This morning I read and reflected on one of my favorite passages of Scripture (though I confess that I have many!), Philippians 2:1-11. This passage is one of several key passages in the Bible that describes the identity of a follower of Jesus Christ.
Paul begins in the first verse by describing four redemptive qualities in the life of every believer. In the Greek, these are all written as 1st class conditionals, which means that they are all assumed to be true. For this reason, I have written each of these statements with the word since in parentheses after the word if.
If (Since) you have been encouraged by your union with Christ . . .
If (Since) you have experienced the comfort of Christ’s love . . .
If (Since) you have enjoyed fellowship with His indwelling Holy Spirit . . .
If (Since) you have experienced God’s tenderness and compassion . . .
Paul is writing to the Philippian believers and assuming that they have all experienced, by God’s grace, the encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion that comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ and by being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This should be the experience of every follower of Jesus Christ.
Because this is true, because we have experienced these things, Paul describes, in verses 2-8, how we should live in light of the grace we have been given as children of God . . .
then be in one spirit and purpose (v. 2)
then do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (v. 3)
then consider others better than yourselves (v. 3)
then look not only to your own interests, but also to those of others (v. 4)
then make sure your attitude is the same as Christ’s (vv. 5-8)
Because we are followers of Christ and have our identity in Him, we are to follow His example in being united in spirit and purpose, humility, esteeming others, looking after the interests of others, and being willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of others.
I do not live out these things perfectly. But because I am in Christ and Christ is in me, God is progressively working in me, by His grace, to radically change my heart to be more like my Savior.
Paul goes on to write in verses 9-11 how Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will resulted in His exaltation by the Father and how God bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name, so that every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the sun, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, the glory of God the Father.
Tom Constable, in commenting in this passage, wrote:
The exaltation of Jesus Christ is as much a motivation for the Christian to live a life of submissive humility as is His incarnation. God will reward a life of self-denial now in the future. That is the obvious implication of Paul’s illustration. Is it not selfish to serve the Lord for a reward? Was it selfish for Jesus to endure what He did because He knew He would receive a reward? Motivation is the key. If we submit to God and to one another for the glory of God rather than for selfish glory, as Jesus did, our motivation is correct.
Paul . . . was merely seeking to correct selfishness and party spirit in the saints. The cure of their condition is the mind of Christ. (William MacDonald)
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to live a life of self-denial, giving up our own rights and our own self-interests for the sake of others and the glory of God. But God has promised that this is a lifestyle that will be rewarded for eternity in Heaven.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
T-Bone Steaks and Vacations at the Beach
Today is another beautiful day.
My wife took me to physical therapy this morning. I am continuing to make good progress.
Friends came by for lunch today and helped us do some gardening work.
For the first time this spring, I ventured beyond our top deck - on crutches - to the back yard to have a better view of the perennial gardens that my wife has been working on for the past few summers.
It was nice to have a change of view. A new perspective.
As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of something that Billy Graham wrote . . .
Suppose someone should offer me a plateful of crumbs after I had eaten a T-bone steak. I would say, "No, thank you. I am already satisfied." Christian, that is the secret—you can be so filled with the things of Christ, so enamored with the things of God that you do not have time for the sinful pleasures of the world.
Even the simple things like being outdoors and enjoying the work of our Creator fills me with the things of God and reminds me of who He is, so that my mind and heart do not have time for the sinful pleasures of the world. Of course, enjoying God's creation is not enough. I need time in God's Word, the Bible. I need time with Him in prayer. I need to sing hymns and songs of praise to Him. All of these things together allow me to focus on God and drown out the call of the world upon my heart.
The world will never stop calling on me, so I must never stop calling upon God and intentionally putting my focus on Him. The world can only offer me crumbs. Why settle for crumbs when I can have a steak?
I am reminded of yet another quote, this one from C. S. Lewis, and I will close with this . . .
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and lust and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to keep on making mud-pie in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a vacation at the beach.
My wife took me to physical therapy this morning. I am continuing to make good progress.
Friends came by for lunch today and helped us do some gardening work.
For the first time this spring, I ventured beyond our top deck - on crutches - to the back yard to have a better view of the perennial gardens that my wife has been working on for the past few summers.
It was nice to have a change of view. A new perspective.
As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of something that Billy Graham wrote . . .
