The Book of Hope

We meet together on Sunday mornings. For some getting up early on the one day they have to sleep in is a sacrifice. A couple of them come even through they suffer chronic physical pain due to injury and a mysterious illness that promises a headache every day - for years. Two are from military backgrounds and one works through the night, then comes. One has a Ph.d. Some have young children and complicated schedules. A couple are staff members with many responsibilities. Yet they come faithfully for one reason - to be trained to help others by immersing themselves in a year long study of the Bible - the book of hope. Through the Bible we find hope for overcoming significant and massive problems in life. A small list would be self-belittlement, self-exaltation, self-pity, envy, jealousy, greed, preoccupations with self, anger, bitterness, the need to forgive, communication, troubled marriages, difficult parent-child relationships, depression, fear, worry, and anxiety, among others. We learn the sufficiency of this amazing book to address our deepest issues. We find that by studying it's content and taking to heart it's lessons we don't become merely educated or informed. No, there is a greater hope - that of transformation.

The Love Motive

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or clanging cymbal." I Corinthians 13:1 NLT

Knowledge and talent separate from love are annoying. A person impressed with themselves comes across like a discordant violin or as the Scriptures say - a "noisy"..."clanging" sound. It is the opposite of pleasant. We wince inwardly when they start talking.

"If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing." I Corinthians 13:2 NLT

The person of faith - possessing all spiritual giftedness, yet lacking in love adds up to someone who has no value for the cause of Christ. All of these gifts - insight, prophecy, knowledge and faith mean nothing unless we expend them for the uplifting and faith-building of others.

"If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing." I Corinthians 13:3 NLT

God's chief concern is not our sacrifice - He wants our obedience (I Samuel 15:22). This is the true test of our love for God.

We can work ourselves into the state of burn out, but if we do, we've missed the boat. What the Lord puts before us to do we are to perform from an attitude of love. The needs will never let up. Does God appreciate a good work ethic? Absolutely! (II Thessalonians 3:10) But 'hard work' is not the acid test. The acid test is love.

Discovering our spiritual gifts, developing our spiritual gifts - using our spiritual gifts has absolutely no value unless these things are done with a focus, mindset and attitude of love.

Cancer, Depression and Hope

As reported in the Humboldt Beacon on July 15, 2010:
North Coast Group Offers Hope for Cancer Victims Dealing with Depression

The Relay for Life, took place Saturday, July 10th at the College of the Redwoods stadium raised awareness for cancer and for good reason. The American Cancer Society tells us that in this next year approximately 569,490 Americans are expected to die from this disease. While the survival rate has improved significantly with the advances in early diagnosis and treatment, the war to fight cancer continues. The National Cancer Institute tells us that 15-25% of cancer patients experience depression, making their personal fight with their disease even more challenging. A local group to support and encourage cancer victims points out that if you or a loved one has cancer and are experiencing depression, you are not alone, and there is hope.

Depression itself is so prevalent in our culture, but is often unspoken in social circles. There are some stigmas and myths associated with depression. Now, everyone experiences some depression sometime, that is normal, but it is not normal to stay depressed. Having cancer can trigger depression. What does depression look like? Authors Harold G. Koenig, M.D. and David Bieble, D. Min. in New Light on Depression give us a picture. There is difficulty in relationships. People with whom one normally interacts with may feel some awkwardness with a cancer diagnosis. One may not know what exactly to say, so they withdraw, leaving the person with cancer wondering why they are not being supported when they need it the most. Normalcy in social relationships can be altered as the cancer patient may have to leave the workplace, or not feel well enough to attend regular social functions. A sense of loneliness can develop. There may be irritability or anger. The cancer patient may fear death or be dismayed at the interruption of life’s plans. There may be some strong feelings about the changes in body image and self-esteem. Changes in social role and lifestyle may be forced upon the cancer patient. There may be money and legal concerns that add insult to injury.

