God is in control even when nothing in the world appears to be. Another hurricane is on its way to leave a path of devastation in its wake. Countless people are dying in the Horn of Africa. An earthquake struck this week in the Eastern US and Canada. People were gunned down in senseless murder scenes.
I remember the catastrophic day of September 11, 2001 and the impact it made to the world. The Sundays that followed people crowded into churches to grieve and seek God for comfort in time trouble. I truly believe that God used this event to save people.
Have you had storms in your life? What have they done to you? Do they worry you? Have they angered you? Do you think that God has lost control or did you seek the LORD who will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Sadly, when we are facing storms in our lives, we tend to forget that God is in full control. That is why it is so important for us to constantly remind ourselves that our God still sits on His throne in heaven. It may do us much good to constantly remind ourselves of this fact before the next storm strikes. Storms are inevitable, for we live in a fallen world. Nevertheless, we can still feel blessed when we are faced with storms because we have a God who is in ultimate control of everything that happens in our lives.
I have my difficult moments when I wonder; Lord do you still know that I am here. Have you forgotten me? Yet when I look back in my 57 years of life and especially the last 6 months since I was diagnosed with cancer I can only say as written in Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
It's so important to have a heart of gratitude. It's even more important to maintain a heart of gratitude. When we are in the midst of storms, we can be so consumed by them that we do not realize there could be a lot of people out there who are suffering even more than us. So, if you are currently facing a storm in your life, why not take the focus off it and reach out to those who are suffering a worse fate than you? You may soon realize how blessed you are!
Presently I am reading “When your world falls apart” by Dr David Jeremiah. When life suddenly turns upside down, there, in the midst of your trials and in the center of your pain, is God comforting, guiding encouraging, teaching and sustaining. If you find yourself in the midst of a trial you should read this book. Thank you Hendrika for this wonderful gift, it arrived just in time.
It is now just over 4 weeks ago that I had my surgery. Healing is taking time and progressing steadily. On September 16 I will resume Chemo treatments and I pray that I will again gain my full strength to face these harsh treatments. I again want to thank you so much for showing your love and care in so many different ways. Thank you for your prayers, God is good, all the time.
John
Friday 26 August 2011
Thursday 25 August 2011
Don't waste your life.
Psalm39: 4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Friday 19 August 2011
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvellous things. Psalm 98:1
This is indeed a day to sing praises to our Lord, He is doing great things. Yesterday, Henrietta and I spent our day visiting the Oncologist and Homeopath. It was a busy and tiring day, but also a day to rejoice because of God’s blessings.
The visit with the Oncologist was amazing to say the least. He told us that when we met with him the first time, three months ago, that in his opinion there was little hope for me in regards to the cancer. He informed us again that under normal circumstances Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) does not respond to Chemotherapy treatments very well. He said however that there was an above normal and unusual necrosis (dying of cancer cells) to be seen on the new scan. He was very pleased with that and said that the cancer is responding well to the Chemo treatments. The necrosis was also visible on the kidney that was removed. This doesn't mean that a tumour actually shrinks but cells die, which is what they are looking for. When I heard these words I found it hard to keep my composure, the goodness of the Lord just overwhelmed me.
With thankful hearts we rejoice in God’s blessing. When I was diagnosed beginning of March there were times that I said, “Lord why me?” that same thought came back to me yesterday, Lord why me? Why do you so undeservingly bless me? As I left the hospital I said to Henrietta, if I could skip right now I would, but the healing process from surgery kept me from it.
On September 16 Lord willing, I will resume Chemotherapy treatments for two times 28 days. I can’t resume treatments until I am completely healed from surgery. The Oncologist suggested we see the Lung Specialist again after these treatments to see if another surgery could possibly be done, this time on the left lung to remove a large tumour.
In the afternoon we visited the Homeopath that is giving me treatments. He too was amazed at the progress made. These blessings humble me to the point that at times I can just sit down and let my tears run free course. Words fall short of the thankfulness that overflows my heart and so we go forward day by day looking to Christ the author of our Faith.
Lord help me to stay strong, help me to glorify Your name, help me to be more Christ like each day. Lord just walk with me and help me to grow in Faith.
Thank you for praying for me, God is listening. God has great promises in His word, are you listening to God? He is watching and waiting for sinners to repent and to believe on Him. Thank you for keeping in touch and encouraging me in many different ways. Just never forget that He has done (and is doing) marvellous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. Psalm 98:1
God bless you richly,
John.
A friend emailed me today and included this Hymn; I want to share it with you. What a blessing and comfort it is if this is true in our lives.
