Well, some of you may know that Barb and I are leaving tomorrow night for Southern California for the purpose, first of all, to meet with the MDS Specialist on the 9th of August. It was a visit that my Oncology Doctor has encouraged (even though he doesn't see much in it himself). So we have made arrangements to park our 5th Wheel at Mission RV Park in Redlands, California.
Once we arrive, our first priority is to get California ID's so we will have a part-time residence. I have already set up a banking account there so we have more documentation for our dual residence. Then we will go to the Department of Economic Services (DES) and complete the process of applying for State Aid. This is the only way, according to the City of Hope, in Los Angeles, for me to have sufficient insurance to get through this battle.
I don't know how long we will be there. We may see the specialist and he may tell us we've wasted our time and we might as well go back home (hopefully that won't be the case), or he could have a completely different view of my medical situation. They have all of my medical records and I am really up and looking forward to this meeting. I will say that because I have always allowed God to control my emotions concerning these multiple cancers, I "will not be moved" according to his thoughts.
My favorite scripture passage in all of the Word of God is the promise from Jesus in John 14 where He says, "Do not be afraid, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (paraphrased)
There is not a one of us that has an "expiration date" stamped on the bottom of our feet. Our lives are preciously laid in the Perfect hands of God and I trust Him completely. For some of you who may have trouble with my attitude, know that your most important trust factor in life is the One who created you.
My prayers for all of you is that you find that trust, that you receive that "peace that passes all understanding", that walk with the Father that fills your spirit with joy. I wish to be known forevermore as a man who, first of all "walked with God" and secondly made His presence known to everyone I met. I know that my body is very, very sick...but God!
(our email addresses and phone number are always the same...papadave3@gmail.com & grammybarb2@gmail.com and 623-243-2030 is Barb's phone number)
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Comment From A Close Friend
Hi Dave!
I just read your recent blog post, and it gave me chills!!! I just finished watching one of the last Glenn Beck TV episodes we recorded, and he was saying the same thing... that our country and this world is most definitely changing at an alarming pace, but America has its head stuck in the sand. So these thoughts were circulating in my mind when I logged on to the internet and read your post.
Praise God, we know who "sets up kings and deposes them" for His purposes and in His timing! We know Who is ultimately in control of ALL things and Who is writing HIStory!! Many times I become concerned for what lies ahead for all of us, but more concerning is what our children and grandchildren will face, but I know the Lord will remain ever faithful to His children no matter what lies ahead.
A favorite verse of mine is Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
Thank you for consistently pointing toward Heaven and the Hope and Salvation Jesus freely offers to anyone who will believe. I can't imagine facing this life without it! Lauren recently shared a song with Barb written by Laura Story, titled "Blessings". I am sure she shared it with you. My favorite lyrics in the song are:
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can't satisfy?
We will never know complete peace and joy until our spiritual thirst is finally satisfied in the presence of our Lord and Savior! I am looking forward to sharing eternity with you and Barb and so many other friends and family, as we worship at the feet of our Lord!
Praying for you, dear friend...
Amy
I just read your recent blog post, and it gave me chills!!! I just finished watching one of the last Glenn Beck TV episodes we recorded, and he was saying the same thing... that our country and this world is most definitely changing at an alarming pace, but America has its head stuck in the sand. So these thoughts were circulating in my mind when I logged on to the internet and read your post.
Praise God, we know who "sets up kings and deposes them" for His purposes and in His timing! We know Who is ultimately in control of ALL things and Who is writing HIStory!! Many times I become concerned for what lies ahead for all of us, but more concerning is what our children and grandchildren will face, but I know the Lord will remain ever faithful to His children no matter what lies ahead.
A favorite verse of mine is Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
Thank you for consistently pointing toward Heaven and the Hope and Salvation Jesus freely offers to anyone who will believe. I can't imagine facing this life without it! Lauren recently shared a song with Barb written by Laura Story, titled "Blessings". I am sure she shared it with you. My favorite lyrics in the song are:
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can't satisfy?
