A precious member of the Hospital Ministry of Calvary Chapel Surprise came by to visit me and Barb, and what a blessing it was. Let me first share with you what he quoted to us:
"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou doest prepare a table before me and mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER! (emphasis added).
Now what I would like to do is go through passage of scripture in red ink and tell you how it spoke to me, please.
"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. As I have looked back over my life, God has surely granted me more than I could have ever wanted in life. I live with the most precious "Caregiver" in the Universe, namely Barb (she also goes by Mom, Barbie and Grammy). I have also, been blessed with 3 of the most adorable children that God could have ever chosen for my temperment, lifestyle and life ideas. Boastfully speaking, I know with assurance that these three children of mine look at me as a "Hero". Not because of my unwavering decisions in life or my extra unusual success in the business world, but rather because they have always gleaned a level of Spirituality from me, that not of my own but from the giver of life, Himself. The only thing I KNOW I did right with my kids was to introduce them to Christ. He took over from there. He makes me lie down in green pastures, (He has given me mental rest like no other). He leads me beside quiet waters. (He has granted me peace like no other). He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (He has been my morning wake-up call and evening bedtime chat for multiplied years now and He's got a lot to say). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou doest prepare a table before me and mine enemies; (He knew before I was even conceived that I would walk this particular trial and used a lot of years preparing my heart to deal with it. I am proud that He wanted me as a "tool" in the middle of these trials. I have learned that it is better to mention Jesus to someone than to have them pay you a weekly income until you retire. (BTW, I've been fired for that...Praise God. He knew that a little old lady would be frightened to death in a desperate situation, not unlike mine and decided that I would be the one to sit next to her when the prompt came to share (her name is Sandy and she now walks with God). He has (and this has been a rough one) taught me over the years to pray for those who mean me harm. Over the last 35 years, He has been molding and shaping my heart, for His Glory. Thou hast anointed my head with oil; (Last night, Sunday, was only the second time in my 59 years of life that someone has put his hands on me in prayer and anointed me with oil. And freaky or not, I had a very warm and fuzzy feeling all night long. My cup overflows. (The love and compassion in my heart has grown 1000 fold over the years and I see "tears" in my saucer these days). Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, No matter what the home, life, or health situation looks like on the outside, I am 'blessed of ALL men' in my life) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER! (emphasis added). (and to top the whole thing off, I have a home in glory that will surpass anything the nails could build down here)
Now I was privileged to meet this man for the first time in my life, last night as he came into my home to share the love and faith of Christ with a "troubled physical body" and today he has already called back to check on me after my first day of chemo to see how I was doing. Sometimes we open our doors and allow "ANGELS" to come in and dine with us and we don't even know it.
Well God has given me over 5 years since the original diagnosis and I am happy with that, but wanna know what I think? My faith in God tells me that I can beat this one too. Now don't think if I say that being with Jesus in Paradise is a "cop-out" for "beating this one too because it''s not. My doc told me I could get another couple years of remission from this new cancer with this treatment and it was God who was the deciding factor. BTW, I know it was just the first treatment today, however, I feel fine.
Ain't God Great?
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Just Some Thoughts
I have prayed hard and discussed, in detail with my family, the options given whether chemotherapy again or no chemotherapy and have decided that it is God's Will that I proceed with the treatment so I have only one point I want to make clear and hopefully it will not have to be made until some years in the future:
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have taught or lead toward Christ."
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have ministered to or assisted in some Godly fashion."
I want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he KNEELS before his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in grateful humility because he knew the importance of the sacrifice of his soul to a Holy God."
David Stallings
(Serving a Holy God until He comes for me)
Presently chemotherapy is set to begin on February 14, 2011...Happy Valentine's Day, to my sweetheart of 40 years.
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have taught or lead toward Christ."
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have ministered to or assisted in some Godly fashion."
I want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he KNEELS before his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in grateful humility because he knew the importance of the sacrifice of his soul to a Holy God."
David Stallings
(Serving a Holy God until He comes for me)
Presently chemotherapy is set to begin on February 14, 2011...Happy Valentine's Day, to my sweetheart of 40 years.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hello
Yes, it's me, Dave...I'm back...for now. Some very extreme changes in my health (which are not really an excuse for not writing) but what the heck. I needed some time to clear my brain. The good thing is that it is small enough so that I didn't have to take too much time.
Anyway, just a note tonight to let you know, I will try to get back into the devotional "saddle" and start sending once again. Lot's of changes in my life over the past several months but since I love talking about myself, I am sure you'll hear about them.
