On this date, December 24th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 15:1--8 titled "Seven Angels and Seven Plagues" and in I John 5:1--15 titled "Eternal Life in God's Son".
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in I John, the apostle John writing:
"1:Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2:This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3:This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4:for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5:Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6:This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7:For there are three that testify: 8:the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9:We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10:Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11:And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12:He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13:I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14:This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 20th
On this date, December 20th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 12:1--13 titled "The Woman and the Dragon" and in I John 3:12--24 titled "Effective Love".
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in I John, the apostle John writing:
"23:And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24:Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in I John, the apostle John writing:
"23:And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24:Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 10th
On this date, December 10th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 3:7--13 titled "The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia" and in II Peter 3:8--13 titled "The Day of the Lord".
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in Revelation:
"8:I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name... 10:Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11:I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown."
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in Revelation:
"8:I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name... 10:Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11:I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 9th
On this date, December 9th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 3:1--6 titled "The Letter to the Church in Sardis" and in II Peter 3:1--7 titled "Scoffers in the Last Days".
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in Revelation:
"2:Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3:Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you...5:He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. "
The following are the sentences Margo underlined in the commentary on the passage in II Peter:
"The "last days" are the time between Christ's first and second comings; thus we, like Peter, live in the last days."
Margo underlined the following verses in the passage in Revelation:
"2:Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3:Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you...5:He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. "
The following are the sentences Margo underlined in the commentary on the passage in II Peter:
"The "last days" are the time between Christ's first and second comings; thus we, like Peter, live in the last days."
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 7th
On this date, December 7th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 2:12--17 titled "The Letter to the Church in Pergamum" and in II Peter 1:19--2:11 titled "True and False Prophets".
Margo underlined the following in the commentary on the passage in Revelation:
"As the center for four idolatrous cults, Pergamum is called the city "where Satan has his throne."...Don't tolerate sin under the pressure to be open-minded. Standing firm against Satan's attractive temptations is never easy, but the alternative is deadly."
The following verses are what Margo underlined in the passage in II Peter, the apostle Peter writing:
"20:Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21:For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Margo underlined the following in the commentary on the passage in Revelation:
"As the center for four idolatrous cults, Pergamum is called the city "where Satan has his throne."...Don't tolerate sin under the pressure to be open-minded. Standing firm against Satan's attractive temptations is never easy, but the alternative is deadly."
The following verses are what Margo underlined in the passage in II Peter, the apostle Peter writing:
"20:Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21:For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 6th
On this date, December 6th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 2:8--11 titled "The Letter to the Church in Smyrna" and in II Peter 1:12--18 titled "Peter, an Eyewitness of Christ".
Margo underlined the following in the commentary on the passage in Revelation:
"If you are experiencing difficult times, don't let them turn you away from God. Instead let them draw you toward greater faithfulness. Trust him and remember your heavenly reward."
Margo underlined the following in the commentary on the passage in Revelation:
"If you are experiencing difficult times, don't let them turn you away from God. Instead let them draw you toward greater faithfulness. Trust him and remember your heavenly reward."
Friday, December 5, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 5th
On this date, December 5th Margo was reading in the book of Revelation 2:1--7 titled "The Letter to the Church in Ephesus" and in II Peter 1:1--11 titled "Knowing God and His Will".
Margo only underlined the commentary on the passage in Revelation:
"Many believers want more of God's kindness and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know him better. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we have to combine hard work with complete trust. In order to get to know God's will for our lives, we must faithfully obey what he has already revealed as his will in the Scriptures. As we internalize the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit transforms us into greater and greater Christlikeness--God's kindness and pease are then made realities in our lives."
Margo only underlined the commentary on the passage in Revelation:
"Many believers want more of God's kindness and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know him better. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we have to combine hard work with complete trust. In order to get to know God's will for our lives, we must faithfully obey what he has already revealed as his will in the Scriptures. As we internalize the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit transforms us into greater and greater Christlikeness--God's kindness and pease are then made realities in our lives."
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 2nd
On this date, December 2nd Margo was reading in the book of Acts 28:11--31 titled "Paul Lives under Guard in Rome" and in I Peter 4:12--19 titled "Suffering with Christ".