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Refrain
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Refrain
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
The visit with the Oncologist was amazing to say the least. He told us that when we met with him the first time, three months ago, that in his opinion there was little hope for me in regards to the cancer. He informed us again that under normal circumstances Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) does not respond to Chemotherapy treatments very well. He said however that there was an above normal and unusual necrosis (dying of cancer cells) to be seen on the new scan. He was very pleased with that and said that the cancer is responding well to the Chemo treatments. The necrosis was also visible on the kidney that was removed. This doesn't mean that a tumour actually shrinks but cells die, which is what they are looking for. When I heard these words I found it hard to keep my composure, the goodness of the Lord just overwhelmed me.
With thankful hearts we rejoice in God’s blessing. When I was diagnosed beginning of March there were times that I said, “Lord why me?” that same thought came back to me yesterday, Lord why me? Why do you so undeservingly bless me? As I left the hospital I said to Henrietta, if I could skip right now I would, but the healing process from surgery kept me from it.
On September 16 Lord willing, I will resume Chemotherapy treatments for two times 28 days. I can’t resume treatments until I am completely healed from surgery. The Oncologist suggested we see the Lung Specialist again after these treatments to see if another surgery could possibly be done, this time on the left lung to remove a large tumour.
In the afternoon we visited the Homeopath that is giving me treatments. He too was amazed at the progress made. These blessings humble me to the point that at times I can just sit down and let my tears run free course. Words fall short of the thankfulness that overflows my heart and so we go forward day by day looking to Christ the author of our Faith.
Lord help me to stay strong, help me to glorify Your name, help me to be more Christ like each day. Lord just walk with me and help me to grow in Faith.
Thank you for praying for me, God is listening. God has great promises in His word, are you listening to God? He is watching and waiting for sinners to repent and to believe on Him. Thank you for keeping in touch and encouraging me in many different ways. Just never forget that He has done (and is doing) marvellous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. Psalm 98:1
God bless you richly,
John.
A friend emailed me today and included this Hymn; I want to share it with you. What a blessing and comfort it is if this is true in our lives.
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Refrain
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Refrain
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Grace and Grace alone
The Lord has again has been so gracious to me and my family, undeserving Grace. This is indeed true in many aspects. Although the care I received at Surrey Memorial Hospital was exceptional, the care at home is served with mountains of love and care. It is much quieter and I don’t have to put up with room partners that snore like Harley motor bikes. It appears that healing works much better in the home environment. All in all I am glad and thankful to the Lord to be home.
Now that I am home I have to take it very easy, I get tired quickly and don’t sleep like I use too, at least not yet. Again I lost 10 Lbs during my week in the hospital. However, my appetite is again returning and I am again starting to gain weight slowly. I am often amazed how that the Lord is blessing me in so many ways, also in preparing me again for the next step of treatments.
On August 5 we met with the surgeon who did the surgery. He removed all the staples (it looked like a zipper). One of my first questions was if I could drive again, he looked at Henrietta then at me, hesitated and then said to my relief, sure, start with short distances only. He was happy with the results and told us that he was able to remove the Kidney with the tumour and Adrenal gland. To remove them he had to make a 12 inch cut. Due to the nature of the surgery it will take 4-6 weeks for recovery. Although he was happy with the results, he told us in carefully chosen words that he as Urologist had completed his task, but that the cancer still remains in my lungs at stage 4 and still the fastest growing cancer there is. I was aware of that, yet it is good to be reminded of the seriousness of the cancer that remains in me.
On August 18 I will be visiting the Oncologist again to hear about further treatments. I have already been told that most likely more Chemotherapy treatments will be given. Not something I am looking forward to, however I don’t believe there is another choice at this point. We continue to pray for complete healing and when God gives that, no other treatments will be necessary.
During my hospital stay the Lord comforted me in special ways in the darkest hours. I was not scared or nervous before or after surgery, yet it is amazing how that Satan can try to drive a wedge between ones faith and God. I can tell you though that when these trials came the Lord again gave me light on my path in the middle of the night when I read 1 Peter 1. I suggest you read this chapter or at least the first 12 verses. The Lord is Gracious and full of compassion. Thank you for those who visited me or contacted us in many other ways. Thank you for your prayers.
John
Now that I am home I have to take it very easy, I get tired quickly and don’t sleep like I use too, at least not yet. Again I lost 10 Lbs during my week in the hospital. However, my appetite is again returning and I am again starting to gain weight slowly. I am often amazed how that the Lord is blessing me in so many ways, also in preparing me again for the next step of treatments.
