Survivor Chronicles #3

“GIVE ATTENDANCE...”

” to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee … Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all …[in the chemo treatment room]” (1Timorhy 4:13).

I suppose that some can read, exhort, and study while chemicals course through their bodies, but not me. My dosage is heavy and it takes four to six hours each treatment. I spend that time in a comfy recliner, close my eyes, and get some peaceful rest.

The treatment room is pleasant: It is large with three walls of windows on the ground floor overlooking a garden landscape. The room is filled with recliners and lots of cheerful daylight. It is peaceful and the caregivers, of compassionate Kansas and Missouri women, have a gift of making one feel special.

It’s amusing to me; the nurse holds a couple of chemical bags for me to read while she reads to me: my name, chemical name, potency and date; this before hooking them up to the IV tower. It’s like a waitress in a fine restaurant, showing a couple of wines for approval: “good choice.” But this treatment is a bit bizarre in the first place.

Extreme fatigue is the side effects of my treatments with flu-like aches and pains, which takes about two weeks to subside. I have a strong pain pill, but I have only taken it three times during these three treatments. But we are all different and what happens to me may not happen to others, but be prepared.

Chemotherapy has some positive effects. After losing my bale of frosty white hair, I discovered my ears: large pointed wings like Dr. Spock on “Star Wars,” and I don’t have to shave, whiskers just won’t grow – maybe slow-growing fuzz.

Just before the third treatment, the Oncologist showed the CTscan results, which was to determine the next step; to go ahead with the third treatment, to include some radiation, or to have further chemo treatments; the latter being the most encouraging option.

The scan showed a slight reduction in the tumor on my right lung and it also showed that the original visible cyst on my neck had disappeared. He prescribed three more treatments spaced every two or three weeks apart and to include another scan.

However, I am cautious. elation can be stressful and stress is stress. I am just praising God, but understanding that I still need to trust Him continually, because it is not yet over. I maintain a neutral mode to let the immune systems do what the Creator ordained them to do. Negative thoughts are from the Devil and will minimize healing.

However, Paul told Timothy to “Neglect Not the Gift that is in Thee.“ Being comfy-cozy in a recliner and taking a huge dose of chemicals does not mean that one should temporarily toss off the gifts that the embedded Holy Spirit of Jesus gives to believers. "… the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29).

I never did fret about what gift I have, as many do. I believe every believer has many gifts that the Holy Spirit will engage for appropriate action for an auspicious event. The main thing is to do something when the Lord says, “Get up: Go.”

A chicken farmer I knew who was so proud of his money selling chickens to restaurants occupied a pew on Sunday, but not much else. He told me that his gift was giving money to support the church and that’s all he needed to do… well, we wish him lots of “cluck.”

This is the perfect place to meditate on those things that come to me from giving attention to the great doctrines of the Bible. It is a time of peace, rest, and healing. I’m good for six hours of rest and meditation, even if I can’t read – but I will exhort if given opportunity.

Chemo and cancer are survivable. This is the perfect place to meditate on those things that come to me from giving attention to the doctrine of the Bible. It is a time of peace, rest, and healing. But do not let one negative thought from the Devil enter in.

”Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable [positive] in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
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Survivor Chronicles #2

Medical Science or Alternative Medicine?
Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

What to do: What to do… Who is right, who is wrong? That is often the dilemma that comes on with the battle of cancer. I have heard this often as a medical center chaplain on the Oncology Ward. I have also experienced it personally. Every answer was standard: Consult your Pastor and confide your feelings to your Oncologist and I will pray with you for comfort and direction.

I learned the truth of 1Corinthians 10:13: Each affliction may be different, but is as intense as everyone else; and God will “also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” He does not give you an aspirin or does not always heal directly, but He knows how much you can take before breaking.

Our main consultation should be with the Master Physician, the Lord. He does not dispense confusion and the answer He gives to all who come to Him is, ”Fear not!” I have found Him to be a very personal Oncologist and easy to talk to. While the members of His flock are sheep, each sheep is different and unique… yet, all are stamped with the earmark of the Lamb of God.

I must go back to my first bout with colorectal cancer in order to describe how it affected my present battle with invading forces. I was told that it was “dire”. The operation was reasonably successful, but a little had invaded a lymph node, so the treatment was a protocol of chemotherapy and radiation.