I need to provide some context on the passage in Acts that Margo underlined. Paul finally arrived in Rome, after a long dangerous journey. When he and his companions arrived they met with a large number of Christians initially, then with several of the Jewish leaders. Paul preached the gospel to these Jewish leaders and tried to show them that Jesus was the Messiah. Some believed, but many others refused to believe.
Here's what Margo underlined in the passage in Acts:
"25:They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26:" 'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27:For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28:"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!""
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on Acts:
"...God "worked all things for good" (Romans 8:28) for Paul, and you can trust him to do the same for you. God may not make you comfortable or secure, but he will provide the opportunity to do his work."
Margo didn't underline any verses in the passage in I Peter, but she underlined the entire commentary:
"Again Peter brings to mind Jesus' words: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me"(Matthew 5:11). It is never shameful to suffer for Christ, and he will send his Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. This does not mean that all suffering is good, however. Sometimes a person will grumble, "he's just picking on me because I'm a Christian, " when it's obvious to everyone else that it is the person's own unpleasant behavior that is the cause of his problems. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us all the way."
I need to provide some context on the passage in Acts that Margo underlined. Paul finally arrived in Rome, after a long dangerous journey. When he and his companions arrived they met with a large number of Christians initially, then with several of the Jewish leaders. Paul preached the gospel to these Jewish leaders and tried to show them that Jesus was the Messiah. Some believed, but many others refused to believe.
Here's what Margo underlined in the passage in Acts:
"25:They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26:" 'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27:For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28:"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!""
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on Acts:
"...God "worked all things for good" (Romans 8:28) for Paul, and you can trust him to do the same for you. God may not make you comfortable or secure, but he will provide the opportunity to do his work."
Margo didn't underline any verses in the passage in I Peter, but she underlined the entire commentary:
"Again Peter brings to mind Jesus' words: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me"(Matthew 5:11). It is never shameful to suffer for Christ, and he will send his Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. This does not mean that all suffering is good, however. Sometimes a person will grumble, "he's just picking on me because I'm a Christian, " when it's obvious to everyone else that it is the person's own unpleasant behavior that is the cause of his problems. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us all the way."
Monday, December 1, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses December 1st
On this date, December 1st Margo was reading in the book of Acts 28:1--10 titled "On the Island of Malta" and in I Peter 4:7--11 titled "Use Your Gifts for Service".
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"7:The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8:Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on I Peter:
"...Others feel they have no special talents at all...Peter says, everyone has some abilities; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be dedicated to others, he points out; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. We must use the gifts which God has given to us to serve others."
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"7:The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8:Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on I Peter:
"...Others feel they have no special talents at all...Peter says, everyone has some abilities; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be dedicated to others, he points out; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. We must use the gifts which God has given to us to serve others."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses November 29th
On this date, November 29th Margo was reading in the book of Acts 27:1-15 titled "Paul Begins His Voyage to Rome" and in I Peter 3:17--22 titled "Do Good Even When You Suffer for It".
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"18:For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,...20:who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21:and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22:who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on I Peter:
"If we suffer for wrongdoing we should humbly endure it as just punishment. When we suffer for doing what is right, then we are given the opportunity to suffer as Christ suffered. Since Jesus suffered injustice, his followers should expect to suffer injustice as well. It is a privilege to suffer for Christ, even though it is not at all a pleasant experience.(double underlined) Let us keep our conduct above criticism, so that when we do suffer, out suffering can be a testimony to those around us."
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"18:For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,...20:who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21:and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22:who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on I Peter:
"If we suffer for wrongdoing we should humbly endure it as just punishment. When we suffer for doing what is right, then we are given the opportunity to suffer as Christ suffered. Since Jesus suffered injustice, his followers should expect to suffer injustice as well. It is a privilege to suffer for Christ, even though it is not at all a pleasant experience.(double underlined) Let us keep our conduct above criticism, so that when we do suffer, out suffering can be a testimony to those around us."
