Facing Death

 As a minister of fifty-six years, I have sat with those living in their final moments. I have conducted memorial services for those who have passed away. I have felt the cold hand of death as it has taken friends and family from this life.

Death is something that we all must face. Facing death personally can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster, with grief, love, fear, anger, hope, peace, and despair all finding a place at one time or another. A range of emotions is normal, but if you constantly feel numb, help is available.

The harsh reality we must confront is that Adam's fall condemned us all to sin and death. There's no escaping this grim truth - we are born sinners destined to face mortality. But don't despair! There's a way out of this dire situation. We must actively seek forgiveness and embrace the gift of salvation. Acknowledging our sinful nature is not enough; we must take decisive action to secure our eternal future. By accepting this gift, we can find unshakeable peace and security in knowing that death has been utterly defeated. The choice is clear: continue living under the shadow of death or seize the opportunity for eternal life. Don't wait - your very soul depends on this crucial decision. Act now to overcome the penalty of sin and claim your victory over death!

The gift of salvation is not a mere suggestion; it's a life-altering necessity for every human being. The burden of sin's guilt weighs heavily on our souls, crushing us under condemnation. But make no mistake, this conviction is not meant to destroy us—it's a divine wake-up call. Confession is not optional; it's the first step towards freedom. We must confront our wrongdoings head-on, holding nothing back. This raw honesty paves the way for true repentance, a complete turnaround from our sinful ways. It's not enough to feel sorry; we must actively choose to change. Forgiveness follows genuine repentance, wiping our slate clean. This isn't a free pass to continue in sin but a second chance to live righteously. Through this process, we experience justification—being declared righteous in God's eyes, not because of our merit, but through Christ's sacrifice. Salvation is the ultimate goal, the complete rescue from sin's power and consequences. It's not earned; it's given freely. But don't be fooled—while salvation is a gift, it demands a response. We must grasp it, allowing it to transform every aspect of our lives. The choice is yours: continue in sin's bondage or embrace the liberating power of salvation. There is no middle ground. This gift of salvation will give you the courage and peace of mind to face death. 

Awake The Spiritual Warrior

 In these complex times, we face suffering in many forms, both on a personal and societal level. Greed and violence are causing widespread repercussions, leading many to feel angry, tired, anxious, and grief-stricken. However, now is not the time to give up. As spiritual warriors, we must stand firm in the face of adversity. Our world needs us more than ever, and we cannot afford to succumb to discouragement or despair. We must transform our anger into action, anxiety into awareness, and grief into fuel for change. The path of a spiritual warrior is not easy, but it is necessary. We must be the ones to shine a light in the darkness, speak truth to power, and embody the change we wish to see in the world. Let's rise, stand tall, and fight for what we believe in. The future depends on our unwavering commitment to spiritual growth and societal transformation. We cannot become so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly value. We are called to action. 

Wake up, spiritual warriors! You've been sleeping for far too long. It's time to rise from your slumber and carry out the orders of your divine mission. The battle rages on, and you're needed on the front lines.

Put on the armor of God without delay. This isn't a suggestion; it's a command. You must protect yourself against the unseen forces that seek to derail your purpose. Stand firm in your faith and be alert at all times. The enemy never rests, so neither should you.

Remember, being defensive isn't enough. You must be on the offense. Take the fight to the adversary, armed with truth and righteousness. Your complacency has allowed darkness to gain ground, but no more. It's time to reclaim what's been lost and push forward with unwavering determination.

The call to action is clear: wake up, suit up, and show up. The spiritual realm needs warriors who are ready to fight, not spectators content with sitting on the sidelines. Your destiny awaits – seize it with both hands and fulfill your purpose as a true spiritual warrior.

Health Update

 I have been a diabetic for over thirty years and struggled with keeping my A1c in a healthy range. This struggle has resulted in not being able to have a knee replacement. Early this year, I spoke with my endocrinologist about possible knee replacement, and he felt that I was ready. I met with the surgeon, and he agreed if I could get all my doctors to sign off on the surgery.