In the meantime, God is STILL in control and will be posting again in a few days. Hope you are all still out there. And of course, BTW, I need more prayer than I have every needed before so if you can, won't you please petition God for me when you think about it?
Dave
Anyway, just a note tonight to let you know, I will try to get back into the devotional "saddle" and start sending once again. Lot's of changes in my life over the past several months but since I love talking about myself, I am sure you'll hear about them.
In the meantime, God is STILL in control and will be posting again in a few days. Hope you are all still out there. And of course, BTW, I need more prayer than I have every needed before so if you can, won't you please petition God for me when you think about it?
Dave
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bible Names For Jesus: The Word
I would like to end this alphabetic series on "Biblical names of Jesus Christ" with "The Word". This is an extremely important title for Christ as it "absolutely" attaches Jesus Christ to the trinity. In John 1:1 it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This passage of scripture in John 1:1-18 is very poetic and important for our positive understanding of who Jesus Christ really is. The "Trinity" is flawlessly connected here for all to see.
As can be seen, the first three words that John uses as he starts his gospel, help us to understand that EVERYTHING has been established "In the beginning" and that Jesus Christ, the second part of the Trinity was there for the event. He is the creator of everything that was created.
Today was a very anxious day as I started chemotherapy again today. Of course, they pre-medicate you so as to prevent any unforeseen "reactions" to the drugs they use to poison the cancer cells in the human body. But today was a different day. The pre-meds obviously had NO effect on what was to happen to my body on this day. Within the first hour of treatment, I began to shake, my body ice cold. I was told that at one point the shaking became so radical that it was moving my lounge chair. I cannot remember what took place from that point until I opened my eyes and they finally found their way to my Oncology Doctor who was standing there to observe the actions of the nurses. They all did a wonderful job of getting me through this reaction and finally, when I recognized my doctor, I said "Hi Doc" (that's how I greet him always). His respond was simple and comforting...he said "he's back." He verbalized a few orders and left the room. I cannot tell you where I may have gone (I'm confident I was safely 'tucked' within the arms of Christ), but it was relieving to hear the doctor announce my return to the nurses.
Here's what I do know: John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." Wherever I might have gone for that few moments really doesn't matter because the "Word that became flesh" dwelt among ME as this incident unfolded (not the doctor, Jesus Christ). Once I was back, was breathing on my own and no longer "raddling the daylights out of my chair", I recognized the peace of Jesus Christ dwelling with me in that place.
Yes it was an anxious situation, as there are many in our lives, but once my mind and heart returned it's focus on Christ, everything was peaceful.
A VERY exhausting and unpleasant day, indeed. However, the "Word dwelt among us" and peace and grace was His result.
The Word, a wonderful way to present our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to those we call friends and loved ones. I cannot tell you what would have been my response to that incident, had "The Word" not dwelt with me today. All I can say is that I am grateful for His love and grace in my life. God bless you all. We'll do it all over in 10 or 12 days. And I am sure, I'll have "good" company.
Dave
(Thanks for letting me share this series of Biblical Names for Jesus Christ. All of the thoughts for this series came from God's inspiration to me, however some of my research came from George W. Knight, author of "The Names of God". All other information and facts came from God's Word, of course)
As can be seen, the first three words that John uses as he starts his gospel, help us to understand that EVERYTHING has been established "In the beginning" and that Jesus Christ, the second part of the Trinity was there for the event. He is the creator of everything that was created.
Today was a very anxious day as I started chemotherapy again today. Of course, they pre-medicate you so as to prevent any unforeseen "reactions" to the drugs they use to poison the cancer cells in the human body. But today was a different day. The pre-meds obviously had NO effect on what was to happen to my body on this day. Within the first hour of treatment, I began to shake, my body ice cold. I was told that at one point the shaking became so radical that it was moving my lounge chair. I cannot remember what took place from that point until I opened my eyes and they finally found their way to my Oncology Doctor who was standing there to observe the actions of the nurses. They all did a wonderful job of getting me through this reaction and finally, when I recognized my doctor, I said "Hi Doc" (that's how I greet him always). His respond was simple and comforting...he said "he's back." He verbalized a few orders and left the room. I cannot tell you where I may have gone (I'm confident I was safely 'tucked' within the arms of Christ), but it was relieving to hear the doctor announce my return to the nurses.