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Margo's Status Updates, 12/12/2007 -- 01/30/2008
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:37 PM
we got back from denver today where margo had an mri.
the brain tumor has grown substantially and is out of
control.
our oncologist has discontinued chemo therapy and
believes margo may only have a few more weeks to live.
we have contacted the local hospice and they will be
coming out tomorrow morning.
our kids and grand kids are on their way home and
should be here tomorrow. margo may live through
Christmas but we'll probably celebrate early. my
sister becky will be joining us tomorrow as well.
we appreciate all your prayers and your friendship
over the last 14 months during the fight against this
disease. over the next few days we'll be trying to
sort things out and make our final arrangements.
we still believe God can heal margo and may do so at
any time. He's a great and gracious God. We believe
we've had almost an additional full year of the joy
of having margo with us. God willing, we'll have lots
more time together, but we're trying to prepare for
whatever may happen.
during these difficult times, i've seen some very
beautiful things and had the joy of experiencing many
loving friends and relatives and sharing our hopes and
our love for each other. difficult times bring out
the best and sometimes the worst in us. i'd like to
say i've always been the best, most loving husband,
but that isn't true. i've had some bad moments. i
pray God will forgive me for those and i pray He'll
continue to mold me into His image.
please come to see margo if you can over the next few
days and please continue to pray for healing and Gods
will in our lives. if you can't come visit, feel free
to call her on our home phone. she loves to talk to
friends and relatives.
i keep thinking of verses of this hymm..."When the
morning falls on the farthest hill,
I will sing His name, I will praise Him still.
Though dark trials come and my heart is filled
with the weight of doubt I will praise Him still."
God bless you all.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 9:25 AM
just a quick note...
margo is doing better than expected. she had a
"tired" day yesterday. it was hard for her to put
weight on her legs. she was feeling tired all day,
which is turning out to be normal now.
this morning she was able to help us (our youngest
daughter abigail and I) get her up and was able to put
weight on her legs and hang onto us when getting her
up out of bed.
she's resting now.
we get her up in the late morning to take her meds and
take a meal and then she normally wants to go back to
bed. most days it's difficult for her to stay up but
it's also difficult for her to go to sleep after
taking her meds, which include 16mg of steroid. we
usually sit by her side while she's in bed until she
goes back to sleep or decides to try to get up.
we get her up in the late afternoon to give her meds
and take a meal.
margo wants to be in bed early in the evening too, say
around 18:00.
Lord willing i'll be renting a van to take her out for
a drive this weekend. i'll be looking for wheelchair
ramps to get her in and out of the van.
i'll be going into work as much as i feel i can but
leaving early to help at home and spend as much time
with margo as possible.
the company and management i work for has continued to
support us through this difficult time. they've been
very gracious to me.
what i've described is a fairly good synopsis of our
daily routine.
God is so good. we are grateful for what ever time we
have together.
we appreciate all your prayers. we're still looking
for a miracle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 19, 2008 1:53 PM
thought i would send out a brief update on margo's
state...
she's doing much better than expected, but she's
getting worse. margo sleeps a lot and gets up usually
between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. she normally is up
for a couple hours and then goes to bed. some days
she stays in her recliner until later in the day when
she wants to go to bed. the recliner is motorized and
has a lift so it makes it easier and safer for us to
move her and to feed her. the recliner also has a
head support and margo needs a head support now. we
may be moving our adjustable bed upstairs soon. that
will allow us to get her up out of bed easier.
abigail is still with us, praise God for that. it
takes both of us to transfer margo now. i have hired
a company to come in the morning while i'm at work to
help abigail while i'm not at home. we're expecting
our oldest daughter ali to come possibly as early as
next week.
margo is starting to lose her appetite, but it's still
pretty good. it's getting more difficult for her to
swallow water and food. we started feeding more
"soft" foods while trying to maintain a diet with
fiber in it.
margo is still very alert when she's up but she's
having a harder time staying cognizant of where we are
in time and space.
we've had some good conversations lately, reminiscing,
and talking about all the times, good and bad, we've
had together. margo's memory is much better than
mine. i wonder where i was for all these years.
