My journey
July 15, 2009
Thank you, radiation team, for your excellent skills and kind treatment. It has made this process much easier because of your professional and personable attention to my treatment. I will not miss the trips across the river and into the city but you will be missed.
My situation started with two driving incidents in August of 2008. I lost cognitive awareness of where I was. A CAT scan revealed a brain mass in my right parietal lobe of about 5cm. Surgery was in the process of being scheduled, when, on September 28, I suffered a seizure while preaching to my congregation where I have been serving for the last 21 years. My first tumor surgery took place on September 30, 2008. The pathology revealed that my brain mass was a glioblastoma multiforme stage IV. The tumor regrew, as it is determined to do, and I had a second surgery on Jananuary 29, 2009, and my third and final surgery on April 14, 2009. No further surgery seems reasonable since the tumor has regrown in my occipital lobe where I would lose my vision. We hope this chemotherapy and radiation protocol along with the supplemental treatments will continue to fend of regrowth. But with this type of tumor, it is a wait and see.
How does one handle this type of experience? My greatest help has come from a personal relationship I have with a great God. I did not grow up in a religious family and it was not until I was 17 years old that I learned that there was a person named Jesus Christ. As I learned more about Him and the incredible act of loving action on His part to die for me, I gave my life to Him. My life has never been the same since.
I don’t know where you are in your spiritual pilgrimage but I can’t encourage you enough to take a close look at the greatness of God and the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. A great place to start is the gospel account written by John. One of the clear messages is that book by John is that God is reaching out to people with the offer of His transforming power so that we can be all that He has desired us to be.
I am in a win-win situation. Of course I would like to continue life here on planet earth. I have a phenomenal wife, four great kids, three grandkids, some really great friends, and a wonderful church family. I would love to continue to serve people for many more years. I believe that is how God has wired me. But if He chooses otherwise, it is His choice. I have learned to trust in His wisdom. I have said, in the past, on more than one occasion, to my congregation, “God did not consult me when He organized my DNA andHe He can stop my heart at anytime. In meantime, He has the choice to do whatever He wants to do with me. For someone who sent Jesus to die for me, deserves my trust, love, and loyalty. Once my heart stops beating, I know that I will be ushered into His presence. How do I know that?
First of all it is not because I have a great track record or have piled up enough good points. The last time I checked, God runs a perfect heaven and requires perfection for entrance. Like the Philly’s or the Eagles organizations, God gets to choose the requirements for entrance into heaven. Check on the Sermon on the Mount teaching in a Bible. It is found in the gospel account by Matthew., chapter 5-7. Jesus nails the religious by saying that if you want to enter into His kingdom you have to live a right kind of life that exceeds that being lived by the Pharisees.
The Pharisees were the hardest working religious group of that day. But they missed it big because their religion was all external. For several verses, Jesus shows them that righteousness (living right according to God’s standard) is more about what is happening on the inside than on the outside. Who of us can pull off a good outside game while thoughts and attitudes on the inside are pretty horrible. I have good experience in this area. But then Jesus nails them and all of us by telling them finally, “you must be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect”. Ouch! So, then no one makes it, right? No, and here is the good news. What we can’t achieve, God did for us.
If you missed Mel Gibson’s The Passion, check it out. What Jesus suffered was horrific. But the physical suffering was for a reason. In Jesus own words, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom (payment for us because it would have been too much for us to pay) for many.” I know that a horrible death on the cross sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. But sometimes we have to hurt to get better. Isn’t that a part of medicine. Taking chemotherapy and radiation may not be cruel and unusual punishment but if we were to follow the dictum, “do no harm” it might fit in. Hopefully the outcome is beneficial. In the case of what Jesus did, the outcome is definitely beneficial. He paid a price that you and I cannot pay. If Idied for you, It would be a nice gesture, but my death for you won’t get you into God presence. Only what Jesus did is sufficient.
