“We felt the joy of the Lord, and people came out more grateful than when they came in,” enthused Eriberto and Elena Gomez as they departed the Community in Unity Thanksgiving Celebration.

Success, Success, Success, best describes the event “One Community in Unity ’’ hosted by the Church of the Living Water of Muscatine on Wednesday. November 24, 2021 from 5pm to 8: 30pm.

This event was the dream of Pastor Mark Anderson to reunite the local churches for a Thanksgiving Eve community service. This dream was brought to life by Pastors Ethan Anderson (Church of the Living Water), Terry Warnstaff (Torre Fuente (Strong Tower) Church, English services, Ray Oehme of the Vineyard Church, and Lt. Greg Brock of the Salvation Army.

The event started with intercessory prayers from 5pm-6 pm lead by Tom Lee of Living Water, assisted by Rev. Kevin Powell of Trinity Episcopal Church and the amazing prayer warrior team of Adam and Noemi Santiago from Torre Fuente Church.

Pastor Ray Oehme from Vineyard Church led a community-based band which provided the praise and worship for the evening.

Rather than a sermon, several local pastors interspersed the outpouring of praise and gratitude with short snippets of Scripture and encouragement.

Pastor Brian Oliver of Wesley United Methodist reminded the churches that “God will supply your needs, the secret is contentment.”

LT. Elizabeth Brock of Salvation Army reminded all to let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Chino Jimenez of Calvary Baptist Church with help from Ethan Anderson got people laughing and reminded everyone that it is okay to be thankful for the little things.

The excitement of unity among the churches coupled with the outpouring of gratitude and praise to God caught up the people in an ecstacy of joy that prevailed over the gathering.

We captured some comments following the gathering:

Denise Williams, “God is good all the time.”

Morris Nunn, “It’s a blessing to get the community together.”

Richard Nazareth, “Loved it, an answer to prayer, denominational walls have fallen.”

And Eriberto & Elena Gomez, “An atmosphere of Christian unity, we felt the joy of the Lord,”

The evening ended with an array of pies and cakes for the pleasure of all the attendees. Lori Lotz summed up the attitude of the evening as she experienced the joy and unity of the churches, “We should do this every year!”

War on cancer? The above quote from Dr. Linus Pauling requires a pause. . . .and a cause to think. Let’s examine the history of this “war.”

In 1970, the American people made clear their desire for a cure for the second-leading cause of death in the United States. President Nixon responded during his January 1971 State of the Union address: 

“I will also ask for an appropriation of an extra $100 million to launch an intensive campaign to find a cure for cancer, and I will ask later for whatever additional funds can effectively be used. The time has come in America when the same kind of concentrated effort that split the atom and took man to the moon should be turned toward conquering this dread disease. Let us make a total national commitment to achieve this goal.”

President Richard Nixon

On December 23, 1971, President Nixon followed through on his promise as he signed the National Cancer Act into law, declaring, “I hope in the years ahead we will look back on this action today as the most significant action taken during my Administration.”

So far, so good . . .

At least 2 bilion dollars are spent annualy to fund the “war on cancer.”

But Dr. Linus Pauling Says

Linus Pauling, PhD and two time Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, one of the founders of quantum chemistry and molecular biology and also a peace activist, criticized most cancer research being done. “Everyone should know that most cancer research is largely a fraud, and that the major cancer research organizations are derelict in their duties to the people who support them.” 

The U.S. General Accounting Office Exposes the National Cancer Institute

The age adjusted total cancer mortality rate climbed steadily for decades until the early 1990s, when the rate started to fall slowly, due largely to reduced smoking. To encourage continued support for cancer research, now exceeding two billion dollars annually in the U.S. alone; researchers and administrators have misled the public.

In 1987, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) found that the statistics from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) “artificially inflate the amount of ‘true’ progress”, concluding that even simple five-year survival statistics were manipulated. The NCI termed five-year survival a “cure” even if the patient died of the cancer after the five-year period.

Also, by ignoring well known statistical biases, the NCI falsely suggested advances had been made in certain cancer therapies. 

The U.S. General Accounting Office is non-partison and generally regarded as reliable.

