Were these Greek men echoing the same cry that these followers had and that we have today? These were Gentiles seeking Jesus. They were the foreigners.  They were not the children of Abraham: yet, they wanted to see Jesus.  They had no doubtedly heard the stories of the Jewish Messiah coming to reign. He would bring victory and peace. He rode in on a young unbridled donkey to symbolize such peace. He had healed people, fed the crowds, and even had raised a man from the dead. Surely, He had come to bring peace, healing, and hope to a world that was filled with despair, bickering, affliction and wars. They wanted to see Jesus.  Isn’t that the cry of our own hearts today? We want to see Jesus—the triumphant King who will wipe away all our tears. We want Him to heal the wounds of our heart, to bring us prosperity, to heal our families, and to heal our country. We want Him to set up His Kingdom today, this very moment to save us from all this pain, suffering, and sorrow.

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Yet, are we prepared to hear Jesus’ response? “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12 NKJV). What was that? Jesus said that He must die!! How is that victory? We want comfort now!! We want victory and glory today!! Yet, Jesus says that we must be willing to serve Him and follow Him even unto death so as to find life eternal. I must be willing to lay aside all my petty wants, wishes and selfish desires for pleasure so that I might gain glory in Him.

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How to Find Joy and Glory Through Journal Reflections

For many years my study Bible was filled with notations in the edges, underlined passages, sermon notes and little whispered prayer requests. As a child I had been taught never to write in my Bible, never to let it fall on the floor, and never to let it get stained. I still have several Bibles, in various versions or study formats that surround me when I study. All of those but one are crisp, unmarked; yet, the one study Bible dearest to me is filled with marks, notes, and memories of God’s unfailing faithfulness to me. It is like a dear friend who has walked the paths with me. This I had learned from listening to Charles Stanley. Yet, journaling was something else. Perhaps it was the naivety of youth or the business of life; but, I had a quick and bright mind in those days and thought my own brain would serve.

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Then came the cancer and the chemotherapy which wreaked havoc with my mind’s ability to recall. The chemotherapy drugs I received were very neurotoxic. In the middle of my Master’s Degree program, suddenly I was fighting to remember and to hold onto the information that I needed to graduate. I did still graduate with a 3.97 GPA; however, I had learned to rely a lot on prayer and God’s grace to be my memory for the tests. No longer did I feel the same confidence I had always had on my own scholastic abilities.

A few years later I began journaling. I have several little books packed into drawers where I had written my thoughts.  These have words, thoughts, prayers, praise notes, bits of poetry, and scriptures all jumbled together. Sometimes, I go back and pick up one of these older books to read through them. They serve as a reminder of where I have been along this journey. They also show me the grace of God as He has gently guided and taught me. Sometimes I am reminded of how foolish I have been at times and how wonderfully gracious God has been by saying “No” to some of my requests along the way. Often, some of my greatest revelations of God’s Glory and Grace come from those reflections. Those moments when I can look back and realize that God’s hand was guiding every tear, every heartbreak, and every trial to bring me His greatest joy, hope, and strength.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REFLECTION

As Jesus began His final journey into Jerusalem, He asked for a young donkey to ride upon. As was the custom; whenever a King wanted to enter on a mission of peace, they rode upon a young, inexperienced beast. The crowds heard of His coming. They “ took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him” (John 12) The disciples did not recognize the events as being fulfilling of the old testament scripture until they reflected back. They could not fully recognize the Sovereign Hand of God etching every minute detail until later as they reflected upon the events.

WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ME?

The same has been true in my own life. When I am in the midst of the emotional moment filled with great jubilee or filled with great anguish; I cannot see the magnitude of God’s Glory and Grace. It is later that I am able to reflect back and see His Glory and His Sovereign Hand of Grace working “all things” together for my good. In John 12, we see the apostles filled with wonder, pride, and joy as Jesus enters Jerusalem. This only lasts for a brief moment before the apostles would watch Jesus die on the cross. Triumphant entrance, horrific death, and then the resurrection. None made sense at the moment; until, after it was done. Then the wonder, beauty, and Glory of it all was revealed and understood by the apostles who had witnessed it. Then the Holy Spirit guided their minds to understand how truly magnificent it all had been.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

1. In the midst of the moment you may not be able to understand why. Yet, you can be certain of this one thing—God will one day reveal to you His Glory in the midst of every circumstance.

2. Journaling is more than a reminder of where you have been. It is the proof of just how far you have come.

3. What may seem a tragedy today could be the beginning of what is a miraculous blessing for tomorrow!!

4.  Prayer alongside reflection will guide you to discovering God’s Glory and Your Joy as you look back over the journals of your life.  God delights in revealing to you what He has done for you all along the way.