For those of us who like to make our own way, having someone pay a price for us, doesn’t sit very well. But in the case of gaining a right relationship with God, who among us can match His required standard? The last time I checked, there are no perfect people walking around, only those who are deluded and think they are. So God did for us what we can’t do for ourselves. He is reaching out to people letting them know what He has for them. How can you know? I believe that it first comes with a real understanding that we do fall far short of the perfection that makes God, God. Simply put, He is God and I am not. Line up everyone on one side of the Grand Canyon and everyone try to leap across. We may have some Olympic long jumpers among us, but no one makes it across. Again, God gets to set the standard since He is God. What an amazing thing. God sets the standard. His standard is perfection. He expresses His unconditional love (sometimes called ‘amazing grace’) and does the work for us that we could never achieve by any kind of performance record. If that sounds too good to be true, then you are partially right. It is true and it is too good. It is not what we deserve. But that is what is expressed in John Newton’s song, “Amazing Grace.” Check out the lyrics the next time you hear it. Secondly, there is a clear understanding that God’s solution to our separation from Him is resolved by the one and only, Jesus Christ. You may have seen the banners at sporting events with John 3:16 printed on them. Here is the verse from the bible being referred to: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The greatest thing that I have enjoyed is not only the personal relationship with God but also His life transforming power. I have a long way to go but He does do good work, although painful at times, as these last ten months have proven. But It would not trade the things that I have learned. Sure, I would like to learn them another way but it does seem that the best lessons in life are learned through pain. He has been the framework for my life, my absolute reference point, the One who picks me up when I am down, the One who keeps my soul, strong, and best of all is His amazing, unconditional love. I don’t know how He puts up with me sometimes but He does. As a member of His family, He now accepts me because of what His Son Jesus has done. I get disciplined but it is out of His desire to show me how much better life can be when I live by His game plan. At this point in my life, my greatest desire is to honor Him and serve Him.
Eventually, we will all die. The statistics are very clear. The last time I checked, it is 100%. Whenever I end up in heaven, may I tell God that you will be there also? If any of this needs clarification or if you have any questions, email me at: [email removed to avoid spammers]
Thanks again for your wonderful treatment service over these past few months.
Joel MacDonald
68 Holly Drive
West Deptford, NJ 08096
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Southwood letter for July5, 2009
To my Southwood Church family,
As last Tuesday, June 30, officially completed my senior pastor position at Southwood since 1987, where do we go from here? Dottie and I plan to continue in our fellowship with you as health allows. If we are gone for a Sunday it is because of a need for additional rest or catching other friends before we leave the area. We have no definite future time line other than to eventually relocate to the Dallas Texas area where our oldest daughter Kristin and her family lives and where our daughter Kara and her family are planning to relocate. Getting our house sold will be a crucial next step. I am continuing my chemotherapy and radiation treatments and other supplemental treatments. My final radiation treatment is July 15 and I will continue to take the chemotherapy drug for a few months afterward. I seem to be enduring the chemo and radiation well, so far. It will be August before an MRI can reveal the result of the treatment and any decisions for what may continue to be done. This is a tumor that doesn’t go away easily but we trust that God will reveal whatever next steps He has for us. We are resting on Romans 15:13 and seeking to conform our thoughts to the truth found in this passage.
May the God of hope fill you with great joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This journey qualifies easily as the toughest that has come our way. Our deepest desire is to honor the Lord in any way possible as we walk with Him and before you. Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 5:9 grips our hearts. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Dottie and I cannot express enough to you what your prayers and support have meant to us. You are a great church family. I covet for the next senior pastor the wonderful relationship with you all.
Please keep in contact as we plan to do with you.
Please continue to press on as you have done. God has a special plan for the Southwood Church family. People in this community need the Savior that you love. Love and care for each other deeply. Work well with your leadership. Graciously welcome and reach out to people in this community who need to know the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ. Allow His transforming power to work in you each day.
Joel MacDonald
July 5, 2009
As last Tuesday, June 30, officially completed my senior pastor position at Southwood since 1987, where do we go from here? Dottie and I plan to continue in our fellowship with you as health allows. If we are gone for a Sunday it is because of a need for additional rest or catching other friends before we leave the area. We have no definite future time line other than to eventually relocate to the Dallas Texas area where our oldest daughter Kristin and her family lives and where our daughter Kara and her family are planning to relocate. Getting our house sold will be a crucial next step. I am continuing my chemotherapy and radiation treatments and other supplemental treatments. My final radiation treatment is July 15 and I will continue to take the chemotherapy drug for a few months afterward. I seem to be enduring the chemo and radiation well, so far. It will be August before an MRI can reveal the result of the treatment and any decisions for what may continue to be done. This is a tumor that doesn’t go away easily but we trust that God will reveal whatever next steps He has for us. We are resting on Romans 15:13 and seeking to conform our thoughts to the truth found in this passage.
