DELAYED – It is probably about three weeks since I have written and this one will have to be brief to update you on my surgery. I think this is number thirteen and the hardest of them all. Heart bypass surgery is rough, as many of my readers have testified and it will take a long time to help and to begin to get back to normal. Thankfully, my daughter Patty came from Texas to help and she has been a tremendous help. I’m not sure I’d have made it without her help. Gary and Donna have been close at hand as well. Betty’s daughter has been staying with us, helping her with things I am no longer able to do. God is good and always provides and the help has kept me out of some other facility to recuperate.
DETAILS – Surgery was at 7:30 A.M on Thursday and I left the hospital Monday evening five days later as the doctor had told me. It was a three by pass procedure. That ventilator I so dreaded and the tube in my stomach were removed late the same day. They get you up in a chair and walking the next day. Not far but I had a nurse that really pushed me to go a little further each time I walked, usually three times a day. Sure different from so many past observations of this surgery. I remember a fellow missionary having this done in the VA Hospital in Denver, Colorado years ago. He suffered greatly and was in the hospital for many weeks. The science has greatly improved. / I haven’t been in a bed since coming home, as I can’t get myself in and out of one. Thankfully, the Lord enabled us to have a lift recliner that allows me to sleep in it and get in an out with help and now by myself. (Patty should have a sore back helping me up.) She slept in the hospital room three nights and since has slept on the couch to be nearby to help as needed through the night. / A nurse checks me out a couple times a week as does a nurse therapist.
NURSING FROM THE PAST – Years ago I remember nurses giving bed baths and helping with a shave. That hasn’t happened after surgery for a long, long time. This occasion was an exception as the nurse’s assistant, a young woman from Albania was specially inclined to go the extra mile. She claimed to be Muslim, but not practicing. Patty and I endeavored witnessing to her and she was a willing listener but just couldn’t quite comprehend it all. She was so helpful to me and we were so hopeful she would come to Christ. / Several asked my opinion about the election and events of decline in the news. It gave me several opportunities to share my prophetic beliefs about our nation and the preparations for the return of Christ, etc. All were respectful, even a few agreeing and some indicating they had heard some of what I was sharing before. I wish I had been stronger and been able to have defined the things of Christ more clearly but they had other patients to attend as well.
FOLLOW UPS – This Tuesday I had to go in for x-rays and Friday I see my internist and Tuesday the cardiologist. November 14th I will see the surgeon. I don’t know what restrictions will be kept on me or when I will be able to drive again. I am in no hurry and time is what I have the most of these days.
THANK YOU – Your prayers are a great encouragement to us as all.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
September 2008 #4
TERRIBLE WINDS – Sunday we had several hours of winds with gusts up to 80 mph. We have never seen anything like it here before. We have a lot of trees and our yard was covered with twigs, leaves and branches. Several trees had many good sized limbs broken off and we are still waiting for the tree company to come and clean those up for us. Trying to make phone calls for prescriptions and doctors appointments, etc. just did not go through. Thousands have been without electricity and many still don’t have it back. My son Gary and family were without power for more than a day. Kroger and others are still not open with thousands of dollars worth of food spoiled. Fortunately and surprisingly, our power stayed on. Driving through town on the way to the lab for tests was difficult because the stoplights were out. People were searching for ice and water and trying to figure out how to prepare meals as restaurants were without power too. We are so thankful this is not the middle of winter or the difficulty would have been far more serious. We shouldn’t complain too much because those in Texas and elsewhere lost their homes from this storm. Patty and Al live just a little east of Houston and they are still without electricity and have suffered some damage from fallen trees but they themselves are okay.
PERSONAL STUFF & SURGERY DATE – Tests taken Monday showed things all cleared up so they have given me a new surgery date for next Thursday at 7:30. I could have had it this Thursday but that would not have given family time to get off to take me in or for Patty to arrive from Texas. I dread what is before me but I will be glad to get it behind me. / Betty will get bone scans again this Friday. She didn’t get a treatment the past two months as her blood count is down so they are going to check and see what is going on.
DON’T YOU WONDER – Aside from the depravity of man, don’t you wonder, as I do, about how people can so easily commit murder? I heard yesterday of someone being killed over a bale of straw. When did a life become worth less that a bale of straw? I often wonder if all the mayhem on television and in the theatres. Then there are the violent electronic, games that 97% of all boys and 93% of all girls play and I wonder if they have something to do with violent attitudes. Human values have declined so greatly in my lifetime. All the gore, murder and violence displayed makes one wonder if it doesn’t help create these things. I also wonder if present circumstances haven’t become much like they were before (without our modern contrivances) God’s judgment when he destroyed all life except for Noah, his family and the animals in the ark. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me if God were to bring the Tribulation judgments upon earth very soon. Surely the Rapture can’t be very far off, keep looking up.
