Wednesday, December 10, 2008

One Leper Returning!

I have no pictures or graphics for this blog. This is a letter of praise to my God. Tonight I bow at the feet of my Savior to say, "Thank you." Thank you for a loving family, praying friends, and for hearing & answering prayers.

Martin Luther described worship as "one leper returning." Read this scripture and you will see where he derived this definition:
11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 "Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."
Luke 17:11-19 (NKJV)


Today Chris and I heard some great news and we have felt God's Spirit in answered prayers. Today we were told that all tests so far have proven negative for myloma. My cancer will be treated as a solitary plasmacytoma. Statistics (not that I trust them) say that this cancer is only found 5-10% of the time before it has progressed into myloma. I still have some more tests ahead and treatment will now begin January 5th, but they can find no other lesions. The treatment plan is for radiation and no chemotherapy. Isn't it amazing that we pray for healing, receive it, and then can have the tendency to just go on with our lives. Praise to our God! I will be a thankful child.

In the book of Romans there are scriptures that have always bothered me a little bit. In Romans chapter 1, there are three verses that say 'God gave them up" or "God gave up on them," (verses 24, 26, & 28) What would cause this type of reaction from God. In the same chapter, you see the reason in an earlier verse:
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful,
Romans 1:21 (NKJV)
Please celebrate with us! A milemarker has been passed!
There is still a race to run, but our Father continues to meet our needs and show his power and love for us.

6 comments:

Hattie said...

We rejoice with you in your test results. God is AWESOME, and so deserving of our PRAISE!!!!! Hallelujah! Love and Prayers, Ike and Ann Peterson (Edna)

Diana said...

Kevin, my heart is doing a little dance for you upon this great news. What a blessing. Your faith is such an incredible encouragement, and just think, through this journey, God has a plan to use you even more mightily to touch souls for the glory of His kingdom. Wow! Eph. 3:20 Diana (Weaver) Force

Phyllis K said...

PRAISE THE LORD!!! Just like when you run and you keep your pace, you are keeping the faith as you run this race. Thank you, again, for showing us your faithfulness, your thankfulness and for givig glory to our awesome God who always answers our prayers. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you and your family. Again, you are forever a great teacher and faithful encourager....thank you!

Love you to all....

Phyllis

TAMMY said...

Praise the Lord for His unending love and faithfulness to us. My heart is full for you and your great news. I believe this is only the beginning of the testimony my brother. I believe that this is a tip of the iceburg of the great and mighty things that He will reveal to you, Chris and your family. I feel my life is all the more blessed by knowing you and Chris. You have been such a blessing to Steve and I through our trials. May the Lord bless you richly!

Your sister in Christ,
Tammy :O)

Jeanne said...

Kevin, I am so excited that you have received such good news! You and Chris both are very special people and have such a strong faith in God. I know that this is a very difficult challenge for you and your family, but there is a reason(s) for it. There is no telling how many people you have touched and what effect your 'race' may be having on other people. You are the one that is 'sick', yet you are such an encouragment and so much stronger than a lot of us that are following the progress you are making in your 'marathon'. The things that God is revealing to you and that you are passing on to others is amazing. You are such a joyful teacher. I remember back, oh about 10 years ago, when you and Chris were my sunday school teachers. I learned so much from you guys. You both just have a way of getting a message across where it is understandable. And you compliment each other so well. I believe that you and Chris will both have a special crown when I see you in heaven on judgement day. You are an inspiration! The Lord will bless all of you.

Your friend and prayer warrior,
Jeanne

-byron said...

Kevin--

We are so glad to hear the good news! It is great to see how positive you have been during this whole process, but then again, I know where your strength comes from. After the holiday schedule slows down perhaps we can take a day and come see you guys! We love you and miss you.