So Is There a War on Cancer?

Dr. Pauling and the GAO dispute the “war” or at least the effectiveness of it. As someone who has lived inside the cancer world, I have come to regard the war on cancer as common cancer myth #4.

My next post is myth #5: Cancer is caused by a demon. If you are a Spirit-filled believer in the bible, this post could be a life-changer.

Modern medicine effectively treats cancer–True or False?

This may shock a lot of people, but let the truth be known.

One of the best large-scale studies on the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments was published in 2004. Keep in mind that chemo remains the main weapon in the cancer war. It is used in 75 percent or more of cancer treatments.

This study was not conducted by some bitter scientist, but by two highly respected oncologists from Australia. They simply looked at the results of every randomized, controlled clinical trial performed in the U.S. between 1990 and 2004 which reported a statistically significant increase in five-year survival due to chemotherapy.

That is, they looked at the number of cancer patients who survived more than five years (the conventional medical definition of success) following diagnosis and treatment. Here are the results:

Bladder 00.0%

Kidney 00.0%

Melanoma 00.0%

Multiple myeloma 00.0%

Pancreas 00.0%

Prostate 00.0%

Soft tissue sarcoma 00.0%

Unknown primary site 00.0%

Uterus 00.0%

Stomach 00.7%

Colon 01.0%

Breast 01.4%

Head and neck 01.7%

Lung 02.0%

Rectum 03.4%

Brain 03.7%

Esophagus 04.9%

Ovary 08.9%

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 10.5%

Cervix 12.0%

Testis 37.7%

Hodgkin’s disease 40.3%

Overall survival rate for American adults 2.1%

What is the Modern “Track Record” of Chemo, Radiation, and Surgery?

Now with modern advancements in medicine, one would thnk that the “Big 3′ have improved the prognosis for cancer, right? Aren’t’ we curing a greater percentage of people with cancer now as compared to 1950?

The answer is a resounding “NO!” As a matter of fact, the track record of the “Big 3” is so pathetic that the Cancer Industry considers it a “success” if the survival rate of patients who take the “Big 3” actually matches the survival rate of patients who do nothing at all!

Each of those treatments is invasive, has devastating side effects, and treats only symptoms, not the cause of the cancer.

Cancer–Step Outside the Box, Page 109

The above quote comes from Ty Bollinger who wrote the forward for my Answer for Cancer: 9 Keys. Actually, Ty’s book is better and more thorough than my book. If you or someone you know is struggling with a cancer diagnosis, get Cancer-free, Step Outside the Box.

What Oncologists Know But Never Tell

The McGill Cancer Center in Montreal, Quebec, one of the largest and most prestigious cancer treatment centers in the world, did a study of oncologists [cancer treatment doctors] to determine how they would respond to a diagnosis of cancer.

On the confidential questionnaire, 58 of out of 64 oncologists (91%) said that ALL chemotherapy programs were unacceptable to them and their family members. The overriding reasons they gave for this decision were that the drugs are ineffective and have an unacceptable degree of toxicity.

Cancer-free, Your Guide to Gentle, Non-toxic Healing, page 74

Doctor, Would you take Chemotherapy?

A similar and more recent study conducted by the Los Angeles Times found that 75% of oncologists stated that chemotherapy and radiation were unacceptable as treatments for themselves or their families.

Cancer-free, Your Guide to Gentle, Non-toxic Healing, page 74

Does Modern Medicine Effectively Treat Cancer?

Why is the survival rate for cancer so low?

Why does cancer almost always come back after treatment?

Why do most oncologists refuse chemotherapy for themselves and their families?

Why did President Ronald Reagan go to Germany for his cancer treatment? What treatments are other nations using to fight cancer?

What natural treatments are proven effective against cancer?

We need to do some serious thinking about cancer and modern medicine.

Continued Next Week–Myth #4: There is a War on Cancer

This dangerous yet far-too-common myth is a huge fallacy leading to the premature death of cancer patients. It contributes to misspent millions of dollars. Thousands of loved ones suffer and subsequently die because of this generally accepted myth.