May the God of hope fill you with great joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This journey qualifies easily as the toughest that has come our way. Our deepest desire is to honor the Lord in any way possible as we walk with Him and before you. Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 5:9 grips our hearts. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Dottie and I cannot express enough to you what your prayers and support have meant to us. You are a great church family. I covet for the next senior pastor the wonderful relationship with you all.
Please keep in contact as we plan to do with you.
Please continue to press on as you have done. God has a special plan for the Southwood Church family. People in this community need the Savior that you love. Love and care for each other deeply. Work well with your leadership. Graciously welcome and reach out to people in this community who need to know the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ. Allow His transforming power to work in you each day.
Joel MacDonald
July 5, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Trial preparation
How do you prepare yourself for dealing with a life threatening brain tumor and the many associated consequences, effects, the emotional, mental, relational trials? In many ways there is no way to forsee the impact on your life. Who can know this path until you have been there? Fortunately for those of us who have chosen to make Jesus Christ Savior, Lord of our life, and lover of our soul, we have some anchor points for our heart and mind.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
It is nice to think about having joy in the midst of trials until you are in the midst of trials. I don’t know of anyone who handles “in the midst of” perfectly. Read the heart of the psalmists as they grapple with what they know compared to how they feel.
I have a dream. I would like to run, some day, the 1500 meters race in the senior Olympics. 1500 meters was not my distance in college and my best mile time was 4 min. 44 sec. I think I still have my long distance runner’s heart (low 40's) and still have strength in my legs. One of my doctors has encouraged me to aim at my dream. I think I am doing that when I walk briskly and hike up steps two-at-a-time before me radiation treatments each day. It has also been a good fortitude boost in addition to helping oxygenate my blood for better radiation results. Getting ready for life’s test, and being able to handle them with joy is like training for the 1500 meters. It requires daily exercise and conditioning so that when the race starts, you have the necessary conditioning to do well.
I believe it is the same for our spiritual, emotional, mental life as we seek to live life in a way the honors the Lord. I would encourage you to begin your day and end your day with some contact with the truth and reality found in God’s Word. I believe I can safely say that if you begin your day with the local newspaper and the 11:00 pm news that you will be in trouble when trials hit. The Daily Bread [link to RBC's online Daily Bread]has always been a good resource but let me also encourage you to focus more on the Scripture for each day. Only God’s Word provides the truth and reality that will anchor your life. As you reflect on God’s Word, ask Him to show you where you need to work to bring your life into conformity with His truth and reality. And watch Him go to work even when His work hurts. But the results are filled with His kind of satisfaction and joy.
When I think of crossing the finish line in the 1500 meters and breaking the tape, I weep with joy and gratitude because I know it will have been the empowering, gracious strength of God and to His credit. It will be the same when we cross the finish line for eternity and are finally in His presence. This is the joy that Jesus kept in mind as He enduring the cross.
Daily exercise is no guarantee that you will sail through trials but you will do better than if you do nothing. Your heart and mind will be conditioned to cry out in the right direction and in spite of wandering you will keep coming back to His enduring and gracious strength. Without Him we can accomplish nothing of eternal significance.
Okay, fellow pilgrims, let’s get on with our training. May you find joy in Him each day.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
It is nice to think about having joy in the midst of trials until you are in the midst of trials. I don’t know of anyone who handles “in the midst of” perfectly. Read the heart of the psalmists as they grapple with what they know compared to how they feel.
I have a dream. I would like to run, some day, the 1500 meters race in the senior Olympics. 1500 meters was not my distance in college and my best mile time was 4 min. 44 sec. I think I still have my long distance runner’s heart (low 40's) and still have strength in my legs. One of my doctors has encouraged me to aim at my dream. I think I am doing that when I walk briskly and hike up steps two-at-a-time before me radiation treatments each day. It has also been a good fortitude boost in addition to helping oxygenate my blood for better radiation results. Getting ready for life’s test, and being able to handle them with joy is like training for the 1500 meters. It requires daily exercise and conditioning so that when the race starts, you have the necessary conditioning to do well.