Here's what I do know: John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." Wherever I might have gone for that few moments really doesn't matter because the "Word that became flesh" dwelt among ME as this incident unfolded (not the doctor, Jesus Christ). Once I was back, was breathing on my own and no longer "raddling the daylights out of my chair", I recognized the peace of Jesus Christ dwelling with me in that place.
Yes it was an anxious situation, as there are many in our lives, but once my mind and heart returned it's focus on Christ, everything was peaceful.
A VERY exhausting and unpleasant day, indeed. However, the "Word dwelt among us" and peace and grace was His result.
The Word, a wonderful way to present our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to those we call friends and loved ones. I cannot tell you what would have been my response to that incident, had "The Word" not dwelt with me today. All I can say is that I am grateful for His love and grace in my life. God bless you all. We'll do it all over in 10 or 12 days. And I am sure, I'll have "good" company.
Dave
(Thanks for letting me share this series of Biblical Names for Jesus Christ. All of the thoughts for this series came from God's inspiration to me, however some of my research came from George W. Knight, author of "The Names of God". All other information and facts came from God's Word, of course)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Today Is Chemo Day
By the time you read this post, I will be at the Chemotherapy Lounge in Scottsdale, beginning a new series of therapy to attempt to "retard" the protein cells which are growing in my bone marrow (not supposed to be). Anyway, just wanted to say that I appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my wife and I as we begin another journey for which we do not know the outcome (come to think of it, none of us know the outcomes of our journeys).
Our God is an AWESOME God, and He is in control of every aspect of our lives so we have no fear for we know we are in His hands. This series of therapy will only last for 4 weeks just for the purpose of seeing if we can slow down the Leukemia growth for now. I don't know when the next biopsy will be but will keep you posted.
You have all be extremely encouraging and because of you and God, I am at peace. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayerful support for us. We love you all.
Dave
Our God is an AWESOME God, and He is in control of every aspect of our lives so we have no fear for we know we are in His hands. This series of therapy will only last for 4 weeks just for the purpose of seeing if we can slow down the Leukemia growth for now. I don't know when the next biopsy will be but will keep you posted.
You have all be extremely encouraging and because of you and God, I am at peace. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayerful support for us. We love you all.
Dave
Bible Names For Jesus: Vine
John 15:5 says "I am the vine, and you are the branches; He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing."
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night of His arrest. He know that they would have to be "attached" to Him, strongly in order to survive the upcoming events. We've all hear the stories about the vines and the pruning process. We are the (His) branches and sometimes we need pruning in our lives in order to grow. Maybe that's were some of the pain I spoke about last night comes from.
The idea Jesus wanted to get across was that we are the weaker branches that are attached to the strong vine (Himself) as we go through different stage in life, sometimes being pruned back, perhaps even farther than we wish to be. However there is always a reason. He (Jesus) as the vine, would sustain and nourish us so we would bear "much fruit" in the days ahead.
Jesus is the "Vine" and we are the "branches" all for a good reason. Jesus was called the "Vine." Now why couldn't I have thought of that?
Dave
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night of His arrest. He know that they would have to be "attached" to Him, strongly in order to survive the upcoming events. We've all hear the stories about the vines and the pruning process. We are the (His) branches and sometimes we need pruning in our lives in order to grow. Maybe that's were some of the pain I spoke about last night comes from.
The idea Jesus wanted to get across was that we are the weaker branches that are attached to the strong vine (Himself) as we go through different stage in life, sometimes being pruned back, perhaps even farther than we wish to be. However there is always a reason. He (Jesus) as the vine, would sustain and nourish us so we would bear "much fruit" in the days ahead.
Jesus is the "Vine" and we are the "branches" all for a good reason. Jesus was called the "Vine." Now why couldn't I have thought of that?
Dave
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Names For Jesus Christ: Truth
When Jesus encountered Thomas in the upper room, He used this name for Himself in their conversation. If fact, this is the only place where Jesus is referred to as "truth". In modern days society, when we use the word "truth" we are usually referring to "words" or "speech". A good example would be "When I have fellowship with my close friend, he always shares the truth. Telling the truth is a good thing. Some believe that it is easier to "sugarcoat" than speak the truth in love which usually ends up getting us into more trouble than if we had just said the truth in the first place. This was our Lord Jesus Christ. Every word that proceeded from His lips was "truth". He would always express the truth even if it was a hard thing to accept.
But even more so than speaking the truth, it is important that we "act out" the truth and again, this is the sense in which we see Jesus as He communicates to Thomas.