In my own case, I accepted six rounds of chemotherapy. The chemo treatment was effective to reduce the lumps in my lungs. The oncologist and the head nurse actually used sthe word “cure” to describe my condition. They were encouraging and I was relieved. I sent out a newsletter on this site announing to my friends and the entire world that I was now cancer-free!

I was ecstatic. I felt much better and made plans sto return to normal life.

But . . .

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

I was doing my best to return to normal life. After thirty days I went back to the clinic for my checkup. I will never forget the shock.

In just thirty days following chemo treatments, the doctor discovered a tumor the size of a tennis ball in my left lung! Cancer had returned with a vengeance!

My world was shaken. I didn’t know what to do. One oncologist wanted to cut my rib cage and remove a lobe of my lung. My regular oncologist gave me a ten percent chance of survival.

For my part, I determined that, if I were to survive, I would have to find something better than conventional medicine.

What Was the Problem?

The problem was the doctors, using chemotherapy, had removed the original tumors and had successfully shrunk the lumps, but they did not stop the cancer. Cancer is not a tumor. The tumor is merely the symptom of the cancer.

But don’t take my word for it. Listen to doctors who are actually curing cancer.

The trouble with chemotherapy, and conventional treatments, is they have no effect on cancer stem cells. They only kill the daughter cells–the cells that are produced by them. So the tumor will shrink, and they’ll claim success, but you haven’t killed the stem cell. So it all just comes right back. And what they found is when it comes back, it comes back infinitely more aggressive than it did before.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D., neurosurgeon

. . .when you do surgery or chemo or radiation . . . your’re not getting rid of the cancer.

Dr. Bita Badakhshan, M.D. Center for New Medicine

What is Cancer?

Cancer is not a lump or bump. The tumor is merely a symptom of the cancer, not the cancer itself. In fact, the tumor may even be beneficial because it’s an outward sign that the disease, the actual cancer is active in the body.

Unfortunately, many in the medical profession have adopted this dangerous myth, “cancer is a tumor.” The myth becomes dangerous when it is perpetrated on the unsuspecting patient and populace.

While other explanations for cancer exist, my favorite is “Cancer is an accumulation of toxins that overwhelm the immune system to such an extent that the immune system can no longer overcome the toxins.

Further Thoughts about Dangerous Myth #2: Cancer is not a Lump or Bump

Let’s not blame the medical profession. Doctors are doing their best. Physicians are generally sincere caregivers who are only practicing what they were taught in medical school. Give them a break: Nobody knows everything.

Also, be aware. Cancer is a lifestyle disease. As such, it generally takes a lifestyle change to get rid of cancer. It’s easier to pop a pill or even get a minor surgery than to deal with the cause of the cancer. Let’s try to go to the root cause of the disease for a lasting remedy.

To Be Continued Next Week–Dangerous Myth #3: Modern Medicine Effectively Treats Cancer

Dangerous Myth #1: There is No Cure for Cancer

This dangerous myth drives the newly-diagnosed cancer patient to despair. It cuts down the faith of Bible-believing Christians. It encourages intelligent people to let doctors cut out their organs and body parts (rarely necessary). It leads naïve people (like me when I was initially diagnosed with cancer) to suffer through chemotherapy.

Let’s bury this deception in its proper grave right now. It’s a lie from the Father of lies, the devil.

Dangerous Myth Debunked: There is a Cure for Cancer–in fact, Over 300

Over 300 proven cancer cures exist (Cancer–Step outside the Box, p 31). I will comment on just two that I know well. I took them every day as part of my cure. Now I take them every day as prevention.

The Budwig Diet

This diet is far and away the most successful anti-cancer diet in the world. What she [Dr. Johanna Budwig] has demonstrated to my initial disbelief but lately, to my complete satisfaction in my practice is: Cancer is easily curable. The treatment is dietary/lifestyle, the response is immediate; the cancer cell is weak and vulnerable; the precise biochemical breakdown point was identified by her in 1951 and is specifically correctable, in vitro (test tube) as well as in vivo (real)

Dan C. Roehm, M.D., FACP, oncologist and former cardiologist

Here’s an added quote from another noted doctor.

