Dana's Christian Journey

musings of a thankful cancer survivor

Author: Dana

  • weakness

    —

    Dana

    “I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

    Tongues of fire, signs and wonders, healings and miracles, convicted hearts, changed lives… these things took place as the promised Holy Spirit came in power. People turned from their sins and boldly declared the love of God and the majesty of Jesus. Believers sold their possessions and gave to those in need, totally trusting their God, the ‘Father of heavenly lights.’

    We need for the same power to flow today… for the goodness of God to be realized, for the love of the Creator to be understood, and for salvation to be gained through faith in Jesus Christ. Our Father ‘is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.’ ‘He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’ His power is for His children, and it is ‘the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead.’

    Our all-wise Father sometimes reveals His power through a mysterious avenue, though. The Son of God embraced ‘weakness’ to fulfill His mission, and the apostles accepted the same cup. “He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him…” (II Corinthians 13:4)

    ‘Lord, won’t You remove this thorn from my flesh?’ Paul pleaded. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” (II Corinthians 12:9) How does ‘weakness’ fit with tongues of fire, signs and wonders, and healings and miracles?

    No one walked more powerfully in the Spirit than Jesus of Nazareth, but despite His miraculous works, most rejected Him. Mankind was messed up… and it still is. Jesus knew that complete surrender to His Father is necessary, and that the Father chooses humility to reveal Himself. He chose Moses, the most humble man on earth, to deliver the children of Israel from slavery. A much mightier Deliverer has saved the world from sin… the ‘meek and lowly’ Jesus. He invites us to follow. ‘I have placed My power within you, but do not despise weakness. And remember: My Father’s ways are perfect.’

    Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus and blinded him on the road to Damascus. Through a believer named Ananias, he was healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized in water, and commissioned to be God’s messenger to the Gentiles. With a new name, Paul walked in the power of the Spirit and boldly proclaimed the Gospel. But he also embraced weakness, accepting his Savior’s path. Jesus is the Way…

    “I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of the resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11

    “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms…” Ephesians 1:18-20

    “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

  • power

    —

    Dana

    johnSusan and I went to South Alabama this past weekend to watch John win his next-to-the-last home football game. Gone is the softness from his early years; now John is a solid senior athlete… who still enjoys a big breakfast at Cracker Barrel.

    ‘Power’ is an important gift for the child of God, but it is much different than the ‘power’ exerted on the athletic field or wrestling mat. “God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ let His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (II Corinthians 4:6-7)

    God’s power transcends any rival, and it does not come from the weight room or training field. The power is seen in the ‘light’ God shines in our hearts which results in ‘the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.’ When we turn to the Lord and experience His freedom, we see the ‘Lord’s glory’ and are ‘transformed into His image.’ (see II Corinthians 4:16-18). This is true power… and Paul is careful to explain it ‘is from God and not from us.’

    God wants us know His power, to believe in His power, and to let His power in us impact the world. Notice the use of this word in Paul’s famous prayer below. Praise God for the ‘treasure’ He has placed in these ‘jars of clay.’

    “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

  • basics

    —

    Dana

    “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

    Just as Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit and did what He saw His Father doing and taught what His Father instructed Him to say, so the apostles relied on the same Spirit to teach and do Christ’s mighty works. Just as the Scripture Jesus quoted was from what we call the Old Testament, so the apostles read the same written Word for revelation and understanding.

    ‘You are My witnesses, and the Holy Spirit will enable you to walk in My steps. You do not need to worry when you are opposed; the Spirit will show you what to say. I am always with You. What I taught, you are to teach; as I healed, you are to heal; as I loved, you are to love. Because I live, you live. I am in My Father; you are in Me; I am in you.’

    The early disciples did not always live perfectly or understand fully, but they were faithful. The Holy Spirit empowered several to record their experiences, teachings, struggles, and instructions for holy living. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John recorded the story of Jesus. These inspired writings are what we call the New Testament and they give us revelation and understanding.

    Jesus was the Good News of the apostles; He was their ‘first love.’ The Messiah had come; the prophecies had been fulfilled; the Kingdom of God was at hand. The Son of God died for the sins of the world; He was buried in a borrowed tomb; He was raised to life on the third day. God wants all Jews and all Gentiles to be saved by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

    The Father, Son, and Spirit want all who have found life in Jesus to be ‘one’ as they are ‘One.’ As we live in Christ, the fruit of the Spirit will be apparent in our lives… and ‘love’ is the greatest. Our Master wants His love to rule the day… love for one another, love for our neighbor, love for the broken, love for the foreigner, and even love for our enemies. Jesus wants us to live in fellowship with Him and one another as we trust and obey Him. He wants us to remember and He wants the world to know He is coming again.

    Sometimes it is good to remember the basics.

