"Daddy, I'm Better! (Romans 5:7-8)

The first time my daughter was seriously ill, she was about 3 years old. She had a bad case of gastroenteritis with diarrhea and vomiting. She was dehydrated but every time I attempted to give her something to drink, she would immediately throw it up. The medicine I gave her was not yet working. I would wet her lips and allowed her to suck on some crushed ice but this did little to satisfy her thirst. Her sad eyes expressed her despair as she looked at me and asked, “Water?”

I shook my head and said, “No sweetheart. If I give you some you will throw up again. We have to wait for the medicine to work.”

Somehow, my daughter understood I loved her and if I gave her what she wanted, it would worsen her condition.

At that moment, I would have done anything to help my daughter. I would gladly have taken her place so that she could be spared her suffering. An hour later, my daughter asked for water again. I nodded in agreement and gave her a sip, dreading the bad outcome. After half an hour, nothing happened. Hopeful, I gave her another sip. Again, no bad outcome. I smiled at my daughter and she instinctively knew what happened. She weakly clapped her hands and whispered, “Yay! Daddy, I’m better!”

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:7-8 (ESV)

Every parent understands the desire to take the place of their suffering child. But would I do the same for a complete stranger? What about for someone who has hurt me or even hates me for no apparent reason? I don’t know if I could. But this is what Jesus Christ did for me and for everyone who confesses and repents of their sins and places their trust in faith in Jesus Christ.  He died for me even when I first rejected Him. I am better because I am saved. Through the experience of my daughter’s illness, I began to understand the supreme sacrifice that Jesus did for me and everyone.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are better and someday will be perfected in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"I'm Pulling the Paper!" (1 Corinthians 15:58)

When participating in a group activity, the ideal scenario has each member enthusiastically and creatively participating; the sum is definitely greater than the parts. Occasionally, there is an unequal distribution of work and some members cannot or will not participate. The leader of the group or company must step in to ensure the project is completed and the workload is equitably distributed.

 

Many years ago, I supervised two of my residents writing a research paper. The senior resident was very smart but lazy. He manipulated and coerced younger residents and medical students into doing all the work for him, but taking the credit for himself. I saw what was happening and intervened. I phoned the younger resident who was being unfairly taken advantage and informed him, “I’m pulling the paper!”

 

He was shocked and dismayed. “Why? It’s a great paper!”

 

“It IS a great paper,” I exclaimed. “And that’s why I want you to get credit for the work you are doing. I see what is going on and have spoken to other junior residents who have been used by this guy. He does not deserve to be the lead author. He finishes his residency in a few months and once he is gone, we will revise and complete the paper and you will be the lead author. His name will not appear on the final publication.”

 

My resident was grateful but I was the one who was thankful. I was in a position to recognize the work he did and rightfully reward him for his efforts that were not being acknowledged.

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

 

The incident reminded me how God oversees all of my life and activities. At times, I feel like the younger resident, used by others or placed in situations when I feel that I have been unjustly taken advantage and my true contributions are not recognized. But my insecurity betrays my spiritual immaturity and lack of trusting faith in God who sees and knows everything that I do. I should cease striving to impress man and be focused upon pleasing God. And when I do, God will pull the paper of falsehood and make sure that my efforts are justly rewarded.

 

Amen!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Plankton (Ephesians 6:12)

I love aquariums. Our family recently vacationed in Monterey, California and we spent a day at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Of the many fascinating exhibits, one that particularly appealed to me was a microscope that magnified developing jellyfish, projecting the image on a monitor. The jellyfish eggs and embryo were interesting, but what really captured my attention were the numerous plankton swirling around the jellyfish. As tiny as the jellyfish were, the plankton were even smaller. And all of this was occurring in a few drops of seawater! I was impressed with the complexity of life that was invisible to my naked eye.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

This vast living aquatic world, existing within a few drops of seawater and imperceptible to my naked eye, is a reminder of the spiritual world within which I dwell. God’s creation consists of the visible and invisible, the material and spiritual. Conflict is present in both realms of existence. The weapons of warfare are different in each but the source of our armament is the same-God. He equips us with all the resources we need to withstand Satan. We have the Bible. We have prayer. And we have the Holy Spirit, who indwells within every believer of Jesus Christ.