A top European cancer research scientist, Dr Johanna Budwig, has discovered a totally natural formula that not only protects against the development of cancer but people all over the world who have been diagnosed with incurable cancer and sent home to die have actually been cured and now lead normal healthy lives.

Robert Willner, M.D., Ph.D.

Essiac Tea

The personal physician for President John F Kennedy made the following statement:

Essiac is a cure for cancer, period. All studies done at laboratories in the United States and Canada support this conclusion.

Charles A. Brusch, quoted from the Essiac Handbook by James Percival

Each of these cancer cures are described in my Answer for Cancer book. Both are made of natural ingredients and precipitate gentle, non-toxic healing. In addition, they are inexpensive.

If you haven’t already, lay aside the dangerous myth that cancer is not curable. The truth is cancer is curable. You can be healed. Cancer is not a death sentence. I know. I was healed from stage 4 inoperable cancer in 2014. Praise God!

To Be Continued Next Week–Dangerous Myth #2 Cancer is a Lump or a Bump

What’s the meaning of the crushing stone cut out without hands? Dan 2:34

We best find out. Here’s the key to nation-building. Here’s the key to understanding and interpreting both history and current events.

The “cut out stone” cuts down kings and the most powerful nations on earth.

What (or Who) is the Crushing Stone Cut Out without Hands?

The “Stone” is Jesus. He is also the living stone (1 Pet 2:4), the cornerstone (1 Pet 26), the precious stone (1 Pet 2:6), the choice stone (1 Pet 2:6), the rejected stone (1 Pet 2:7), the stumbling stone (1 Pet 2:8), the capstone [of the church] (Zech 4:7), the rock of offense (1 Pet 2:8, Rom 9:33), and the stumbling block of the Jews (1 Cor 1:23).

just as it is written:
“BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE,
AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.”

For Daniel and for all the ages, Jesus is the Crushing Stone and the Leveler of the nations and their rulers.

No nation lasts forever on earth, except one: Israel.

The crushing stone cut out without hands is the supernatural Son of God. His origin is eternal, “cut out without hands,” that is, without human agency. He is immortal, invisible, the only wise God.

Remember Him.

He crushes the most powerful nations on earth. In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, He removed the super powers of the centuries–Babylon, the Medo-Persian Empire, Greece, Rome and it’s successor countries.

He’s the Super-crusher who is “cut out by God” to enable all to see that God’s Kingdom is superior to all the other God-ordained nations of the earth.

Christianity tops nationalism; love of Christ tops love of country; the hegemony of Christ endures beyond the hegemony of the USA, Mexico, China, and every other nation.

All nations, all kingdoms will fade and fail, but the kingdom of God will endure forever.

Are Nations Evil? Is Nationalism Anti-God?

No, not according to the God of the Bible.

and He [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.

Acts 17:26 NASB20

This Scripture shows clearly God made every nation: that He sovereignly chose the years of their birth and demise: that He appointed the boundaries [borders] of each nation..

Furthermore, Revelation 7 indicates each nation and each language is so important to God that each one is represented in eternity.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;

Revelation 7:9

Kingdoms, countries, borders, languages are all essential pieces of God’s sovereign plan for salvation of the inhabitants of the world.

Yet, in the end, God’s kingdom–the kingdom of The Crushing Stone Cut Out without Hands–overrides and surpasses all.

Photo by Chris Coe on Unsplash. Thanks, Chris.

Are you a believer or a disciple? Jesus showed the difference between a believer and a disciple in the book of John.

John recorded three times Jesus focused on discipleship:

Definition of a disciple

Distinctive mark of a disciple

Proof of a disciple

Definition of a Disciple

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples (John 8:31).

Jesus was talking with believing Jews. He wanted to lead them on to greater grace. The key for believers to become disciples is to continue in His word. His word, of course is primarily the Bible. It can also be His spoken word, or the word of the Holy Spirit. Either way, disciples are those who abide in, continue in, stay in, spend time, remain in, live in His word. In a practical sense, this means having a daily time in the Bible and doing what He says.

I often say to people, “It doesn’t matter how much you read; just that you read something every day.”

