God's medicines

Affliction is one of God’s medicines. By it He often teaches lessons which would be learned in no other way. By it He often draws souls away from sin and the world, which would otherwise have perished everlastingly. Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is a greater. Prosperity and worldly comfort, are what all naturally desire; but losses and crosses are far better for us, if they lead us to Christ. Thousands at the last day, will testify with David, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” (Psalm 119:71)

By J.C. Ryle

 

 



Our mind set

Is your mind set on that new car that will be a rust bucket in 10 years or that new home or a higher paying job or power, prestige, earthly wealth? When your heart is set on something, notice how much of your life revolves around your mindset. Nothing breeds a false self-confidence so easily, quickly and temporally as riches.

Do you know what Christ’s heart was set on? He made it his entire life’s goal and passion to win our eternal salvation by giving up His life, and then rising again. If Christ would have been distracted by the things of this world, power, prestige, earthly wealth, he would not have won our salvation and we would still be dead in our sins. Praise God that Jesus set his heart on things above on doing His Father’s will, so that we now can have forgiveness of sins, eternal life and peace.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

As days and months go by and I look at the days ahead, my heart and reality shows me each day that all these earthly gains are temporary and that they absolutely hold no value. Sure we need a car, a home and a job, but Jesus tells us in Psalm 62:10 if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

Matthew 6; 19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

May our hearts and minds always be set on Heavenly things. In the same way, may we also reflect what’s in our hearts and on our minds as we speak to one another about Christ’s victory over sin, death and hell. It’s the best mindset to have and an even better one to share!

This week was a good but busy week. God gave many opportunities to meet and talk with people. I feel blessed in many ways, God is so good, His Mercies and Grace are ever present. Bodily I feel good too with lots of energy. I did get a notice from the Cancer Agency in Vancouver that the trial will be delayed by about a week or two, that means I will not yet have to give an answer to go ahead with Chemotherapy treatments or not. I am thankful for that because I am not really ready to make the decision. It’s difficult knowing that I will get sick by taking Chemo treatments.

Thank you so much to those who contacted me in many different ways. I deeply appreciate your caring heart. God be with you all, be blessed and be a blessing.
John

Lead me Lord, lead me by the hand
And make me face the rising sun
Comfort me through all the pain
That life may bring
There's no other hope
That I can lean upon
Lead me Lord

 Lead me all my life
Walk by me, walk by me across
The lonely road that I may face
Take my arms and let your hand
Show me the way
Show the way to live inside your heart
All my days, all my life

You are my light
You're the lamp upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light
I cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
Lead me Lord

Lead me Lord
Even though at times
I'd rather go alone my way
Help me take the right direction
Take Your road
Lead me Lord
And never leave my side
All my days
All my life

You are my light
You're the lamp upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light
I cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
You are my light

You're the lamp upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light
I cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
All through my days
Lead me, Oh Lord
Lead me Lord

Author, Unknown.

9 Lessons from God concerning sickness

Sickness is meant…

1. To make us think—to remind us that we have a soul as well as a body—an immortal soul—a soul that will live forever in happiness or in misery—and that if this soul is not saved we had better never have been born.
2. To teach us that there is a world beyond the grave—and that the world we now live in is only a training-place for another dwelling, where there will be no decay, no sorrow, no tears, no misery, and no sin.
3. To make us look at our past lives honestly, fairly, and conscientiously. Am I ready for my great change if I should not get better? Do I repent truly of my sins? Are my sins forgiven and washed away in Christ’s blood? Am I prepared to meet God?
4. To make us see the emptiness of the world and its utter inability to satisfy the highest and deepest needs of the soul.
5. To send us to our Bibles. That blessed Book, in the days of health, is too often left on the shelf, becomes the safest place in which to put a bank-note, and is never opened from January to December. But sickness often brings it down from the shelf and throws new light on its pages.
6. To make us pray. Too many, I fear, never pray at all, or they only rattle over a few hurried words morning and evening without thinking what they do. But prayer often becomes a reality when the valley of the shadow of death is in sight.
7. To make us repent and break off our sins. If we will not hear the voice of mercies, God sometimes makes us “hear the rod.”
8. To draw us to Christ. Naturally we do not see the full value of that blessed Savior. We secretly imagine that our prayers, good deeds, and sacrament-receiving will save our souls. But when flesh begins to fail, the absolute necessity of a Redeemer, a Mediator, and an Advocate with the Father, stands out before men’s eyes like fire, and makes them understand those words, “Simply to Your cross I cling,” as they never did before. Sickness has done this for many—they have found Christ in the sick room.
9. To make us feeling and sympathizing towards others. By nature we are all far below our blessed Master’s example, who had not only a hand to help all, but a heart to feel for all. None, I suspect, are so unable to sympathize as those who have never had trouble themselves—and none are so able to feel as those who have drunk most deeply the cup of pain and sorrow.
Summary: Beware of fretting, murmuring, complaining, and giving way to an impatient spirit. Regard your sickness as a blessing in disguise – a good and not an evil – a friend and not an enemy. No doubt we should all prefer to learn spiritual lessons in the school of ease and not under the rod. But rest assured that God knows better than we do how to teach us. The light of the last day will show you that there was a meaning and a “need be” in all your bodily ailments. The lessons that we learn on a sick-bed, when we are shut out from the world, are often lessons which we should never learn elsewhere.