However, I admit that I had concern about my mode of treatment. If I chose a mixture of both medical and alternative methods, my oncologists would not abide by that. Then as now, I sought divine guidance, not franticly: hysteria blocks investigative thought and solutions. My immediate goal was to acquire peace so that intermediate and long term goals could emerge with clarity.

The Psalmist’ prayed; “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:” and I wondered “How does one hear lovingkindness?” It came to me that I have actually been listening to the voice of the Lord, the personification of Wisdom, Justice, and Love, and Lovingkindness. There He was; every morning as I was ready to start the day: “Lord, ‘in thee do I trust, cause me to know the way wherein I should walk (Psalm 143:8);”

Lovingkindness showed me the way. I was very aware of His presence and unafraid, just peaceful: perfect peace that passes all understanding. So; at 11:00 A.M. every day, I was face down on a lab table in the “sci-fi” room where the radiation would come out from somewhere and go into my body someplace: the technicians had retreated behind a lead shield in another room. I was all alone and serenaded from beeps and buzzes before I heard the extended humm of the juice being applied. But I was ready… here’s why:

Is the Creator of heavens and earth able to still the waves of radiation? All powers are subject to him: in His nail punctured hand is “power and might; to give strength unto all; upholding all things by the word of his power. He laid the foundation of the earth: set the North over an open place, stretched out the heavens like a garment, “according to the working of his mighty power,” which He employed when he raised Christ from the dead. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made“ (John 1:3).

That must have been quite a blast of divine power that raised Jesus from the dead, power that scientists may call radiation today: the same power from the image of the invisible God, who spoke and the light separated the darkness. With His fingers, He decorated the heavens with sprinklings of heavenly bodies, on course and in their places. Radiation? Nothing to it for the Lord Jesus Christ. He invented it

When I heard the hum of the radioactivity, it was the right nail-punctured hand of the Master Physician on the control, measuring the exact amount needed. The same is true for chemotherapy. The right hand of my salvation measured the amount of chemo that should drip slowly into my veins.

I can hear some of you draw in your breaths; “But what happens if you are not cured? What you are saying is false hope!” Not at all: I cannot find “false hope” in the Bible: various types, yes, but it is all hope. When I underwent the procedure, I had hope: others were there in silent witness to my reactions. If I should make one move of doubt, it could affect a lot of people. So, I am like the gear shift on a car; in neutral until the Master engages me. I would not frustrate the plan of God for my life.

If the invading forces prevail, God has a way for me to escape, which is far better than anything produced by avoiding false hope. I did not care, for He would get the glory in my body by life or by death, as Paul taught the Philippian church.

Update: I have had two treatments of chemotherapy and this coming Tuesday I will have the third usual six-hour infusion and then an evaluation. Don’t worry about me: Jesus and I will get caught up on a few things and I may need an attitude adjustment. I’m just going to spill over onto Him.

Thank you for your prayers, and to God be the glory.

Robert N. Adams (Helen says “Hey”)
We are Pastor and Mrs. Bulldog
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Survivor Chronicles #3 will have a more complete description of the treatments, consultations, and of the Kansas City Cancer Center.

The Healthcare Gap

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"The house of representatives ... can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interest, and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny." --Federalist No. 57, February 19, 1788
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"And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:27): "... there is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2:11).

CHANGE? I Did Not Expect This!

THE OLD ORDER YIELDS TO THE NEW -

Not without a few well-chosen "barks" from Pastor Bulldog. I have begun chemotherapy treatments to eradicate a tumor on my right lung. I have also begun a series on the treatments, The "Big C" Chronicles: the process, the progress, my thoughts, the effects, and results. I will add an account each week until whatever. I recognize this "sting" as the Lord permitting it to happen that He might prove me for even greater service to the Lord, "whether by life or by death". At the same time, Helen is going through a battle of pnuemonia on top of the after effects of her second pacemaker/defribulator implant. To make the treatments for both of us easier and to keep our boys from "tearing their hair out" in extra work, worry and concern, the family in a concerted effort has helped us close up house-keeping and move to a beautiful long-term care faciltiy, Del Mar Gardens of Overland Park (Metro Kansas City, MO), Kansas, just nine miles from our former home. The Bulldog will continue to bark by God's grace through faith. Keep checking in, there's more to come.

Thank you for your prayers.Click on "THE TOPIC OF CANCER" link on the side bar to the left for The "Big C" Chronicles. Thank you for your love and loyalty. "To God be the glory, Great things He has done."