We will never know complete peace and joy until our spiritual thirst is finally satisfied in the presence of our Lord and Savior! I am looking forward to sharing eternity with you and Barb and so many other friends and family, as we worship at the feet of our Lord!
Praying for you, dear friend...
Amy
Monday, July 25, 2011
A Time To Do Some Serious Thinking
Does the thought of a "White Horse with a rider" coming out of the sky concern you at all or even "peek" your curiosity? Well it doesn't peek my curiosity because I've read the end of the book, however we in American and around the world are as "UNPREPARED" for an event like this more now than ever before.
Back in November, I made a small investment in a Foreign currency deal and have spent a lot of time reading news about it and what is happening all over the world. Today I believe that it is entirely possible for the powers that be to be controlled ABSOLUTELY by God to usher into being the "Second Coming of Christ and the Millennium, Armageddon and all that goes along with it. I've read articles about our president and the Prime Minister of Israel having very UNCOMFORTABLE conversations as to which leader will win his battle concerning God's land that He "gave to the Jews". I read stories of reactor damage in Japan that is just now beginning to affect our shores, Washington States to be exact.
I read stories of the beginnings of food shortages and the affect of the high prices oil on our lives. I've read very disturbing stories that will affect my children and grandchildren and I believe that today we live in a society that has their heads "stuck in the sand". I think that their philosophy is "if we don't see it, it cannot happen." That kind of reminds me of my childhood days when I was afraid of a "Monster" in the room. I would just cover my head and could not be harmed.
We as a people, forget America (not even mentioned in the end times) we are failing as a people of a Nation founded on the principles of God and swiftly, these foundations are being jackhammered right out from under us. No "God" in school. Gayness has become an extreme social advancement in the socioeconomic way of life to the extent that we just don't even concern ourselves anymore.
Our Pastor discussed the importance of "integrity" in our everyday lives and out of about 150, I fear that no more than perhaps 10 even gave it a second thought (by the way, Pastor Marty, very informative and convicting message).
The Bible says in 1st Corinthians 15:52, "in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet with sound, and the dead raised imperishable, and we shall ALL be changed." (can you imagine how quickly a "twinkling" of an eye will be?)We shall All see the Christ Jesus (but perhaps not ALL changed) in all of His glory, prepared not only for battle, but to take His church out of this chaos and into it's much needed eternity. You may NOT choose to see this as a fact, however I would argue with you that the Bible is the only written directive that is of ABSOLUTE nature as it was pinned by our God Himself.
You may choose to walk away and bury your head in the sand so you cannot see the changes taking place, but they are changing none the less. Being left behind (especially because of a stubborn attitude) would be one of the "most high" mistakes a candidate as a "child of the King" could every choose to accept.
Now is the time, more so than any other time in history to surrender EVERYTHING (regardless of it's current place in your life, fall to your knees and find your peace with God. Most of you know me, know of my medical situation and also know that my "story" coincides with God's so I really have nothing to fear in this life or the next. Situation not quite the same with some of you. Time to sit down and have a heart to heart with God (a "come to Jesus" meeting sort of) and let Him guide you. Of course, I am always available and if I cannot give you a good and decent answer to your questions, I'll find someone who can. Jesus Christ is close, like the investment I made in currency. But I believe that Jesus has the upper hand. You can reach me at papadave3@gmail.com. I promise I will not ignore your mail. Just one more thing and that is that I feel we are so close to seeing Jesus' triumphal return, When it is real quiet and calm, I can almost feel the "brush of angel wings" against my cheeks as they begin to surround us with their protection.