I believe it is the same for our spiritual, emotional, mental life as we seek to live life in a way the honors the Lord. I would encourage you to begin your day and end your day with some contact with the truth and reality found in God’s Word. I believe I can safely say that if you begin your day with the local newspaper and the 11:00 pm news that you will be in trouble when trials hit. The Daily Bread [link to RBC's online Daily Bread]has always been a good resource but let me also encourage you to focus more on the Scripture for each day. Only God’s Word provides the truth and reality that will anchor your life. As you reflect on God’s Word, ask Him to show you where you need to work to bring your life into conformity with His truth and reality. And watch Him go to work even when His work hurts. But the results are filled with His kind of satisfaction and joy.
When I think of crossing the finish line in the 1500 meters and breaking the tape, I weep with joy and gratitude because I know it will have been the empowering, gracious strength of God and to His credit. It will be the same when we cross the finish line for eternity and are finally in His presence. This is the joy that Jesus kept in mind as He enduring the cross.
Daily exercise is no guarantee that you will sail through trials but you will do better than if you do nothing. Your heart and mind will be conditioned to cry out in the right direction and in spite of wandering you will keep coming back to His enduring and gracious strength. Without Him we can accomplish nothing of eternal significance.
Okay, fellow pilgrims, let’s get on with our training. May you find joy in Him each day.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Faith assignment No. 5
Piggy backing on Mark
On Sunday May 4, Mark Crocco delivered a wonderful message on our union with Christ. This such a key topic for all of us as Christians to reflect upon regularly and ensure that our lives are being lived in conformity to this reality. So, how do you do that? I would recommend taking his notes, reading his key points at the beginning of each day and at the end of each day. I would pray and ask God to help you remember that you are crucified with Christ and that the real life that God wants you to live can be lived by only by Christ’s indwelling presence. A even simpler application is to take Galatians 2:20, write it on a 3 x 5 card, pray it back to the Lord, and carry it with you throughout the day as a reminder. A prayer based on this verse might go something like this: “Lord, I want to be reminded that I have been crucified with Christ and that the old me before I came to Christ is past history. The new me that you have made is being lived because of Christ’s resurrection life in me. Help me to continually discover the reality of this realationship and your transforming power. “
Since this is a faith issue, let me repeat a definition of faith that I have found helpful. Faith is believing thatGod reveals through His Word the true picture of reality inspite of my feelings or circumstances.
Let me know how you are doing.
On Sunday May 4, Mark Crocco delivered a wonderful message on our union with Christ. This such a key topic for all of us as Christians to reflect upon regularly and ensure that our lives are being lived in conformity to this reality. So, how do you do that? I would recommend taking his notes, reading his key points at the beginning of each day and at the end of each day. I would pray and ask God to help you remember that you are crucified with Christ and that the real life that God wants you to live can be lived by only by Christ’s indwelling presence. A even simpler application is to take Galatians 2:20, write it on a 3 x 5 card, pray it back to the Lord, and carry it with you throughout the day as a reminder. A prayer based on this verse might go something like this: “Lord, I want to be reminded that I have been crucified with Christ and that the old me before I came to Christ is past history. The new me that you have made is being lived because of Christ’s resurrection life in me. Help me to continually discover the reality of this realationship and your transforming power. “
Since this is a faith issue, let me repeat a definition of faith that I have found helpful. Faith is believing thatGod reveals through His Word the true picture of reality inspite of my feelings or circumstances.
Let me know how you are doing.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Faith Assignment No. 4
This Sunday, most of us will join with others in our church family to celebrate a most wonderful reminder of what it means to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and what He has done to make this relationship possible. When I revisit the original refocusing of the Passover meal, I am both unnerved and comforted. Over the last seven months I have had more than one occasion to ask the question, “Lord, where is this all headed?” The answer is always the same, “Just trust me.”