Salute Those Who Are Brave Enough To Defend Our Liberty

July 4, 1776: If these farmers, merchants, and scholars were not ready, they got ready ,,,in a minute!

From the Revolution agaist tyrany, to the Surge that made a nation free. To ridding godless terrorists in Afghanistan; after having helped to save Europe and the world from a massive global holocaust while losing our loved who did not survive our own holocaust at Omaha Beach, the Americam soldier, sailor, coast guardsman, Air Force airman and fighter/bomber pilot, and including the Merchant Seaman, is ready in a minute to take arms to keep our country safe from those who have no conscence and would just as soon shoot, stab, skewer, hang, or saw us in half, as look at us ...after laughing at attempts to negotiate.

Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775, delivered a speech to Colonial delegtes to vote on being independent colonies. Only the last part is presented here.

"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace! Peace!" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Thank God for the spirit of '76 ...still alive through all of our mistakes and controversies. Pray without ceasing for our brave professional troops who are giving all they have - and for their families.

Celebrating Our Nation's Independence since July 4, 1776.

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"Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:" (Job 22:15-16)

Blessay #226

(A revision of a much earlier Blessay by Pastor Bulldog)

FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his BENEFITS:” (Psalm 103:2)

One of the sweetest sights I have seen in our 62 years of marriage is that of Helen reading her large print Bible: in the dining area with her cup of coffee; in her recliner until she drops off to sleep; or on the side of her bed in the middle of the night when she can't sleep.

Often something she reads brings tears to her eyes. "This is so beautiful, I can’t get over it. God gives us BENEFITS. Just think of this – BENEFITS like you get from your employer. It’s just too wonderful.” But that's my girl: the word of God bows across her heart strings, playing them like a cello.

Meditation on the word of God gives cause to reflect on the differences of God’s ways to the ways of the world. Every decade or so, employers deal with employees in different ways. It wasn’t so long ago that human relations people camped on college campuses on recruiting missions, competing for the best brains. Benefits were the carrots of competition to lure them in. College seniors actually made career decisions based on benefits.

And the worst of it is that the whole process of benefits backfired. A recruited “shooting star” got all the benefits possible and some asked for more. Then they were lured away by another company – hop-scotching to mega bonuses and salary increases like the benefit game corporation heads, city managers and school superintendents in moving from job to job; each one giving larger severance bonuses.

How temporal are man’s benefits. As we write, corporations are actually planning to drop health plans and benefits. But with God, His benefits are permanent, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29)

It is still fresh in my mind that benefits in my day were simple: If you did a good job today, you got to come back tomorrow. It was not unusual for a person to be told not to bring their lunch on Friday: they might be sent home early because they would not be back on Monday.

Experts say that benefits or the lack of them can cause job related stresses, which can result in angst, depression, poor diet, and lack of exercise: known factors in developing a life-threatening disease. It is important at this time to remember and meditate on all His benefits, some of which are clearly stated in Psalm 103:3-5:

• Verse 3: “Who FORGIVETH ALL THINE INIQUITIES ...:" The most beautiful words to me are "… thy sins be forgiven thee (Matt 9:2);” “… come unto me … and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28)”. What better BENEFIT? Are you hanging on to guilt, knowing that God turns His head and cannot look on iniquity?

If you have accepted God's free salvation through Jesus, you are saved from the penalty of your sins, according to the word of our immutable God. God has already turned His head away from your sins; they were judged in the body of His only begotten Son as He spoke in agony, “My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” It's over – forget it, God has, why can’t you?! Now, go on! (Accept peace and get rid of stress)

• Verse 3: "... who HEALETH ALL THY DISEASES: (Caveat ... if we let Him) Some people just accept diseases, drifting into stress and bewilderment. They pray and hope for healing, but do not see in their mind’s eye that their request is placed at the foot of the throne of grace. God’s gift of faith is a super charged BENEFIT: On numerous occasions Jesus said, “They faith has made thee whole. Faith is a gift of grace through faith and it comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. It’s okay to say, “Lord, I believe, but help me in my unbelief.” Who can find a better health care plan that makes a person whole?

The administration believes the people’s cry for change to mean, "We have no health insurance but from 'Caesar' (John 19:19)". However, we can trust Jesus: He never sees too many patients, never has waiting lines, is ready to see you 24/7, no price increases; Jesus paid it for you, and He has promised never to drop you. In addition, America has the best health care system and the most skilful and professionally trained health care professionals - IN THE WORLD.