Like the microscopic world of the plankton, the world we live in is far more complex than we can ever imagine or see. I must never underestimate its immenseness. I need God’s oversight and direction in my life to successfully live and navigate in the visible and invisible worlds of His creation.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"How Often Do You Wash Your White Coat?" (Hebrews 4:16)

One of the traditional symbols of a physician is the white coat. For many patients, it is more than a symbol. It represents the institution of medicine. The doctor wearing the coat represents the finest and most noble qualities of the profession. It also represents a ready source of infection.

A recent study suggested that the doctors’ white coats, as well as stethoscopes and hands, are a reservoir of dangerous germs. Many hospital and public health infection experts have recommended the frequent washing of hands and stethoscopes between patients. Now there is a similar call for doctors to launder their white coats more frequently. It makes sense. Informal surveys of doctors inquiring, “How often do you wash your white coat?” have yielded surprising results, with more than half wearing their white coats five times or more before being laundered.

A symbol of confidence and assurance has become a source of uncertainty and fear.

As I reflected upon this, I realize that many symbols in my life have undergone a similar transformation. Pillars of confidence such as government, education system, and the banking system have been increasingly eroded by years of corruption, inefficiency, and fraud. I respect and uphold the law, but I have grown increasingly skeptical and wary of institutions that seek to hide behind old and even outdated images of trust and confidence.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

As a physician, I am guilty of tarnishing the pristine symbol of my white coat. I, too, only infrequently wash my coat. It is a reminder to myself and my colleagues that no one should rest upon their laurels and past achievements. There should be no double standards in life. God is the supreme and perfect example in whom we may place our complete confidence and trust, unlike other symbols, institutions, or persons.

God will always remain the source of confidence and assuredness, never uncertainty or fear.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"You Are One of the Few People Who Would Understand!" (Matthew 6:25-26)

This morning, I received a phone call from one of the vendors for my laboratory.

 

“Doctor, I’m calling you because you are one of the few people who would understand what has happened and be able to share my happiness.”

 

“Sure Jake,” I replied with interest. “What’s up?”

 

“I was just informed by my lawyers that the decision by Medicare to suspend my license has been reversed. We are free of the legal problems that we have spent nearly two years resolving. This is the best news in the 40 years in the history of our laboratory!”

 

“That is wonderful news, Jake!”

 

Jake went on to explain the nuances of the decision and the travails he and his company had faced. He was correct, only people who are involved in the laboratory industry would understand the granular points of the decision. But anyone would understand the joy and elation that Jake had for his business. He was freed from the possibility of losing everything he and his father had labored for their entire lives.

 

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:25-26 (NKJV)

 

There are many decisions in life when only the involved parties can truly understand the minute details. God often works this way in our lives as well. We pray and commit to a plan of action and ask God to provide direction and guidance. We may experience subtle changes in behavior within ourselves and others with whom we interact. We see events unfolding that may appear to direct our actions. We may wonder whether what is occurring is God’s providence and direction. We may not understand all the steps He takes to accomplish His purposes in our lives, but in the end, we do see the awesome results! In this passage, Jesus reminds us that God loves us and cares for us, even if we cannot understand how He does this. He simply loves us and wants His very best for our lives.

 

God always understands and cares for us in a way that no one else is able.

 

Praise God!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"You Don't Understand!" (Proverbs 26:12)

Our laboratory recently underwent a state inspection. This is a mandatory review of our entire laboratory that occurs once every two years. Every laboratory in the United States must be certified by this accrediting agency in order to practice medicine.