My prayer for you and for me is “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe” (Ephesians 1:17-19)

I encourage you to start a journal today—or more than one. Keep a Study Bible in which you can write notes in the margins—it may be stained with tears even. Still, that Bible I will guarantee can be your best friend when trials come and they will come. One day when I am no longer here, I wonder where my journals will go. Perhaps God can use them to point someone else to Himself—through even my failures, my questions, and my moments of deep sorrow—in the end He has been there through all of it.

I hope you enjoy the song I chose for you today.  Through all of it  by Colton Dixon

Original photograph courtesy of Unsplash.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

What Is Your Greatest Treasure, Really?

It was late November 2006 when I had this nagging voice inside that urged me to send $500 to Truth for Life as a onetime gift. I had learned through the worst financial times to always trust God and that began with tithing (even when the money was tight). For me it was not a ritual, it was the least I could do and it was a prayerful act of faith and love. Beyond that I was generous to give whenever I felt God’s beckoning voice to give to others.   I had just bought the house in 2005 and my escrow had not been in the monthly payments. Unfortunately, I had not done well at saving the taxes for that year and would need to pay nearly 2700.00 in December for taxes.  I did not have the $2700.

my greatest treasure

I spent several days in prayer reminding God that I needed that 500 plus even more. Still, that voice inside could not be quieted. So, I wrote the check and mailed it to Alistair Begg’s ministry. Two weeks later, I received a $2500.00 bonus from my job. Every other year, before and after my bonus had been either $100 to $200. That year was different.  When I rushed to tell my boss thank you, I was nearly in tears.  Then, I told him how I knew it was God who moved his heart to give me exactly what I needed that year.  He had been God’s instrument whether he believed or not.  This is not the prosperity gospel. This is the story of obedient, sacrificial love and trust in a God who will supply my needs. God’s promises are not for expensive cars, fancy houses, or everything my heart desires; but, His promises are to provide what I need as I trust Him. That was a lesson He has shown me all along the way. If I see Him as my greatest treasure, I will always keep a wholesome perspective of money and possessions as well. Which brings us to the contrasting views concerning money of Mary and Judas as we see them in John 12.

 

THE ANOINTING OF JESUS BY MARY

On His journey back to Jerusalem, Jesus stopped in Bethany. He knew that the coming events would be those that lead Him to the cross. It was for this that He had come to the world to be the sacrificial lamb. It was nearing the time of the Passover and He would be the ultimate sacrifice His Father demanded for the price of mankind’s sin. In Bethany, He had stopped to see His friends once more and there was a large feast prepared in His honor. Martha was scurrying about as always serving the guests. This was her way of showing her love. Lazarus was leaned back, seated at the table with Jesus. He must have been clinging to His every word. After all, Jesus had raised him from the dead earlier that same year. Then Mary took a pound of spikenard worth a year’s wages (about $25,000 at that time) and poured it upon the head of Jesus and then His feet where she then dried His feet with her hair. She did not care about the cost. She wanted to shower upon Jesus her most prized possession as a display of her love, devotion, and total commitment to Him. This may have been all she had for her future, perhaps it was a part of her dowry, or some precious heirloom. We are not told of what greater significance the ointment may have held for Mary. We are only given a glimpse into her humbled heart filled with love for her Master and Savior. She was willing to give Him all that she had freely with all of her heart.

JUDAS OUTRAGED

Ah, but Judas became outraged. He was the money man. He carried the purse and quickly condemned her because this money could have been used “to feed the poor.” Sounded like an honorable thing to do. Why should this money be wasted this way? The truth being, Judas had joined in the following of Jesus so that he could be a part of the rich and the famous. He believed that Jesus would rise as the Messiah, become King, and as His purse bearer; Judas would be rich. So, Judas did believe in Jesus. Judas desired wealth and fame alongside Jesus. There are some amongst the religious who are very much like Judas. We see that among the large numbers who follow after the “prosperity gospel” of name it/claim it. They too, like Judas are filled with greed, selfish desire, and pride. Perhaps, Judas was the first prosperity gospel believer.

RESPONSE OF JESUS

“Let her alone, against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always” (John 12 7-8). Jesus has been preparing his disciples for the coming events. They did not want to know the truth; but, Jesus knew that they would remember His words after His resurrection. He needed to prepare them for the years of service and sacrifice that would be theirs as they began to spread the gospel. He needed them to see that He is their greatest treasure. Judas began to realize that there would be no worldly prosperity gained by following Jesus. That was when he chose to betray Jesus for $1000.00.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Do you love and seek after God as your greatest treasure or do you seek Him that you might gain earthly treasure? Remember Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6 that earthly treasure is but fleeting. We cannot serve two masters. Either we choose to serve God or our fleshly desires. What is it that you most desire today? Do you desire God above all other earthly pleasures? Would you be willing to give Him your greatest earthly treasure because you love Him above all else? He has promised that when it comes to our needs, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). He will richly bless you with His Joy, His Hope, His Love, His Glory, and eternal life with Him. What amazing love and Grace toward us who deserve none of this.