God loves you and so to I,
Dave
Back in November, I made a small investment in a Foreign currency deal and have spent a lot of time reading news about it and what is happening all over the world. Today I believe that it is entirely possible for the powers that be to be controlled ABSOLUTELY by God to usher into being the "Second Coming of Christ and the Millennium, Armageddon and all that goes along with it. I've read articles about our president and the Prime Minister of Israel having very UNCOMFORTABLE conversations as to which leader will win his battle concerning God's land that He "gave to the Jews". I read stories of reactor damage in Japan that is just now beginning to affect our shores, Washington States to be exact.
I read stories of the beginnings of food shortages and the affect of the high prices oil on our lives. I've read very disturbing stories that will affect my children and grandchildren and I believe that today we live in a society that has their heads "stuck in the sand". I think that their philosophy is "if we don't see it, it cannot happen." That kind of reminds me of my childhood days when I was afraid of a "Monster" in the room. I would just cover my head and could not be harmed.
We as a people, forget America (not even mentioned in the end times) we are failing as a people of a Nation founded on the principles of God and swiftly, these foundations are being jackhammered right out from under us. No "God" in school. Gayness has become an extreme social advancement in the socioeconomic way of life to the extent that we just don't even concern ourselves anymore.
Our Pastor discussed the importance of "integrity" in our everyday lives and out of about 150, I fear that no more than perhaps 10 even gave it a second thought (by the way, Pastor Marty, very informative and convicting message).
The Bible says in 1st Corinthians 15:52, "in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet with sound, and the dead raised imperishable, and we shall ALL be changed." (can you imagine how quickly a "twinkling" of an eye will be?)We shall All see the Christ Jesus (but perhaps not ALL changed) in all of His glory, prepared not only for battle, but to take His church out of this chaos and into it's much needed eternity. You may NOT choose to see this as a fact, however I would argue with you that the Bible is the only written directive that is of ABSOLUTE nature as it was pinned by our God Himself.
You may choose to walk away and bury your head in the sand so you cannot see the changes taking place, but they are changing none the less. Being left behind (especially because of a stubborn attitude) would be one of the "most high" mistakes a candidate as a "child of the King" could every choose to accept.
Now is the time, more so than any other time in history to surrender EVERYTHING (regardless of it's current place in your life, fall to your knees and find your peace with God. Most of you know me, know of my medical situation and also know that my "story" coincides with God's so I really have nothing to fear in this life or the next. Situation not quite the same with some of you. Time to sit down and have a heart to heart with God (a "come to Jesus" meeting sort of) and let Him guide you. Of course, I am always available and if I cannot give you a good and decent answer to your questions, I'll find someone who can. Jesus Christ is close, like the investment I made in currency. But I believe that Jesus has the upper hand. You can reach me at papadave3@gmail.com. I promise I will not ignore your mail. Just one more thing and that is that I feel we are so close to seeing Jesus' triumphal return, When it is real quiet and calm, I can almost feel the "brush of angel wings" against my cheeks as they begin to surround us with their protection.
God loves you and so to I,
Dave
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Think Our Founding Fathers Had An "Inside Track"?
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpation's, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation's, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
Just sayin'
Dave
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpation's, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation's, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
Just sayin'
Dave
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
I Think I'll Change My Mind
Do you think that God ever changes His mind? Not a trick question. Really! Do you, as a "fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ" (a Christian) think that God changes His mind? Can He change His mind? After all, we've been these very "dogmatic" believers who have preached for years that certainly God knows everything (which He does) and He has everything etched in stone (something like the 10 Commandments). But really, ask yourself. Does God sometimes change His mind?
I think back in Exodus when the children of God were running for their very lives to get away from the awful Pharaoh and try to get to the "Promised Land" for which Moses helped them set out for. What about when they arrived at the Red Sea; What if God at first wanted then to turn left and take a leisurely stroll up the coastline of the Red Sea, enjoying the scenery and relaxing as they organized their families and walked their way to freedom? And then suddenly, as if from out of nowhere, here comes Pharaoh's massive army, chasing God's children and He said to Moses, "Okay, just have them stop right here! I'll cut this sea in half so that you all can walk across on dry land!" We know that happened because it is written in scripture but do we really know and understand that there are circumstances that COULD POSSIBLY cause God to change His mind? Just sayin', you know.