My laboratory has always passed the inspection, usually with kudos from the inspectors. Our quality assurance program, designed to identify potential errors before an incorrect report is delivered to the referring physician or patient, has been lauded by previous inspectors, who have even recommended it to other laboratories and dermatology offices as an example to emulate.

I fully expected this current inspector to be equally impressed with my program. Thus, I was greatly annoyed when this current inspector began to take my program to task. She felt it was too detailed and there was not enough evidence of corrective actions. I grew increasingly frustrated as I listened to her. “You don’t understand!” I stammered.  Although I attempted to explain my program, I could only hear myself speaking. I was upset that she was not honoring my program as previous inspectors had done.

The irony is the inspector had some helpful suggestions. However, my pride blinded me and muffled my ears, refusing to hear what she had to say. The next day, I prayed and repented of my sinful pride and arrogance. I implemented some of her suggestions into my program, acknowledging it was now even better with her recommendations. It was a painful but needed lesson in humility, one that I am sure I will be subjected to, many more times in my life.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 26:12 (ESV)

Alone, I will wallow in my pride and arrogance and refuse to accept advice and constructive criticism. I am a fool. And this is why the only hope I have is accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. By confessing and repenting of my sins, Jesus begins the immediate transformation of my life. My pride and arrogance are replaced with humility and gratitude for what He has done for me. I am by no means perfect, but with God’s grace and mercy, He will continue to perfect me in this life.

You don’t understand?

No. I don’t understand. This is why I need Jesus Christ.

Love and trust the Lord;  seek His will in your life.

Talk Radio (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Talk radio is more popular than ever and I was a willing contributor to this media genre. Several years ago, I would spend at least 1 hour a day listening, during my commute to and from work. As I listened, I began to notice a subtle but measurable change in my attitudes and conversations. I become more opinionated, taking a hard line stance on many issues that were being discussed amongst family and friends, largely influenced by the various commentators. I grew increasingly agitated when these topics were brought up in everyday conversation.

Talk radio thrives by generating controversy and I was a willing participant. I am susceptible to emotional outbursts and talk radio nurtures and stokes this weakness. I draw vitality and enthusiasm from others who exhibit a similar, if not greater, amplitude of energy. It took me a while but the Holy Spirit convicted me of my increasingly argumentative and belligerent behavior. He changed my heart and brought healing to my soul. One day, I simply stopped listening to talk radio and never missed it.

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)

There are times that one must take a stand and state one’s opinion. In my case, I was frequently doing it simply to hear myself speak. I thought it cool to sound authoritative when in reality, I was fomenting strife and arguments. I still lapse into these bad habits, but with the power and grace of God, I am able to take a step back and understand that anger and pressured speech does not equate to assuredness and certainty.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

It Still Hurts (Proverbs 14:10)

When one is excluded from a previously close and comfortable relationship, it hurts. Many years ago, I witnessed this with my own daughter. She was only 7 years old and was best friends with another girl of the same age. That year, a new girl entered the school and soon became friends with my daughter and her friend. However, a closer friendship emerged between the new girl and my daughter’s best friend. At one point, my daughter was excluded from activities that she was accustomed to sharing with her best friend. She did not understand this change and asked us why her best friend was now spending more time with this new girl since the two of them had been friends for a far longer period of time. Although I understood the pain, it was difficult to explain the situation to her satisfaction. Thankfully, within a short period of time, all three girls became closer than ever and no rivalry emerged.

I wish all conflicts and hurts within relationships could have such a happy ending. Sadly, this seems to be the exception and this same pain from rejection or exclusion, occurring in childhood relationships, replays with adults. Relationships that I take for granted are sometimes far more fragile and shallower than I would like to believe. It is the invitation to a birthday celebration for a friend’s child that was expected but never received; it is the isolation of our family because of our son’s special needs. Although my life experiences and maturity may better prepare me as an adult for these unexpected turn of the events, it still hurts.

