Today Is the Day

Latest news concerning Barb's visit to Mayo Clinic last week. Not what we were praying for, but we know that God is in control and has a perfect plan. The biopsy showed a malignant tumor surrounding the portal vein just outside the liver. It is a cholangiocarcinoma, same as was in her old liver before transplant, so it had escaped the liver and is spreading. It is not operable, and even if it was it would make no difference as it is already spreading, according to Dr. Gores.

Monday we see an oncologist at Mayo Clinic who will set up chemo treatments that will be carried out in Des Moines. They are not giving her a time-frame yet, but it doesn't sound long. But truthfully, only God knows. He has a standing appointment for Barb as He does for each one of us. Only He knows when that is. Regardless of what the Doctors say, she could be with us a very long time still. Pray for God's perfect will for Barb and for me, and pray for Dr. Gores, that he may come to trust Christ for his salvation sometime soon. We continue to have great opportunities to witness to him about Christ Jesus. Amen!

Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." God has a standing appointment with each of us that we must keep. We don't know when that is. Only God knows. For some, it comes all too soon. For others, long life is in store. What makes the difference? Christ Jesus makes the difference.

Hebrews 9:28 continues the thought: "so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." What a promise! Christ died on the cross "once to bear" our sins. At the cross the penalty for our sins was paid in full. By faith in Him our sins are forgiven and we receive salvation. As John 1:12  says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."

When we trust in Jesus for salvation and we "eagerly wait for Him" (Heb. 9:28), "He will appear a second time... for salvation" (v. 28). Jesus is coming again to complete our salvation by taking us to heaven to spend all eternity with Him in glory. For the believer that eternity starts when we die or when Christ returns, whichever comes first. So whether we die young, live to a ripe old age, or live too see the rapture, any way you spin it, as a believer we will ultimately be with Jesus in heaven. Again, what a great promise!

Therefore, that which is most important is clear: to know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior by faith! Nothing else really matters. What matters is salvation, not longevity of life. What matters is saving faith in Jesus, and therefore, leading others to that same saving faith. That is why Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21).

In verses 22-24 he explained: "But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." Salvation trumps death, but to live longer means more opportunity to lead others to Christ and to encourage them in their walk of faith.

As it says in Acts 4:12, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." That name is Jesus! And Second Corinthians 6:2 adds, "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." If you have not yet accepted Christ by faith for salvation, today is the day! Come to Jesus right now. Trust Him to save you for all eternity. Amen.