On August 5 we met with the surgeon who did the surgery. He removed all the staples (it looked like a zipper). One of my first questions was if I could drive again, he looked at Henrietta then at me, hesitated and then said to my relief, sure, start with short distances only. He was happy with the results and told us that he was able to remove the Kidney with the tumour and Adrenal gland. To remove them he had to make a 12 inch cut. Due to the nature of the surgery it will take 4-6 weeks for recovery. Although he was happy with the results, he told us in carefully chosen words that he as Urologist had completed his task, but that the cancer still remains in my lungs at stage 4 and still the fastest growing cancer there is. I was aware of that, yet it is good to be reminded of the seriousness of the cancer that remains in me.
On August 18 I will be visiting the Oncologist again to hear about further treatments. I have already been told that most likely more Chemotherapy treatments will be given. Not something I am looking forward to, however I don’t believe there is another choice at this point. We continue to pray for complete healing and when God gives that, no other treatments will be necessary.
During my hospital stay the Lord comforted me in special ways in the darkest hours. I was not scared or nervous before or after surgery, yet it is amazing how that Satan can try to drive a wedge between ones faith and God. I can tell you though that when these trials came the Lord again gave me light on my path in the middle of the night when I read 1 Peter 1. I suggest you read this chapter or at least the first 12 verses. The Lord is Gracious and full of compassion. Thank you for those who visited me or contacted us in many other ways. Thank you for your prayers.
John
Wednesday 3 August 2011
God the Lord is my strength…
A few days ago I was really struck by my devotion for the day. I know that at all times God directs everything, also that I would be reading this devotion from Habakkuk 3:19. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.
Here Habakkuk compares his feet to deer’s feet by which he was able to climb above discouraging circumstances and walk on higher spiritual levels. God charts the path of His will before us. As the deer’s front feet mark the steps in which their rear feet follow, so God marks out the steps of His will before us. I found this so beautiful; we are to put our feet in HIS steps that he has placed before us. Walking by faith believing that the Lord is doing it for our good.
The Lord has not promised anyone a journey through this life without trials but He has promised those that are His a safe arrival in heaven. This should warm and encourage every Christian to a whole hearted service for the Lord. For those who do not know the Lord as their Savior, I pray that you will repent from your sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and come to know Him as your Savior. The world has nothing to offer you that will give you lasting peace.
John has been home since Saturday and is doing fairly well. He is finding that it takes time to heal and much rest is needed. The Lord has provided abundantly as we see progress each day. Last night we walked around the block, last week we would not have thought he would be able to do this one week later. God is good and we are thankful for each day.
John will get his stiches out this Friday, then we will hear from the surgeon the next course of action after the healing period, which they say is 4-6 weeks.
A special “thank you” to all the visitors and a special “thank you” to our dear children and grandchildren for their special love and support, you have all been a real blessing to us and thank you for taking the time to Blog. Thanking you all for the prayers, cards, emails, comments on the Blog and some of you just a tight hug or squeeze when there were no words. It all is appreciated so much!
Henrietta
Here Habakkuk compares his feet to deer’s feet by which he was able to climb above discouraging circumstances and walk on higher spiritual levels. God charts the path of His will before us. As the deer’s front feet mark the steps in which their rear feet follow, so God marks out the steps of His will before us. I found this so beautiful; we are to put our feet in HIS steps that he has placed before us. Walking by faith believing that the Lord is doing it for our good.
The Lord has not promised anyone a journey through this life without trials but He has promised those that are His a safe arrival in heaven. This should warm and encourage every Christian to a whole hearted service for the Lord. For those who do not know the Lord as their Savior, I pray that you will repent from your sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and come to know Him as your Savior. The world has nothing to offer you that will give you lasting peace.
John has been home since Saturday and is doing fairly well. He is finding that it takes time to heal and much rest is needed. The Lord has provided abundantly as we see progress each day. Last night we walked around the block, last week we would not have thought he would be able to do this one week later. God is good and we are thankful for each day.
John will get his stiches out this Friday, then we will hear from the surgeon the next course of action after the healing period, which they say is 4-6 weeks.
A special “thank you” to all the visitors and a special “thank you” to our dear children and grandchildren for their special love and support, you have all been a real blessing to us and thank you for taking the time to Blog. Thanking you all for the prayers, cards, emails, comments on the Blog and some of you just a tight hug or squeeze when there were no words. It all is appreciated so much!
Henrietta
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