CARNALITY – I used the word “carnal” in a recent “Musings” and a young lady asked me about where it is found in the Bible and if it is possible for Christians to be carnal? Here is the list: “Carnal,” Romans 7:14, Romans 8:7, I Corinthians 3:3 and “carnally,” Genesis 19:5, Judges 10:22 and Romans 8:6. The word “fleshly” is found in 2 Corinthians 1:12, Hebrews 7:16 and I Peter 2:11. The word “carnal” (Sarkikos in the Greek) is from the word sarx, flesh, and signifies having the nature of flesh, i.e., sensual, controlled by animal appetites, governed by human nature, instead of by the Spirit of God; having its seat in the animal nature, with the added idea of weakness,, etc. as defined by W. E. Vine. Chapter eight in Romans speaks very clearly about this subject. All of us have the old fleshly nature. When we receive Christ as our Savior we are given God’s Spirit that opposes the old nature and enables us to live contrary to the carnal, fleshly nature. Sadly, Christians fail to allow the full working of the Holy Spirit in their lives and that fits the description Paul gave to the Corinthians (I Cor. 3:3) “for you are still carnal.” So, we learn from this that it is possible to be a Christian and to also be “carnal.” I know of denominations that teach the possibility of “sinless perfection” and some even claim the position. Whenever I hear such claims or teachings I am reminded of I John 1:8 which says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” The Apostle John wrote this to believers as noted in I John 2:1, MY little children.” So we know that even as believers we are often prone to fleshly sin. I’ve never forgotten the story from years ago of a missionary who lead an Indian Chief to Christ. Years later the missionary returned and asked the old chief how he was doing. His response was, “Inside me are two dogs that fight all the time.” The missionary asked him, “Which one wins out?” The chief’s reply, “The one I say sick-um to the most.” Most of you have heard one version or another of that before but it does clearly speak to the Apostle Paul’s teaching in Romans 7:15-25 and the conflict he experienced. Every Christian faces the same conflict and will until we receive our new spiritual bodies in glory. Having said all of this, I want to add an additional comment of concern. When I observe someone who professes to be a Christian, while continually walking in the flesh, without any evidence of occasions when they arise above that condition by manifesting the conflict and showing some signs of spirituality, serious questions are raised in my mind. I fear there are many who will find themselves outside the gate on judgment day. But, I am not the Judge and He will care for all those matters.
POLITICAL LIES, ETC. – The political rhetoric and the TV ads that fill our screens, along with the multiplied number of inter-net blogs, raise serious questions to my mind. Information is twisted; statements are cut away from context to make false claims about another. Reporters build issues that never existed to turn the news toward their favored candidate, etc. What has happened to truth and integrity? Candidates claim to be Christians while making false accusations about the opposition. Politicians claiming certain things to be factual and then say the exact opposite to oppose the other party. Is it possible for a politician to be a person of faith with such two faced actions? If and when they win the office they seek, how in the world can we trust them to run the government in meeting the needs of the citizenry and dealing with the nations of the world? Why do they want the office so badly that they are willing to lie, act unethically, cutting others down, while calling them friends and declaring their respect for them? The supposed civility belies their words and actions. Is it pride that sends them seeking such positions? Is it the wealth they expect to gain? We hopefully look toward the end after the election, but no, the same will continue as they fail to fulfill their election claims and lies after obtaining office! It is enough to make us cry out, “Come King Jesus!” All this will not end until He is enthroned.
PERSONAL STUFF & SURGERY DATE – Tests taken Monday showed things all cleared up so they have given me a new surgery date for next Thursday at 7:30. I could have had it this Thursday but that would not have given family time to get off to take me in or for Patty to arrive from Texas. I dread what is before me but I will be glad to get it behind me. / Betty will get bone scans again this Friday. She didn’t get a treatment the past two months as her blood count is down so they are going to check and see what is going on.