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

Proverbs 14:10 (ESV)

During these times, I have only one direction to turn-upward and outward to God. I may understand the reasons for the pain, but it only rarely dulls the heartache. I need my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to bring healing to my soul. Only Jesus truly understands the bitterness in my heart. Only Jesus can bring healing and return unto me the joy of living.

Thank you Jesus!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"These Flowers Are Fake!" (1 John 4:1)

It was a rainy New Year’s morning in Hawaii and my family was invited to a lunch celebration at my aunt’s home. On the way, I stopped off at a local florist to pick up a gift of flowers to present to my aunt’s family. The florist had many beautiful arrangement but one that caught my eye was placed near the entrance. Because of the rain, the flowers were lightly adorned with rain drops. It was a picturesque setting, one that would be appropriate for the living room of my aunt. I purchased the arrangement and within a few minutes, presented it to my aunt at her home. After thanking me and exchanging the perfunctory pleasantries, her gaze became riveted upon the arrangement positioned upon her coffee table. Her forehead furrowed as she exclaimed, “These flowers are fake!”

 

“What?” I laughed and thought she was joking but she continued her rant as she touched the petals of the flowers. “These flowers are fake!”

 

Another aunt attempted to rescue me. “Oh no, I am sure these are not fake, the…”

 

“These flowers are fake!” cutting off the other aunt. “I know my flowers!”

 

I peered at the arrangement, touched the flowers, and with chagrin, acknowledged my error. There was no sign or card in the shop that designated these flowers as fake. I had embarrassed myself and my aunt by neglecting to verify the authenticity of my gift. I assumed that all of the flowers in the florist shop were real; the rain and setting further camouflaged the truth from me.

 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1 (ESV)

 

The incident reminds me of my need to be ever vigilant of false messages and prophets subverting God’s Word. Like the fake flowers, the setting may be in a mainstream church or church-sponsored seminar. The speaker may have all the credentials of a legitimate Bible teacher or minister. It is during these times that I must be ever more alert to subtle deceptions. I cannot be lulled into complacency as I did with the fake flowers, thinking that because I am in a familiar setting, God’s Word is being truthfully and faithfully presented. Satan’s schemes are far more subtle and insidious than I can ever imagine. I need to be aware of the fake flowers masquerading amidst the real ones.

 

Amen!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Hardened Heart (Ezekiel 36:26)

During an early years in my Christian walk, I would occasionally listen to Christian talk radio. I didn’t like it. The shows were provocative and informative but it did not resonate with me. I pondered over the possible reasons. Perhaps the shows were not intellectual enough for me? Perhaps the hosts were too dull and pedantic? I could not find an answer but decided that Christian radio needed to catch up with me! Years later, I understood the reason. It wasn’t the programming; it wasn’t the hosts; it was me. Yes, I was a Christian, but I was living a carnal backsliding lifestyle, preoccupied with professional successes, finding a wife, and catering to my material desires. With all these worldly ambitions, there was no room in my heart for God. The more I heard God’s Word, the more it pushed me away from Him.

God did not rob me of my free will nor did He make my heart resistant to hearing and accepting His Word. I hardened my heart. My heart was hardened by the truth of God’s Word. The more it revealed my sins, the more resistant I became to hearing and reading it. I didn’t want or need to be reminded of my despicable state. There was nothing wrong with me! Didn’t God understand that? He did. It was only by the grace and mercy of God that He changed my heart and led me to repent in tears and sorrow for my backsliding lifestyle.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)

Today, I am an avid listener of Christian talk radio. I often marvel how my heart is receptive to the same preachers and programs that I once dismissed. It only happened when God changed my heart of stone and gave me a living heart, one that beats for Him and with Him!