In addition, there can be problems in sleeping. Depressed people have a lot on their minds, even the fear of losing one’s mind. There can be a complex of new physical ailments, loss of energy, diminished sexual drive, impaired memory and thinking, and a change in eating habits. If the dietary nutrients are absent in the depressed person’s diet, then that too can add to the downward spiral of depression. A depressed person often struggles with feelings of worthlessness.

Jan Dravecky, wife of baseball star and cancer victim Dave Dravecky, fell into the pit of depression as a result of exhaustion, pressures and multiple stressors over an extended period of time. Even though the Dravecky’s had launched a ministry to help other cancer victims, Jan’s determination to stay strong worked against her as she denied the signs of depression that her doctor saw developing.

Clinical depression is a physical condition to which the cancer patient can be susceptible. Depression affects the whole person and responds to a “whole person” approach to treatment. The four areas of one’s humanity - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual addresses depression at all levels.

Steps to overcoming depression start with telling somebody. Having at least one friend – an intimate friend who knows us and loves us is an important part of mental and spiritual health. There is a release in just sharing that burden, and once it is spoken it doesn’t seem quite as dark.

Do see a medical doctor. If there are physical reasons for the depression one needs to address the physical aspects of this condition. A medical doctor can help make decisions about the treatment that is best. If there are questions, seek a second opinion. As depression is unique for each person, the treatment may be unique as well. But there is help available. Do see a medical doctor.

Speak with a counselor and consider joining a support group. Author Carol Lessor Baldwin writes, “We are social beings. We have spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical needs that can be met only within the context of our relationships…Our need to be loved, to be affirmed, to be valued, and to be a part of a group are met in relationships to other people. Relationships are vital to our emotional and psychological well-being.”

Local residents Mary Lou Fisher and Becky Johnson, both who are fighting their own personal battles with cancer, lead a cancer support group through the Hydesville Community Church. Fisher relates, “we share together the often difficult process of coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We are not a group of experts who offer advice on the treatment of cancer. We are a group of people who are eager to listen, to share honestly our own struggles, fears and joys. We have the freedom to rejoice together and to weep together. We will support one another spiritually and emotionally on our journey with cancer so that we can live each day to its fullest”.

Another facet to battling the depression that can result from a cancer diagnosis is to consider one’s thought life.
When we aren’t feeling well physically we can get in the habit of focusing on the negative. Some ways to strengthen one’s resolve include: making a “thankful” list,. release the bitterness, make a choice to forgive, and determine to hold fast to hope. Love the people in your life and receive their love for you. Get involved with the needs of others. There is nothing like immersing oneself in the needs of others to put into perspective one’s own problems.

The following resources on depression and cancer were used in this article and more information may be obtained by contacting the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) and Relay for Life (RelayForLife.org). Book resources: New Light on Depression by David Bieble, D. Min & Harold G. Koenig, MD, The Overload Syndrome, Richard A. Swenson, M.D., Margins, Richard A. Swenson M. D. and A Joy I’d Never Known by Jan Dravecky. For the local cancer support group led by Mary Lou Fisher and Becky Johnson call Hydesville Community Church at 768-3767.

Moving

"And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. God paid a high price for you, so don't be enslaved by the world. Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you." I Corinthians 7:22b-24

In our mobile society the thought to pick up and leave a locale,a job, a church, is pretty common. It is an option for many reasons and as an American in this day and age, we pick up and move a lot.

In Christian service in our desire to serve the Lord, whether as a volunteer or a paid vocation the thought of moving is an option as well. We can sometimes think, "will our service be more effective somewhere else? Will our lives be better and would some of the problems we face be solved by leaving?

Yes and no.

God plainly told some of His children to leave.

"The Lord has said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and to to the land that I will show you.'" Genesis 12:1

"One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Dedicate Barnabus and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way." Acts 13:2-3

However in I Corinthians 7:22b-24 we are finding the Apostle Paul imploring the Corinthians to stay - "remain as you were when God first called you."

Again, in the city of Iconium where Paul and Barnabus were preaching a division came about. It is recorded that some people there poisoned the minds of others against Paul and Barnabus. That turn of events might cause many to leave their current situation. One might think that their time of effective service was over in that place because of these false accusations. How did Paul and Barnabus respond?

