Compassion to Action, February 16
”Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed” (Mark 1:41-42 NKJV).
In today’s scripture we see that Jesus had compassion on this man suffering from leprosy and healed him. He did it with His touch and with His Word. No doubt this was the first loving touch this leper had felt in a long time.
Dancing with Disease, February 15
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 NIV).
After cancer shows up, the last thing you may feel like doing is dancing. It can feel as if you will never get back on your feet again, let alone dance. As impossible as it may sound, God can help you get your groove back.
Romantic Mindfulness, February 14
“How right they are to adore you!” (Song of Solomon 1:4 NIV)
As a cancer caregiver, I could not help noticing that my wife’s cancer diagnosis and treatment took a toll on her own body image. Her self-reflection in the mirror revealed to her that she had cancer. She somehow saw “damaged goods.” Yet, when I looked at her, I saw the same woman that I found attractive and fell in love with many years ago. Same eyes, same nose, same mouth and cheeks and forehead. Same “Tippin chin,” as it’s called per her mother’s maiden name.
Burden Sharing, February 13
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NIV).
Getting Through the In Betweens- Repentance and Restoration, February 12
“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you’” (Luke 15:18 NIV).
Up to now in this five-day devotional series we’ve been focusing on the challenges Jesus and His followers experienced while on their journey to Jerusalem, in between His ministry in Galilee and His death, resurrection, and heavenly ascension. Jesus has led them to understand that a difficult journey is one in which you must keep going. Don’t stop moving forward, even if the future feels uncertain in so many ways. Luke’s Gospel notes at every turn how God prepares us for the future while at the same time traveling alongside us with each step of our own “in betweens.”
Getting Through the In Betweens- Living with Purpose, February 11
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:31 NLT).
A counseling client of mine struggled with depressive illness for quite some time before finally seeking help. As a 51-year-old attorney, he reached a point where he could see little to live for. At one point his family doctor recommended that, due to his age and family history, he should get an initial colonoscopy. At his next session with me two weeks later he announced the shocking news: tests came back positive for Stage IV cancer. A cancer that started in his colon had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver. Initially the diagnosis left him feeling numb, but in his next visit with me he made an interesting comment. “This will sound strange,” he said, “but this cancer is actually turning out to be something of a blessing. Where before I had no sense of my future, now I’m feeling this desire to live and finally figure out what my real priorities in life are all about.”
Getting Through the In Betweens- Grace to Share, February 10
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him” (Luke 10:33 NIV).
Before the cross and the empty tomb for Jesus and His disciples, there was Samaria. The place Jews simply didn’t go through en route to Jerusalem—ever. Jesus led His followers through parts of Samaria, which may fit Jesus’ description of the disciples being “lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3 NIV). Yet Jesus still gave them these instructions: “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house’” (Luke 10:5 NIV). Jesus expected the disciples to be gracious, not abrasive. While possibly still in that region, Jesus got into a conversation with a Jewish lawyer who was following Him. The lawyer asked Jesus which neighbors he was commanded to love in order to inherit eternal life.
Getting Through the In Betweens- Keep Going!, February 9
“[Jesus] sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:52-53 NIV).
Galilean Jews during the time of Jesus were accustomed to traveling to Jerusalem for feasts of worship three times each year. Everyone knew the road. It was the long way around. Go east to the Jordan River, then south, then turn back west and go up the mountains to Jerusalem. Why? Because going straight south to Jerusalem meant going through Samaria, where Jews were not welcomed—any more than Samaritans would be welcomed in Jerusalem.
Yet Jesus, on His journey to Jerusalem, chose not to go around but through Samaria.
Getting Through the In Betweens-Forward with Resolution, February 8
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51 NIV).
Life is a series of what we may view as being “in-between times.” Each new day is another “in-between” day. So, what are you in between today?
The Gospel of Luke views the life of Jesus between His earthly conception and birth and His ascending into heaven (ascension). In the twenty-four chapters between these two events, we find that the last fourteen chapters deal with what is called His “journey to Jerusalem.” Luke introduces this time in Jesus’ life with the words of our verse for today: “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Some Bible scholars refer to this as a “bridge” verse between Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and His heavenly ascension. Across that bridge lay, for Jesus, a prolonged series of “in betweens” and “getting throughs.” In this five-day devotional series which starts today, we will look at lessons we can learn from Jesus as he lived His “in betweens.”
Planning for a Baby, February 7
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV).
The big question when you’re expecting a baby is, “How are you going to fit a baby into your life?” You change your living space by getting rid of your stuff to make room for baby stuff. Your budget shows that you are spending less on vacations and more on baby stuff. And then there’s time. Somehow you will have to fit time with the baby into your already busy schedule.
The Gift of a Handicap, February 6
“I was given the gift of a handicap” (2 Corinthians 12:7 MSG).
We could surely call cancer lots of things: horrible, terrible, hard, bad, a nightmare. We could come up with other words. One thing we probably would not think to call cancer is a gift.
An unidentified mystery illness afflicted the Apostle Paul, the missionary giant of the New Testament. He referred to it as a “thorn in his side” (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). Whether heart disease, kidney stones, appendicitis, neurological distress, or perhaps cancer, the “thorn” caused Paul acute pain.
