A Year Ago The Marathon Began.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

(2 Timothy 4:7).

Time, they say, never stands still. A year ago today, March 11, it all began: the first of four ankle surgeries.  With surgeries, recovery, and rehab spaced every 12 weeks since March 11, 2008, it’s been a quick year a very, quick year.  “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14b).

So how do I summarize the best year of my life in one post on a blog? It’s not easy, especially when the Lord has worked in so many great ways (Ephesians 3:20-21).  These words summarize the last year: pure joy, the gospel, sanctification, God’s faithfulness, Jesus Christ, Heaven, and You.

Pure Joy.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).

This year has not always been easy, but I would not trade it for anything. There were days of discouragement when I couldn’t comb my hair because of the arthritic pain in my right shoulder. Fighting to think right thoughts (Philippians 4:8) about the surgeries, rehab, and future is essential to live for glory of the Lord rather than focus on self. I can truly say I have known “pure joy” that comes through Jesus Christ during this trial (Galatians 5:22).

Sanctification.  “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).

God through His great patience and grace has revealed and reminded me of pride, a lack of dependence on Him, and living for self rather than His kingdom and others (Galatians 2:20; Matthew 6:33).

Earlier this year I attended a men’s conference at my church.  I was cut and diced to the quick when the speaker shared about how Joni Eareckson-Tada longs more for personal holiness than a new a body.

People say, “You must be looking forward to Heaven,” thinking I am looking forward to getting my new body. And after more than twenty-five years in a wheelchair, it’s true that I am. But more than I am looking forward to my new body [she said with her voice choking with emotion] I am looking forward to a heart without sin.” (“The Best Part of Heaven”, Moody, March 1995, p. 32.)

The Gospel.  “However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

The opportunity to share the love Christ through the gospel and encourage others with it has been incredible.   I would never have dreamed that the Lord could use this year like He has to plant so many gospel seeds and encourage others with His Word.

God’s Faithfulness.  “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Through surgeries, recoveries, rehab, and a myriad of medical bills God has, is, and will remain faithful to His character and the promises in His Word.  What encouragement, hope, and confidence this brings to my heart!

Jesus Christ.   “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28)

I praise the Lord for the salvation that comes in Christ alone, by grace alone, and through faith alone.  The word and work of the Holy Spirit continues to impress on my heart how sinfully wretched I am, but God can rescue a spiritually dead man from his sins.

I am thankful for the privilege, in a very small way, that I can experience the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings (Philippians 3:10).  Praising Him that for the joy set before Him (Jesus), He endured the cross scorning its shame and now sits at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Heaven.  “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

My heart is throttled to keep pursuing Heaven more than ever before.  No, it’s not to get rid of this beat-up body that gets older and decays each day.  It’s mind girded with the Word and using it to filter every thought (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:8).  By going to Heaven I will be free from sin and able to worship the Lord Jesus Christ with an absolutely pure heart forever and ever.

You.  I am grateful for you! Whether this is your first time visiting/reading the blog or you’ve been tracking my progress over the course of 2008 and 2009, I am thankful for your prayers and encouragement.

Are you running the race with perseverance? Will I see you in Heaven?

For His Glory—Finish Well!

March Madness: It's Here!

Although the 2009 NCAA Tournament does not begin until Thursday, March 19, it began for me in Louisville, KY on Sunday, March 1.  The Louisville Cardinals took on Big East Conference foe Marquette Golden Eagles. The very competitive match-up between these two nationally ranked teams was all that it was predicted to be!

The atmosphere in historic Freedom Hall was close to electric and an experience to remember. Six NCAA Finals have been staged here as it's home of the Louisville men's basketball team since 1956. After the 2009-10 season, the Cards will move to their “new digs” (a.k.a., arena) in downtown Louisville.

White Out.
In support of the team, Louisville designated the day as “white out day”.  Everyone, but us were sporting white threads when they entered the arena.  The Cards sported throwback uniforms and Dapper-Dandy coach, Rick Pitino, donned some sweet white threads reminiscent of the Godfather.

