Infections

“But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” 

~Galatians 3:22

I am still dealing with an infection in my toe from a dirty piece of wood that entered my foot while helping with  tornado cleanup in Oklahoma.  The wood was apparently  infested with  some kind of resistant  bacteria.   I’m on a second round of antibiotics and walking with a slight limp, inhibited from doing good things I’d like to be doing.

I am reminded of an experience when we served in Irian Jaya.   An Irianese man was carried by his friends to the clinic because a rival tribe had shot a wooden arrow into him while he was gardening.  The missionary nurse patched him up and provided medicine with specific instructions on how to care for the wound.  Those instructions were not followed, an infection spread, and the man died. 

Sad story.  I’m following instructions and taking my meds, the strongest antibiotic they could give me.

I remember my life before Jesus.  I was infected with the deadly resistant bacteria of what the Bible calls sin.  The only antidote and antibiotic powerful enough to deal with sin is the cross of Jesus Christ.    I was a crippled prisoner who now celebrates the promised freedom through healing faith provided in Him.  Far from perfect but continuing to receive the powerful treatment of forgiveness and new life.

Sin causes serious limping, prevents us from doing that which is genuinely good, and brings death.  Good news----the Bible provides life-giving instructions and powerful solutions.   Trusting in Jesus is the only remedy for the deadly infection that spreads when a person walks without God.

Father,  help those on the deadly path of an infected life to find the cure that only Christ can bring through faith.  

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”

~1 John 1:9-10

Peace (Even in Oklahoma?)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

~John 14:27~

We watched a news video in church yesterday about Barbara Garcia, who lost her dog during the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. She was sitting on a stool with her dog in her lap when the twister hit. As she told her story, what struck me was the sense of peace revealed in her attitude and spirit. (YouTubeclip)


I heard somebody say recently that peace isn’t the absence of something, it is the presence of something. Peace isn’t found by getting rid of the enemy of it, but embracing something even in the presence of enemies. True peace isn't simply the absence of storms, tornadoes, pain, suffering, or conflict, it is the comforting presence of Jesus Christ in the midst of it. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). 


Barbara described the moment after the tornado. As she was laying in the rubble, “Then it was light,” and she knew she was going to be OK. The light signaled that the storm was over, but her dog was gone.


During the interview, Barbara found her dog. She said that God answered both of her prayers, for her and for her dog. Peace and joy were manifest in her voice.

We have a team of 12-15 people headed to Moore, Oklahoma, departing this Sunday after church. Please pray that we can be God’s agents of peace and light in the midst of the devastation.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)