I had a very long discussion with God this morning and most of you know that I have what the medical industry considers a disease with little hope of fixing. BUT, what if God changed His mind? He knows I have been giving Him ALL the GLORY, in good days and bad. What if He decided He wanted to use me to astonish the medical society much like Jesus did as He dealt with the sick servant of the Centurion who eventually died before Jesus got there (Luke 7). He died and Jesus decided that he should live some more so He healed him. Amazing to those around Him.
I've spent a lot of the last few years praying for and asking God for miracles for others I have watched suffer tremendous pain and suffering and a time or two, I've mentioned my own ordeal. But this morning, we talked for what seemed like an hour about what I want and what God wants. I mentioned to Him that I was settled on His decision, but it didn't mean that I didn't want to see some of the "life-changing" events that my children and grand-children would go through over the next 20 years or so. I tried not to be selfish but making sure God understood I was ready but still wanting.
Truly, in the medical field, there is not anything that can fix what I have short of this Bone Marrow Transplant, and we're not even really sure of that! But what if God changed His mind as His children reached the Red Sea with nowhere else to go? What was it that caused Jesus to raise this Centurion's servant, even after he had already died?
Can God change His mind? Does God change His mind? Can I be a "miracle in progress" for His Glory? Suddenly, I'm not so "Dogmatic" in my way of thinking. Can God change His mind about me? I don't know; He's God, not me. But just a little confession...I did ask!
I hope you are reading and getting something from my devotions. They are "richly" inspired by my time with God. And if you don't take the time to read them, there is some beautiful music on this blog that will fill your own quiet time with His love.
This morning I feel like a million bucks. By 2:00 O'clock this afternoon I may only feel like $85,000.00, but that's still more than I have in my bank account...lol.
Does God change His mind sometimes? I don't know. Why don't we just wait and see!
Dave
I think back in Exodus when the children of God were running for their very lives to get away from the awful Pharaoh and try to get to the "Promised Land" for which Moses helped them set out for. What about when they arrived at the Red Sea; What if God at first wanted then to turn left and take a leisurely stroll up the coastline of the Red Sea, enjoying the scenery and relaxing as they organized their families and walked their way to freedom? And then suddenly, as if from out of nowhere, here comes Pharaoh's massive army, chasing God's children and He said to Moses, "Okay, just have them stop right here! I'll cut this sea in half so that you all can walk across on dry land!" We know that happened because it is written in scripture but do we really know and understand that there are circumstances that COULD POSSIBLY cause God to change His mind? Just sayin', you know.
I had a very long discussion with God this morning and most of you know that I have what the medical industry considers a disease with little hope of fixing. BUT, what if God changed His mind? He knows I have been giving Him ALL the GLORY, in good days and bad. What if He decided He wanted to use me to astonish the medical society much like Jesus did as He dealt with the sick servant of the Centurion who eventually died before Jesus got there (Luke 7). He died and Jesus decided that he should live some more so He healed him. Amazing to those around Him.
I've spent a lot of the last few years praying for and asking God for miracles for others I have watched suffer tremendous pain and suffering and a time or two, I've mentioned my own ordeal. But this morning, we talked for what seemed like an hour about what I want and what God wants. I mentioned to Him that I was settled on His decision, but it didn't mean that I didn't want to see some of the "life-changing" events that my children and grand-children would go through over the next 20 years or so. I tried not to be selfish but making sure God understood I was ready but still wanting.
Truly, in the medical field, there is not anything that can fix what I have short of this Bone Marrow Transplant, and we're not even really sure of that! But what if God changed His mind as His children reached the Red Sea with nowhere else to go? What was it that caused Jesus to raise this Centurion's servant, even after he had already died?