J.C. Ryle

 

In His time

In His time, In His Time

He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Lord please show me every day

As your teaching me Your way

That You do just what You say

In Your time

When we rejoice in the Lord and get to that deep abiding joy it becomes our strength. When we worry, mutter, and complain about our lives we are not really trusting in God. When we don't trust and are fearful of the, “what ifs”, we can't enjoy His joy.

I have been thinking much in the last weeks about the “what ifs”. As we walked along the river today, soaking up the sun and with a feeling of spring in the air, I could not help but feel sad. Sad cause of the “what ifs” Thoughts entered my mind of the time that lies ahead, how long will I be able to walk side by side with Henrietta and enjoy our family and life. Silent prayers often arise from within for more strength and more time and I need to add to that, more joy.

In the moments of the “what ifs” little joy is in my heart, yet I know I must be thankful and joyful in the Lord for His great mercies and blessings on me and all of my family. The thoughts of the "what ifs" rob me from joy. Joy is a far too precious and often appears a rare commodity. Worry, fear, and doubt always takes away our joy.

Focusing on God, who He is, and His love, fills up our joy tank. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Whoever you are, please pray that nothing in this life will rob you of your joy in Christ Jesus.

I often ponder on the words that Paul spoke in Philippians 1: 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. (Then Paul finishes by saying) My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Deep in my heart I can say the same as Paul , yet my loved ones mean so much to me at this time. One thing that I have and Paul did not, was a wife, children and grandchildren. Maybe that is why Paul spoke so freely about these things.

This week has been a good week without pain. I can feel things inside of me happening and changing; I just don’t know what it is. Sometimes those feelings lead to the “what ifs”. I have not made a decision in regards to more Chemo treatments. Neither have I heard anything so far from my Oncologist in regards to the new Chemo trial. I do expect a call somewhere around the end of January.

Although I have received suggestions from my Christian family doctor and others in and outside of the medical field, the final decision will rest with me. I continue to pray for an answer regarding this decision and especially pray that whatever decision is made that God will bless it.

Thank you for your continued prayers and the many ways in which you express your cares, thank you to those who take the time to email or contact me. It much encourages me.
John

The following song takes the “what ifs” away.

Teach me Thy way, O Lord, teach me Thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford, teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heavenly light, teach me Thy way!

When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way!
When storms overspread the skies, teach me Thy way!
Shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain, teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way!
Wherever my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!
(Ben­ja­min M. Ram­sey)

He leads me beside still waters

This week has been a good week in many ways. My heart is quiet and I can truly rest in Gods care and blessings. Like Psalm 23 says 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I have also had a good week in regards to my condition. The pain and discomfort I had for some time, especially during the night when I turned over, is gone. This is not only a great blessing but I also see it as an answer to prayer. Up to now I have made no decision whether to go back on chemo or not. I am waiting for Gods leading in this and look to Him for the answer.

The weather is just so beautiful, it gives us plenty of opportunity to walk along the river and see Gods beauty in creation. Life is good, God is good and we feel blessed.
I hope you feel the same and please take some quiet time for yourself.

I have a special request. Please pray for a mother from our church family (Marilyn) who professes Christ as her Saviour and is only 33 years old and just 2 weeks ago gave birth to her 5th child. This week she was diagnosed with a serious case of cancer. Only Gods intervention will save her life. Please pray for this young mother her husband Bob and their 5 children.

Here is part of the email I received today from her parents.
We have just spoken to Marilyn on her hospital bed. She is distraught.
They have informed her that the testing last night revealed that she has a different type of cancer in her brain. (Yesterday she was diagnosed with cancer in her liver, uterus and lungs.)
It is even more aggressive and it is harder to treat.
Today they will begin with radiation. They are locating some chemo supply so they can start chemo tomorrow.
Untreated, she would only live another week.
They aren't doing the hysterectomy just now because of the risk of rupturing cancer nodules.
Instead they are going to attempt a scraping strategy. Only if that fails will they do a hysterectomy.