Paul pleaded repeatedly for God to remove the thorn from his side, but God refused. He had superabundantly gifted Paul with divine experiences and visions. Paul came to understand the thorn to be God’s way of keeping him humble, always dependent on God. Forced to his knees, Paul prayed more than ever.
And God KNEW, February 5
“God saw the people of Israel—and God knew” (Exodus 2:25 ESV).
The motion picture titled “The Ten Commandments” depicted the trials and tribulations of the children of Israel led by Moses. Moses was stirred up by the Spirit of God to lead a people out of slavery to the land of milk and honey—prosperity. The movie is extensive in length but does a great job of painting a picture of the apparently insurmountable odds of freeing what some estimate to be over one million people from the horrors of slavery. Hopeless proposition? The Israelites’ slavery had lasted for generations upon generations. These one million people knew nothing but slavery.
Unspoken Fear, February 4
“Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
I recently read a blog post written by the father of a baby who had undergone treatment for infant leukemia. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine the fear one might have as they watch their child battle cancer. A million times over, I would rather be the one with cancer. Chemotherapy, transfusions, and surgery are scary words. They are even more scary when you consider them for your baby.
In his blog post, he said that his daughter would soon be finished with her treatment. This is a milestone that many people celebrate. A simple search on social media would bring up literally thousands of pictures of happy faces holding up handmade signs. Yet, behind those smiles is an anxiety that many people don’t often discuss. When treatment ends and the family is supposed to return to “normal life,” there is an unspoken fear that grips them.
We Will Enjoy His Presence Forever, February 3
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3 NIV).
What if you could dwell with God? He could be your roommate. You could let Him have the master suite with the walk-in closet and the sunken tub and you take the guest room down the hall. You could make Sunday breakfasts together as you chat about everything and nothing. He’d probably offer you some insight into things you’d never considered. You’d share your favorite music and He’d share His favorite book. In the evenings you’d catch up about how your days went and share any plans for tomorrow. Dwelling with God sounds great.
Simple Tasks, February 2
“‘What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ ‘The first,’ they answered. Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you’” (Matthew 21:28-31 NIV).
“I WILL NOT GO TODAY!” I yelled, as my head swam and my gut was churning. “WELL, YOU ARE A TERRIBLE FRIEND FOR NOT GOING!” I yelled back at myself.
Thankfully, no one was hearing this screaming match—because it was all inside my head. But anyone could see that I was agitated. I had these fights with myself frequently, because my friend’s stage four colon cancer demanded frequent chemo days. I wanted to be there to support him, but something about his chemo days reminded me too much of my own chemo days. I struggled just to show up to support him.
You Haven’t Seen Nothing Yet, February 1
“I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor” (2 Samuel 6: 22 NIV).
I love this account of David dancing before the Lord! The ark of the Lord has returned to Jerusalem. It is time to celebrate what God has done. But some believe David goes too far in his expression of thanksgiving. Some are shocked and ashamed of his leaping, twirling, and dancing, wearing only a linen garment. Michal, his wife, tries to shame him for his unabashed expression of praise. In so many words, she says, “I hope you are proud of yourself acting like a common fool in front of slave girls!” David’s reply is priceless. He retorts, “I will become even more undignified than this” (2 Samuel 6:22a). In effect, David says, “If you think my dancing was shameful, you haven’t seen nothing yet! I will continue to enthusiastically praise God for what He has done!”
God Sees You from Beginning to Eternity, January 31
”He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity into the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
God sees you from beginning to eternity. Scripture tells us that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived! Honestly? Just the thought of being given the title of wisest man to ever live is too much for me to grasp. Solomon, when asked by the Lord what he desired, asked for wisdom instead of silver and gold or riches untold. Fortunately for us, Solomon was moved by the Spirit of God to share his wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes.
On Wings Like Eagles, January 30
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).
Endless hospital visits for blood draws, scans, and appointments. Emotional ups and downs. Medications that cause debilitating fatigue. Facing your own mortality. As you deal with the disease, you may discover a weariness beyond anything you have ever experienced.
God’s chosen people, the Israelites, tried to stand up against the attacks of other nations, but their resistance proved futile. Powerful, overwhelming military powers conquered their country. Most survivors were forced to leave their homes and travel to live in far-off countries as exiles. Many lives were lost.
At the Most Unlikely Moment, January 29
“For when we were still without strength [helpless], in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6 NKJV).
I just got off the phone with my friend Mike, whose wife is finishing the process of chemo and radiation treatment. He told me, “When a buddy of mine found out what we were facing, he warned me that ‘this is going to be hard.’” Mike said he nodded his head and thanked his friend for the information, but he had no idea what his friend was talking about. Later in the treatment process, Mike called his buddy back and asked what he had meant. He answered, “At times you might feel helpless and exhausted. It is the daily grind that can wear you down.”
I Don’t Want to Go to a Cancer Group, but I Will, January 28
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).
“Sweetheart, how about we sign up for this class at the Kettering Cancer Center called ‘Seeing God in Your Cancer Journey’? It’s a weekly class for ‘only’ eight weeks, and the description mentions some topics that might help us work through your new diagnosis.” My husband, Mark, then asked what day of the week the classes would be, and I told him … Thursdays. (I already knew that was the same night as his band practices. Those nights were good for his soul and helped him unwind from his stressful and sometimes grueling job as a UPS driver.)