DON’T YOU WONDER – Aside from the depravity of man, don’t you wonder, as I do, about how people can so easily commit murder? I heard yesterday of someone being killed over a bale of straw. When did a life become worth less that a bale of straw? I often wonder if all the mayhem on television and in the theatres. Then there are the violent electronic, games that 97% of all boys and 93% of all girls play and I wonder if they have something to do with violent attitudes. Human values have declined so greatly in my lifetime. All the gore, murder and violence displayed makes one wonder if it doesn’t help create these things. I also wonder if present circumstances haven’t become much like they were before (without our modern contrivances) God’s judgment when he destroyed all life except for Noah, his family and the animals in the ark. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me if God were to bring the Tribulation judgments upon earth very soon. Surely the Rapture can’t be very far off, keep looking up.
CARNALITY – I used the word “carnal” in a recent “Musings” and a young lady asked me about where it is found in the Bible and if it is possible for Christians to be carnal? Here is the list: “Carnal,” Romans 7:14, Romans 8:7, I Corinthians 3:3 and “carnally,” Genesis 19:5, Judges 10:22 and Romans 8:6. The word “fleshly” is found in 2 Corinthians 1:12, Hebrews 7:16 and I Peter 2:11. The word “carnal” (Sarkikos in the Greek) is from the word sarx, flesh, and signifies having the nature of flesh, i.e., sensual, controlled by animal appetites, governed by human nature, instead of by the Spirit of God; having its seat in the animal nature, with the added idea of weakness,, etc. as defined by W. E. Vine. Chapter eight in Romans speaks very clearly about this subject. All of us have the old fleshly nature. When we receive Christ as our Savior we are given God’s Spirit that opposes the old nature and enables us to live contrary to the carnal, fleshly nature. Sadly, Christians fail to allow the full working of the Holy Spirit in their lives and that fits the description Paul gave to the Corinthians (I Cor. 3:3) “for you are still carnal.” So, we learn from this that it is possible to be a Christian and to also be “carnal.” I know of denominations that teach the possibility of “sinless perfection” and some even claim the position. Whenever I hear such claims or teachings I am reminded of I John 1:8 which says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” The Apostle John wrote this to believers as noted in I John 2:1, MY little children.” So we know that even as believers we are often prone to fleshly sin. I’ve never forgotten the story from years ago of a missionary who lead an Indian Chief to Christ. Years later the missionary returned and asked the old chief how he was doing. His response was, “Inside me are two dogs that fight all the time.” The missionary asked him, “Which one wins out?” The chief’s reply, “The one I say sick-um to the most.” Most of you have heard one version or another of that before but it does clearly speak to the Apostle Paul’s teaching in Romans 7:15-25 and the conflict he experienced. Every Christian faces the same conflict and will until we receive our new spiritual bodies in glory. Having said all of this, I want to add an additional comment of concern. When I observe someone who professes to be a Christian, while continually walking in the flesh, without any evidence of occasions when they arise above that condition by manifesting the conflict and showing some signs of spirituality, serious questions are raised in my mind. I fear there are many who will find themselves outside the gate on judgment day. But, I am not the Judge and He will care for all those matters.
POLITICAL LIES, ETC. – The political rhetoric and the TV ads that fill our screens, along with the multiplied number of inter-net blogs, raise serious questions to my mind. Information is twisted; statements are cut away from context to make false claims about another. Reporters build issues that never existed to turn the news toward their favored candidate, etc. What has happened to truth and integrity? Candidates claim to be Christians while making false accusations about the opposition. Politicians claiming certain things to be factual and then say the exact opposite to oppose the other party. Is it possible for a politician to be a person of faith with such two faced actions? If and when they win the office they seek, how in the world can we trust them to run the government in meeting the needs of the citizenry and dealing with the nations of the world? Why do they want the office so badly that they are willing to lie, act unethically, cutting others down, while calling them friends and declaring their respect for them? The supposed civility belies their words and actions. Is it pride that sends them seeking such positions? Is it the wealth they expect to gain? We hopefully look toward the end after the election, but no, the same will continue as they fail to fulfill their election claims and lies after obtaining office! It is enough to make us cry out, “Come King Jesus!” All this will not end until He is enthroned.
September 2008 #3
THANK YOU – I have received so may emails from people telling me they are praying for me regarding the upcoming heart by-pass surgery. There have been many encouraging words and some telling me how well they have done while going through the same surgery. I am grateful, knowing prayer is a powerful force in our lives. What an encouragement it is to know God’s people are upholding us in prayer.