Are you a believer or a disciple? Jesus is filled with grace and truth. His speech to the believing Jews was meant to lead them to become true disciples.

Many believers struggle and fail to establish a daily time in God’s word. Here’s a promise: His grace (His power) will give you the ability to cross the threshold. He will help all who struggle to have a regular devotional time because this is His will.

God definitely desires to have a daily appointment with you in His word.

Choose a definite time and place to meet with God. He loves this.

Choose a definite place, for example, a favorite chair. Then choose a definite time, for example just before bed, or just after breakfast. It’s best to hook this time to something you do regularly every day. Then agree to meet with God at that appointed time.

Within the past 10 days I have prayed with six adults who chose a definite time and a definite place and agreed to let God meet them there. In following up with 5 out of the 6, each had met regularly with God at the scheduled time and place. God’s grace is powerful to turn believers into disciples.

Distinct Mark of a Disciple

By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another (John 13:35).

Love is the hallmark of a true disciple. His word empowers us to do what love requires–forgive, protect, serve and help other believers. Notice this command of Jesus is to love “one another,” not necessarily outsiders at this point.

Proof of a Disciple

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples (John 15:8).

The Bible speaks of various kinds of fruit. Literal fruit (apples and bananas), figurative fruit (souls for the kingdom,etc.) and fruit of the womb (children).

Much fruit provides evidence that we are disciples of Jesus. In the context, much fruit is based on prayer. He said, If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you John 15:7. He trusts this amazing promise–not to everyone–but to those who continue in His word!

Why is Discipleship Important?

Believers go to heaven; disciples get rewards in heaven. Believers get to heaven; disciples get treasure in heaven. Let’s not take this lightly. Jesus referenced reward (treasure) in heaven nine specific times in His famous Sermon on the Mount. Moses was motivated by reward (Hebrews 11:26).

Grace is Here to Help

At one point in my life, I wanted to meet with God at 5 am. It was “no can do” morning after morning. Finally, I started asking God for help. Still couldn’t wake up to keep the 5 am goal. But I sensed grace was building. It was like a glass was slowly filling. I kept praying for God’s grace. A few more days of waiting and praying ensued. I could feel the time was coming. I became excited.

As I kept calling out for grace to meet the 5 am hour, one day I sensed the glass was full. From that day onwards, worked! It seemed easy to wake up and get up. It was grace poured out,

I am reminded, Apart from Me, you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Are you a believer? Or a disciple?

Why have more kids? You might be surprised. Here are 9 Bible reasons to have more kids.

1 What is the Great Commission?

Many would say, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations . . .Matt 28:19

Yes; however, that is the Second Great Commission.

The First Great Commission is found in Genesis 1:28: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it.

This first, great command from God to all mankind takes precedence over all others. It has never been rescinded, removed or changed. It is the original great commission to all humans and still tops God’s priority list.

2 Why does God want married couples to have more babies?

Babies fulfill God’s nature. Is that a surprise? Immediately after making humans into His image male and female, Gen 1:27, He happily commands, Be fruitful and multiply Gen 1:28. In other words, Make more babies–a lot more babies! God, the great Father appears emotional about this. He doesn’t tack on procreation as an afterthought. No, It’s right there at the forefront. He is clearly passionate about this. Multiply, and fill the earth. He’s not just saying add; rather, multiply! and don’t stop until all the earth is filled!

God’s nature is expressed as male and female. God’s nature is shown by His command to make more human babies. God’s nature is revealed in our human sexual drive.

Why have more babies? Because when we do, we are fulfilling God’s nature. We are satisfying the God Himself who created us. His twin aims? Populate earth and populate heaven.

Why have more babies? Because when we do, we are fulfilling God’s purpose for us. This is the reason He created us.

3 Why More Babies? Because to him who has shall more be given

Not just more babies, but more everything!

Want more blessings? Of course you do.

Kari and I learned this principle long ago. When someone offered to give us clothes for the family we said, “OK, thank you!” But if we said, “No, we don’t need any more clothes,” they probably never offered us anything in the future.

This is a Godly principle of Kingdom living: For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away (Matt 25:28).