we've been through so many things over these last 37+
years. looking back, we see God's hand throughout our
lives.
we're still praying for a miracle. we need your
prayers to help us through this. please continue to
call margo. though she's not able to talk many times,
she still very much looks forward to the calls.
we appreciate your prayers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:09 AM
a quick update...
margo is continuing to hang on, but her health is
declining daily. her appetite is diminishing and her
desire for water declines.
she is also sleeping more.
this morning she appears to have a fever. it's more
difficult for her to breathe too.
we continue to pray for a miracle and would encourage
all of you to do the same.
margo's mom was here for three days and left for home
today.
please continue to pray for us.
God's mercies are new every morning.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 2:40 PM
this will be my final update on margo...
she went to be with the Lord at 07:45 this morning.
my wonderful, sweet, caring, loving, intelligent,
creative, compassionate, strong, athletic, darling
wife of over 37 years.
my companion, my councilor, my guide, always my voice
of wisdom and common sense, is with the Lord with no
more pain, or sorrow, or sickness.
a devoted wife, and mother, forever caring and
concerned for her daughters and her brothers, sisters,
uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, mother,
father, mother in law, father in law, friends, and
neighbors. always hospitable, laying her own needs
aside for her family and friends, and most of all for
me.
i know she's singing her lungs out and waiting,
patiently for me.
God, do i miss her already.
God bless you all for loving her so much too.
we got back from denver today where margo had an mri.
the brain tumor has grown substantially and is out of
control.
our oncologist has discontinued chemo therapy and
believes margo may only have a few more weeks to live.
we have contacted the local hospice and they will be
coming out tomorrow morning.
our kids and grand kids are on their way home and
should be here tomorrow. margo may live through
Christmas but we'll probably celebrate early. my
sister becky will be joining us tomorrow as well.
we appreciate all your prayers and your friendship
over the last 14 months during the fight against this
disease. over the next few days we'll be trying to
sort things out and make our final arrangements.
we still believe God can heal margo and may do so at
any time. He's a great and gracious God. We believe
we've had almost an additional full year of the joy
of having margo with us. God willing, we'll have lots
more time together, but we're trying to prepare for
whatever may happen.
during these difficult times, i've seen some very
beautiful things and had the joy of experiencing many
loving friends and relatives and sharing our hopes and
our love for each other. difficult times bring out
the best and sometimes the worst in us. i'd like to
say i've always been the best, most loving husband,
but that isn't true. i've had some bad moments. i
pray God will forgive me for those and i pray He'll
continue to mold me into His image.
please come to see margo if you can over the next few
days and please continue to pray for healing and Gods
will in our lives. if you can't come visit, feel free
to call her on our home phone. she loves to talk to
friends and relatives.
i keep thinking of verses of this hymm..."When the
morning falls on the farthest hill,
I will sing His name, I will praise Him still.
Though dark trials come and my heart is filled
with the weight of doubt I will praise Him still."
God bless you all.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 9:25 AM
just a quick note...
margo is doing better than expected. she had a
"tired" day yesterday. it was hard for her to put
weight on her legs. she was feeling tired all day,
which is turning out to be normal now.
this morning she was able to help us (our youngest
daughter abigail and I) get her up and was able to put
weight on her legs and hang onto us when getting her
up out of bed.
she's resting now.
we get her up in the late morning to take her meds and
take a meal and then she normally wants to go back to
bed. most days it's difficult for her to stay up but
it's also difficult for her to go to sleep after
taking her meds, which include 16mg of steroid. we
usually sit by her side while she's in bed until she
goes back to sleep or decides to try to get up.
we get her up in the late afternoon to give her meds
and take a meal.
margo wants to be in bed early in the evening too, say
around 18:00.
Lord willing i'll be renting a van to take her out for
a drive this weekend. i'll be looking for wheelchair
ramps to get her in and out of the van.
i'll be going into work as much as i feel i can but
leaving early to help at home and spend as much time
with margo as possible.
the company and management i work for has continued to
support us through this difficult time. they've been
very gracious to me.
what i've described is a fairly good synopsis of our
daily routine.