Don’t harden your heart to God. Confess and repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. The moment you do, your hardened heart will be softened by His irresistible love.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

God Is Always Blessing! (Isaiah 55:8 )

I recently hired a new employee. On the first day of work, he received an emergency call from his family. His mother was in the emergency room. She was the primary caregiver for his young daughter with special needs so both of them needed his attention. He politely asked if he could leave at lunchtime to attend this crisis. The next day, he called and informed me that while his mother was stable, she would be unable to continue her duties as his daughter’s caregiver. His wife had a full-time job and his siblings were unwilling to share in the care of his mother. With great sadness and frustration, he submitted his resignation to me, not even completing one day of work.

I was greatly disheartened by the rapid turn of events. I asked if there was any way he could work part-time. He said no. I then asked him if he knew anyone else who may be looking for a job. He mentioned a woman who was familiar to me since she used to work in my former company. A brief series of emails ensued and she was scheduled to come in for an interview the next day.

After this, I prayed. I prayed for my employee’s family and the health of his mother and daughter. I prayed for his job situation. I prayed that God would take this entire situation and show His glory. I prayed for greater faith to allow me to follow God’s leading and not try to impose my control and will.

The next day, I interviewed the other woman. She was definitely qualified and interested in the job but was only interested in part-time work due to family issues. I reluctantly acknowledged her request even though I knew I needed a full-time employee. After she left, my first employee called and informed me that his mother-in-law was able to watch his daughter. However, she could only do this after she finished her job at 10AM. Thus, if I was still interested, he could work for me, but only on a part-time basis. I was floored!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)

How does God work in our lives? How does God answer prayers? In this one small example in my life, God took a serious health situation and used it to bring two employees to my company. I needed one full time employee and, instead, received two part-time employees. The situation now gives me the flexibility to advance both of their positions to full-time depending upon my company’s needs. What initially seemed to be a setback was simply a step in God’s perfect plan.  I could never have conceived such a complex and amazing story. But God can!

Praise God that He is always blessing me, even when I doubt His sovereignty!

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"Can I Get That App? (John 16:13)

My wife and I recently brought our smartphones in to be serviced at the local repair shop. We met with a very knowledgeable young woman who spent a few minutes listening to us describe the problems. She then confidently declared that she would hook up our phones to a smart pad that would allow her to diagnose the problem. Within a few minutes, we had isolated the problem and ruled out a variety of other problems which may have caused the issue.

I was impressed with the elegance and efficiency of that app and asked her, “That is very cool! Can I get that app?”

She laughed. “No, it is only for employees of the company! My family and friends are always asking me to use this app whenever something happens to their smartphones or smart pads.”

I can imagine! Wouldn’t it be great if there was an app that could troubleshoot my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ? I could plug it in and it could diagnose the areas of weaknesses and problems. Too much pride; too little compassion; not enough time spent in prayer; reading the Bible superficially. I would love to have that app!

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

John 16:3 (NKJV)

Fortunately I don’t need that app! As a believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell within me the moment I placed my faith in Him. The Holy Spirit searches my soul and convicts me of my sins. He directs and guides me in my walk with God. He encourages and comforts me when life is bearing down upon me.

Can I get that app?

I don’t need it!  I have the Holy Spirit through my faith in Jesus Christ!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

So Old, It's New! (Isaiah 40:8)

One of the pleasurable tasks I have as a leader of one of the worship groups in our church is to select the songs for the service. The selection process begins with the title of the sermon and  the Bible verses our Pastor will use to preach. After praying over the passage, I select songs that I feel are appropriate to set the correct mood and facilitate worship. Recently, our worship teams have been given the directive to introduce new songs to our repertoire. Many of the suggested songs are currently popular on the contemporary Christian music scene and I am happy to oblige. I have also introduced several songs that are much older. These were songs written in the 1980’s and 90’s, popular when I first became a Christian in 1982. I led many small worship groups with these songs and I have fond memories of them. To my surprise, when I introduced many of these songs to my worship team and the congregation, they were unfamiliar with most of them. The songs were so old, they were new!