Let me make this principle clear. We are not talking only about more children, but about more of every blessing of God.

Under God’s provision, we are either gaining or losing each day. Either growing or shrinking. God is a Giver–a superabundant Giver. When He finds someone willing to receive in one area, He willingly gives in all other areas.

It has been hard for me to learn to receive. One of the secrets of faith: Learn to freely receive. The result? We will never lack something to give.

I could not write this except for my wife, Kari. She wanted 12 children. Due to my past, I thought 3 was enough for us. We had a strong disagreement. I could see trouble brewing. Kari challenged me to read the Scriptures. I did, and was convicted.

4 Children are a gift of the Lord Psalm 127:3

If the Governor of your state wanted to give you a gift, would you turn him down?

Let’s Pause for a Moment

Some people want more children but are not married, unable to conceive or bring children to birth. Some of us are past the childbearing stage. We can’t go back. What we can do, however, is encourage young couples to submit child-bearing decisions to God. Who is Lord in this matter?

My pastor was our pre-marital counselor. If he had shown us these Bible reasons to have more kids, it would have been a huge help to our life and marriage.

This message–reasons for married couples to receive more babies–should not be controversial. It’s Bible living 101.

5 The fruit of the womb is a reward Psalm 127:3

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth; Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate Psalm 127:3-5.

A singular cause of male insecurity is not doing what the Bible says. A remedy for a married man who does not feel successful is to have more children. Children are part of our manly weaponry. Think about it. . .

6 Having many kids glorifies God John 15:8

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit John 15:8

In Scripture there are several kinds of “fruit.” Fruit of the Spirit, fruit for our labor, natural fruit (think apples), and fruit of the womb (as in Psalm 127).

This is shocking. I’m still trying to process this. We all want to glorify God. And one way to do it is simply to have more kids!

7 Having many children is a proof of discipleship John 15:8

. . . that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples John 15:8.

Strong language!

For some couples this may offer hope: The Greek term used here can be translated become instead of prove. In other words, a young couple who are striving to become disciples of Christ can do so by having more babies, thus fulfilling the original great commission.

8 Why have more kids? So you can be happier!

But don’t take my word for it. Jesus claims These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full John 15:11.

Jesus’ promise is sandwiched between two sentences about following His commands. Many men and women could have happier lives by simply slowing down and having more kids. Are you fully satisfied with life? Are you feeling like there’s more to life?

9 God never intended to spread the Gospel by the Second Great Commission alone

God always intended to cover the earth with the original Great Commission as well as with evangelism. Both are part and parcel of God’s plan of redemption.

Whenever a church or people group practices Genesis 1:28, God multiplies their influence.

The Roman Catholics before the widespread acceptance of birth control

Present day Hispanics

Muslims world wide

China

What will happen when evangelicals, charismatics, and Pentecostals begin to practice the First Great Commission and teach our children to do the same? All of the above groups say, “We believe the Bible.”

There are additional Bible reasons to have more kids. Do any come to your mind? Or do you have Bible reasons to disagree? If you wish, use the comment box below.

Bible reasons to have more kids

Let’s think big–

What a renewal! What a movement! What a cultural phenomenon! America will change. Europe will be transformed. No nation will ever be the same as Christian married couples accept Bible reasons to receive more babies..

The planet will be transformed!

Photo credit from CafeMom.com, the story off Britni Church, “A mother of 11 who is ready for more.”

For behold, the [covid] winter is past,
The rain is over and gone. A new day has dawned.

The blossoms have already appeared in the land;
The time has arrived for singing
And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.

The fig tree has ripened its fruit,
And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance.
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along!

Song of Solomon 2:10-13

The [covid] winter has passed, A new day has dawned. True for the whole earth? Don’t know, but in our part of Iowa, USA, we are praising God afresh. We are smelling fresh fragrance, feeling the beauty of His love, and seeing the first fruits of His produce.

What Does the Bible Say?

Not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near Hebrews 10:25. But we have been told to “stay home and shelter in place.”

They will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover Mark 16:18b. But we have been told to stay 6 feet apart.