Can God change His mind? Does God change His mind? Can I be a "miracle in progress" for His Glory? Suddenly, I'm not so "Dogmatic" in my way of thinking. Can God change His mind about me? I don't know; He's God, not me. But just a little confession...I did ask!
I hope you are reading and getting something from my devotions. They are "richly" inspired by my time with God. And if you don't take the time to read them, there is some beautiful music on this blog that will fill your own quiet time with His love.
This morning I feel like a million bucks. By 2:00 O'clock this afternoon I may only feel like $85,000.00, but that's still more than I have in my bank account...lol.
Does God change His mind sometimes? I don't know. Why don't we just wait and see!
Dave
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A Giant Has Died Today
"Jesus wept", John 11:35 is considered (in fact is) the shortest verse of the Bible. Having only two words in this verse, it makes some very powerful statements about our faith.
Over the years dealing with hundreds of people going through the trials of "cancer", I've had many, many opportunities to meet very interesting and very unique people. For instance, about 3 weeks ago, I had an encounter with Shirley. As she sat in her chair, tears streaming down her face and fumbling with her blanket, I felt compelled to go to her and she was having trouble separating her blanket so she could cover her cold body up. I helped her then as I hugged her, I whispered into her fragile little ear, "God loves you very much and He cares that you are here!" Of course that started an almost "never ending" conversation to which she received peace in her day.
I've made several friends during my treatments in chemotherapy, because that's just who I am. A loud-mouthed, wanna be, know-it-all, and I want everyone else to know it too. I'm talking about Jesus Christ of course.
One of the friends I've considered very close, even though our relationship only lasted about 7 months was Dennis. Dennis and I have had conversations (mostly about God) and laughed together and began a relationship that "clicked" so quickly, our wives were attempting to schedule our chemo on the same days and close to the same times so we would be able to have time to visit together.
Yesterday was another day we had scheduled together and I was really looking forward to it. While they were poking me with a needle, my wife, Barb got a phone call. It was from Dennis' wife, April. She told Barb that Dennis would not be coming to chemo as he was in the hospital and it REALLY DID NOT look good. So before I go any further with my friend Dennis, let me pause here and explain a small portion of this GIANT two word scripture I quoted.
One of Jesus' closest friends had died and Jesus was a few villages away. When He was summoned about the death of His good friend, Lazarus, He tarried yet a couple more days and finally stood before the grave of Lazarus where He carried on a conversation with Martha (she was "not at all" pleased that Jesus was so long in arriving). In John 11:25, 26 Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Martha's response said everything that Jesus expected as Martha's faith was first of all, limited and secondly, it was a fundamental faith. She had mentioned earlier that had Jesus been there, her brother would not have died, describing her "limited" faith. Her response to Jesus was in verse 27, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." So her response sounded a little like a "canned presentation" she'd learned perhaps in Sunday school.
Jesus was looking for the "Unlimited Faith" that would have caused HER to order the stone rolled away because the Christ was here and prepared to perform a miracle.
So what does this really have to do with me and my good friend Dennis? Well we asked my nurse to speed up the treatment for me as we needed to go directly to the hospital, our friends, Dennis and April needed us. When we arrived, my precious friend was already being kept alive artificially by machines which were April's request. She wanted Dennis to hear from me before passing. I leaned down close to his ear and reminded him that "Jesus wept" because of the limited and fundamental faith of believers, two of which, we were NOT. I explained that Jesus was standing at the opening of his grave waiting for the opportunity to retrieve his Spirit from his body. He was free and able to go home at any time, and that he should just expect to see Jesus Christ, his Lord as he arrived.
Within moments the nurses came in and removed all of the artificial devices that were keeping Dennis here and I believe that within a minute, two at the most, MY GOOD FRIEND, was receiving the biggest "bear hug" he had ever experienced.
