Perfection Not Required
May 9, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late It always amazes me that so many people are counting
on their goodness to gain them entrance into heaven and eternal life. Even though they admit that they are not perfect, they still hope that the good they do will out weight their shortcomings. Perhaps they are even waiting to get some messy part of their lives in order. However, the scriptures tell us that none of us can be good enough to merit entrance into heaven.
Romans 3:21-25 declares very plainly that all humanity has sinned and can only be redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. I John 1:8-10 declares that if we claim we have no sin, we make God a liar.
The Good News is summed up in the words of Jesus Himself in Matthew 9:13a:“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” The purpose of Jesus and His Father is recorded clearly in John 3:16-18. Their mission was “not to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
You must realize the futility of seeking eternal life by your own good works. Faith in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of your hope for eternal life. Once you have experienced this “new beginning” Christ in you will produce good works for His glory and not your own (Eph. 2:8-10).
No matter if your sins are many or few, little or big, or if you are young or old, it makes no difference. His open arms await you to ask for His grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even if our efforts to follow Him are still imperfect, His promise is to forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us (John 6:12).
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comCampground Etiquette
May 9, 2011
by Mark PolkMark is a frequent contributing author Just about every campground you go to will have a list of rules
that they request visitors to follow, just like the rules you probably have for your own household. Another list of rules that isn’t necessarily written anywhere is what is referred to as campground etiquette. These are the rules that RVers learn over time and practice out of respect for other campers, the campground owners and the environment. When you arrive at the campground you should always observe campground etiquette.
Be a Good Neighbor: This is a big one and it encompasses many areas surrounding your stay at the campground. When a campground gets busy it means more people, more RV’s, more children, and more pets, which usually equates to less personal space for everybody. One of the reasons we enjoy getting away in our RV is to get a little peace and quiet. Now it’s understandable for children, who are excited to be camping, to make some noise but there is a time and place for everything. Not everybody likes getting up early or staying up late, so you need to be considerate of other people around you.
Quiet Hours: Campgrounds have quiet hours and campers need to observe these quiet hours. During quiet hours you shouldn’t hear generators running or loud parties next door. If you arrive at the campground early in the morning or late in the evening, try to limit the amount of noise you make while getting set up.
Police your Area: In the military, “police call” meant to go through an area and pick up any trash and to keep your area looking clean and presentable at all times. This is a good rule for campers. Your neighbor, who in some cases is only 15 or 20 feet away, doesn’t want your trash to end up in their camping area. Try to keep your campsite organized and keep the trash picked up. Don’t let things like paper plates and paper cups sit outside, that can quickly end up next door. Trash and food left outside can also attract some unwanted guests like ants, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and even bears. Keeping your camp area clean and picked up will make this less likely to occur.
Fires and Fire Pits: If there is a fire restriction where you are staying never start a fire, even if there is a fire pit. Avoid putting trash in the fire pit too; if it isn’t wood it shouldn’t go in the fire pit. Trash in the fire pit can attract more unwanted guests. Never cut branches from a live tree, or the tree itself to use for fire wood. In many public campgrounds gathering firewood is strictly prohibited, check with the campground rules about fires and firewood. Many public and private campgrounds sell firewood for you to use for a campfire.
Always make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area unattended, or retiring for the night. If you are a smoker avoid throwing cigarette butts on the ground. If conditions are right, and the cigarette butt is not completely out, it could start the entire forest on fire.
Instruct Children on Campground dos & don’ts: Children just want to have fun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of other campers. Instruct your children not to run and ride bikes through somebody else’s campsite to take a shortcut to the swimming pool or the game room.
You are in essence renting the space you are in and it should be just that, your space. You should also explain to children that they need to be extremely careful when riding bikes, skateboards, scooters and running through the campground. There is constant traffic in and out of a campground, especially when it’s busy and not everybody is watching for small children. This is why adults should always go the speed limit too, which is usually 5 miles per hour in the campground area.
Security: Even though the majority of campgrounds you visit are for the most part safe and secure you shouldn’t leave your guard down too much. Leaving valuables sitting around the campsite unattended, or leaving your door open or unlocked is asking for trouble. Not everybody is as honest as you may be. Unsecured bicycles, scooters, video games, hitch work and other valuables can be an easy target for the not so honest camper.