I met with my kidney specialist, who ordered a blood test and a renal ultrasound of my kidneys and bladder. The blood work showed a high red cell, white cell, and platelet count. This was on May 22, 2024, at 9:09 a.m. My platelet count was 1135 103/mm3. The normal range is 150-450 103/mm3. She referred me to Hematology Oncology at Witham. I was able to see them on July 16, 2024. I met with the doctor, and he told me that my platelet count was high and that he needed to determine the cause. He explained platelets are parts of the blood that help form blood clots. Thrombocytosis is a disorder in which your body produces too many platelets.

It is called reactive or secondary thrombocytosis when the cause is an underlying condition, such as an infection.

Less commonly, when the high platelet count has no apparent underlying condition as a cause, the disorder is called primary thrombocythemia or essential thrombocythemia. This is a blood and bone marrow disease. He told me to take an aspirin daily and an iron supplement, and he would see me in two weeks.

The doctor had a family emergency and canceled the appointment. I told the office lady that I was scheduled for knee surgery and needed the doctor to sign off on the surgery. She scheduled another doctor for August 6, 2024. This doctor told me that my blood test came back  with high platelets at 1111 103/mm3, and he would need to do a bone marrow biopsy. The report came back that I had Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also called chronic myelogenous leukemia. It is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood cells. Blood cells that should become white blood cells (WBCs) do not fully grow. These cells do not fight infection like a normal WBC should. They crowd the bone marrow, preventing normal blood cells from growing and fighting disease. I had no signs or symptoms. Many people learn that they have CML after blood is drawn for tests during a regular medical exam. This may have been the reason I lost my little toe to infection. I had over six weeks of antibiotic infusions to treat infection in my foot.

There are three phases:

• The chronic phase is a period of relative stability, where signs and symptoms are minimal. The CML cells are confined to the blood and bone marrow, without spreading to other body parts. This phase is often the most responsive to treatment, and it's where I find myself currently, instilling a sense of hope and optimism.
• The accelerated phase means you have more signs and symptoms. You also have more CML cells in your blood and bone marrow, which usually have not spread to other body parts.
• The blast phase means there are many more CML cells in your blood and bone marrow. These cells have usually spread to other parts of the body, such as the spleen and liver, and they may be growing faster.
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On August 23, 2024, I underwent a crucial iron infusion, underscoring the urgency and importance of managing my health condition. I go back in four weeks to see if the treatment is working. This is all I can tell you at this point. I thank everyone who has voiced their concern and prayers. There are many more people with health issues greater than mine. i am glad this is treatable,

Time To Vote

 As we approach the final weeks of another voting cycle in America, it's crucial to address the pressing concerns that many citizens have about the electoral process. Let's be clear: your vote counts and anyone suggesting otherwise is undermining the very foundation of our democracy. The question of potential civil unrest is serious, but we must not let fear dictate our actions. Instead, we should focus on exercising our rights and responsibilities as citizens.

The weaponization of government departments is a serious allegation that necessitates a comprehensive investigation and accountability. We cannot afford to ignore potential abuses of power, irrespective of the ruling party. Similarly, the influence of money in elections is an enduring problem that jeopardizes the sanctity of our democratic system. It's high time for voters to demand transparency and comprehensive campaign finance reform vociferously.

To those who worry about the "last days of freedom," remember that freedom is not a given; we must actively protect and fight for it. We can safeguard our liberties by staying informed, engaging in civic discourse, and participating in the electoral process. Don't let cynicism or apathy win; your voice and your vote are potent tools in shaping the future of our nation.

Here are five awe-inspiring reasons why Christians should actively safeguard religious freedom:

1. Upholding Biblical Teachings: The Bible teaches Christians to love their neighbors as themselves. By advocating for religious freedom, Christians can live out these teachings and promote a society where individuals can worship according to their conscience.

2. Preserving Gospel Accessibility: Religious freedom ensures that Christians can openly share their faith with others without fear of persecution or discrimination. By protecting this freedom, Christians can continue spreading the transformative message of the Gospel far and wide.