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

The older songs resonated with all ages within the congregation.  Music styles and genres come and go. The songs were old but the message was still fresh. God’s Word is eternal and His message is relentless. It never fails to change hearts and never returns void!

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"It's Not Fair!" (Matthew 5:45)

“It’s not fair!”

Everyday, people of all ages and cultures, proclaim these words. We think the world should follow rules of justice, organized by cause and effect. If evil is done, it should be punished. If good deeds are performed, it should be rewarded. But how often do we see just the opposite occur? Criminals escape prosecution. Kind actions are ignored and backfire. God cannot possibly be in control of this world! It’s not fair!

...for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5:45 (NKJV)

This same plaintive cry has been uttered for thousands of years. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples on the Sermon on the Mount. He wanted to make it clear that our lives should not be based upon looking for evidence of cause and effect. We need to acknowledge that God is in control of His entire creation. If we do not see an immediate cause and effect, it does not mean that God is not there. We should be thankful for God’s mercy and grace and realize that all hell and chaos would literally break loose if God were not in control. God is operating on His time schedule to accomplish His purpose and none other. God cares for everyone, the good and evil, the just and unjust. If He seems as though He tarries, He is giving all unbelievers and seekers time and an opportunity to repent of our sins, and come to His Son, Jesus Christ, and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. Not fair? This is fairness in its most supreme and eternal manifestation!

It’s not fair!

Don’t look to the world for cause and effect. Look to God to pause and reflect!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Canceled Subscriptions (Revelation 2:4)

This morning, I was renewing a medical journal subscription. After I confirmed the renewal, I entered the transaction information into a spreadsheet. As I was about to close the spreadsheet, I noticed the last several rows were devoted to discontinued journal subscriptions. My, my! What a wide variety of interests I have circled through over the last decade! About a third of the journals and magazines were medical. The rest were distributed over topics such as business, music, audio and home theater, and food.

During one period in my life, I spent far more time reading secular literature than I did reading the Bible. I justified my actions to myself and God by affirming that I was doing was important for my occupation, and roles as a husband and father. I needed to know the latest medical literature for my patients. I needed to know the latest financial and economic trends to make wise investments for our family. I needed to take care of myself and relax and entertain my mind with food and music.

After several years, I was chastened by the Holy Spirit as He convicted me of my warped sense of priorities. I had read the Bible many times over during this period of time, but it was just that, reading. I knew the stories, I knew the characters, but I could not quote verses. When crises arose, the Word of God was not upon the tip of my tongue. When I was faced with a difficult decision, I could not bring to mind a Bible verse that would help me in my decision process. Frustrated and embarrassed, I was determined to change this pattern. I set the daily goal of spending at least as much time reading the Bible as I did my medical and secular articles, journal, and magazines. I didn’t always accomplish this but I was persistent. And the more I persisted, the easier the goal was reached. Today, I crave and jealously guard my time with the Bible.

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

Revelation 2:4 (ESV)

Being well-rounded and well-read is definitely important, but not at the expense of time with God. I needed to return to my first love. I needed to be rooted and grounded in the Word of God. I needed to reaffirm my love to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Thanks be to God for His grace and mercy to me, for changing my heart and bringing me to confession and repentance of my sinful neglect of His Word.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"We Thank Thee" (Isaiah 26:3)

My mother was a special education teacher and was comfortable speaking before large groups in her classrooms. But I witnessed a completely different side of her when she prayed. When she hosted a family dinner in her home, she would gather everyone together to say grace before we ate. In a very formal and measured voice, she would begin. “Almighty God. We thank thee for this food we are about to receive. Thou has taken care of this family. Thank you for thy bountiful blessings. Amen!”

I loved her prayers. They were brief, honest, and heartfelt. But what always stood out was her use of old english, particularly pronouns such as thee, thou, and thy. There was an effusive formality and deep respect for the God whom she loved. I witnessed it in her life and it was manifest in the way she addressed God.

