Upward Call

This morning I had my third procedure on my cervical spine.  I'm scheduled for one more in two weeks, but if this one does the trick I won't need to follow through with the next one.  It's been a long ordeal, this quest for a pain-free (or substantially reduced pain) spine.

As we were driving to the hospital I was reading my Bible.  I've begun a habit of asking God to tell me what book and chapter He wants to share with me before I start.  I heard "Daniel"  Daniel?  Not one of my favorites Lord.  "Daniel"  Ooookay.  Where in Daniel?  Chapter 4?  5?  "Not 5"  "6"  Chapter 6?  "Yes"  What about 4?  No answer. Okay, so I'll read 4 (for background), skip 5 and read 6.

Though I am a Bible reader, trust me when I say there are very few Chapters (especially in the Old Testament) that I can pinpoint and say "Oh, the story of Noah and the ark is in Genesis, chapters blah blah blah."  But, apparently God really knows His Bible, I mean chapter and verse!  He often tells me exactly where to read and usually I say to myself something like "oh, really? That's not what I would have picked, but okay," followed by, "well, I didn't know that story was here - how appropriate."

So, God and I have this private Book Club.  He picks the Books, I read them, and we discuss (pray) together the deeper meaning that is relevant in this time and place.

Back to the Book of Daniel - "And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."

The last thing I posted on facebook last night was "Praying and trusting God!"  Wow, that's what I call a divine confirmation!  I do trust Him.  I hope you do also.  Life is much less worrisome and a lot more joyful because of that trust.  I'm not worried about the outcome of this latest procedure because I know that no matter what happens, God holds me up.  I trust my future to Him.

Our book club - God's and mine - it is open to you too.  All are welcome, regardless of income, or occupation, or race, or education, or past sins.  There are no dues or applications.  You don't even have to travel anywhere to meet.

By the way, our book club needs a name!  I'm thinking of "Upward Call Book Club" - what do you think?

Now, if you think I'm crazy because I hear from God, you should read Walking With God by John Eldredge.  It is an awesome book about having a real relationship with God, one in which you talk to him and hear from Him.  Read it. 

Trusting the King -

Be love and be blessed,

Be Still

Today I'm having a procedure that will, hopefully, alleviate my neck pain.  This requires sedation.  So, this morning I'm not my normal energetic, bouncy self.  Guess the 2 cups of Starbucks I had to forego does figure into my perkyness just a wee bit.

Friends have been so encouraging and have prayed for me during the last few weeks.  I feel so blessed to know so many caring, loving people.  If you have sent me a note or prayed for me I hope you know that you have been a blessing.

Being in a bit of a funk this morning without my coffee or anything to eat or drink, I'm not very clear-minded.  But, I wanted to see what God had to say to me this morning before the procedure.  I asked God to direct me as I held my Bible in my lap.

I went straight to Psalm 46.  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea."  And - "Be still and know that I am God!"

Oh, what comfort these words bring!  A couple of things stood out for me in these words.  "A very present help" - God is present with us.  He's not up in the clouds somewhere, unavailable and invisible.  He is here - with me - right now!  I'm not alone, ever!

Because God is present with us we need not fear.  Everything can crumble around us.  The stock market can crash.  Our friends can abandon us (not you guys though!).  Our health can deteriorate.  But, God does not leave us.  He is unchanging and ever faithful.

"Be still and know that I am God!"  This is so encouraging for me this morning.  My concentration is low, my head hurts, I'm hungry and thirsty, but I take these words, close my eyes and feel the fullness of God enter my heart. 

No fear, no anxiety, no worry.  He is God.  He is present.  He is real.

Be love and be blessed,

By His Wounds

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, by his wounds you have been healed."  1 Peter 2:24

I haven't been well in body lately.  My spirit isn't quite up to par either.  During these last few weeks as I have suffered excruciating pain from herniated discs, I find some comfort knowing that our Saviour bore far worse pain on my behalf. 

It's not that I enjoy the thought of Jesus suffering the painful torture of death on the cross, but to imagine him enduring the worst possible physical pain, well - it puts mine in perspective.

When you're dealing with pain and doctors they ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10.  Childbirth is a 10 (or was for me with no epidural!).  My current pain varies, but it has been a 9 and 10 at times.  Then, I remember Jesus' pain and mine seems but an annoyance. 

By his wounds we are healed.  A powerful statement.  We have the ultimate last word against pain.  Against sin.  Against death.  The last word..... victory.

Be blessed,