3. Safeguarding Church Autonomy: Religious freedom allows churches and Christian organizations to operate independently without undue interference from external forces. This autonomy enables them to carry out their mission, serve their communities, and contribute positively to society.

4. Promoting Human Dignity: Respecting religious freedom acknowledges every individual's inherent worth and dignity as created in God's image. Christians demonstrate compassion, equality, and justice by defending this right for themselves and all people.

Christians have always been at the forefront of promoting and upholding the value of human dignity. Our beliefs and teachings provide a firm foundation for treating everyone with respect and compassion. Here are five  reasons why Christians passionately advocate for human dignity:

1. Divine Image: Christians firmly believe that every person is created in God's image. This profound belief recognizes the inherent worth and value of every human being.

2. Love your Neighbor: The core principle of Christianity revolves around loving one's neighbor as oneself. By embracing this principle, Christians understand that promoting human dignity means actively caring for others and seeking justice and mercy.

3. Sanctity of Life: Christians recognize the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. We vehemently oppose any form of violence or discrimination that threatens the well-being and dignity of individuals.

4. Compassion and Empathy: Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, Christians are called to show compassion and empathy towards those who are marginalized or suffering. 

5. Equality before God: In Christianity, all followers of Jesus Christ are considered equal before God regardless of their social status, race, worldly achievements or if they are male or female.

Where Are The Men?

 It's time to face the harsh reality: men have abandoned their crucial role as spiritual leaders in our society. This alarming trend has far-reaching consequences that we can no longer ignore. Men have carelessly turned over the responsibility of training boys to women, leaving a gaping void in masculine guidance and mentorship. The result? A generation of young men lacking strong, spiritual male role models.

Gone are the days when Christian men were viewed as spiritual warriors, standing firm in their faith and leading by example. Instead, we're witnessing a mass retreat from spiritual leadership, with men shirking their God-given responsibilities. This abdication of duty has left families, churches, and communities bereft of the strong, principled leadership they desperately need.

It's high time for men to reclaim their position as spiritual leaders. We must challenge the status quo, step up, and fulfill our roles with conviction and purpose. The future of our faith, our families, and our society depends on men embracing their calling as spiritual warriors and role models. The question remains: will you rise to the challenge, or continue to let others fill the void you've left behind?

Spiritual Warriors

   Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2Thes.2:1-3

Spiritual Warriors are essential in today's church, yet many are missing in action. Too often, believers leave the church and break fellowship with other Christians at the first sign of conflict or offense. This is a critical mistake. We must understand that the spiritual battlefield is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended.

When believers leave the battlefield because they're hurt or upset, they're abandoning their posts and leaving their fellow warriors vulnerable. This is unacceptable. We need strong, committed believers who will stand their ground and fight, regardless of the challenges they face.

The church is not a social club; it's a training ground for spiritual warfare. Those who run at the first sign of trouble are not only failing themselves but also weakening the entire body of Christ. It's time to toughen up, face conflicts head-on, and remain steadfast in our commitment to the cause.

Remember, spiritual warriors don't retreat when things get tough. They dig in, pray harder, and fight smarter. If you're considering leaving your church or breaking fellowship, think again. The battlefield needs you, and your fellow believers are counting on your strength and perseverance.

Defenders of the Faith

 The church today desperately needs more than just charismatic pastors; it requires steadfast defenders of the faith. While spiritual leadership is crucial, we must recognize that the body of Christ thrives when all members utilize their diverse spiritual gifts. It's time to move beyond the notion that pastors alone are responsible for upholding and propagating our beliefs.

We are all workers in God's kingdom, each with a unique role. The church's strength lies in its ability to nurture and deploy individuals who can articulate, defend, and live out the tenets of our faith in various spheres of influence. From apologetics to social justice, education to media, we need Christians equipped and willing to stand firm in their convictions.

Let's be clear: this is not about diminishing the role of pastors. Instead, it's about amplifying the collective voice of the church. We all share the responsibility to actively encourage and empower every believer to become a contender for the faith, ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within them. Only then can we effectively combat the rising tide of secularism and spiritual apathy in our society.