Control your Pets: Pets and RVs just seem to go together, but keep in mind not everybody is a pet lover! If you have pets at the campground it is your responsibility to control them. First make sure you understand the campgrounds rules as it pertains to pets. Your dogs should never be outside unless they are on a leash. And even when they are on a leash you need to keep them out of other camper’s campsites. Use the campgrounds designated area for pets, if there is one, and always clean up behind your pets.
Control your dogs barking. I have seen instances where people leave their pet at the campground while they go on a day trip and the dog barks nonstop all day. It is your responsibility to control a barking dog. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to leave if your pet is out of control.
Respect the Environment: There are a lot of beautiful places for us to visit with our RV’s and it is up to us to protect these areas during our stay. Don’t litter or put trash into the streams, rivers and lakes. Don’t start a fire if there is a fire restriction, even if there is a fire pit. Never empty your gray or black water tanks anywhere except in specified dump stations and campground sewer systems. Always leave the campsite in the condition you found it or in a better condition than you found it in.
Reporting Problems: Campgrounds have camp hosts and campground managers who are available on site. If you have a problem with another camper or a campground staff member you need to address the problem with the camp host or manager and let them resolve it.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
That Painting
April 15, 2011
by HLBContributor and author of Knowing His Name
This morning I read of Jesus preaching near a lake. It prompted a very sweet memory.
Several years ago, while on a business trip to Philly, I spent some time at the city art museum. The stairs leading up to one side of the building are the same stairs Sly Stallone ran in the movie Rocky. And so…yes, I admit, I attempted to run them. -attempted. There are many!
Anyhow. One painting stopped me dead in my tracks.
There it was, a muted, fuzzy sort of painting, as I recall. A misty lake scene. A tattered gray boat floating away from the shore. A gentle, white robed Jesus just out of the water. People flocking together. Flocking, mind you. Carrying sick loved ones or dragging themselves to Him because they had heard of His power to heal.
Dead in my tracks. The rest of the room faded into nothingness – muted like that painting.
And I sobbed -aloud. My tearful passion would have no part of staying inside of me. It had to escape from my lungs and heart. Sobs of praise and glory given to the One to whom people have flocked for centuries.
He is Healer. Do you know Him?
You can also follow HLB at Knowing His NameWe invite you to comment below:
Our Purpose
April 10, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late Did you ever wonder just why you are on this earth? I know I have.
Since surviving a serious heart attack and having a 5-way bypass at the age of 77, while others much younger have passed away, it has really weighed on my mind.
Friends have sought to encourage me by saying, “God still has work for you to do.” But just what is that work? Then, as I studied the Scriptures, several things have been made clear to me.
First, God reinforced my conviction that there is a purpose for all of us—and He has laid it out in advance. Psalms 139:16 states “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Yes, the number of my days was established in God’s book, and there is unfinished work already recorded on His pages for me to do.
The question is: What is that work? In 2 Cor 1:3-4 Paul gives us a clue with these words: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Peter invites us to “Cast all your anxiety (care) on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 1:7). We are invited to do this, because it is only then that we receive and experience the comfort that is offered to us in all our tribulation. Once we experience that comfort, then we are prepared to comfort those who are in trouble—but not until.
Yes, each of us has experienced our own areas of tribulation—the loss of a loved one, the loss of earthly assets, the loss of a job or career, or the loss of our health—and has asked God “why?” Perhaps his answer is so that we may know the comfort that He alone can give in order that we may be able to comfort those in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.
Sharing and comforting each other was an underlying theme in many of the writings of the apostles to the early church. These are still needed today. In Hebrews 3:13 we are admonished to “encourage one another daily.” In Hebrews 10 we are admonished to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, to keep meeting together—and all the more as we see the Day approaching. 1 Thes. 4:18 and 1Thes. 5:11 challenge the believers of the early church to “encourage each other” and to “build each other up.” This is Our Purpose.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comKnowing His Name
March 22, 2011
by HLB
Contributor and author of Knowing His Name
(part 1 of a series)
He’s my Everything, but I forget that. (How can I forget?!?)