So listen and I've said this before: "None of us are going to make it out of this alive.” However it is our strong faith, not our "limited" faith or our "fundamental" understanding of God's Word that causes us to believe. It is that still small voice that can only be heard by your heart that whispers, "I'm here, let go, I'll catch you." Lazarus came out of that grave in his resuscitated body, but Dennis came out of his in his resurrected, glorified body, ready to meet God face-to-face. Good bye, my wonderful friend and thanks for bringing me such joy. You will be truly missed; however I plan to see you again.
You’re Chemo Buddy, Dave
Over the years dealing with hundreds of people going through the trials of "cancer", I've had many, many opportunities to meet very interesting and very unique people. For instance, about 3 weeks ago, I had an encounter with Shirley. As she sat in her chair, tears streaming down her face and fumbling with her blanket, I felt compelled to go to her and she was having trouble separating her blanket so she could cover her cold body up. I helped her then as I hugged her, I whispered into her fragile little ear, "God loves you very much and He cares that you are here!" Of course that started an almost "never ending" conversation to which she received peace in her day.
I've made several friends during my treatments in chemotherapy, because that's just who I am. A loud-mouthed, wanna be, know-it-all, and I want everyone else to know it too. I'm talking about Jesus Christ of course.
One of the friends I've considered very close, even though our relationship only lasted about 7 months was Dennis. Dennis and I have had conversations (mostly about God) and laughed together and began a relationship that "clicked" so quickly, our wives were attempting to schedule our chemo on the same days and close to the same times so we would be able to have time to visit together.
Yesterday was another day we had scheduled together and I was really looking forward to it. While they were poking me with a needle, my wife, Barb got a phone call. It was from Dennis' wife, April. She told Barb that Dennis would not be coming to chemo as he was in the hospital and it REALLY DID NOT look good. So before I go any further with my friend Dennis, let me pause here and explain a small portion of this GIANT two word scripture I quoted.
One of Jesus' closest friends had died and Jesus was a few villages away. When He was summoned about the death of His good friend, Lazarus, He tarried yet a couple more days and finally stood before the grave of Lazarus where He carried on a conversation with Martha (she was "not at all" pleased that Jesus was so long in arriving). In John 11:25, 26 Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Martha's response said everything that Jesus expected as Martha's faith was first of all, limited and secondly, it was a fundamental faith. She had mentioned earlier that had Jesus been there, her brother would not have died, describing her "limited" faith. Her response to Jesus was in verse 27, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." So her response sounded a little like a "canned presentation" she'd learned perhaps in Sunday school.
Jesus was looking for the "Unlimited Faith" that would have caused HER to order the stone rolled away because the Christ was here and prepared to perform a miracle.
So what does this really have to do with me and my good friend Dennis? Well we asked my nurse to speed up the treatment for me as we needed to go directly to the hospital, our friends, Dennis and April needed us. When we arrived, my precious friend was already being kept alive artificially by machines which were April's request. She wanted Dennis to hear from me before passing. I leaned down close to his ear and reminded him that "Jesus wept" because of the limited and fundamental faith of believers, two of which, we were NOT. I explained that Jesus was standing at the opening of his grave waiting for the opportunity to retrieve his Spirit from his body. He was free and able to go home at any time, and that he should just expect to see Jesus Christ, his Lord as he arrived.
Within moments the nurses came in and removed all of the artificial devices that were keeping Dennis here and I believe that within a minute, two at the most, MY GOOD FRIEND, was receiving the biggest "bear hug" he had ever experienced.
So listen and I've said this before: "None of us are going to make it out of this alive.” However it is our strong faith, not our "limited" faith or our "fundamental" understanding of God's Word that causes us to believe. It is that still small voice that can only be heard by your heart that whispers, "I'm here, let go, I'll catch you." Lazarus came out of that grave in his resuscitated body, but Dennis came out of his in his resurrected, glorified body, ready to meet God face-to-face. Good bye, my wonderful friend and thanks for bringing me such joy. You will be truly missed; however I plan to see you again.
You’re Chemo Buddy, Dave
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