Yesterday I was having a conversation with one of my good friends and he asked about my recent surgeries. I told him that they cut the melanoma out of my back and declared they got it all and the borders were clean, and then they cut the squamous cell cancer out of my arm and say they got it all. Wednesday they took five more biopsies from my legs and the doctor told me that there were more to come later.
He looked at the large incisions on my back and arm and seemed very concerned about them becoming big scars. I just laughed and told him not to worry about it, I have scars all over me, and if that’s not enough, inside my body from head to toe is a trail of broken and mended bones, and metal plates galore. I said I’m not worried in the least about a couple of more scars.
My buddy who has known me for many years and is very familiar with my life story laughingly said that I’ve used up far more lives than his flea bitten pet cat. I told him that I was just like bad grass. Every time you think you have killed it, then it reappears miraculously growing right through the concrete in your driveway and sidewalk, or maybe even a gutter high up on your roof. You just can’t kill bad grass.
I often wonder why I’m not dead and pushing up daisies somewhere, but I never worry in the least about close encounters with death (past, present, or future).
Why?
Because I’m convinced that I’m invincible until my purpose on this earth has been fulfilled. When I reach the point that my work is finished, then God will call me home and at long last Jesus will transform my lowly body and conform it to His glorious body and then I can settle in for an eternity of peace, joy, and the love of Almighty God.
I can only assume that since I’m still alive, (after all that I’ve been through), that God is not finished with me yet and those were just learning experiences. (Yes I’m a slow learner.)
But first and foremost I realize that my citizenship is in heaven, and I am here as a visitor on a mission. I sincerely want to fulfill the purpose for which I was created while I have a visa to do my walkabout in this world as a missionary.
And since I realize that I’m not a citizen of this world, I cling to the promises of my Lord and Savior. Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . . .
So that is our formula. We don’t worry, but instead pray and petition God with thanksgiving and He will grant us the serenity and peace that we so desperately desire. However, our minds can derail our efforts if we don’t follow the advice of the Lord.
Our THOUGHTS should not be stinking thinking, and focus on negativity. I’m guilty of this all too often and in spite of my best efforts it seems to creep into my mind. I have to remind myself daily that spiritual warfare is mainly fought in our minds. That is where Satan attacks us and the way to defeat him is to command his demonic oppression to cease and to leave you alone in the name of Jesus Christ and the power of His precious blood.
My favorite Apostle is Paul, and he was chosen to give this valuable piece of advice on how the God of PEACE can be with us. I urge you to carefully read it. I pray that we all can be successful at this, and urge you to pray the same prayer.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things. Whatever you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, put these things into practice. And the God of peace will be with you . . .
Hey have a great weekend and whatever you do go to Honey Lake Church or somewhere this Sunday!
September 16 2016 – Click here to listen