He knows me better than I know myself. Of course, (oh, silly bird)…He made me.
He is Creator God.
How can this be? How can I know God for so many years, and yet, not know Him? I met Him as Savior so long ago. Young. Life got to me. You know – men, self-image, my agenda, thinking I knew better. The stuff of life filled the place He wanted in my heart.
He is Patient.
So, I hit rock bottom a few months ago. Was it Him who “pulled the rug out” or was it just a slippery, earthly base I was standing on? Doesn’t matter. Here I am, still, on my knees. Needing to know Him. Know. Because it’s time. Time for me to know Him the way He intended in the first place. In a way that actually brings healing and makes a difference in the mundane Thursdays of my life. To know Him in a way that gives Him glory, (oh, may it be!).
He is Jealous for my heart.
He is so much. And I want to know Him – as much as I can understand. (Give me grace to learn, Father…). And I will share what I learn.
Because He is Worthy.
Do you know Him?
This is the first in a series presented here. You can also follow HLB at Knowing His Name We invite you to comment below:It’s A Miracle!
March 14, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late This Wednesday my family will celebrate the eighth week since
my bypass. Doctor’s used the procedures that God had helped them discover to save and lengthen the life of this 77 year old would-be Christian writer. I would like to ask you to pause for a moment to praise Him with me for His goodness and mercy.
You see, I sincerely believe that the God of this universe intended for mankind to rule over the earth that He had created (Genesis1:26-28). I believe that the good we enjoy in this life comes from God our Creator (James1:17). I believe that the original laws He established sustain our earth and universe today.
God also provided the way for man to have intimate spiritual fellowship with Him through the death of His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18). I believe it is only our refusal to recognize God as our Creator and our Heavenly Father that keeps us from enjoying that fellowship.
I would be thrilled if, as a result of the miracle He has performed in my life, you would learn to trust Him completely for all He has provided for you.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comRV Spring Tune-Up
February 28, 2011
by Mark PolkMark is a frequent contributing author
At first glance this checklist looks like it would take two days to complete, but it’s actually something you can do on a Saturday afternoon when there’s nothing else to do. By following a simple checklist you make sure nothing is overlooked. This is an excerpt from my “Checklists for RVers” E-book
* Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. See Checklist 18.
* Every spring I like to sanitize the water system. Watch the video.
* Inspect for water leaks. With the water system pressurized, either by the water pump or hooked up to city water, inspect the plumbing for any water leaks. Check the operation of the toilet.
* Remove any protective covering that you may have put over LP gas vents or outside vents to keep insects or rodents out. Remove any mousetraps you may have put out. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion.
* Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof and body seams, and window sealant for cracking that would allow water to get in. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials and reseal as required.
* Inspect the operation of the awning and check the awning fabric for any damage. Clean the awning if necessary and let the fabric dry thoroughly before rolling it up.
* Inspect the tires for signs of dry rot and wear. Inflate all tires to the recommended tire pressure. Check the lug nuts for proper torque.
* Lubricate all hinges and locks with a graphite spray lubricant.
* Inspect and clean the RVs interior.
* Plug in any appliances that you unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you may have removed. This is a good time to put new batteries in items like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and clocks.
* Test the operation of the carbon monoxide alarm, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm.
* Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged. If it is a dry powder type turn it upside down and tap on the bottom to help release the powder that settled on the bottom..
* Reset any breakers you may have turned off. If you removed any fuses for storage re-install them.
* Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it wasn’t done prior to storage and remove any covers that were put over air conditioners.
* Open vents and windows and air the unit out.
* If you removed the coach and chassis batteries for storage install them. Whether they were removed or not check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the charge level in all batteries. Recharge batteries as required.
* Check the operation of the electric steps if applicable. Lubricate step mechanism.
* Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.
* If you didn’t change the oil and filters in the generator prior to storage this is a good time to do it. Inspect the generator exhaust system for damage prior to starting. Start and run the generator for two hours with at least a half rated load on it. Consult the generators owner manual for load ratings.
* Turn the generator off and plug the unit into shore power. Turn the refrigerator on in the electric mode. Allow sufficient time to cool and check for proper operation.
