~Reconciliation~

I do have an update on Joyce. She saw the local oncologist yesterday, as well as a pulmonolgist. After these appointments they were more optimistic. Tomorrow, Wednesday Joyce will be having a biopsy to find out the type of cancer, as well as a PET CT scan. Once they get these results they will know the type of cancer and if there has been progression. The 3 cm mass they had previously told her about may not be on the aorta. They also found out yesterday that when she had her physical examination last December the spot on her lungs showed up on her x-ray at that time. They, of course, are very upset with this finding as her family physician has sent her for 2 chest x-rays and reported both were fine. Joyce also has referral to M.D. Anderson, so they should be able to get an appointment very quickly.

Jan is in the midst of getting approved for a new clinical trial, checking her blood counts and I've been gathering information on the results and side effects of this new treatment.

And, my cousin is also in the midst of possibly starting a new chemo regimen for her CLL. I've been helping her with this as well. Pretty soon I may be an expert in cancer treatments. Ha! That is very unlikely to happen as it's unbelievable the treatment options and such for each specific cancer. It is very interesting.

I would ask that you remember Jan, my cousin and Joyce as they prepare for what lies ahead. Pray that they will rest in the comfort of God's arms as he directs them in fighting their cancers. Pray for WONDERFUL RESULTS and MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS. AND, AS I MENTIONED THE OTHER DAY, PLEASE PRAY FOR JOYCE AS SHE IS NOT A CHRISTIAN. PRAY THAT GOD WILL SOFTEN HER HEART SO THAT SHE MAY COME TO KNOW HIM.

Becoming reconciled to God is a good starting point in our quest for reconciliation in all of our relationships. As Paul exhorted, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are “reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10).

Reconciliation in our human relationships can be a difficult process. It must begin with each person accepting accountability for his own behavior. Next, there must be an acknowledgement of wrong doing. This must be accompanied by the replacement of deceitfulness with openness and honesty in the relationship. Finally, a firm verbal commitment must be made to take the specific steps necessary to discontinue all inappropriate behavior.

Obviously, not everyone is willing to do his or her part toward reconciliation of the relationship. Indeed, attempting to reconcile with one who continues to be an abuser is not wise, nor is it God’s will. On the other hand, even when the relationship cannot be reconciled, we can still know that it certainly is God’s will for us to experience His emotional healing. Jesus Christ gives us great encouragement.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

You can't force someone to reconcile. But, for yourself you have to do what you believe God would want and just as it says above, he would want us to experience emotional healing. This can and has been a very sticky situation lately with a lot of disappointment and hurt. The full details are not needed, but I would covet your prayers. God knows the situation, as well as the feelings.

~Reconciliation~

With God's Grace even the most damaged relationships can be restored.

In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Jesus tells His disciples: "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you don't forgive them, they are not forgiven" (John 20:23). In the Lord's Prayer, He teaches us: "Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us" (Matthew 6:12).

One of the most important "soul matters" in God's eyes is reconciliation. Just as He sent His son Jesus into the world to reconcile people to Him (Colossians 1:20-22), so He gives us the mandate to be peacemakers, to be reconciled even to our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

It is obvious that one person cannot control or force the process of reconciliation. That's why we are told to keep peace "as much as depends on you" (Romans 12:18 NKJV). Before ignoring the call to reconciliation as too hard, too painful, and very unrealistic, we need to remember --

*Reconciliation is God's idea and His way of doing things (Romans 5:8-10).

*Reconciliation is tied to our worship of God -- He wants us to come before Him with right relationships (Matthew 5:23).

*As we forgive others, we are forgiven by God. (Luke 6:37).

*One of the blessings of walking with God is peace (Galatians 5:22).

There are some notes of caution --

*Reconciliation does not always happen all at once, but can take place over years, so don't get discouraged or give up by lack of results (Galatians 6:9).

*Reconciliation does not mean we submit ourselves to abuse and the cruelty and lack of response of others. Even Jesus told His disciples to avoid this. (Matthew 10:14).

Additional verses on reconciliation:

Heal and restore ~ Isaiah 61:3

Turn enemies into friends ~ Isaiah 11:6

Bless peacemakers ~ Matthew 5:9

Redeem your tears ~ Psalm 126:5

Remove your sorrows ~ Zephaniah 3:18

He does everything just right and on time ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11