Of course, no one speaks with this old english in everyday speech. But when it is used, it certainly commands attention. It evokes memories of the King James Bible and Shakespeare. There is a grandeur and rhythmic quality that is sometimes lost with modern english translations.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

This verse from the Prophet Isaiah encapsulates my mother’s life. My mother loved God. I thank my mother for her deep enduring faith in God. Her noble use of language honored the God we love and serve.

Thank you Mom! I thank thee!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"The Security Are Disguised!" (Proverbs 15:3)

I recently took my cell phone into service. The young woman who helped was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and within an hour, we had resolved most of our problems. The conversation and interaction was lighthearted and at the end, she thanked us for coming in and making the experience a pleasurable one. I was amused by her comment and asked her, “Do you ever get customers who get very angry and violent?”

Her eyes widened, “Oh yes. We have security remove them.”

“Really?” I shot her a puzzled look. “I didn’t see any in the store.”

She lowered her voice and smiled, “The security are disguised!”

“Wow!” I exclaimed. “Just like federal air marshals on an airline flight!”

“Yup,” she said, searching the floor space. “I see two of them right now!”

Interesting! I left the store with renewed confidence that I was protected and secure, even if I did not know the location and identity of my protectors.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3 (ESV)

This incognito security force reminded me of God’s providence and protection in my life. There have been many times when I felt abandoned or endangered and God has responded by bringing a Christian brother or sister with an uplifting word or kind act. It happened on a random taxi cab ride in Denver, Colorado. I was interviewing for my pathology residency and arrived the weekend before my Monday interview. I did not know anyone and was feeling lonely. As I was being driven by a taxi driver, we engaged in a friendly conversation and discovered we were both Christian believers. He introduced me to his Christian brothers and sisters who took me to church the next day and invited me to a lunch.

God is always present. Protecting, comforting, and guiding. I may not see His presence, but He is always there, working through the Body of Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"That's The Worst Southern Accent I Have Ever Heard!" (Acts 21:37-40)

We recently had a get together with the parents of our son’s school classmate. Both are attorneys and met in their first year at Duke University Law school. The husband grew up in New Jersey and the wife grew up in Louisiana. At one of the first social mixers, the two were introduced. She still spoke with a heavy Louisiana southern drawl. As he listened to her, he exclaimed, “That’s the worst southern accent I have ever heard!”

She was shocked and nearly in tears, but he continued. “So many people who come to Duke are not from the south, but they adopt a southern accent to fit in. Yours is the worst I’ve heard!”

She laughed as she told us, “I thought he was a jerk!”

The couple confided that the story had been repeated countless times, eliciting much laughter and hilarity!

Sometimes we are unfairly or incorrectly judged by our appearance or actions and may be indiscriminately lumped with others when we are speaking or acting truthfully. The Apostle Paul found himself in a similar situation.

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?" Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language...

Acts 21:37-40 (ESV)

Paul used the mistaken identification as an opportunity to preach the Gospel to the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem. No matter where he found himself, in chains, in a shipwreck, in a prison, Paul always preached the Gospel. And if someone confused him with another, it was just another opportunity to witness!

Mistaken identity. It may lead to tears, laughter, or it may lead to an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Praise God!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

My Journals, My Bible (Colossians 3:23)

One of my professional websites, The Doctors Doctor (www.thedoctorsdoctor.com), provides medical information to non-medical lay people. For about 10 years, this site was very popular, capturing the attention of such publications as The Wall Street Journal and search engines like  Google. I was invigorated by the success and spent every free moment reading medical journals and adding the information to my website. I was the Doctor’s Doctor! Needless to say, during this period in my life, I spent minimal to no time reading the Bible. I justified this behavior by reassuring myself that God had called me to be a physician and this was how I could best serve Him. My spiritual walk was a crawl and my relationship with God atrophied. Not only was reading the Bible pushed aside, but fellowship with a church and other Christians was a rare event. I certainly reaped what I sowed.

