Progress

Yesterday was an important milestone.  It has been almost six weeks since my right ankle was replaced on June 17.  The CT scan of my ankle and x-rays indicate everything is going well-praise the Lord!  I hope to post an x-ray of my "new wheels" (prosthetic) that was inserted during surgery.  An x-ray (picture) is as they say,  "worth a thousand words." It will help to explain what took place during surgery.

Each time I am in for a visit to my orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Haddad, he always takes pictures of my feet and ankles.

What do you think about these cute legs? :)  They are definitely not going to win any beauty contests. The right ankle is nicely aligned and healing well.  The left ankle needs some help!  It is on the way when it undergoes the same procedures, Lord willing, on September 23.

Dr. Haddad's medical giftedness is a blessing. I am grateful to the Lord that He led me to him. He is one of the top ankle doctor's in the country. 

I am thankful for the healing progress in my ankle and foot. When I reflect on the physical progress God has allowed to take place, I think about what spiritual progress is happening in my life?  Either we are moving forward, progressing, in our walk with the Lord or moving backward, regressing. 

The word "progress" is used found only four times in  the New Testament: Philippians 1:12; Philippians 1:25; 1 Timothy 4:15; and 2 Timothy 3:9.  Three of the four references refer to either progress of the Gospel or one's faith. 

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul exhorts his young protégé, Timothy, to not neglect the spiritual gift he received.   

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1Timothy 4:12-16)

Couple quick observations as I reflect on these verses:

1. Be an Example that Glorifies Jesus Christ. No matter how young or old you are in your walk with the Lord we are living for one purpose to glorify the Jesus Christ (1 Cor 10:31). As Paul instructs what we say, how we live, loving others, walking in faith and living a holy life is important.

2. Be in the Word of God and Proclaim the Word of God.  Know it, teach it, and preach it. God's Word is the compass for everything a believer does in life!

3. Be Faithful to Use the Spiritual Gifts God Gave You to Glorify Him and Serve Others (1 Corinthians 12).

4.  Be Diligent Apply 1 Timothy 4:12-16 So That You May Progress in the Faith! 

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." (1 Timothy 4:15)  In other words, these commands are important to live out each day. Be absorbed and focused on living them!

5. Warning: Watch Your Life. "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:16).

How are you progressing in your walk with Jesus Christ today?