In the Upper Room Discourse (John 12-17), Jesus announces that one of the twelve disciples is going to betray him.(John 13:21) If I were one of the disciples, I would have recalled anytime that I doubted the credibility of Jesus and would have been unnerved. How do you relate to someone who can read your inner thoughts like an x-ray machine? Many of us have probably thought that he is about to kick us out of his family for some of the nasty thoughts we have had about him. And yet, He continues to demonstrate by grace his commitment to love us unconditionally. In the same context of this announcement of a betrayer, Jesus also showed them the full extent of his love (John 13:1). He surprises them by washing their feet. They should have done this and yet the one who is about to be betrayed by one of them, is still willing to love them. Reminding them to be comforted by the fact that if they can trust in God the Father they can also trust in him. The Jesus they can see is an accurate incarnation of the Father whom they cannot see. If I am going to trust my heavenly Father, I have to realize that He is vastly different than my earthly father. For any of us who have had earthly fathers who did a great job of modeling for us the character of our Heavenly Father, trusting Him is going to be less of a problem. For the rest of us here are some affirmations that may help in correcting our wrong image of God the Father.
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ...
1. distant and disinterested
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
1. intimate and involved (Psalm 139:1-18)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
2. insensitive and uncaring
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
2. kind and compassionate (Psalm 103:8-14)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
3. stern and demanding
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
3. accepting and filled with joy and love (Romans 15:7)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
4. passive and cold
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
4. warm and affectionate (Isa 40:11; Hosea 11:3-4)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
5. absent and too busy for me
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
5. always with me and eager to be with me (Heb 13:5; Jer 31:20)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
6. never satisfied with what I do, impatient and angry
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
6. patient and slow to anger (Exodus 34:6
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
7. mean, cruel or abusive
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
7. loving, gentle, and protective of me (Jer. 31:3 Isa 42:3; Psa 18:2)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
8. trying to take all the fun out of life
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
8. wants to give me a full life. His will for me is good, perfect and acceptable for me (Lam. 3:22-23; John 10:10; Rom. 12:1-2)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
9. controlling and unforgiving
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
9. full of mercy and grace, forgives me when I fall (Heb. 4:15-16; Luke 15:11-24)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
10. nit-picking and perfectionistic
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
10. committed to my growth and lovingly disciplines and prunes me for my good and His glory (Rom 8:28-29; Heb 12:5-11; John 15:1)
[these ten points extracted from Ken Boa and Neil Anderson material]
I hope this encourages you to develop a deep trusting relationship with a great Heavenly Father. When He answers, “just trust me,” I hope His character as a perfect Father will make it easy to trust Him.
Pastor Joel MacDonald
In the Upper Room Discourse (John 12-17), Jesus announces that one of the twelve disciples is going to betray him.(John 13:21) If I were one of the disciples, I would have recalled anytime that I doubted the credibility of Jesus and would have been unnerved. How do you relate to someone who can read your inner thoughts like an x-ray machine? Many of us have probably thought that he is about to kick us out of his family for some of the nasty thoughts we have had about him. And yet, He continues to demonstrate by grace his commitment to love us unconditionally. In the same context of this announcement of a betrayer, Jesus also showed them the full extent of his love (John 13:1). He surprises them by washing their feet. They should have done this and yet the one who is about to be betrayed by one of them, is still willing to love them. Reminding them to be comforted by the fact that if they can trust in God the Father they can also trust in him. The Jesus they can see is an accurate incarnation of the Father whom they cannot see. If I am going to trust my heavenly Father, I have to realize that He is vastly different than my earthly father. For any of us who have had earthly fathers who did a great job of modeling for us the character of our Heavenly Father, trusting Him is going to be less of a problem. For the rest of us here are some affirmations that may help in correcting our wrong image of God the Father.
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ...
1. distant and disinterested
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
1. intimate and involved (Psalm 139:1-18)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
2. insensitive and uncaring
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
2. kind and compassionate (Psalm 103:8-14)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
3. stern and demanding
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
3. accepting and filled with joy and love (Romans 15:7)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
4. passive and cold
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
4. warm and affectionate (Isa 40:11; Hosea 11:3-4)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
5. absent and too busy for me
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
5. always with me and eager to be with me (Heb 13:5; Jer 31:20)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
6. never satisfied with what I do, impatient and angry
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
6. patient and slow to anger (Exodus 34:6
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
7. mean, cruel or abusive
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
7. loving, gentle, and protective of me (Jer. 31:3 Isa 42:3; Psa 18:2)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
8. trying to take all the fun out of life
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
8. wants to give me a full life. His will for me is good, perfect and acceptable for me (Lam. 3:22-23; John 10:10; Rom. 12:1-2)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
9. controlling and unforgiving
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
9. full of mercy and grace, forgives me when I fall (Heb. 4:15-16; Luke 15:11-24)
I renounce the lie that my Father God is ....
