Less than one week ago, the doctor told me that I had acute leukemia and less than two weeks to live. Death was now a reality and I needed to confront it head on. As I thought about this truth, I realized that my only choice was to continue to live my final days and hours in absolute submission to my God. After all – His will be done. His will and His timing are perfect, and my will is His will, and His will is my desire.

As the hour approaches, however, I wanted to share with you my three favorite Scriptures and a few convictions I have developed after 76 years. Hopefully these will strengthen you.

First...

Seek God's Kingdom and His Righteousness

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

We are to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first and all other things will be taken care of by God.

God wants us to develop our relationship with God AND His kingdom. He wants us to make these relationships our first priority. If we put Him and the kingdom first, He will take care of everything else.

Jesus taught his disciples these concepts when he taught them to pray:

"…your kingdom come, your will  be done, on earth as it is in heaven."    Matthew 6:9-10

God’s desire for the world is that all men love Him and love each other.

We know that the kingdom of God and the church are synonymous. Some people say, "I have never seen a church I could make first in my life". That doesn’t change the fact that God requires a first-priority relationship with Himself and a first priority relationship with other committed disciples. He wants us to have both relationships (the kingdom and his righteousness). Christ’s church should consist of disciples that put God and His church FIRST daily. Jesus made it clear how to become a disciple. A disciple must worship the Lord and be in fellowship with other true disciples. If he finds himself in a place without other dedicated disciples, he must change the situation – either by moving, or converting others and starting a group. A physical fellowship of true disciples is what God meant by church.

A person who lives in faith and harmony with God and his children is a child of God. These relationships provide the power to allow your faith to grow and for you to become what God intended.

Second...

Remember, It is God's Power You Are Using

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations."
Ephesians 3:20-21

The person who has faith in the power of God operating through his life is invincible. He is not afraid to tackle the impossible jobs. He is victimized by nothing and no one. The shepherd boy David developed this kind of relationship as he watched over the sheep in the Judean hills. The Psalms of David reveal his genuine relationship with God. David’s primary concern was that he not lose the Holy Spirit of God.

"Do not cast me from your presence or take
your Holy Spirit from me."   Psalm 51:11

This kind of faith empowered David while he was still a young man to accept the challenge of the giant Goliath without intimidation. David vanquished Goliath because of his faith in the Lord’s power.

To David, there were no giants, only enemies of God. Enemies of God can be conquered. God has commanded that His people – His church – disciple ALL NATIONS. This can only be done by people who believe that God is working through the church and that His Holy Spirit is in control.

Third...

All Things Work For Good...

"And we know that in all things God works
for the good of those who love him..."
Romans 8:28

Two of the Devil’s most effective tools to defeat the saints of God are: DISCOURAGEMENT and NEGATIVE THINKING – which is a lack of faith. God has never promised that He will shield us from tragedy and disappointment in our lives. Jesus said that whether you build your house on the rock or the sand, you will face storms and difficulties. People tend to blame God (or people or circumstances) for misfortunes that befall them.

The apostle Paul says that Christians should rejoice always. God has promised that all things will work together for our good. Too often we only want to love God (and our brothers) when things are going well and we are "feeling" the blessings. We must remember that all things – even death – work for our good. If we turn away from God in the hard times, our faith will never develop. This faith, as indicated in Romans 8 – gives us the power to develop a life of joy which helps us persevere from here to eternity.

These three Scriptures have been the greatest source of strength in my life.

As I prepare to meet God, and pray that the Lord will speed the coming of this hour, I can honestly repeat the words of my brother Paul:

"... the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me…"     2 Timothy 4:6-7

My life has been long and full and devoted to the Lord. My prayer for you is that when you are walking down this road, when the shadow of death is over you, that you too can say these words and that you too will fear no evil. Total commitment is all that is required by our Lord. He will give you direction and strength.

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