MRI Wednesday

 

Doesn't that look clean and huge and completely above my ability to understand? I've allowed myself to be shoved into one of these, head first, for over 15 years, at least once a year, sometimes twice or more. My first post about my meningioma was in 2012. I've followed up every two or three years about Henry and it's growth.

Yes, I named my meningioma Henry. If I'm going to live with this, I don't want a medical name. I've made my peace with this situation - as long as Henry is a quiet apartment dweller (no loud parties or bands!) we can live together. If a problem develops, he's not easily evicted. I cannot have it removed through regular surgery, and even cyberknife could be a problem, so we just live together.

I made much of my medical decision based on scripture:

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:29)

Henry is an anomally - not a normal part of the human body, but not cancerous, not fast growing, and it can be watched as we wait for additional information. Two other calicified, and much smaller, meningiomas did not grow as Henry has. With all that information balanced against what might be encountered with an open skull surgery, we continue to watch and wait.

I have one other physical limitation when it comes to MRIs - I am claustrophobic. Put me in a tight enclosed space with no exit defined and my breathing is affected. I move from knowing things are fine to being positive there is a problem I cannot see nor "fix." I did the first of or fifteen years of MRIs using a variety of uncontrollable mind control efforts, and these last few years a full prescription of one diazepam. The result was: I cannot drive myself home after the MRI. Fortunately, I have a capable family with a wealth of possibilities, and I've been driven home by almost all of them at one time or another as they responded to a need:

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:17-18)

Frankly, every time I've needed an answer to a question, I've found an answer in the Bible. I know - that doesn't sound possible in a world where so much technology has been invented since the the lasts book in the Bible was written. But, the Bible says:

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

That holds true even though the Ten Commandments were written in stone, the New Testament on papyrus, and my computer puts letters on a screen. Methodologies are different, but there is no new thing under the sun remains valid. The Bible will not describe what I use to write, but it comes through technology from the same brain functions all authors use:

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:18-23)

I am responsible for every word placed on this blog. It came from my brain, through my fingers. Because that's important to me, I judge my thoughts against the Bible. What I place here is what comes from me. If having Henry were ever to affect that thought process - I would choose the latest most accurate medical technology to remove that meningioma!

Matthew Chapter 13

Matthew 13 Overview from Biblegateway 

 

I used part of Matthew 13 yesterday, linking to the entire parable plus Jesus' explanation to His disciples. The Bible Gateway is a tool I use to introduce people to Bible reading. There are so many ways to put a Bible in someone's hands - and as far as I'm concerned, that's outstanding.

I've had comments in my social media posts, and earlier in my blogging, that people should not read the Bible. It is confusing, it has messages to specific people not for our use, it was written for specific times, and parts do not apply today.

May I assure you -- you have no reason to take my word that the Bible is true. I am not an accomplished scholar. I do not have any degree, much less one in theology. May I assure you - that does not matter. Take a look at the men Jesus chose to be His disciples. Head back to the Old Testament and take a look at the people who spoke for God - how many of them were scholars or dedicated to theological studies?

Paul was one of the most studied Apostles. His background was wealth and the best schools. He had been indoctrinated in the Pharisaical life from childhood. He could trace his lineage back to Abraham, as self-described:

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (Philippians 3:4-7)

We are not told what Paul was doing during the time the four gospels were occuring, but we do read what Pharisees were doing - for example:

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7)

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. (Matthew 12:14)

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? (Matthew 15:12)

That is a small sample of a large number of scriptures where Pharisees are mentioned. The only Pharisee mentioned coming to Jesus with questions and listening was Nicodemus, who also helped bury Jesus in the tomb. Paul only believed when he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Both Paul and Thomas doubted the reports that Jesus had risen. Thomas missed that first day and said:

“The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25, KJV)

When Thomas saw Jesus, he didn't touch Him. He didn't put his finger in the nail holes. He didn't put his hand into the sword wound as Jesus suggested:

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28, KJV)

Paul was the only one in his entourage that saw Jesus. He believed and said:

“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:6, KJV)

Be blessed, as Jesus said, by believing without seeing. We will have eternity to see our Lord. 

When Do We Listen?

Borrowed from Commons

I always have more questions than answers, but often answers show up right and when needed. Especially when we listen. This graphic shows someone listening to another. Wonder what was said.

Thursday I did so well listening to my own body. I didn't feel "well." You know, when you can't define "well" yet know something isn't "right"? Quick thermometer check showed a low grade fever and people I been around have a "bug," so take a pill, rest, and get better is somewhere in a book, right?