God is so good. we are grateful for what ever time we
have together.
we appreciate all your prayers. we're still looking
for a miracle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 19, 2008 1:53 PM
thought i would send out a brief update on margo's
state...
she's doing much better than expected, but she's
getting worse. margo sleeps a lot and gets up usually
between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. she normally is up
for a couple hours and then goes to bed. some days
she stays in her recliner until later in the day when
she wants to go to bed. the recliner is motorized and
has a lift so it makes it easier and safer for us to
move her and to feed her. the recliner also has a
head support and margo needs a head support now. we
may be moving our adjustable bed upstairs soon. that
will allow us to get her up out of bed easier.
abigail is still with us, praise God for that. it
takes both of us to transfer margo now. i have hired
a company to come in the morning while i'm at work to
help abigail while i'm not at home. we're expecting
our oldest daughter ali to come possibly as early as
next week.
margo is starting to lose her appetite, but it's still
pretty good. it's getting more difficult for her to
swallow water and food. we started feeding more
"soft" foods while trying to maintain a diet with
fiber in it.
margo is still very alert when she's up but she's
having a harder time staying cognizant of where we are
in time and space.
we've had some good conversations lately, reminiscing,
and talking about all the times, good and bad, we've
had together. margo's memory is much better than
mine. i wonder where i was for all these years.
we've been through so many things over these last 37+
years. looking back, we see God's hand throughout our
lives.
we're still praying for a miracle. we need your
prayers to help us through this. please continue to
call margo. though she's not able to talk many times,
she still very much looks forward to the calls.
we appreciate your prayers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:09 AM
a quick update...
margo is continuing to hang on, but her health is
declining daily. her appetite is diminishing and her
desire for water declines.
she is also sleeping more.
this morning she appears to have a fever. it's more
difficult for her to breathe too.
we continue to pray for a miracle and would encourage
all of you to do the same.
margo's mom was here for three days and left for home
today.
please continue to pray for us.
God's mercies are new every morning.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 2:40 PM
this will be my final update on margo...
she went to be with the Lord at 07:45 this morning.
my wonderful, sweet, caring, loving, intelligent,
creative, compassionate, strong, athletic, darling
wife of over 37 years.
my companion, my councilor, my guide, always my voice
of wisdom and common sense, is with the Lord with no
more pain, or sorrow, or sickness.
a devoted wife, and mother, forever caring and
concerned for her daughters and her brothers, sisters,
uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, mother,
father, mother in law, father in law, friends, and
neighbors. always hospitable, laying her own needs
aside for her family and friends, and most of all for
me.
i know she's singing her lungs out and waiting,
patiently for me.
God, do i miss her already.
God bless you all for loving her so much too.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses November 22nd
On this date, November 22nd Margo was reading in the book of Acts 22:30--23:11 titled "Paul Before the Sanhedrin" and in I Peter 1:14--25 titled "Personal Holiness".
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"14:As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15: But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16: for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."...
17:Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18:For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19:but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"14:As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15: But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16: for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."...
17:Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18:For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19:but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses November 21st
On this date, November 21st Margo was reading in the book of Acts 22:17--29 titled "Paul's Roman Citizenship" and in I Peter 1:8--13 titled "The Hope of Eternal Life".
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"8:Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9:for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,... 13:Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the following verses in the passage in I Peter, the apostle Peter speaking:
"8:Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9:for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,... 13:Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Margo's Status Updates, 10/2006 -- 11/2007
Friday, October 20, 2006
Tonight she is supposed to start chemo therapy. She'll be taking a pill for starters.
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Thursday, October 26, 2006
Tonight she is supposed to start chemo therapy. She'll be taking a pill for starters.
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Friday, December 29, 2006
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Friday, January 5, 2007
The Lord is good, and we trust He will deliver Margo and our family from this scourge.
Please keep praying for Margo.
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Saturday, March 24, 2007
After the gamma knife treatment we were able to go to the Indian Wells tennis tournament near Palm Springs California. We were able to visit several of our friends and relatives while we were there. It was wonderful to see and visit with so many of our friends and family. We wanted to stay longer and were so sorry we couldn't see everyone.