Road Trip to The ‘Ville.
Part of the fun going to Louisville was the road trip with my friend, Dave.  Louisville to Chicago on I-65 is about a 5+ hour drive.   We had a great time of fellowship and spurring one another on in our walk with Jesus Christ.  Plus, on the way and on the return we saw a lot of interesting sights.  I like Indiana. It’s got a lot to offer and here’s a pictorial of our journey.

Is This The Year?

Only 28 days until April 13 and the Chicago Cubs embark on their new season with their Home Opener against the Milwaukee Brewers!  Question: Will this team, that has not won The World Series since 1908, win it this year?  Many a Cub fan will say, “This is the year!” We’ll see.  If you're a Sox fan...hold your comments.

This year’s team should contend.  Last year the Cubs headed into the All-Star break with the National League's best record, and tied the league record with eight representatives to the All-Star game, including catcher Geovany Soto, who was named Rookie of the Year.  But will they “lay an egg” in the post-season? Last year the L.A. Dodgers swept the Cubs in 3 straight games.

Two weeks ago, Friday, February 20, the Cubs single game tickets went on sale.  I trekked down to the “Friendly Confines” on Saturday to get some tickets. I had a plan with key games I wanted to see.  The plan “blew away” like the icy wind only found and felt in the Windy City of Chicago and what I experienced during the frigid time at the ticket window.  The ticket salesman greeted me and he said, “All ‘key series’ (i.e., St. Louis, NY Mets, LA Dodgers, Sox) were sold out and most weekends too.”  I said, “What?!?!”  Tickets had only been on sale via the internet and in person purchases for 24 hours!

Thankfully there was a “plan B.”  Tickets were purchased.  

Is this the year? Go Cubs, Go!

Breakfast of Champions: Iron Sharpens Iron.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverb 27:17).

One of my passions is to encourage men in their walk with the Lord and be encouraged/challenged by them. Usually this happens once or twice a week, early in the morning.  For a season, it was as early as 5 AM. Thanks, Tim T.  I don’t even think the chickens are up at that hour!  But a start time is usually anywhere from 5:30 AM to 6 AM.

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none on you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first” (Hebrews 3:12-14).

I cannot think of one time I regretted meeting with another brother or brothers. Sometimes non-Christians are in the mix too.  It’s a time to spur each other on in the faith, to die to self, and live for God’s glory through personal holiness.  "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16).

Tough questions are asked as we “get into each other’s kitchens”, confess sin to one another and plan/discuss how we will forsake sin.  As one former elder of my church said, “If sparks aren’t flying (during our time together) something must be wrong! Jello cannot sharpen iron!”

Last Friday morning I met with Dave.  I don’t regularly see him but I am always encouraged and challenged when I meet with him.  I appreciate his friendship and his pursuit to live his life and lead the family God has entrusted him for Christ’s glory.  “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Grateful for "iron that sharpens iron"!

Vomit & Folly.

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly” (Proverb 26:11).

Have you ever gone 16 rounds with a heavyweight boxer? A week ago it felt like I was in for 16 rounds with Iron Mike Tyson.  No, I wasn’t literally in the boxing ring with the former world heavyweight champ, but it sure did feel like it when I kept on vomiting!

My stomach and core muscles were maxed. After the eighth heave session I began to wonder if there was still anything left in my tank?!  Apparently there was.  A few more sessions of dry heaves ensued.  I hadn’t been this sick since I was a kid.  I began to think, Lord, I am willing to take another ankle surgery if I don’t get sick again.  Thankfully the vomiting stopped.

I was whipped!  The rest of the day was spent sleeping and beginning to take fluids, Coke and ice.   I slept 12 hours straight.  I can’t remember the last time I did that!

Takeaways from Vomiting & Folly.
I was reminded of this verse during my 24+ hour bout with sickness.  “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly” (Proverb 26:11).  How often am I like the dog that returns to its vomit?  And thus, like the fool who repeats his folly or repeats sin?

Vomit stinks.  It really stinks!  It’s not worth going to except to clean it up and get rid of it. Shouldn’t this be the same thing for my sin?  God hates it!  Do I?