That night was uncomfortable and sleep was fitful. So Friday morning after breakfast a nap was easily acceptable. The swollen left leg I woke up to wasn't, neither was the new redness by my ankle. Doctor's office closed at noon. Did you know four adults can not make a decision about what one should do? Especially when one states "I do not think I should go to the ER!"

By Saturday morning I did think I should call the 24/7 nurse our insurance offers who explained why I not only needed to go, but why it needed to be ER rather than urgent care. We went. I'm getting better. 

Why do we do that? Humans are good about putting off what is inevitable. We think we have forever - not listening to the time limits that exist for a variety of reasons. At 85 I have survived longer than most actuarial tables anticipate. I should pay attention to any change my body demonstrates - but I don't want to know why it changed. 

Of course my own thoughts apply that same physical logic tour souls. Christians have the Holy Spirit's guidance, but we can quench that:

Quench not the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Non-Christians have the Spirit reaching out to them, too. The sower example Jesus gave (Matthew 13:1-23) is best when he explains how those who hear the word respond incorrectly:

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Matthew 13:20-22)

There are times I've heard His words and ignored them. Those times I've been an unfruitful Christian. By not doing what I know is to be done is actually as bad as doing what I know is sinful. Paul faced that:

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (Romans 7:18-19)

It is only by God's grace that our sinfulness does not overtake me:

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:8-10)

I feel a need to share God's answer to all of my questions. I'm not that different from anyone who has been face to face with the question of how did I get here and what do I do next? Those always indicate turmoil and some distress. It is not a psychological answer but a spiritual one that offers peace. A much more lasting answer than mental or physical therapy is the peace offered as a gift. 

Much longer lasting, too. An acknowledgement of the God of the Bible requires acknowledgement that He is the God of the living - Moses, Elisha, Lazarus, and Jesus, the Messiah of the living God - and me, along with billions of others. 

Are you with me now?

What Do You Treasure?

 

Tutankhamun Treasure

When it comes to treasures, we think of gold and jewels. What better representation than an item from King Tut's tomb that laid up for his afterlife - andd we get to see in splendor. Unfortunately for King Tut, he saw none of these items after his death.

What did he see? That all depends on his relationship with God. We really can't speak about that except in generalities. There are a couple of Bible verses I turn to when I wonder "What about people who had not heard about the one true God and His Son?"

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16)

I can think of a couple of religions that have taken this verse as theirs and built on it. But, what of this one:

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (Romans 2:12-15)

I believe there will be souls in heaven who lived by the two laws Jesus described as being first and second:

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:35-40)

I believe God is just. That His judgment is perfect. I believe he keeps promises:

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9)

Jesus looked upon heaven as a treasure:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

I firmly believe that my personal treasure is the creator of this existence. I use the masculine pronoun due to language and past usage - but Jesus also explained the male/female concept will not be the same in heaven:

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. (Matthew 22:29-30)

Now we've reached the first question - what do you treasure? That's what you will work toward in life, to achieve whatever it is that you treasure. If all you have is a dream here on earth, how will you ever achieve it? We look at celebrities who have achieved a certain pinnacle in their chosen profession - then we read of their death from an accidental overdose. The public translate that into knowledge that their lives were incomplete without the drugs. Which is their treasure? Life, the goal, the drug combination?

The goal of a Christian is to follow Jesus example. He died to fulfill His goal - in fact, that death was the reason He was born. It was planned before creation and will survive after anyone reading this dies. Then why do we want to follow this example? Because He told us in so many ways that the treasure is living with God eternally - and here are the "I am come" truths:

Mat_5:17        Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Mat_10:34      Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Mat_10:35      For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Luk_12:49      I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

Luk_12:51      Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Jhn_5:43a       I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: 

Jhn_9:39         And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Jhn_10:10      The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jhn_12:46      I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

I'll work for that abunfant life, thank you very much. I believe heaven itself is a treasure because God is there. His ways are not open to us except as He made them available. While I believe there is much more prophecy to be fulfilled, I'll patiently discuss my beliefs with anyone who has time to listen/read, and not be concerned about God's timing. I've seen how perfectly His timing can be. My treasure is safely in His hands, not any mirror image of what God has offered. 

What do you treasure, and where is it?

Why Do Christians Share The Gospel?

"Hanging Gardens of Babylon"

Hanging Gardens of Babylon' probably 19th century after the first excavations in the Assyrian capitals 

Right now you must be wondering why this graphic with this topic. But they came together in today's Sunday School lesson. The study came from Jeremy C. Higle, "Standing Strong in an Unstable World." If that isn't an apt title for todays world, you haven't been paying attention to political speeches or gasoline prices.

