Open Hands

When you are in the hospital many hands are laid upon you; doctors, nurses, aids, family, friends and pastors. It is amazing the sense you develop as you feel others interacting with you – simply by how they touch you. I found myself praying for good nurses and aids - those with tender and loving touch.

As I reflect on this new insight I thought about Paul and the different places he stayed on his way to trial in Rome. From guards to friends he experienced the full range. I wonder if he prayed as I did. What seems evident is that he kept his hands open in a humble posture before God. He allowed God to place in his hands what he needed for a period of time but Paul also held these things loosely so God could give him more or take something away in order to give him something better.

That something better was not always something that looked better to those praying for Paul’s deliverance from Roman officials. Often it was something that allowed God’s glory to shine even more in and through Paul’s life.

So here I am, 22 days into my second round of a hospital stay and yet I seek to glorify God in and through all He has placed in my hands. I am reminded of the two verses below and my own situation.

Luke 8:16
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

My jar of clay is continually being filled and I don’t want to hide the light. So how do I best let His light shine? Through the cracks in my clay jar, that’s how. As the Lord puts me through the furnace of affliction and I come to the end of my own strength I rely on Him more. The cracks created show my frailty but also serve to allow His Glory to shine through my weaknesses.

As God works in your life, hold things loosely and welcome His best into your life. Also, let the cracks in your jar serve to shine His light into the darkness of this world. We can glorify our Father in Heaven in many ways – when you find yourself at the end of your own strength, He can really shine.

Breath of Life

Every breath is a true gift from God, one none of us should take lightly. Think about those who have been given six weeks or six months to live. I often call these folks “short-timers” and they share the truths of life with much more abandoned than others. I often feel sad that it takes facing death for many of us to pour out all we have learned along our journey.

I think about the judgment each of us will face; believers will be held accountable for the life each of us has been given in Christ. Non-believers will have to answer for their sins. Now I picture myself standing before God with Christ and hearing the question: “What did you do with the life I gave you.” I want to have empty hands and be able to say I used up all you gave me and have nothing left.

Acts 20:24 New International Version
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

2 Timothy 4:7 New International Version
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Someone hit the re-set button!

Did you ever read a passage of scripture and get one impression only to read it at a later date and see something completely different? Since the Word doesn' t change it is our position relative to the Word that changes. This winter I spent 36 days in hospitals, came home for 19 days and sit here today on day 14 of my second round in hsopitals.


I was amazed by God's presence in my journey the first time. What he taught me, what I could share with others, and how other believers came to be known along the way. The fellowship was magical and the edification was mutual. I really connected with Christ and his sufferings during the crucifixion and shared these thoughts with all who came calling on me.


This second journey seems much different. I have a deeper appreciation of Paul's time in prisions. This blog will serve as my way of communicating to those who read it as Paul communicated to the various New Testament churches.


I trust and pray you will find this blog worthy of your time and challenge you to dive into our Father's Word and hear His message for you.


God Bless!