He gives me everything I need and with holds those things which I might think I want so I can always keep my eyes focused on Him. I trust Him to always know what is best. It is my prayer that He always keeps my eyes focused on Him. I pray the same for you today.

Listen to Cece Winans sing “Mary’s Alabaster Box”  I do not know the cost of the oil in Your Alabaster Box; but, my question is this.  [bctt tweet=”Whatever the cost of the oil in your “Alabaster Box”-are you willing to pour it out for Jesus?”]

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Really, What Is The Most Agonizing Heartbreak Of All?

Really, What Is The Most Agonizing Heartbreak Of All?

It was early spring in Dallas with all the beauty of early flowers budding and a gentle soft breeze that caressed your face as you went outside. I was especially excited that day as I prepared for Pete’s return from Mexico. He had gone to visit his family as I had stayed behind to run the clinic. He had been gone for a month. Now, he was going to return. I had cooked his favorite foods. The house was spotless. With trembling hands of love, I carefully put on my makeup. I wanted so to sweep his heart away when he got off the plane. Meticulously dressed, I then got then turned to make certain Alberto and Ron were also dressed with their best—everything meticulously ironed and pressed as it should be. I loved my husband so much and wanted to bring joy into his life. Each son had made him a very special gift. Ron had drawn him a beautiful picture and Alberto had crafted a beautiful card. I placed their gifts carefully on the bed next to the meticulously wrapped gift box. Inside the box, I had placed a beautifully crafted sculpture of a tiger which I knew he would love. I was so excited with the gift I had found for him. One final look and everything in its place, I put the boys into the back seat of the truck.

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We got to the airport with just enough time to park the truck and hurry in for the arrival of his plane. As he walked through the doors we were there and went straight to him. “What! Are you just getting here?” he snapped. Angrily, he walked on to the baggage claim. No hug for me nor his sons. We scampered behind him. I tightly held each boys hand as we hurried to keep up. Silence remained as we had gotten the bags. My heart groaned with such a sigh—but no sounds could be made. Finally in the truck, I once more tried to ask, “How was your trip?” “Terrible and I don’t want to talk about it. You didn’t even care enough to be here an hour early to wait for me,” came his reply. It was a long trip in silence. When we got home, he went to his room—shut the door and never came out. I gave the boys their dinner. Then, I got them ready for bed. Once they were asleep, I went to the spare bedroom and cried myself to sleep. With so much anticipation, I had wanted to give Pete joy, love, and a glimpse of wonder. He never mentioned the gift nor the cards. A few weeks later it sat on his desk; but, never a response or a thank you.

Have you ever with great excitement and anticipation waited with the perfect gift of love for someone only for them to not recognize it? Have you ever poured out your heart to someone; only to be rejected? Jesus, so well knows your heartache as well. Let’s look at

 

John 11:35 and the verses surrounding “Jesus wept.” Most of my life, I had heard theologians say that Jesus wept because of His empathetic sorrow as He watched the mourners cry. That is until one day I heard Ken Davis present, “It’s Enough to Make a Grown Man Cry.” He pointed out the truth that Jesus was coming to raise Lazarus from the dead. He was coming to display God’s Glory, Power and might. He came to bring a joy that could not be taken away. He came to present hope. He came to be the key to salvation. He came with everything that Mary, Martha, the Apostles and the Crowd could ever need. Yet, they didn’t see it. Read the whole chapter carefully and I think you will see that truth. He did not weep because Lazarus was dead. He wept because no one could see that He came with everything they needed to abundantly live a life filled with joy, hope, courage, and love. Jesus wept because they could not see that He was enough.

HOW OFTEN HAVE I CAUSED JESUS TO WEEP?

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces that day when Pete did not realize that I had done it all with love and that I only wanted to bring joy into his life. That was not the first time, my heart was shattered and certainly wasn’t the last. Human love will shatter your heart often because of all its flaws. Yet, I wonder how many times I have caused Jesus to weep because I didn’t realize He is enough. He has stood with open arms and a perfect unconditional love. In Christ, I have everything I need for a life full of joy, hope, faith, strength, love, victory and beauty. He has showered me with His righteousness, His love, His joy, and His glory. Yet, how often have I cried to Him or grumbled; thinking He wasn’t enough. How often have I caused Him to weep.

WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS ROSE

I pray that I learn to sing, “You’re My Everything.” What about you? Jesus is standing with His loving arms wide open with everything your heart needs to know joy.  He wore the thorns upon His brow that He might offer you a thorn less rose.  Will you accept this rose from He who loves you perfectly more than anyone else could ever love you?

Original Photo used with permission of Unsplash, quote is mine

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.