"But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord." Acts 14:3a

Although Paul and Barnabus eventually had to leave (a mob attacked them), until the circumstances became crystal clear that they should leave, they chose to stay. They stayed even while under adversity and continued to serve the Lord.

Child of God, if you are wondering whether to stay or leave your current situation and your desire is to serve the Lord, know that God is able to make Himself very clear on this matter.

The important part in all of this is to be actively serving the Lord - giving Him service from one's whole heart. Unless God is very clear about a move or a calling, stay. Stay and serve the Lord where you are with all of your heart..."remain as you were when God first called you."

Pure Ministry

"When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust God not in human wisdom but in the power of God." I Corinthians 2:1-5

The Apostle Paul was an impressive man - well educated, passionate about ministry and responsible for the establishing of many churches.

But Paul knew his success did not come from himself. From his conversion on he was able to focus on this important truth: It's all about Jesus.

I'm sure Paul could have used "lofty words and impressive wisdom" if he chose - but he deliberately decided to focus on Christ alone. He purposely relied on the power of God knowing that human wisdom does not change people's hearts. Only the power of God is able to perform this true miracle.

Paul evidently didn't come with an aire of authority to this group of believers. He didn't use any means that the worldly person would to impress others. Rather it was Paul's goal to point people to Jesus Christ and not himself. That is pure ministry.

Refining Faith

Job 1

The recognition: Have you noticed my servant Job?
The taunt and the challenge: Job has good reason to fear God...take away everything...he will surely curse you to your face
The permission: All right, you may test him.
The disasters: All his livestock (wealth) and his children were killed.
The grief: Job stood up and tore his robe in grief - he expressed his grief.
The worship: Job's response to grief was worship.

"I came naked from my mother's womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had, and the
Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord."

"In all of this Job did not sin by blaming God." Job 1:22

Job's loss was monumental. His life would never be the same. His love for his children and concern of their spiritual welfare was a 'regular practice.' Something that is a regular practice defines our lives. It shows what is most important to us. Job was hit - targeted by Satan in an area that was most precious to him - the lives of and his relationship with his children.

It seems as though his 'testing' was uniquely crafted to try to hurt his faith the most. Job's relationship with his children was intricately woven into his faith fabric. It was his regular practice to interceed for them. He knew their frailty - where they could fall spiritually. That kind of knowledge comes from familiarity. He was their father and understood his children's weaknesses. They were on Job's heart continually.

Because Job was truly a blameless man with complete integrity - as God knew he was - Job's response to tragedy was an expression of worship and trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God. He offered praise at the worst time in his life.

What can we learn? Our testing may well be uniquely crafted to try to hurt our faith the most. God in His goodness would not allow this testing if He did not consider our character of such a nature that it could be refined through the process. One doesn't put junk metal through the refining process for silver or gold. It would have no value in the end.

The most God-honoring and healthy response for us to the personal tragedies in our lives is that of worship. To give God praise in the worst times of our lives lifts us beyond our circumstances.

Lord, thank you for considering our character and faith of such quality that they could be refined. Thank you that our faith is that precious to you. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

In Honor of Those in "Vintage Years"

"I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go. Jesus said this to let him (Peter) know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." John 21:18-19

As I age and as my loved ones age I realize some of the toughest passages to climb come near to the summit. It's later in life that we deal with our bodies breaking down. We lose more friends and relatives to death. Our independence is given up little by little - as we must become more dependent on others.

But to the one who has placed their trust and faith in Christ and has determined to follow Him, the journey also becomes sweeter.

Some of my loved ones up in years are at the "Vintage" time in life. Life has mellowed and sweetened them. There is incredible wisdom and depth to their counsel. The wrestling with ego has been set aside and they are able to revel in the building up of others.

At the edge of eternity the important things in life have come into sharp focus. They know what is important and what is not.

There is generosity, good humor, perspective and loving admonition if we are willing to listen.

Most of the greatest heroes of my life are up in years. They deserve such honor. Thank you Lord for the years you have given them - and the treasure that is ours by spending time with them. Amen.