10. nit-picking and perfectionistic
I joyfully accept the truth that my Father God is ....
10. committed to my growth and lovingly disciplines and prunes me for my good and His glory (Rom 8:28-29; Heb 12:5-11; John 15:1)
[these ten points extracted from Ken Boa and Neil Anderson material]
I hope this encourages you to develop a deep trusting relationship with a great Heavenly Father. When He answers, “just trust me,” I hope His character as a perfect Father will make it easy to trust Him.
Pastor Joel MacDonald
Friday, April 17, 2009
A note of encouragement to my congregation
I can’t thank you enough for your support through this time of my surgery and medical needs. I would be understating things if I didn’t acknowledge that this has been one of my most challenging hours. But through this have also been some very encouraging and deepening times with the Lord and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to convey some of those to you and enourage you likewise.
It seems that it often takes times of being stretched even to brokenness that God proves His sufficiency and that has been true. The sole sufficiency of trusting in God alone and the reality of His presence has been a constant encouragement. I don’t think I have valued people as much as I do now. Your support and prayers are highly valued. You are highly valued.
How does one get ready for times like this? Let me offer two passages and a word of practical application.
(Rom 8:28-29 NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. {29} For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
(Phil 2:12-13 NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, {13} for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Before you run off and add more to your to do list on trying to correct spiritual deficiencies in your life, I really want to encourage you to camp on Phil 2:13 and Rom 8:29 and by faith daily reflect on the God-side of what He is doing. You have an inseparable relationship with someone who is at work in your life and loves you unconditionally and inseparably. Count on Him to be doing His work in you. You are not alone in this process and guess who is going to be more faithful. You and I don’t have the capacity to do this without His help. Taking time each day will keep your mind and heart focused in the right direction.
I came back from vacation last August, highly motivated to gear us up for a new level of focusing on our vision. I was delighted that the leadership owned the vision as I believe is still the case. That vision hasn’t changed. We are still seeking to build a community to reach a community but I have added some additional words for clarification. We are building a growing biblical community that seeks to graciously connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ with our unchurched community. Building a biblical community means we are anchored on God’s truth and seeking to build relationships, a major theme in the Bible. We have a whole community around us that needs to know the power of God in their life and grow in community. I can’t think of a better place. Churches don’t need a lot of programs but a simple ministry with a focused mission.
Overarching all that has been happening is what God is doing in all of us. We need to stay focused on what He is trying to accomplish and follow His lead.
Pastor Joel
It seems that it often takes times of being stretched even to brokenness that God proves His sufficiency and that has been true. The sole sufficiency of trusting in God alone and the reality of His presence has been a constant encouragement. I don’t think I have valued people as much as I do now. Your support and prayers are highly valued. You are highly valued.
How does one get ready for times like this? Let me offer two passages and a word of practical application.
(Rom 8:28-29 NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. {29} For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
(Phil 2:12-13 NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, {13} for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Before you run off and add more to your to do list on trying to correct spiritual deficiencies in your life, I really want to encourage you to camp on Phil 2:13 and Rom 8:29 and by faith daily reflect on the God-side of what He is doing. You have an inseparable relationship with someone who is at work in your life and loves you unconditionally and inseparably. Count on Him to be doing His work in you. You are not alone in this process and guess who is going to be more faithful. You and I don’t have the capacity to do this without His help. Taking time each day will keep your mind and heart focused in the right direction.