Suppose someone should offer me a plateful of crumbs after I had eaten a T-bone steak. I would say, "No, thank you. I am already satisfied." Christian, that is the secret—you can be so filled with the things of Christ, so enamored with the things of God that you do not have time for the sinful pleasures of the world.
Even the simple things like being outdoors and enjoying the work of our Creator fills me with the things of God and reminds me of who He is, so that my mind and heart do not have time for the sinful pleasures of the world. Of course, enjoying God's creation is not enough. I need time in God's Word, the Bible. I need time with Him in prayer. I need to sing hymns and songs of praise to Him. All of these things together allow me to focus on God and drown out the call of the world upon my heart.
The world will never stop calling on me, so I must never stop calling upon God and intentionally putting my focus on Him. The world can only offer me crumbs. Why settle for crumbs when I can have a steak?
I am reminded of yet another quote, this one from C. S. Lewis, and I will close with this . . .
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and lust and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to keep on making mud-pie in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a vacation at the beach.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Waldo Says . . .
All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each day with cancer is a new adventure. Really, each day of life is a new adventure. Period. Just when we think we have it all figured out, something new pops up. A new side-effect of the chemotherapy. A new bend in the road. An unexpected bill. A friend in need of help.
But I am learning not to let these new circumstances get to me. Because I have seen God's faithfulness in the past, I can trust Him with my present and with my future. As I have probably written before, He never promised to take away my difficult circumstances (though He could!) but He did promise to see me through each one, for my good and for His glory.
So far (this is Day 3), I am doing well after the 7th round of chemotherapy. I am tired, but not worn out to the point that I need a blood transfusion. I continue to lay low and take all the available remedies for nausea and mouth sores. So far, so good.
It is a beautiful day. I am alive. And I am in the hands of my loving Savior!
Each day with cancer is a new adventure. Really, each day of life is a new adventure. Period. Just when we think we have it all figured out, something new pops up. A new side-effect of the chemotherapy. A new bend in the road. An unexpected bill. A friend in need of help.
But I am learning not to let these new circumstances get to me. Because I have seen God's faithfulness in the past, I can trust Him with my present and with my future. As I have probably written before, He never promised to take away my difficult circumstances (though He could!) but He did promise to see me through each one, for my good and for His glory.
So far (this is Day 3), I am doing well after the 7th round of chemotherapy. I am tired, but not worn out to the point that I need a blood transfusion. I continue to lay low and take all the available remedies for nausea and mouth sores. So far, so good.
It is a beautiful day. I am alive. And I am in the hands of my loving Savior!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
A Day in the Life . . . And Something Completely Different
Yesterday was a busy day. In the morning, my wife drove me to Honesdale for physical therapy. By God's grace, I am making good progress in increasing the mobility of both my knee and ankle joints on the right side. From there, we drove to Allentown for Round 7 of chemotherapy (This one was an outpateient treatment.).
We arrived at 12:30, our scheduled time, only to find that they were backed up (The day after a holiday weekend us always like this, we were told.) By 1:30, we saw a nurse who told us that she was going to have to draw blood for a CBC panel. Apparently, my platelet count had dropped on Friday. If the platelet count was not up, the treatment would have to be delayed. By 2:00, the blood test came back. The platelet count was up, but the hemoglobin level had dropped. By 2:30, another conversation took place between the nurse and my oncologist's office, and it was decided that we would proceed with the treatment. The nurse told us, however, that I might need to come back down for a blood transfusion within a few days. We would need to watch for headaches, fatigue, or loss of breath. By 6:30, we were on the road home.
This morning, by the time I got washed and dressed and came downstairs, I was out of breath. In another hour, we will be going to hear my son and the other seniors give their senior testimonies before the entire school -another highlight of the end of the year. After that, my wife will be calling the oncologist's office to give an update on my condition and see what they want to do.
Graduation is nine days away, and I am praying that I will be healthy enough to not only attend, but to serve as the commencement speaker. For me, there is no option. I am going to be there and I am going to speak. But, truthfully, I do not know what God has planned. As much as I want to be there and to share my thoughts with the graduating class, I know that God's plan is perfect. He knows best. And I must surrender to His will, with joy and contentment.
And now for something completely different . . .
On Monday, I took some time to read over a collection of quotations that I have been building for a few years. It doesn't have anything to do with what I have just written, but I wanted to share it with you today.