I believe that I tell the truth for the most part. I am confident that my wife does as well. An example would be when people ask my wife how I am feeling. Because she lives with me 24/7 she is keenly aware of every singe ache and pain I experience. In fact, I am up writing this tonight because of some very severe leg cramps that woke me up and made my legs feel like they were in "vice grips" and being squeezed severely. Tomorrow morning my wife, because of her love for me will make it known to those who pray for us how difficult my night was. In the same way, if I am asked how I am feeling, in the midst of some very severe leg pain, "I feel fine". Barb lives with a "realistic" attitude whereas I live in an "ideal" world. Both of us are sharing the truth, just from different perspectives.
Our world is so materialistic today that sometimes it is difficult to discern what the truth really is. Society tries to convince us that we need money and possessions to obtain the "essence" of truth and have the path to "a good life." In fact, what is truth for one person is not necessarily truth for another because there is no absolute truth (or so the world would have us believe so).
When Pilate pronounced the death sentence onto Jesus Christ, Pilate was told by Jesus that He came into the world to "bear witness unto the truth" (Jn 18:37). And this is when Pilate ask a most critical question and that was "what is truth?" The truth was that Pilate was standing so close to the "truth" that he could have reached out and touched it. But because of his unbelief, he missed it. What a tragic event in the life of Pilate! And what an accurate picture of a sinful and unbelieving world. And this is the arena that we as Christians are thrust into to bear witness of the Truth.
I happen to believe, along with large numbers of my Christian brothers and sisters "THAT THERE IS" absolute truth and we find that in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The truth is that I have had a VERY TERRIBLE NIGHT as my wife would express out of love and compassion. But if you asked me directly I would want you to know that no matter how bad this night was, I am "held up by the almighty" and given that fact, feeling fine far outweighs the pain and suffering we experience day in and day out. Hope that's not confusing.
The truth in this situation for Barb would be Jesus holding out His hands and side toward Thomas and telling him to touch the wounds and believe. And for me the truth is, I ride on the shoulders of the greatest Man who every walked on this earth, and even if I were to fall, I have confidence that I would not reach the ground without His assistance.
Yes it is possible to be in severe pain and still be just fine. You need go no farther than the Cross of Christ to see just how painfully fine He was.
Dave
But even more so than speaking the truth, it is important that we "act out" the truth and again, this is the sense in which we see Jesus as He communicates to Thomas.
I believe that I tell the truth for the most part. I am confident that my wife does as well. An example would be when people ask my wife how I am feeling. Because she lives with me 24/7 she is keenly aware of every singe ache and pain I experience. In fact, I am up writing this tonight because of some very severe leg cramps that woke me up and made my legs feel like they were in "vice grips" and being squeezed severely. Tomorrow morning my wife, because of her love for me will make it known to those who pray for us how difficult my night was. In the same way, if I am asked how I am feeling, in the midst of some very severe leg pain, "I feel fine". Barb lives with a "realistic" attitude whereas I live in an "ideal" world. Both of us are sharing the truth, just from different perspectives.
Our world is so materialistic today that sometimes it is difficult to discern what the truth really is. Society tries to convince us that we need money and possessions to obtain the "essence" of truth and have the path to "a good life." In fact, what is truth for one person is not necessarily truth for another because there is no absolute truth (or so the world would have us believe so).
When Pilate pronounced the death sentence onto Jesus Christ, Pilate was told by Jesus that He came into the world to "bear witness unto the truth" (Jn 18:37). And this is when Pilate ask a most critical question and that was "what is truth?" The truth was that Pilate was standing so close to the "truth" that he could have reached out and touched it. But because of his unbelief, he missed it. What a tragic event in the life of Pilate! And what an accurate picture of a sinful and unbelieving world. And this is the arena that we as Christians are thrust into to bear witness of the Truth.
I happen to believe, along with large numbers of my Christian brothers and sisters "THAT THERE IS" absolute truth and we find that in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The truth is that I have had a VERY TERRIBLE NIGHT as my wife would express out of love and compassion. But if you asked me directly I would want you to know that no matter how bad this night was, I am "held up by the almighty" and given that fact, feeling fine far outweighs the pain and suffering we experience day in and day out. Hope that's not confusing.
The truth in this situation for Barb would be Jesus holding out His hands and side toward Thomas and telling him to touch the wounds and believe. And for me the truth is, I ride on the shoulders of the greatest Man who every walked on this earth, and even if I were to fall, I have confidence that I would not reach the ground without His assistance.
Yes it is possible to be in severe pain and still be just fine. You need go no farther than the Cross of Christ to see just how painfully fine He was.
Dave
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