Slapped Up the Side of the Head #239

2 Corinthians 11:23-29                                                           23 Are they servants of Christ? - I speak as if insane - I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure, 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?                                                                         

Ever been slapped up the side of the head? Not literally, but in a figurative way. Something came at you quickly, unexpected, and you were unprepared. Those experiences are commonplace for all, but for some reason few people are really ready. Maybe it was an unexpected report from your doctor. It could be the pink slip the boss hands you on a Friday afternoon. You could find yourself concerned with a close family member who is struggling. The Apostle Paul found himself with more than one of those slaps to the side of the head. He was in prison, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked and in dangers from the unexpected robber. He spent sleepless nights in hunger and in thirst without food and with cold and exposure.

Your struggles and pain may be more than what you are dealing with in your own life. In Paul’s case he tells of the struggles and pain he experienced in his concern for others. He had founded several churches and taught and guided others. The issues, troubles, and sin of the people he loved caused him great concern also.

Maybe today you are experiencing a slap up the side of the head. God will see you through it all. Trust Him. Depend on Him. Love Him. Serve Him. Thank Him. Seek Him and His righteousness and all other things will be added to you.

_____________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings for Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

One of my favorite TV programs is NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigate Services. The boss (Jethro Gibbs) is played by Mark Harmon. He has several NCIS agents 

on his team. The reason I like the show is the relationship between the characters. Gibbs has a way of reminding one of his agents, Tony DiNozzo, who the boss really is. He does that by slapping him up the side of the head. It always gets his attention.

This past week Sandy and I both got hit up the side of the head. Things that we were not expecting came our way. As a result Sandy will be having a biopsy on her breast tissue on Tuesday March 5th. The procedure will take two hours. Our prayer is that it is benign and she will not have to undergo any more of anything. Join us in praying. Although I am aware that many people go through biopsies every day, but when it is my wife that gets slapped up the side of the head it sure feels different. She will not be allowed to lift more that 5 pounds for a week.

I saw a liver transplant surgeon today (TR) at 10:00 AM. I Learned that the transplant is not possible due to the type of cancer that I have.  I have always been told I am not a candidate for a transplant, but decided to still meet with the doctor to just see if it is a possibility. 

Monday I will have an EUS. (Endoscopic Ultra Sound) The purpose will be to determine what is blocking my bile duct. The blockage causes me to remain jaundiced and experience a considerable amount of pain. Sometime after the EUS I will have an ERCP. (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) The purpose of that will be to put in a stent in the bile duct. 

Johnny will be two years old on the 8th. The family is planning his second birthday party. I suggested Sandy serve jars of baby food to everyone. Doubt that would go over very well, even with Johnny. I think pizza will be the main dish. 

Many of you have asked about Justin. He is doing fine. Growing very fast and full of smiles. 

All three of the older grandsons: Bennett, Burke and Collin have band concerts and choir concerts next week. Along with biopsies and procedures it should be a very hectic week. I think I am getting toooo old for this. 

In spite of all we are facing we continue to praise God and thank Him for His grace, mercy and love. God is good and He makes me so aware of His presence. I do hope and pray God is alive and well in your heart and mind. I pray you are trusting Him. 

I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding,  in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  Try it!! It works!!  ~ 

DGW