 There is a QUIET PLACE

Far from the rapid pace,
Where God can soothe my troubled mind.
Sheltered by tree and flower,
There in my quiet hour,
With Him, my cares are left behind.
Whether a garden small
Or on a mountain tall
New strength and courage there I find;
Then from this quiet place,
I go prepared to face
A new day with love for all mankind
-Ralph Carmichael-
 

I thank you again for the emails, cards and well wishes. I wish you a blessed day and God bless you.
John.

 

 

Think of all the hard things there are in your life.

(Susannah Spurgeon, "Words of Cheer and Comfort for Sick and Sorrowful Souls!" 1898)

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You!" Jeremiah 32:17

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:26-27

Dear reader, your difficulties and trials may not be similar to those of "the weeping prophet," but they are very real, and seemingly insurmountable to you; and it is a fact that, of yourself, you can neither overcome nor endure them, so I want to remind you that the Lord's hand is not shortened--that what was true of His power in Jeremiah's time, is as certainly true today--and that whatever present hardship may press upon you, or whatever burden may be weighing you down--you, yes, you may look up to Him with confident faith, and say, "There is nothing too hard for You!"

Oh, the blessed peace which such an assurance brings! I do not know what your particular sorrow or hardship may be--but I do know that, whatever its nature--cruel, or bitter, or hopeless--it is as "nothing" to Him! He is able to deliver you--as easily as you can call upon Him for support and help.

Now, dear friend, think of all the hard things there are in your life:
hard circumstances,
difficult duties,
grievous pains,
sore struggles,
bitter disappointments,
harsh words,
sinful thoughts,
a hard heart of your own,
a hard heart in others.
Gather all these, and many more together, and pile them one on another till you have one great mountain of afflictions--and your God still calmly asks the question, "Is there anything too hard for Me?"

When our hearts are weary of life's cares and crosses, when our courage flags because of our helplessness, and we cry out with the patriarch, "All these things are against me!"--what a support and stronghold is the fact that our God has all power in Heaven and on earth! There is nothing too mighty for Him to manage--there is nothing too insignificant to escape His notice! Jeremiah's faith . . .
sees no obstacles,
stumbles at no hindrances,
faints under no burden,
shrinks from no responsibilities--
because he realizes the sublime Omnipotence of God, and fortifies himself by calling to remembrance His "outstretched arm" in the creation of the Heavens and the earth. Cannot we do likewise?

I took up a book, in a leisure moment the other day, opened it carelessly, and this is what I read: "It is a scientifically proved fact, that this great globe on which we live, spins around on its axis at the rate of a thousand miles an hour, and propels through space in its orbit at a speed immensely greater!"

The thought of this, seemed almost to take away my breath! Was I calmly and constantly living in the swirl of such a stupendous miracle as this? Then surely I could say, "Ah, Lord God! there is nothing too hard for You! My little troubles and afflictions--how small they must be to You; yet with what tender compassion, do You stoop from guiding the worlds in their courses, to support and comfort the hearts of those who fear You!"

Never let us give up in despair, while we have such a God to trust in. If there is a great mountain of sorrow or difficulty in your way, dear friend--do not be cast down by the darkness of its shadow. Your God can either make a way for you through it--or He can guide you around it--or, just as easily, He can carry you right over it! There is nothing too hard for Him! Expect Him to make the crooked things straight, and to bring the high things low; and while you keep humbly at His feet, He will work wondrously, and you shall see His salvation!

You are the Light of the world

A story is told of two gold miners who struck a rich vein of gold one day in California during the gold rush of 1849. They decided not to tell anyone and went into town for better mining equipment, but soon, the secret was out. Why? Their jubilation was written all over their faces!
Is Christ's joy written all over your face? Oh, how I pray each person reading this today will not hide what they have found in Jesus! People who see you should say , "I want what she has, I want what he has!" (Taken from Adrian Rogers-Love Worth Finding Ministries.)

Are you a Christian with a beaming face because of what Christ has done in your life? I want to encourage you to be a Light, a Light that shines brightly into the world. The world needs that Light because millions live on in darkness. God is that light, He loves light and without light there is no life. For the Christian, Jesus has a special job as He said in Mark 8:34 "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Christians are to be like a lighthouse who cast its light into the dark night to keep ships from running aground. The light in the lighthouse itself is really not that big and bright, it is the mirrors behind the light that makes the light so bright, so it is with Jesus, He mirrors Himself in the Christian and so the Gospel Light shines brightly into the world.  We can compare the Christian to the moon, without the sun the moon will not give light; neither will a human give light without God.