We are honest men; we are not spies Gen 42:31. As Christians we place high value on authenticity. We try to be open with each other. Yet we have allowed the mask mandates.

Fear not occurs 55 times in the Bible in that exact form. What will it take to help all of us, including me, to be free from fear?

There may have been a reasonable time and place for mandates, social distancing, and quarantines as “the experts” and all of us were trying to figure out how to cope with the virus.

But the seasons have changed. Now is the time to smell the flowers. The Turtledove [the Holy Dove] invites His beloved:

Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along!

Come along out of your seclusion. Come out from fear and isolation and walk through His vineyard [His church]. The time has arrived for singing.

The [covid] winter has passed, A new day has dawned.

This is not saying that the virus is unreal. I had a friend who died, at least partially caused by the virus. What I am saying is this: A New Day is Dawning. What may have been good for yesterday is no longer the program for today.

Did You Hear the One about the Pastor at the Organ Recital?

After a long days work with his parishioners, a pastor arrived at home.

“Hello dear,” his wife greeted him at the door. “What did you do today/”

“I attended an organ recital,” announced the pastor. I went to visit Mrs. Peabody and heard all the problems with her heart, her lungs, her kidneys, her liver and nearly every other organ she could think of.”

Let’s Quit Praising the Devil

People love to talk about sickness, especially their own. Have you noticed how covid comes up in nearly every conversation? Jesus addressed the problem clearly: Why make a commotion? Stop the toxic talk and let life-giving virtue flow.

“The times they are a’changin,” sang Bob Dylan in his prophetic voice in 1964. True then, and now the prophetic voice of the Turtledove is heard across the land. This is the time for new fruit, new songs, new fragrance, new topics of conversation.

No more devil talk. No more talk about what the devil is doing or has done. That season is past.

Let’s talk about what God is doing! How He is healing. Fresh vitality is on the Divine menu. Fresh vision is the order of the day. Let’s talk about how He is charging us from the inside out. He has brought a whole new atmosphere to the church! Can you smell it in the air? It’s party time in the ecclesia!

Are we open to a fresh heart for the lost? Open to fresh hope? Jesus is issuing a call for happy intercessors. Joy is a fresh ingredient at His table. Miracles and humor are part of His spread. The carte de jour includes gaiety and spice.

The winter is passed. A new day has dawned. Let’s celebrate!

Photo by Mason Dahl on Unsplash

Confession is good for the soul. It is healthful, but not easy.

So here goes . . .

About the year 2000 my wife Kari and I were walking in Zamboanga, a city in the southern Philippines. On the sidewalk lay a man in apparent need. We saw him and continued on, heading toward a marketplace or wherever we were going.

A couple hours later we returned, backtracking on the same route. There we saw the man, this time motionless and mostly covered with cardboard.

He was dead.

We stopped and stared. The bystanders noted our attention and tried to reassure us. “Don’t worry,” they said. There was no shooting, no violence. He only died of starvation!”

We were shocked. No big problem: “He only starved to death.”

What could we have done? We were only visitors in the city. But could we have helped? Could we have carried him someplace before he died? Could we have brought food?

My wife’s reaction was Christ-like. She immediately determined to never again bypass a person like that in need.

But when I had seen him on the sidewalk covered with cardboard, I had felt like kicking the obstacle out of the way and stepping over it not realizing the man was dead.

To my grief and shame, the incident revealed my hardness of heart.

There is none righteous, not even one;

There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God;

All have turned aside, together they have become useless;

There is none who does good, there is not even one.

Romans 3:10-12

I was the man of Romans 3.

So there you have it–my confession. I feel bad about it. The worst part is the hardness of my heart. Groveling in shame helps not a bit. Regret changes nothing.

“Godly sorrow and confession–Come in! Come in and change me to become like Jesus.”

I”m thankful to Jesus Christ and His blood for forgiveness. I’m thankful to my church and close friends and family that I can share this confession and know that you will still love me. You give me confidence.

I have never forgotten that incident on the sidewalk in Zamboanga. As I confess it to God and to you, may God grant me greater compassion to become like Jesus. Yes, confession is good for the soul.

Nick Gavrilov on Unsplash for the sinner photo.