If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of my life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same. C.S. Lewis
We arrived at 12:30, our scheduled time, only to find that they were backed up (The day after a holiday weekend us always like this, we were told.) By 1:30, we saw a nurse who told us that she was going to have to draw blood for a CBC panel. Apparently, my platelet count had dropped on Friday. If the platelet count was not up, the treatment would have to be delayed. By 2:00, the blood test came back. The platelet count was up, but the hemoglobin level had dropped. By 2:30, another conversation took place between the nurse and my oncologist's office, and it was decided that we would proceed with the treatment. The nurse told us, however, that I might need to come back down for a blood transfusion within a few days. We would need to watch for headaches, fatigue, or loss of breath. By 6:30, we were on the road home.
This morning, by the time I got washed and dressed and came downstairs, I was out of breath. In another hour, we will be going to hear my son and the other seniors give their senior testimonies before the entire school -another highlight of the end of the year. After that, my wife will be calling the oncologist's office to give an update on my condition and see what they want to do.
Graduation is nine days away, and I am praying that I will be healthy enough to not only attend, but to serve as the commencement speaker. For me, there is no option. I am going to be there and I am going to speak. But, truthfully, I do not know what God has planned. As much as I want to be there and to share my thoughts with the graduating class, I know that God's plan is perfect. He knows best. And I must surrender to His will, with joy and contentment.
And now for something completely different . . .
On Monday, I took some time to read over a collection of quotations that I have been building for a few years. It doesn't have anything to do with what I have just written, but I wanted to share it with you today.
If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of my life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same. C.S. Lewis
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
The desire to commemorate occasions goes back to Old Testament times when people like Jacob set up memorials to remind them and future generations of what God had done. I Samuel 7:12 says, Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the LORD has helped us. Beginning with Jacob building a memorial at Bethel (Gen 28:20-22), the setting up of stones to commemorate significant events has been a part of Israel’s culture. Joshua used stones to mark the place where God opened the waters of the Jordan and allowed Israel to cross into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:1-21). Before his death, Joshua set up a stone to remind Israel of their vow to serve God alone (4:26-28).
In I Samuel, a stone was used to commemorate the victory over the Philistines. Ebenezer literally means the stone of help. The stone was a reminder that God had helped them thus far and that they trusted Him to continue to help them.
About 12 years ago we received an Ebenezer dish as a Christmas present. We write scriptures on new stones as we celebrate joys and trials in our lives and remember God’s faithfulness from year to year.
We all need to create reminders of God’s faithfulness in our lives. Over and over again, the scriptures tell us to remember what God has done in our lives and to tell others. In Psalm 78:5-7, we read,
He commanded our forefathers to teach their children so the next generation would know them, even children yet to be born and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.
Today is a day that our nation has set aside to commemorate those who have given their lives to win and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy today. As we remember those who have fallen and honor those who have served our country, we are to remember their sacrifices and vow to live in such a way as to demonstrate our gratitude for these freedoms and do our part to maintain what they have attained.
And as Christians, we remember the ultimate sacrifice that was made on our behalf – the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary, the sacrifice that gave us our freedom from sin and its eternal effects.
As we enjoy this day off from school and work, as we enjoy our picnics with family and friends, let us take time to stop and remember the One who died for our eternal freedom and the many that died for the freedoms we enjoy here on earth.
In I Samuel, a stone was used to commemorate the victory over the Philistines. Ebenezer literally means the stone of help. The stone was a reminder that God had helped them thus far and that they trusted Him to continue to help them.
About 12 years ago we received an Ebenezer dish as a Christmas present. We write scriptures on new stones as we celebrate joys and trials in our lives and remember God’s faithfulness from year to year.
We all need to create reminders of God’s faithfulness in our lives. Over and over again, the scriptures tell us to remember what God has done in our lives and to tell others. In Psalm 78:5-7, we read,
He commanded our forefathers to teach their children so the next generation would know them, even children yet to be born and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.
Today is a day that our nation has set aside to commemorate those who have given their lives to win and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy today. As we remember those who have fallen and honor those who have served our country, we are to remember their sacrifices and vow to live in such a way as to demonstrate our gratitude for these freedoms and do our part to maintain what they have attained.
And as Christians, we remember the ultimate sacrifice that was made on our behalf – the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary, the sacrifice that gave us our freedom from sin and its eternal effects.