Matthew 5: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

 

"Whoever follows me (Jesus) will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8 :12

As each day goes by I think about the decision I need to make by the end of January. It is my daily prayer that God will reveal to me if I should start with Chemo Therapy or not. I will need to give an answer to my Oncologist and those in the medical field.

At this point I see it as a big mountain that I can’t overcome, yet I know that with God I can overcome mountains, just like the Israelites when they stood before the Red Sea, the Egyptian army behind them and the sea before them and with no way out, yet God made a way by making a path right through the water. So I must trust God that He will make a way. Psalm 62: 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Thankfully I feel good, sleep and eat well. The back pain I had is much less with the exception during the night when I turn over it gives me pain, otherwise all is well. I need to stay close to Christ, every hour I need Him. Just as I am finishing this blog entry my daily devotion dropped in my email box, most certainly very fitting in light of what I wrote today. I will post that devotion in a couple of days named "Think of all the hard things there are in your life."

Please pray for me that I will receive an answer in regards to Chemo treatments but also for a cure but most important that I will continue to have a peaceful heart, a peace that passes all understanding. Philippians 4 :7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
John

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord

On December 31, we visited my Oncologist for the last time for 2012. Although he wished me a Happy New year, his message was sobering to say the least. He took a lot of time to explain in a careful and professional way the last CT scan report.

I was told that I needed to make an important decision in regards to treatment. The present course of action, being on a strict diet, will not be adequate and that I should consider Chemotherapy treatments once again. A new trial will be available at the end of January and I should start to think about being part of this study trial.

He openly spoke about the consequences if I let the cancer take its course. Due to the aggressiveness of the cancer I could experience serious effects from the cancer in my spine. The effects being paralysed when the cancer invades the spinal cord and its surroundings. If I would decide against Chemo treatments I would need to start making arrangements in the months to come for home care in the event these side effects would occur. The Oncologist was not too worried about cancer growth that is taking place in other areas at this time. It is the spine that according to him is most urgent at this time. Again he told me that there is no cure for kidney cancer, and even if I would agree to more Chemo treatments it would be only to “buy” more time. This Chemo will have much the same side effects as many other Chemo's with the addition of eye or sight problems. Back or spine surgery is not an option at this time.

As you can understand, this is one of the most difficult decisions I have to make. I am thankful that I do not have to make the decision right now but before the end of January. I need to spend much time in prayer about these matters and pray that an answer will be given. Please join me in this prayer that I will be able to make a wise decision.I rest much in Gods care and provisions. He knows the way and what is best.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I pray that you will also rest in Christ in this New Year. The world offers no hope; the future lies secure in Christ.

Many people make New Year’s resolutions; may I suggest you pray to be a true follower of Christ Jesus. Paul said “I write these things so that our joy may be complete and full”

One year ago I thought about the year ahead and often I did not think I would see the end of 2012 , yet here we are, another year added but also another year closer to the end, or maybe I should say a year closer to the beginning (of Eternity). Are you ready to meet your Maker or are you just living on as if you will stay here forever?

Please do not wait, we all know of people expected to finish the year  2012 but they did not and died before December 31. If you have not surrendered to Jesus I urge you to do so today because today is the day of Salvation. Give the keys of your heart to God, open your heart as a book, repent and believe on Him and you will be saved by Gods boundless Grace.

I wish you all a most blessed and happy New Year. Remember, if Jesus Christ is not your life, you’re dead.

I can never thank you enough for your prayers for me, the cards, calls and visits are deeply appreciated. Thank you and God bless you. We continue to pray for healing, I know God can and doubt it not. His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
John

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Francis R.Havergal.

The Lord wlll provide

"You have not passed this way before!" Joshua 3:4

"Abraham named the place Jehovah-Jireh (which means 'the LORD will provide')" Genesis 22:14

As you begin meditating on this verse, write deep in your heart this word with the strongest confidence: Jehovah-Jireh. This name tells you . . .
that you can trust God always;
that no promise of His ever fails;
that He does all things well;
that out of all seeming loss and destruction of human hopes, He brings blessing.

You have not passed this way before. There will be both sorrows and joys, both failures and successes. You cannot predict your future experiences. You cannot see the next step before your feet. Yet Jehovah-Jireh calls you to trust Him calmly. He bids you put away all anxieties and foreboding, because the Lord will provide!

J. R. Miller (1840 - 1912)