As we journey along in this world facing a terminal disease, some may imagine that we have misplaced hope or are naïve to the harsh realities of this world.  Or, perhaps we’re setting ourselves up for a significant disappointment, or, perhaps even worse, we’re deluded in our thinking as we walk in faith.  After all, isn’t too much faith…just too much?

If that is the case we’re in good company.  Muse on words of Paul:

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Corinthians 15:19-20

“We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!”
1 Corinthians 4:10

If our only hope is God’s Word and faith in Christ, it’s imperative that we appropriate the following verse as it relates to its POWER:

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12

Note the audacious claim that the Word of God “…. penetrates even to dividing…joints and marrow ….”

Amyloid is an abnormal protein antibody produced in the bone marrow.  This verse is particularly striking as we realize that God’s Word has the power and authority to “penetrate even to dividing …. joints and marrow”.

This is why we pray God’s Word of healing over Irene.

This is why we anoint Irene with oil and lay hands on her.

This is why.

Irene had a good day.  Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis treatment and they enjoyed breakfast and a trip to Target together.  I later “paid the price” when Irene and I returned this evening to purchase a new garden bench that she had spotted earlier in the day!!

It’s amazing how much the Word of God speaks about our body and body parts:

“Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh

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For some time we have embraced the notion that how we answer three specific questions determine to a great extent the earthly path that our lives will take ….

Here they are:

What are you going to do? (vocation)
Where are you going to live? (geography)
Who are you going to marry? (soul mate)

Answering those questions inaugurate a rhythm and momentum which in turn steers a powerful bearing and chisel our lives forever.

In the spiritual sense, the same is true for the decision we make surrounding the person of Jesus.  We cannot ignore Him nor can we remain neutral to His claims.  We must decide either for or against him.  That “ultimate” decision establishes our eternal destination.

Jesus says the following:

“He who is not with me is against me …. “
Matthew 12:30

” …. I am the way the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

Irene was ambitious and out of the house early this morning going to Trader Joe’s and Safeway before returning home after the nausea became too much to bear.  This morning Irene was wearing a coat, gloves and a scarf which is pretty typical because she’s always cold …. it became so warm today (high of about 90 degrees with no air conditioning) that she was later shedding clothes …. what a reversal …. !!

Shirley Churchill graciously came by the house this afternoon and again worked with Irene on physiology techniques designed to awaken the kidneys.  We hope and pray to that end.

Certainly how we answer certain questions influence our earthly path and destination.  We can also be certain of Jesus’ words:

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2

We’re glad to know that deciding in Jesus’ favor guarantees an eternal destination that He is personally preparing for us ….

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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