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Fools for Christ.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

It has been almost two weeks since I attended the Moody Bible Institute's Tuesday evening Founder’s Week session featuring Alistair Begg as the keynote speaker.  Founder’s Week brings back a lot of memories.  I attended my first one with my sister, Beth, in 1991.  As I sat under the teaching of gifted teachers of God’s word, worshipped the Lord with other Moody students’ the week impacted me.  It was so great I quit my job, moved from Lancaster County Pennsylvania to Chicago and began Moody Grad School in August 1992.

Alistair Begg, the preacher from Scotland, pastors Parkside Church in the Cleveland, OH suburbs.  He opened the word to 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5.  Begg, as he always does, clearly communicates God’s word with passion, conviction, and authority.

A high-level summary of what Alistair Begg preached Tuesday night, February 3:

Historic fact declared: something happened sometime to someone and it is the most pivotal event in ALL of human history.   Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for mans’ sins!  The world views this as silliness.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those whoa are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Begg asked, “Do people within the church know and under the gospel and its power?” Begg says, “No!” People in the church must be totally immersed in the gospel!

My note…”The gospel,” writes Jerry Bridges, “is not only the most important message of all of history; it is the only essential message in all of history. Yet we allow thousands of professing Christians to live their entire lives without clearly understanding it and experiencing the joy of living by it.” (p. 15, The Cross Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney)

The heart of man is desperately wicked and rebelliously denies the claims of God.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” 

(Jeremiah 17:7)

“People don’t need less preaching…they need more! Calvin preached every day and even at lunch!”

God has made foolishness the wisdom of the world.

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him” (1 Corinthians 1:20-21).

There are two types of people and the reason they don’t believe.
   • The person thinks he/she is so bad that there is no hope.
   • The person who thinks I am “good enough” that I need NO Savior!

‘Foolishness of God’ is Wiser than Man’s Wisdom.

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

What human wisdom claims for itself it cannot deliver BUT the gospel can! Christ crucified is the message we proclaim!

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:2-5).

Final Four: Part 3: The Rock.

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?”

(Psalm 18:30-31)

His Way.
Last Wednesday the final cast came off and the sutures were taken out. God is good, all the time, as He heals me through these surgical journeys. I am reminded from Psalm 18, penned by King David, that God’s plan is perfect. Everything happens according to His perfect will even when I do not know why. I must simply trust in Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

His Word.
Through these months of surgery, recovery and rehab, God’s word remains a constant and reliable source of encouragement to my heart as I meditate on His promises.  It is awesome to know that God can be fully trusted and His word is completely reliable.  It "is flawless."

I echo the words of the psalmist, “It was good to for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).  It in times of trial, God’s word becomes more precious and sweeter to my soul.

He is The Shield.
God protects me and those that are His through the fiercest storms when we take refuge in Him.

The Rock.
Commentator Dr. James M. Boice notes that the common theme found in Psalm 18 is that “God is our Rock!” 

Boice writes, “…This means he is a shelter beside which we can be protected and prosper, a fortress into which we can run and be safe, a firm foundation upon which our shaking feet can stand and upon which we can build.”

Furthermore, Boice states, “We do not know how much of Christ’s future work his lesser ancestor, King David, foresaw.  But we, who stand on this side of the cross, know what Jesus Christ did.  We know that he was smitten for us, crucified, that we might be saved from sin and protected from all harm.  Are you “in him”? Are you sheltered in the cleft of that Rock?  If you are, you can sing David’s song with full reference to the cross and resurrection.  You can sing,

“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!  Exalted be God my Savior!” (Psalm 18:46).

Grateful for The Rock – Jesus Christ.

Pictures that capture last Wednesday’s check-up.

Cast Off.

Sutures Removed.

Photo-Op with April, Physician's Assistant.

X-Ray of The New Wheel.  Now I Am Ready to Race!

Getting After it in PT (Physical Therapy).

Yo, Stephen in Oak Ridge and Frank in Johnson City, TN…Go Vols!  All you UT fans better root harder for those boys playing B-ball. They need help—Big Time!  Too much streetball and no fundamentals.  Coach Pearl and the boys need to kick-it up a notch if they are going to make it to The Big Dance in March!