* Check all 12-volt interior lights and accessories.
* Test the monitor panel for proper operation.
* Check the operation of slide-outs if applicable.
* Check the remaining 120-volt appliances for proper operation.
* Test the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) for proper operation.
* Turn the refrigerator off, leave the doors open and allow sufficient time for it to get to room temperature so it can be checked in the LP gas mode.
Note: Before using the LP gas system it’s a good idea to have a leak test and gas operating pressure test preformed. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should do these tests.
* Once this is accomplished, turn the LP gas valve on and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full of water before testing the water heater. If a gas appliance is not operating properly have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the appliance from operating properly.
* If your unit was in long-term storage and you didn’t change the engine oil and filter prior to storage this would be a good time to do it or schedule to have it done.
* Check all fluid levels in transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult vehicle owner’s manual.
* Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of dash air conditioner.
* Check the condition of windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.
* Check the operation of all chassis lights.
* In addition to this if you have a pop-up or travel trailer or fifth wheel the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears; inspect all hitch work and coupler for damage. Inspect the breakaway switch and pigtail for proper operation.
This list is not all-inclusive, but it seems to work for me. Now for the fun part, load your clothes, food, and personal belongings, hit the road and have fun exploring this wonderful country we live in.
For more in-depth information on caring for your RV check out our RV Care & maintenance E-book or DVD
If you missed Episode 1 or Episode 2 of the new online RV show titled “Mark’s RV Garage” just click on the link to view now.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
Should You Trust Your GPS?
February 27, 2011
by Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
as appeared on RV Home Yet?
“Death by GPS,” in RV Daily Report. The article was about Death Valley National Park. People have followed their GPS onto roads they should not have been on, sometimes ending in disastrous results, including death.
For example, one group of people followed the shortest route to Scotty’s Castle from where they were instead of the paved road. According to the search-and-rescue coordinator, “the unit directed them over an unpaved, winding, washboard road toward Saline Valley, where they turned right onto an even rougher four-wheel-drive road and became stuck near a remote abandoned mine site called Lippincott.” In this case, one member of the party was able to hike the 20-25 miles and found a ranger so they were rescued. Other people have had similar experiences that resulted in death if you are not prepared.
The problem is that some roads are on the GPS unit that should not be. They’ve been closed or are in rough condition. When someone requests a route, the unit may come back with a route taking them on one of these dangerous roads. Temperatures in Death Valley in the summer are often more than 120 degrees and in many locations in the park there is no cell service, so getting stuck way out a dirt road could mean possible death.
Park officials have been trying to get these roads removed from the databases of GPS units. They have had success with TomTom. Google Maps was a challenge. Other GPS units may still have these roads in their system.
If you travel in a more remote area like Death Valley, look at where the GPS is taking you. If the route is going off on a dirt road, then, no matter what the GPS says, don’t go unless you have confirmation from an official that that route is safe and recommended. Better to take the longer route than get caught out in the middle of nowhere in trouble.
Search and rescue officials say:
“More reliable [than GPS] are a good map, a compass and, in case of trouble, plenty of water. And for those venturing off-road, they strongly advise carrying personal locator beacons or similar devices that send a signal via satellite, advising others of your location and notifying authorities if you need help.”
Usually people are pretty cautious with their RVs compared to driving around in their tow or towed vehicle. But double checking your route with a map is a good idea when driving an RV. Workers at some RV parks have been known to tell RVers making a reservation, “Don’t follow your GPS.” You could end up at a dead end or headed away from your destination.You can read the original article at ScrippsNews.com.
Use common sense- be safe!
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Please add your comment below or email Jamie at calamityjaimie@gmail.comtext reprinted with permission
Called to Community Worship
February 24, 2011
by Tony JowersTony is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador “One of the benefits of RVing is enjoying the beauty of God’s creation
– a leisurely walk in the woods ,hiking on a mountainside, biking along a river or fishing in a favorite lake, among others. In such moments, captivated by His design, we can easily been drawn to a solitary form of worship and praise God there, alone.
Do we need to worship with and among others? Should there be more in addition to our personal “quiet time” with God?