    “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

    “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

    “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” Hebrews 4:12-13

    “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” John 17:20-21

    “My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12

    “But do not forget one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” II Peter 3:8-10

  • praise

    —

    Dana

    image001Corrie Mae Stanley was born Friday, September 24 at 6:21 am in Marietta, Georgia. Kinsey, Jordan, Owen, and Keightley are doing great… as are Susu and Opa. There is nothing like a new baby to remind us of our great God and all that is important.

    img_4069Another bit of good news is that the chemotherapy I’ve been assigned by my doctors is proving effective. I have completed two rounds, and the blood counts which measure the cancer have shrunk to normal levels. As in the past, the plan is to stay with what is working as long as I can. Low blood and platelet counts are still a challenge; I receive infusions a couple of times a week. Susan and I appreciate your prayers.

    Paul told the Christians at Corinth that as we think deeply about God’s glory, we are changed into the image of the Son. In our busy lives, it is important to take the time to contemplate His magnificence. God, who is rich in mercy, sent His only Son to seek and save the lost, and we are rescued by His amazing grace.

    May we be able to clearly see the Lord as He is… and respond with worship and thanksgiving . God’s Word reveals His majesty, as does the universe, the earth, and the tiny fingers of a newborn baby.

    ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.’ (Doxology by Thomas Ken)

    ‘But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’
    II Corinthians 3:16-18

  • resistance

    —

    Dana

    This will be the last writing about our summer experiences in Spain and it is the most difficult to explain because of the mysterious nature of the spiritual world. During the five years before the summer of 2000, God was working in powerful ways in my life, in our family, in my workplace, and in our church. Then, after our family and my closest friend Joe returned from Israel, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Joe, who is eleven years older than me, was also hospitalized and at the brink of death. Twenty-one years later, we are all still alive and perhaps a little more familiar with the importance of perseverance. As God’s faithfulness proves true, the reality of our enemy’s resistance also becomes clear. I often wonder how the physical and spiritual worlds intersect.

    The devil is ruthless… he wants to steal from us, kill us, and destroy all that is good. Followers of Jesus know this because He taught: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10) But when we try to be specific, it can get complicated. So I’m just going to share the things that happened our last few days in Spain and then remind us of God’s words of hope.

    Karlyn and I had an incredible week at L’Arcada Camp in Banyoles, Spain. We made wonderful friends and shared beautiful fellowship with thirty believers preparing to show Christ to teenagers through sports. Everything had gone very smooth, but during our Saturday night meal my filling broke in an upper tooth, which meant I would have to limit chewing to the right side of my mouth until reaching a dentist in the States. Though painful, it was no big deal…

    Sunday morning after worship, Dave Bintz, the sports camp director, took Karlyn and me to a clinic in town to get a COVID test within 48 hours of our plane’s departure from Barcelona. Thankfully, we tested negative. Arriving back at camp, we learned that the leadership board decided to test all campers arriving Sunday afternoon and all workers who had been with us during the preparation week. A couple of incoming campers tested positive and had to return home with their parents… what a bummer. Then we learned two of our friends who planned to be counselors also tested positive… another bummer. But not only did they have to leave camp, all the counselors who slept in their large teepees also had to quarantine for ten days. Tania from Ecuador was one who had to leave.

    Sunday evening, Karlyn and I were given an entire teepee to spend our last night. As the excited teenagers settled in, I was hoping we could get a good night’s rest, as we had a couple of travel days ahead. About midnight, a howling wind woke me. For an hour I thought we were going to blow away. Occasionally, frightful young voices pierced the air as the storm raged. Finally, as the winds subsided, I peeked my head out to survey the damage. Summer nights in northern Spain are chilly with temperatures dropping into the low 40’s, but as I walked through the campground a little after 1:00 am, the air was warm and humid. Thankfully, no great damage was done, although many people were shaken. What a weird night…

    The next day, Karlyn and I took a train to Barcelona and found the hotel Susan had reserved for us to spend our last night. We had one afternoon to cover as much ground in Barcelona as we could. We visited Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and ended up in Las Rambla, the long boulevard of shops and cafes with interesting foods. We walked nearly ten miles and had a grand time… until Karlyn reached into her pocket and discovered her phone was missing. One of the last things Dave told us as we separated was: “Be careful in Barcelona; pickpockets are everywhere…” Of course Karlyn was upset and her dad was not much help. After sitting by the Mediterranean a while, we decided to go back to our hotel then find a good place to eat our final dinner in Spain. We had a nice evening, made it to the airport on time the next morning, and caught our connecting flight in Paris to return to Atlanta.

    When we arrived home, we were troubled to learn that our friend Maggie tested positive and had to quarantine ten days in Spain before she could return to Texas. Then a few days later, Karlyn and I started feeling strange. We were both tested and discovered we had COVID. Having been vaccinated and thinking we were safe because of our negative tests in Banyoles, I unknowingly spread the virus to at least four loved ones. What a bad feeling…

    How can such an incredible trip end with so many things going wrong? Was our enemy involved in all the problems? Is God still in control? With all the struggle, I know there fellow believers who have endured far worse. Multitudes have given their lives for the Gospel or faced unjust prison sentences or lost homes, jobs, and possessions for their faith. I should not complain. I don’t know every way the devil resists God’s children… but I do know he hates us. And ‘Yes,’ God is still in control. We can trust Him and know that nothing can separate us from His love.

    “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… Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 28-39

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