My journals became my Bible. My work became my church.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

No matter how noble the task, nothing is more important than spending time with God. I convinced myself that I was doing everything for the greater good of mankind, but instead I was doing it for myself.

The website did help many people but who was helping me? It was only through the grace and mercy of God that He turned my heart and brought me to my knees in repentance for my sins. He showed me how selfish I was in spite of what I portrayed to the rest of the world.

I turned to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. He is truly the Doctor’s Doctor!

Thank you Jesus!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"I'm Getting Chills" (Ephesians 6:12)

I spend a great deal of time in prayer when I prepare for my time of leading worship in my church. There are technical musical issues, equipment concerns, and above everything else, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to select songs that will be sensitive to the Pastor’s message and uplifting to the congregation.

This past worship session was a mighty spiritual struggle.  It began a month earlier as we sought to learn several new songs. Scheduling conflicts with several worship team members led to a last minute rescheduling of rehearsal on Saturday evening, instead of the usual Friday evening. During the rehearsal, it became clear that one of the new songs we intended to perform was not ready. Reluctantly, we decided to substitute another song. The next morning was Sunday and we arrived one hour before service for a final rehearsal. We began with prayer and dedicated the service to the Lord. But as I prayed, I sensed Satan’s attempts to derail our service. Within the next 45 minutes, unusual technical complications such as my vocal microphone completely going dead and sound imbalance of the instruments occurred. There was a potential error in one of song arrangements, previously undetected. Because of all the delays, my voice was insufficiently warmed up. As I sang, I began to experience a sense of nervousness, fearing the music would not come together in time for the service.

I was flustered and knew there was only one thing to do. I stopped the rehearsal and announced, “We need to pray!”. We stopped and prayed two more times during that rehearsal. The technical failures stopped, the songs came off, and God was faithful as He brought us through that battle.

After the service, a dear sister in the Lord came up to me and thanked me for leading worship. I shared with her the spiritual attacks that occurred and recounted how we had to interrupt our rehearsal three times that morning to pray and claim God’s promises. I told her that we were definitely under attack by Satan, for he hates to hear God’s people worship and praise God. We could have focused upon our problems but we chose to focus upon Jesus Christ and His promise that He would never leave us nor forsake us.

Her eyes widened and she slowly replied, “I’m getting chills.”

I was puzzled. “Why?”

She spoke in measured tones, “I grew up in the church but I always thought of Satan as this comical character, with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. I never took him seriously. As I grew older, I realized that my understanding of him was distorted and wrong. Satan is very real and he attacks us in many different and subtle ways. What you just shared with me is a reminder of this.”

I nodded and thanked her for sharing. I recalled historical essays of the origins of the appearance of the devil. In medieval times, Christians naively thought that depicting Satan as a caricature of a horned creature with a tail and pitchfork would annoy and humiliate him, eventually chasing him away by wounding his pride. Good thought but completely misdirected and wrong.

Satan wants us to think he is an impotent and forlorn creature who exists to make our life annoying. Satan is real and far more dangerous than we can ever imagine. He not only wants to make our life annoying, he wants to destroy our very soul. The Apostle Peter described him as a lion, prowling around and waiting for opportunities to devour us. (1 Peter 5:8)

Thanks be to God that He has already won the victory over Satan through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Satan knows he is defeated and does everything possible to hide and subvert this truth, interfering in our lives, hoping that we will take our eyes off of following Jesus Christ and, instead, focusing upon on our problems.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

The episode that occurred with the worship team was a sobering reminder to myself and others that life is a continual spiritual war. Satan can use technical glitches and pray upon my insecurities, making me believe the lie that God is not in control. But God is supreme, always in control, and has already defeated him!

Place your trust in Jesus Christ, the Lord of the all creation!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.