Politicians and humanists who say the government is more capable of seeing to the needs of the people do not understand people or they hope for total control of the people, because the people do not know what they need and the government does.

• Verse 4: “Who REDEEMETH THY LIFE FROM DESTRUCTION ...: Another BENEFIT is sanctification: instant and on-going. New believers are separated from the world at their new spiritual birth, but a discipled believer belongs to the Lord and keeps himself separated from the entanglements of the world, yet having a good report from those without.. Any deviation from the path of being conformed to the image of Christ can and will result in physical destruction and/or spiritual destruction: fellowship with the Lord.

God had a church full of sanctified sheep at Corinth, but they felt so secure that they engaged in all sorts of fornication. The Apostle Paul severely scolded them in his first epistle, telling them to get their act together and to kick out a “black sheep” from the flock, who engaged in incest, to let the Devil's wolves deal with him. But in his second epistle he applauded their repentance and restoration. The sheep of the good shepherd, know His voice and he saves them from destruction of body and soul, and He will rescue them, even if there is only one ... you.

• Verse 4: " ... who CROWNETH THEE WITH LOVING KINDNESS and TENDER MERCIES:” The good life does not exist outside of being a believer in the LORD Jesus Christ. Worldly pleasures are only "the high life," and don't reach any higher than the moon.

Therefore, worldly pleasure seekers have shallow ambitions, temporal at best, and we all are like ants on this small planet, which Almighty God hung upon absolutely nothing and placed His throne in the north over "the empty place (Job 26:7)." Kindness and mercy are from Mount Zion above, on the sides of the north, the place of the throne of God.

The BENEFIT is a crown of kindness and mercy from God the Father, who is spirit, and Jesus Christ, " ... the image of the invisible God … (Col 1:15),” and from the Holy Spirit, "… the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive … but [we] know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:17)." Wear your crown with the grace and love for which it was given (Three benefits for the cost of one).

• Verse 4: “Who SATISFIETH THY MOUTH with good things ... ; When we look at the disciples Jesus picked, we have to wonder at the diversity of occupations and standing in the world: tax collector, physician, fisherman, and others, making a group of future apostles. Good words are good BENEFITS for use at the right time to the right people: those who hearts are prepared to seek the Lord.

The Master told His disciples that He would give them a mouth; the right things to say to the house of Israel that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. The "good things" the Psalmist mentions are those things that are spoken from the mouth that sprung from the heart. Much later, the Apostle Paul gave good news with the gospel message of Christ, dead, buried, and risen. Then he gave an invitation: " ... if you confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom 10:9).

• Verse 5: " ... so that THY YOUTH IS RENEWED like the eagle's.” But when? Israel is waiting for that, "Next year in Jerusalem," and so am I. Here, then, is the BENEFIT tested, in that there is a time of affliction and a time for healing and relief. But, Is it soon or do we wait and wait and wait to feel the Lord's healing touch? Isaiah’s poetic prophecy concerns Israel, but at the same time God gives us the same advice:

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isa 40:31).

Are you waiting? So are we; waiting to run and not faint; my dear wife will run and not stagger or reel or faint ... so we ask when we shall see God? Call me crazy, but the thought of soaring like an eagle gives me quite a lift, and although it refers to Israel’s future, but it thrills me to pieces. I am also lifted when I read Isaiah’s words to Israel, "Thy youth is renewed,." I claim that verse.

Let's see, I am 82 years old, and when I think of Helen and I bursting through the ether in eternity to a never ending adventure of service to the Lord my heart skips a beat. The Bible says that when we see Him we will be like Him, and we shall see Him as He is (1John 3:2-3). He was about 33 ½ years old. My goodness, it will be so good to be 33 ½ again. What a BENEFIT, what a Savior!

What sayest thou? Comments, please!

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Blessay #225

Are You Cast Down? Well, Praise Up!
From Off My Chest, From My Heart: the eMail, By Pastor Bulldog

(Psalm 42:5; 11; 43: 5) “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

Who is this that writes with such flip-flop authority about the downcast and the hopeful; all in one short paragraph? Not David this time, but the sons of Korah, probably descendants of the insurgent of (Numbers 18:8-9): musicians in the temple in charge of the worship services.

