SURGERY

Journey to Breiter Futures:

As some of you know I just spent 8 days in the hospital and another 4 at home recouping from massive pain medication, pain itself and the idea that surgery will ultimately be required. As I lay in my hospital bed, feeling pretty much afraid and alone, I started to think about Surgery and when we remove one thing to save another. And it simply reminded me of the importance for us, as children of Christ, our King, to remember that we are all part of the body that is and will be the kingdom of heaven. By not having a new church to call home until late last month, I have very much felt like a chicken with its head cut off. I was floundering around, and the imagery of mock horror movies where bodies run around without heads and the laughter built up, I stopped for a moment to actually give real thought to the importance of each of us in the church.

Without my head I am simply oozing blood and serving no good purpose. I need my head, really I do! But I also need my pinky toe and my left shoulder my right hand and every thing in between. When we come to have an intimate relationship with Christ, a surgery begins to take place. First we begin to understand the nature of God, of His love for all His children regardless! Then as time goes on we begin to delve into the very concepts of Faith, Hope and Love and not tenants of religion. As we do this, we begin to understand what we must let go of in order to have the fullness, the rich and flavorful life that God wants for us (has planned for us). It isn't that we don't have choices, it is are we willing to make the right choices in order to find all of God's promises for out lives?

Are we ready to begin the surgery that is necessary to draw closer to God? Are we ready to do a blood transfusion in order to cleanse, so to speak, our lives of the things that only further us from Him? Paul wrote  in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and again in 10:23 "all things are permissible - but not all things are beneficial. And even though I am allowed to do anything, I mustn't become a slave to anything." (NLT)

God wants the very best for each of us. He desires to give us the desires of our hearts. He is unconditional in his love and mercy, grace and kindness. But first we need to do some self-applied surgery of sorts in an effort to live a life more abundant. We must say goodbye, cut out, say Adios amigo to the things that are not beneficial in our lives. Not because He's the big bad dictator or puppet master or master manipulator as I have heard so many say. But rather, He's the big great Dad that wants the very best but like a every good Dad (or Mom) knows - usually from experience, sticking your hand into the fire is permissable but really not very beneficial. Shoddy example but I think the point is made. God is not doing the surgery, we are. Each of us, as we come to know the heart of Jesus, as we draw closer into His Presence, begins to see that surgery to remove certain things is not a requirement for His Love and Approval; but rather it is a surgery or labor of love for Him!

As I look back on when I believe I truly accepted Christ into my life, surgery took place. I gave up the things that I knew were not beneficial even though it was always up to me to choose it over Him. Once again, on this new journey I find myself back at a place of needing surgery - and while it may hurt for a bit or sting for a while, ultimately the body is restored and ready to receive new blessings, share His message with others free of the dead limbs - we can do it boldly knowing that loving God and all His goodness is a give and take relationship....and it seems to me, that the surgery we face will never end because we are human and our weakness and frailties will always try to take a front seat until we recognize that very thing! God is the great healer, I trust in His hands over my body, mind, soul and spirit...take it away Doc!

pebble out...