The author of Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages his readers to come together in community, to worship and encourage one another.
Worshiping together is one of the first things that God instructed us to do. Until King Solomon built the Temple, the Hebrews had the tabernacle, a “tent of meeting,” which traveled with them during their time in the wilderness. Sounds familiar to us RVers, doesn’t it?
The book of Proverbs is often called our instruction manual for interaction with our fellow man, while Psalms is our manual for interaction with God. Psalm 100: 2, 4 gives us good advice on our approach to community worship.
In verse 4 above, “His gates” and “courts” are references to the temple and/or the synagogue, so we are literally commanded to gather in community worship! Please note the terms used to describe the nature of worship: shout, joy, gladness, joyful songs, thanksgiving and praise, among others; all indicating that worship should be a time when we – whether in community or alone – truly enjoy being with God. Can you think of anything better?
It’s interesting to observe the model of our Savior as He taught the community in Luke 4:16-17. The phrase “stood up to read” indicates He preached: an attendant would hand the speaker the proper scroll, the speaker would stand, read, give the scroll back to the attendant, and the speaker would then sit to deliver his message. I have a strong feeling that many preachers today would be in favor of reverting back to this practice!
Obviously, if Jesus traveled to different towns and preached in different synagogues, He expected that people would be there to hear Him. Now, here we are, traveling from place to place in our RVs, enjoying His creation. We should follow His example and worship together, whenever possible.
I encourage you to worship in the campground or resort where you’re staying, or in the local community if your campground doesn’t yet offer worship services. You can find on-site churches here on RVchurchesUSA’s database for RVers.
You may already have a personal relationship with Jesus and have been experiencing the joy of worshiping our Lord in community or by personal devotions and “time alone” with Him. However, I also would like to encourage those who have not yet accepted Christ’s free gift of Salvation.
In John 14:6, Jesus succinctly tells us that there is only one way we can join Him in Heaven with God. That is what Christians call “the steps to Salvation”.
From the human perspective, it’s quite simple: Romans 10:9,13 outlines the 2-step process for the assurance of being with God in Heaven – for eternity!
If you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so, today. Let me know if you are taking that step for the first time and I – and others – will rejoice with you in your new joy for the Lord!
In the meantime … let’s all answer the call to community worship!
Tony welcomes your comments belowHelp Locate Campground Churches
February 23, 2011
By Duane Careb
President RVchurchesUSA
in the process of identifying campgrounds across the country (including Alaska) that conduct on-site church services.
Part of our mission is to acknowledge campground owner’s passion to serve Christ known to all RVers via our searchable database- at no cost!
We attempt to personally contact the owners in an effort to verify the existence of services and, when possible, talk to those involved in it’s administration – primarily the speakers. Although time consuming, these interviews have been very encouraging to both the campground owners and our ministry staff, as well.
The best resource for identifying these existing services is YOU!
No doubt, other RVers have told you about campgrounds hosting services or you personally have stayed at a campground that offered them.
Please take a moment and help us identify the campgrounds by simply completing the “Comments” section below. Give us as much information as possible – name, location, website, etc. We’ll do the rest!
You can serve other RVers visiting RVchurchesUSA daily who search our database. Of course, as others share their knowledge, you become the benefactor, as well. In this way, it’s a win-win scenario for all of us – campground owners, RVers and the Kingdom!
Don’t forget to check out our great articles emphasizing spiritual growth and secular RV-lifestyle as well as our resource page for RVers.
Thanks for your participation.
Blessings!
Peace in Times of Trouble
February 3, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on RVchurchesUSA Why does it seem when we decide to live wholly for Christ that trouble comes? There we are practicing the disciplines – praying, studying, worshipping – yet, enemies are rising against you, finances are collapsing, and relationships are broken beyond repair.
Yet in the midst of it all, we are able to find peace and joy in spite of the problems because we are reminded through His word that God has everything under control. What a testimony!
In 1873, Horatio Spafford whose wife and child drowned in a shipwreck wrote: “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.” In other words, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2). Like Spafford, the one who has this kind of joy recognizes who God is and see His hand in and on the circumstance. As a result, we are able to find peace and comfort in some of the most heart-wrenching situations because we have found safety in Him.