Their music is mournful, and their beds at night are soaked with their tears of remorse as they remember life as it was in Jerusalem, the holy city of Zion. No more will they be coursing up the steps to the temple, singing and praising Jehovah God, for His grace and mercy to Israel.

The disobedience and spiritual adultery of the sons of Jacob (Israel) caused God to execute His justice as a holy and righteous God and to carry through on His promises of blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-15) and cursings (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Knowing that Jehovah "inhabits the praises of Israel", their praises became empty phrases of hypocrisy and they were exiled: Israel in the north to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.

Perhaps there is no worse tortured remembrance than that of remembering how it was "when” and how their days could have remained pleasant as a nation IF they had not drifted away from their foundational moral Law of God in obeying His ordinances, judgments, and commandments.

But now they are in Babylon, a strange country, with an even stranger God who sanctions the worst of hedonistic practices and inhuman treatment. They were a nation that forgot God. Having been entrusted with the oracles of Jehovah that were given to Moses on top of old Sinai. They agreed that all Jehovah commanded, they will do, but it did not take long for them to backslide and lose favor with God.

Yet, today we can praise Him as they did: There are millions around the world, Jews, Gentiles, and the Church of God, who hungrily seek to know more about God and beg for Bibles and teachers.

All men are sin contaminated from birth by inheritance, and all who reject the notion of original sin are the best proof of its truth. Yet... You don't have to remain in your inherited sin, IF you are a new creation in Christ.

• You can live free of sin and can overcome its temptation.
• You can be in the company of sinners saved by God’s grace through faith; faith that comes through hearing and reading the word of God.
• You can be among a new people, a spiritual newly born people who will see Him as He is and will gaze upon His countenance.
• You are forgiven IF you accept that Jesus' pure blood of God was shed for the remission of your sins.
• You are free to know the mysteries of God in His dealing with the world. How great is this new world of investigation.
  
  "YET" the Psalmist remembers his calling of God and advises, "Hope thou in God": and "I shall YET praise him for the help of his... countenance?" In the midst of depression the leaders of worship, the godly sons of Korah, wash their faces, put on clean garments, count to ten and say "I will YET . . .".
  
  An interesting word is "countenance": from Webster 1828 Ed. in online "eSword", "Literally, the contents of the body; the outline and extent which constitutes the whole figure or external appearance. [But more appropriately, the human face; the whole form of the face, or system of features; visage."
  
  This first definition not only refers to "face”, but also it describes explicit delineation of the body, or the image of the invisible God, whose punctured nail-scarred hands are stretched out to receive your petition and to give you grace, peace and comfort.
  
  So, why do I get so down and depressed? There is no reason to, when His countenance comes to our aid, eliminating killer stress and setting us upon a rock in peace as we gaze upon His countenance. And we hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
  
  The theme text is repeated almost verbatim in two other passages: The three passages are in two Psalms that could have been meant to be only one. The changes in each passage are made in the last part of each.
  
  (Psalm 42:5) "... for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance".
  
  The reference is to HIS countenance which, after the horrors and heart-sick melancholy of a nation in exile, the Psalmist will be satisfied with God’s face in righteousness: God is righteous, but the Psalmist must have righteousness accounted to him. Then his search to see His face is rewarded and we are embraced with the warmth of His everlasting love in eternity. Jesus sticks closer than a brother, and His Holy Spirit is our advocate and teacher… “Love so amazing, Love so divine.”
  
  (Psalm 42:11) "... for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God".
  
  Again, it's no wonder you feel cast down: STRESS is the Devil's fiery dart of choice, and he does not have to work to hard to hurl it at us. Natural man is naturally sinful and will naturally drift away from God. We let ourselves be exposed to the enemy: We cease from letting God be the Captain of the hosts of the Lord, who LEADS us into battle. "Faithful is He who also will do it."
  
  (Psalm 43:5) "... for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God".
  
  The singers of Israel sang a sad song even after a remnant was restored back to Jerusalem. Life never was the same as in the victorious days of King David and the glorious years under King Solomon. God’s people, Israel, serve to give us warning that God blesses that nation whose God is the Lord, but brings justice on that nation that forgets God and says, “We have no God but Caesar.”
  
  ”The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young” (Deuteronomy 28:49-50). And… that was Israel and every nation in history that forgot God. Who is next?
  
  I look forward to His pleasant countenance in eternity and His intercession for me today. He is my God. Is He your God? "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God" (Psalm 50:23).

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