World War II was certainly a worse crisis - but that was similar to the world Daniel was born into. In a class society, he would have been an authority in Judea, but in Babylon he was in a unique position. The Babylonian king decreed:

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (Daniel 1:3-4)

We are not given parent names for Daniel and the three other young men who consistently served the Lord their God in spite of local customs and regal commands. They continued the way of life that lead Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons that eventually became a nation, always with God in mind. That way included the belief they were to obey the Lord their God. It was done from Joseph through Moses, from Judges through kingdoms. Under good leaderships their land not only flourished, but their God became known further and further away. 

That was one of their God's goals. Israel was to be the example to others in a long term situation where good and evil met and mixed. Paul wrote about that:

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:2-6)

God has, in His own time and place, chosen specific people to accomplish specific goals. Daniel's book  isn't very long, though he lived to be elderly, and also lived as a high athority through multiple rulers of different kingdoms. The story is different, and the location, but is similar to that of Joseph in Egypt. Win the confidence of the ruler and one becomes a strong government authority.

The story of Daniel's initial encounter with authority was responding to a sentence of death in Chapter 2. Chapter 1 was focusing on how Daniel and his friends purposed in their hearts (Daniel 1:8-21) not to eat of the king's meat nor drink the wine. The meat would have come from sacrifices to local gods, or even to the king as a god. The wine would slow their minds down at a time they needed to focus on staying alive.

How does that relate to Christianity? Well, Jesus left us with a command that was very clear:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

I believe the Bible to be God's inspired words to teach us what He wants us to know. If you read Daniel and Revelation, you'll find there are things told Daniel and John that they could not write down. There are so many that we were not before, nor even now, given answers. That's why faith is a necessity.

The Bible has millenia of examples of God's grace to mankind and to individuals. I have specific answers to prayers that had to have come through God's planning. I am so hesitate to go into any of them, but have told the story of meeting Beloved Husband. But -- I don't write this to convince any reader because of my life. The Bible has better examples of answered prayers. However, it also has the answer to: Is there life after death. And - the answer is yes.

The word gospel comes from Greek. See Strongs G2098 or G2097:

εὐαγγέλιον    euaggelion    yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on

From the same as G2097; a good message, that is, the gospel: - gospel.

εὐαγγελίζω     euaggelizō     yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo

From G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: - declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel). 

Do you get the "evangelize" right there in the middle? Yes. Christians are evangelicals. I know - your chuirch denomination may or may not frown on that label, but that is exactly what we are told to do. As a professing Christian I have a command to tell people that Jesus of the Bible is the promised Messiah of the Jews. In Greek, Messiah is Christ. Christians are followers of Christ. Jesus died - no doubt about that - on a cross. The story does not end there. That next Sunday He rose. Paul wrote with logic:

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:13-20)

Because Christ is risen, what He promised is true:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:1-3)

Daniel made the best of a very bad situation. He determined what God would want him to do, and he did it. Believe me, he had God's help, just as we do. Get to know what can be done. Even from the cross to a dying thief:

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Praise Him, Praise Him

Joachim Neander (1650-1680)

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the King of Creation

Oh, my soul, praise Him for He is our hope and salvation 

Oops - my memory hiccupped - I was singing "He is our hope and salvation" which is true, but the lyricist wrote: "He is our health and salvation." Memory does play back warped sometimes. I've sung from hymnals for over seventy years and there are wonderful praise songs in my memory. I firmly believe He told us to address Him as Father, 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:7-13)

. . . and I find comfort in that. He would gather His children as chicks to be protected - but many would not. 

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37)

He knows what we ask before we ask - and He knows what we need, which may be different from what we want: 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

(Romans 8:26-28)

He also know exactly to the very moment of every day what we need, and it's not just bread on the table, it is every word from God. 

We try to describe our God within the limitations of language and personal knowledge. Seldom do we recall Him walking in the Garden with Adam, or the same picture Micah wrote as to what He requires. 

What does the Lord require of thee:

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O earth– His wonderful love proclaim!

Only in Psalms do we find the phrase "Praise Him," and we find it 22 times in 18 verses. I honestly don't know how many hymns are in hymn books in churches, but I do know our own church has some favorites - among mine are songs by Fanny Crosby:

• Praise Him! Praise Him!:  Features the repeated refrain, "Praise him, praise him, tell of his excellent greatness!"
• To God Be the Glory: Includes the famous line, "Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice!"
• Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It: Contains the line, "I sing of my Savior, and praise him all day."
• Blessed Assurance: Features lines of internal praise like "Praising my Savior all the day long."

For me it's a toss up for favorite between "Redeemed" and "Blessed Assurance." These songs proclaim our Praise for what He has given us - adoption and eternal life. The price paid by God Himself, as planned before creation. 

Come, sing praise with us for and give: 

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)