The peace that comes is not the false serenity and deceitful tactics of your enemies; not the house of cards we build with our wealth; nor the troubled relationships that we invest so much faith into. However, we are encouraged to press on because of the reality that our Sovereign Lord “is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). He takes good care of His children.
Therefore, our automatic response to trouble should be to:
Trust God’s Word
Remember God’s Word
Obey God’s Word
Unleash God’s Word
Believe God’s Word
Live-out God’s Word
Exclaim God’s Word
We do this in order to present an excellent testimony to the world of the Lord Jesus Christ from whom our strength comes so that we will be able to reign victorious in troubled times.
Thus, it is important to note that the biblical promises of peace, strength, and victory in trials are only for Christians. If you are not a Christian, these promises can be yours if you believe and trust Christ as your Lord and Savior. Accept that you are a sinner and unable to save yourself. Believe that our Loving, Merciful God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die for ALL of your sins (John 3:16). Confess and repent of your sins and turn to Him then He will make you into a new creation. A creation that has a new mind, new heart, new purpose, and new strength that comes only from Christ. He will change your world into a place of possibilities (Philippians 4:13). Including a place where we endure the seemingly unbearable troubles in life with “the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Seeing The End From The Beginning (2)
January 29, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late Welcome back to my blog. I have been away
for seven weeks due to a surprise summons from my Creator for a special meeting with Him. I invite you to go along with me as I recount this very real encounter at the age of 77.
It was 11:30 PM Saturday, December 11, 2010. There was a fire raging in my chest as I stumbled through the Emergency entrance of the hospital as Ruth parked the car. I blurted out “I think I’m having a heart attack!” An orderly pushed a wheelchair under me and off I went. Most of the next four days are only a series of snapshots of the events that took place.
One thing that stands out to me is that I seemed to be on this journey by myself—but I was not. Could it be that I was at the end of my life? Was it time for me to give an accounting to my Creator (Heb. 9:27)? Was this that meeting I just wrote about in my blog the previous Sunday beseeching all of us to keep the end clearly in view as we travel our journey from the beginning?
There are no snapshots of my wife Ruth or of my son and daughter and no recording of their voices. I seemed to be all alone. I recall the doctors telling of the severity of this summons from my Creator. After the final test the cardiologist told my family that they had found blockage at the three main arteries entering my heart. She said “It is a miracle he is still with us! His only option is a bypass.”
But it is I who must OK this procedure. Since all things of faith are personal, it was I who must determine if I would trust God for this procedure. For over 20 years I had maintained that I would not undergo surgery of any kind due to a history of strokes that require a daily dosage of blood thinners. My fear of being left an invalid and a burden to my family from another stroke was greater than my fear of death (at least up until now).
Since my return to faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior on March 18, 2008, it seems God has constantly asked me to trust Him more and more (www.faithrescued.com). Since that day I watched my consulting business disappear and then experienced bankruptcy.
In Matthew 6:19-21 the Master admonishes us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth but treasures in heaven. In Matthew 6:28-34 He further instructs us to trust Him for everything. I was now at the time when I must trust Him for everything—including my very life—as the doctor indicated that I would not survive without the bypass. I responded with these words: “If I can trust God for the stint and the angioplasty, then I can trust Him for the bypass. Give me the paper to sign.”
I had also committed to trust Him no matter what was ahead. After I was transported to one of the leading heart surgery hospitals in the nation, the surgeon expressed his concern. They do not normally do bypass surgeries until the patient has been off blood thinners for at least five days. It had only been two days since my last dosage. However, sensing the urgency, he decided to proceed with an extra supply of blood available.
On Wednesday morning at 6:30 I was taken into surgery. After a delay of over four hours as they searched for viable veins to use for the bypasses, the surgery began and lasted until 4:00 PM. I ended up needing five bypasses.
Our Creator asks each of us to trust Him fully—not partially. I was not alone; my Master was with me every moment of the way. Sometimes it may be, as in my case, through the very valley and shadow of death. But He will reward our trust as He did mine when that trust becomes complete. The hymn declares: Simply trusting everyday, Trusting thru a stormy way, Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus that is all.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com-
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