STRUGGLES WITH IMMORALITY – I don’t know how many of you receive the Barna Reports. I find them very enlightening regarding moral trends in this country. In August he dealt with “Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality.” Atheist’s, liberals and faiths other than evangelicals were more prone to involve themselves in the list of moral issues. Real changes in this regard were seen in the under 25-age group. The issues questioned had to do with the use of profanity, gambling, pornography, gossiping, engaging in sexual intercourse, retaliation, getting drunk, and lying. “Adults describing themselves as “mostly liberal” on sociopolitical issues were twice as likely as those who describe themselves as “mostly conservative” to participate in activities that conflict with traditional moral perspectives,” is very telling as to our national moral state. The report went on to say, “We are witnessing the development and acceptance of a new moral code in America,” said the research and author, who has been surveying national trends in faith and morality for more than a quarter-century.” “The consistent deterioration of the Bible as the source of moral truth has led to a nation where people have become independent judges of right and wrong, basing their choices on feelings and circumstances. It is not likely that America will return to a more traditional moral code until the nation experiences significant pain from its moral choices.” This should serve as a real challenge to churches and individuals to get back to the Bible, faithful witnessing and endeavoring to lead lost souls to Christ. Churches and individual believers are failing to define sin and with the Bible and prayer being rejected in our schools our nation is in serious trouble and to expect God’s blessing on the nation as in the fast is not longer the reality it once was. God help believers, they are going to find themselves under more pressure and animosity from unbelievers.
GOD’S UNUSED PROVISIONS – God’s provisions are adequate for all the world’s needs. Man’s failure to utilize His provisions leads to their suffering and eternal loss. Many suffer famine because of their leaders abuses and misuse of available resources. I am convinced that when God created the world and placed man in it, that everything humanity would ever need was provided. Of course the fall made it more difficult for man to take advantage of that provision. The world environment is adequate for as long as man dwells on earth and until God creates a new heaven and earth. Man may abuse it but ultimately it is God that sustains it. When we consider the present concern about energy and all the debate associated with it, God provided enough energy (fuel) to sustain man’s needs if we but take full advantage of our resources. Congress often keeps us from being able to utilize all that availability. ANWAR in Alaska is one such example of Congress refusing to allow drilling there. I have been reading new materials about other resources in this country that is yet unused, such as in the Williston Basin or the Bakken Formation where we had a church plant for several years. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Some are questioning the reality of their being able to utilize all these shale reserves. The official estimates are 8x’s as much oil as Saudi Arabia, 18 x’s as much oil as Iraq, 21 x’s as much oil as Kuwait, 22 x’s as much oil as Iran and 500 x’s as much oil as Yemen, all right here in the Western United States. My purpose in mentioning these things is to help us understand that God’s providence is adequate as we utilize His provisions. I repeatedly tell people, for all the fears and political pundits, we have 1007 plus years for this old worlds existence and we do have adequate resources to meet humanities needs until God creates a new heaven and earth. So, Christians should not worry or buy into all the hubbub. As we read Matthew 6:25-34 we can take great comfort because of God’s promises to meet out needs. He has proven Himself repeatedly in my life through these many years.
HURRICANE IKE – My daughter and son-in-law, Patty & Al Armitage, made it safely through the storm with winds at 110 miles an hour. Their home in Humble, on the west side of Houston, had the screens on their screened in patio blown off. They also have a rental home that a couple trees fell on and broke the roof down. Their home is just sixty miles from Galveston where Ike first hit. We are so thankful for their safely coming through the storm. Buildings can be repaired. Many were not so fortunate and our prayers go out to them. I understand we will receive the rains from the storm here on Monday, something that is much needed.
OBAMA.S GLOBAL TAX – Obama is on the verge of brokering a bill (S2433) he calls his “Global Poverty Tax.” Meaning an average over the next 13 years that each American family would have to pay, an additional $7500 in taxes if it goes through. That is roughly an extra $575 each year. This would force the U.S. to increase our foreign aid by $65 billion per year or $845 billion over the next 13 years. This gives us a pretty good idea what kind of president he would make. Personally, I think it is time we cut back on foreign aid that goes to so many countries that hate us. There is not another country in the world that gives as much aid to other countries as we do. You’d think we would be appreciated for what we do but this is a thankless world.
MORE TESTING – Monday I will get blood and urine tests again and if things have cleared up they will probably reschedule surgery for the next week. I will have to wait and see. As much as I dread the prospects, I do want to get this over with and behind me before something worse happens.