I came back from vacation last August, highly motivated to gear us up for a new level of focusing on our vision. I was delighted that the leadership owned the vision as I believe is still the case. That vision hasn’t changed. We are still seeking to build a community to reach a community but I have added some additional words for clarification. We are building a growing biblical community that seeks to graciously connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ with our unchurched community. Building a biblical community means we are anchored on God’s truth and seeking to build relationships, a major theme in the Bible. We have a whole community around us that needs to know the power of God in their life and grow in community. I can’t think of a better place. Churches don’t need a lot of programs but a simple ministry with a focused mission.
Overarching all that has been happening is what God is doing in all of us. We need to stay focused on what He is trying to accomplish and follow His lead.
Pastor Joel
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Centrality of the Cross
Good Friday and Easter bring to us a reminder of what God accomplished in Jesus’ death on the cross. For any of us (who contemplate a right relationship with God in His terms) are interested in how God wants us to come into a relationship with Him that is free from guilt and punishment. The good news is that God has taken care of everything for us. This is often hard news because we all live in or have lived in performance demanding cultures. Certainly the disciples had their taste of performance demands coming out of a Pharisaic culture. But even today with a culture that demands acceptance by performance, it is too often to feel regularly ashamed because we don’t think we have done enough: attend church enough, been kind enough, served enough, etc. How much is enough? How do you meet the high and holy standards of a Holy God whose standards are perfect.
Test this out on anyone who says that they think that the way to heaven is by living the Ten Commandments, then ask them to repeat them. This can get startling so be careful. A good follow-up is then to turn to the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus nailed the Pharisees who thought they were doing OK but then He took them to the heart of the matter and culminated by saying they needed to be perfect as His Father is. We are done in at the start.
The good news is, although God does grade on performance, it is Jesus’ performance that satisfies God’s demands. The perfection that God requires has been accomplished in the perfect performance of Jesus Christ by His perfect life and obedient death on the cross. Easter and the resurrection is the defining event to confirm Jesus’ qualification as the Son of God to accomplish our redemption.
No wonder the gospel writers focused most of their verses of gospel account on the last week and the cross. No wonder Paul always places so much emphasis on the work of the cross.
Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:4-8)
Or in his letter to the Galatians where he addresses an attempted performance add-on to the purity of the gospel.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20
My favorite is found in Paul’s magnum opus on the gospel (or how does one come into right standing before God?).
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
This is good news. As a believer in Jesus Christ my trust is in what He has done. My right relationship with God is by faith, which if you remember my definitions of faith, is my trust in the truth and reality that God has established and reveals through His Word. If He says that Jesus’ death establishes a relationship of no condemnation, then I can now live with and before Him enjoying life. My performance is one of every growing, every enjoying the greatness of God and His transforming work in my life. Acceptance is full and complete. Love is unconditional and inseparable. This is wonderful good news and a daily joy and expression of worship Remember that the One who knows you best loves you most. As before, let me know what you think.
Test this out on anyone who says that they think that the way to heaven is by living the Ten Commandments, then ask them to repeat them. This can get startling so be careful. A good follow-up is then to turn to the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus nailed the Pharisees who thought they were doing OK but then He took them to the heart of the matter and culminated by saying they needed to be perfect as His Father is. We are done in at the start.
The good news is, although God does grade on performance, it is Jesus’ performance that satisfies God’s demands. The perfection that God requires has been accomplished in the perfect performance of Jesus Christ by His perfect life and obedient death on the cross. Easter and the resurrection is the defining event to confirm Jesus’ qualification as the Son of God to accomplish our redemption.
No wonder the gospel writers focused most of their verses of gospel account on the last week and the cross. No wonder Paul always places so much emphasis on the work of the cross.
Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:4-8)
Or in his letter to the Galatians where he addresses an attempted performance add-on to the purity of the gospel.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20
My favorite is found in Paul’s magnum opus on the gospel (or how does one come into right standing before God?).
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
This is good news. As a believer in Jesus Christ my trust is in what He has done. My right relationship with God is by faith, which if you remember my definitions of faith, is my trust in the truth and reality that God has established and reveals through His Word. If He says that Jesus’ death establishes a relationship of no condemnation, then I can now live with and before Him enjoying life. My performance is one of every growing, every enjoying the greatness of God and His transforming work in my life. Acceptance is full and complete. Love is unconditional and inseparable. This is wonderful good news and a daily joy and expression of worship Remember that the One who knows you best loves you most. As before, let me know what you think.
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