As we enjoy this day off from school and work, as we enjoy our picnics with family and friends, let us take time to stop and remember the One who died for our eternal freedom and the many that died for the freedoms we enjoy here on earth.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Accessorizing
Having cancer in my leg has decreased my mobility. As a result, I depend on my wife and my children to do many things that I used to do for myself. I need help with things like climbing up the steps, getting snacks, getting things from the other side of the room, and so on. My younger son is my official crutch-bearer!
Although I am getting pretty self-sufficient again with getting myself dressed, I do need my wife to help me get clothes out of the armoire and closet.
I think that my wife actually enjoys picking out my clothes - a little bit too much! Not only does she make sure that my shirt, slacks, and socks match, she also has to make sure that my hats (I have to protect this bald head from the elements!) match the rest of my outfit. My wife has taken to accessorizing me!
Lately, I have been wearing sneakers with a coat and tie to functions that require more than casual dress (banquets, church, etc.). Because of swelling, I can't seem to fit a dress shoe on my right foot. Now my wife wants my sneakers to match my jacket and tie! She has even discussed my need to have more sneakers in a variety of colors! This is for a guy that believes that basic black and brown dress shoes are sufficient for any wardrobe, male or female. I have never understood the need for women to have fourteen different pairs of shoes with purses, belts, and scarves to match! But I digress.
I actually find this all very humorous and, at the same time, am motivated to make progress in my rehabilitation so that I can once again pick my own clothes out of the closet with ease. And keep my shoe collection to a minimum: one pair of sneakers, one pair of work boots, brown dress shoes, and black dress shoes.
Although I am getting pretty self-sufficient again with getting myself dressed, I do need my wife to help me get clothes out of the armoire and closet.
I think that my wife actually enjoys picking out my clothes - a little bit too much! Not only does she make sure that my shirt, slacks, and socks match, she also has to make sure that my hats (I have to protect this bald head from the elements!) match the rest of my outfit. My wife has taken to accessorizing me!
Lately, I have been wearing sneakers with a coat and tie to functions that require more than casual dress (banquets, church, etc.). Because of swelling, I can't seem to fit a dress shoe on my right foot. Now my wife wants my sneakers to match my jacket and tie! She has even discussed my need to have more sneakers in a variety of colors! This is for a guy that believes that basic black and brown dress shoes are sufficient for any wardrobe, male or female. I have never understood the need for women to have fourteen different pairs of shoes with purses, belts, and scarves to match! But I digress.
I actually find this all very humorous and, at the same time, am motivated to make progress in my rehabilitation so that I can once again pick my own clothes out of the closet with ease. And keep my shoe collection to a minimum: one pair of sneakers, one pair of work boots, brown dress shoes, and black dress shoes.
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Few Thoughts on a Nice Day
It is a beautiful day - sunny, a bit breezy, sky filled with puffy cumulus clouds. A welcome change after what seems like weeks of rain. I like the rain. Rain is a blessing from God. But when the sun shines, everything seems better.
The rain has ended. The days are sunnier and warmer, and I am feeling better.
Yesterday, we visited the oncologist. My blood counts are up. The doctor has decided to decrease the dosages of chemotherapy by 20% in order to try lessening the side effects.
Today, I had my third session with the physical therapist. I am making progress in increasing the range of motion in my knee.
Tonight, my wife and I will be attending our son's senior banquet. It will be fun to hear the senior wills and a recollection of their favorite memories.
Two weeks from tonight is graduation. It is hard to believe that eighteen years have passed since our older son was born. And now he is getting ready to graduate from high school. God has been gracious to him. God has blessed us through him.
All good things are gifts from God. For all these things we are thankful to Him.
The rain has ended. The days are sunnier and warmer, and I am feeling better.
Yesterday, we visited the oncologist. My blood counts are up. The doctor has decided to decrease the dosages of chemotherapy by 20% in order to try lessening the side effects.
Today, I had my third session with the physical therapist. I am making progress in increasing the range of motion in my knee.
Tonight, my wife and I will be attending our son's senior banquet. It will be fun to hear the senior wills and a recollection of their favorite memories.
Two weeks from tonight is graduation. It is hard to believe that eighteen years have passed since our older son was born. And now he is getting ready to graduate from high school. God has been gracious to him. God has blessed us through him.
All good things are gifts from God. For all these things we are thankful to Him.
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