STRUGGLES WITH IMMORALITY – I don’t know how many of you receive the Barna Reports. I find them very enlightening regarding moral trends in this country. In August he dealt with “Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality.” Atheist’s, liberals and faiths other than evangelicals were more prone to involve themselves in the list of moral issues. Real changes in this regard were seen in the under 25-age group. The issues questioned had to do with the use of profanity, gambling, pornography, gossiping, engaging in sexual intercourse, retaliation, getting drunk, and lying. “Adults describing themselves as “mostly liberal” on sociopolitical issues were twice as likely as those who describe themselves as “mostly conservative” to participate in activities that conflict with traditional moral perspectives,” is very telling as to our national moral state. The report went on to say, “We are witnessing the development and acceptance of a new moral code in America,” said the research and author, who has been surveying national trends in faith and morality for more than a quarter-century.” “The consistent deterioration of the Bible as the source of moral truth has led to a nation where people have become independent judges of right and wrong, basing their choices on feelings and circumstances. It is not likely that America will return to a more traditional moral code until the nation experiences significant pain from its moral choices.” This should serve as a real challenge to churches and individuals to get back to the Bible, faithful witnessing and endeavoring to lead lost souls to Christ. Churches and individual believers are failing to define sin and with the Bible and prayer being rejected in our schools our nation is in serious trouble and to expect God’s blessing on the nation as in the fast is not longer the reality it once was. God help believers, they are going to find themselves under more pressure and animosity from unbelievers.
GOD’S UNUSED PROVISIONS – God’s provisions are adequate for all the world’s needs. Man’s failure to utilize His provisions leads to their suffering and eternal loss. Many suffer famine because of their leaders abuses and misuse of available resources. I am convinced that when God created the world and placed man in it, that everything humanity would ever need was provided. Of course the fall made it more difficult for man to take advantage of that provision. The world environment is adequate for as long as man dwells on earth and until God creates a new heaven and earth. Man may abuse it but ultimately it is God that sustains it. When we consider the present concern about energy and all the debate associated with it, God provided enough energy (fuel) to sustain man’s needs if we but take full advantage of our resources. Congress often keeps us from being able to utilize all that availability. ANWAR in Alaska is one such example of Congress refusing to allow drilling there. I have been reading new materials about other resources in this country that is yet unused, such as in the Williston Basin or the Bakken Formation where we had a church plant for several years. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Some are questioning the reality of their being able to utilize all these shale reserves. The official estimates are 8x’s as much oil as Saudi Arabia, 18 x’s as much oil as Iraq, 21 x’s as much oil as Kuwait, 22 x’s as much oil as Iran and 500 x’s as much oil as Yemen, all right here in the Western United States. My purpose in mentioning these things is to help us understand that God’s providence is adequate as we utilize His provisions. I repeatedly tell people, for all the fears and political pundits, we have 1007 plus years for this old worlds existence and we do have adequate resources to meet humanities needs until God creates a new heaven and earth. So, Christians should not worry or buy into all the hubbub. As we read Matthew 6:25-34 we can take great comfort because of God’s promises to meet out needs. He has proven Himself repeatedly in my life through these many years.
HURRICANE IKE – My daughter and son-in-law, Patty & Al Armitage, made it safely through the storm with winds at 110 miles an hour. Their home in Humble, on the west side of Houston, had the screens on their screened in patio blown off. They also have a rental home that a couple trees fell on and broke the roof down. Their home is just sixty miles from Galveston where Ike first hit. We are so thankful for their safely coming through the storm. Buildings can be repaired. Many were not so fortunate and our prayers go out to them. I understand we will receive the rains from the storm here on Monday, something that is much needed.
OBAMA.S GLOBAL TAX – Obama is on the verge of brokering a bill (S2433) he calls his “Global Poverty Tax.” Meaning an average over the next 13 years that each American family would have to pay, an additional $7500 in taxes if it goes through. That is roughly an extra $575 each year. This would force the U.S. to increase our foreign aid by $65 billion per year or $845 billion over the next 13 years. This gives us a pretty good idea what kind of president he would make. Personally, I think it is time we cut back on foreign aid that goes to so many countries that hate us. There is not another country in the world that gives as much aid to other countries as we do. You’d think we would be appreciated for what we do but this is a thankless world.
MORE TESTING – Monday I will get blood and urine tests again and if things have cleared up they will probably reschedule surgery for the next week. I will have to wait and see. As much as I dread the prospects, I do want to get this over with and behind me before something worse happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)