Perspective

There's nothing like the untimely death of a long time friend to bring perspective to one's life. Fifty-two years was not nearly long enough for us to share Becky's vivacity and wit. It grieves me that she had to leave us, and suffer in the process. I hurt for the pain she endured so bravely.

But suffering, as I have to remind myself, is not a bad thing. Not at all. I've learned this on my own cancer journey, though it's hard to explain to most people.

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

Joy in the same sentence as trials? It's true because our concept of "joy" is not the same as God's. Joy is greater than mere happiness, because joy sees the bigger picture, beyond our present gratification. Joy is part of God's eternal plan. We endure today's pain and trials because we know by faith that they are a blink in comparison with eternity. If we endure whatever this life deals us and grow in faith in the process, we have the hope of heaven's joy to sustain us.

Becky had that faith. She now has the joy, the perfect joy that we can't even imagine. That's worth all the pain and suffering in the world.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

The Best Weapon

For a long time now I have debated whether or not to purchase a handgun and take the course to obtain a concealed carry permit. What holds me back is the fact that I don't have great eyesight and that I am a total klutz. I would hate to think that someone's life could be endangered unintentionally.

The Scripture reminds me where the true battle lies: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." II Corinthians 10:3-5

And then I think about Ephesians 6:11-12, where we are admonished to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Our sword, our only offensive weapon? Verse 17 says our "sword of the Spirit...is the word of God."

It's so much more powerful than a handgun, or a real sword, or even a nuclear bomb. "For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

So I've decided, rather than purchase a handgun, I'm going to spend more time with God's word, to increase knowledge, and in prayer, to ask for wisdom and the courage to speak out without fear.

My letter to a local Presbyterian youth ranch

It has been brought to my attention that a group of Muslim youth will be at Mo Ranch during the week of Christmas. Since it is possible that you are not aware of the true goals of Islam, I would like to encourage you to make yourself informed. Their leaders masquerade as a "peaceful" religion, but they are also allowed by Sharia law to lie in order to achieve their final goal of worldwide Sharia law and death to all infidels (which includes Christians, Jews, Buddists, etc.).

It is incumbent upon all Americans, but especially those who claim allegiance to Christ, to educate ourselves about Islam and expose their lies. It is not possible to "get along" with Muslims for they do not worship the one True God, Jehovah. Their "Allah" is a servant of Satan, and we must not be "ignorant of his devices" (II Corinthians 2:11).

The Bible commands us to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).

I pray that you and the leadership of Mo Ranch will look into this serious situation.