Almost two weeks ago we were in Denver for another monthly treatment. Margo has been recovering from this last treatment and her blood counts have been good. She's still some what lethargic, and we're working on getting her up and around more. We're also continuing with the thalidomide oral chemo treatment. It's believed this drug is causing most of the lethargy.
Margo has had several visitors lately and she has very much enjoyed their company. Our friends Betty Adams and Niela Stover visited from California and stayed with us about 5 days. Their stay enabled me to go to Phoenix to work with my brother-in-law in hopes of starting a new business here in Colorado.
We are blessed to have so many good friends and relatives.
God is good!
Please keep praying for Margo.
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
We are very much relieved by the results of the MRI. I was concerned about Margo's recent condition which has been deteriorating over the last few weeks. Until we could get an update from the oncologists in Denver I didn't want to concern others about it. I've been lowering her dose of steriod gradually (per the oncologists instructions) and it appears she's not ready for the lower doses yet. I conferred with the chemo oncologist and we've decided to go back to higher doses. We are also going to participate in a clinical study of a new drug that will replace the steriod we're using (decadron). The study will take a couple of weeks to complete and then three months after that before we can start administering it regularly. I'll be receiving the forms to start the study in a couple of days. This new drug apparently has none of the awful side effects of decadron. After we participate in the study, we'll be recieving the drug free of charge from the drug company. We are very hopeful about this new drug. Only one major drawback that we don't like, i.e., the drug has to be administered by injection.
The chemo oncologist, Dr. Arrenson, is also going to start Margo on another biological drug, in addition to thalidamide. It wasn't his first choice of biologicals but the insurance company wouldn't approve of his first choice because the drug has not been approved by the FDA and we would have to pay full price for it which would ruin us financially. His second choice is also not approved by the FDA but the drug company will provide it gratis.
As for the details of the MRI, there appears to be no new tumor growth and the existing disease appears to be "breaking up". The tumor that the gamma knife attacked appears to be shrinking. Praise God! We don't have the final results of the PFT but the prelim showed no problems.
Because of the side effects of the steriod, we'll be seeking a physical therapist for Margo. We've started her on an exercise regimen, but it's very difficult for her to get started on this...the steriod and the thalidamide inhibit ever her desire to exercise. We're hoping we'll find a PT locally that will accept our insurance and that the insurance will approve it.
Because Margo's blood counts were so low, she was not able to have chemo yesterday so she'll have to have blood tests over the next few days and once the counts are high enough, we'll be going back to Denver for another round of intravenous and oral chemo therapy.
God is good!
Please keep praying for Margo. We love her very much.
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Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wanted to get out an update on Margo's status after the MRI yesterday in Denver.
Overall, Dr. Arenson appeared to be satisfied with the progress of the treatment.
I'll be calling the doctor today to discuss her condition again.
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P.S. God is good and in control, even when it doesn't appear that way sometimes to casual observers.
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Wanted to update everyone on Margo's status...
We wanted to thank everyone for your prayers, and please keep praying for Margo.
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Margo is at swedish hospital in Denver. She started having seizures yesterday morning around 04:30 and we life flighted her to Swedish. She's currently in the critical care unit (icu).
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Her blood pressure has been too low to perform an mri but we're hopeful today she'll be able to get one.
The ct scan showed bleeding in the brain, but the surgeon believes it's not bad enough to warrant another craineotomy. Margo has been intubated
(respirator) because the nausea was causing vomiting.
Margo is coherent and mentally alert. She's being sedated and is on pain medicine, mostly because of the intubation.
Abigail is with me, and Ali will be here today.
I'll keep everyone posted as much as possible.
Please pray for Margo and our family. - ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tue, 16 Oct 2007
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Margo will be checking out of swedish hospital tomorrow morning and will be checking into a nursing facility for rehab. We're hoping she'll be there no
longer than 4 weeks, but can't be certain. By remaining in Denver she'll be closer to the oncologist and the cancer treatment clinic here at Swedish. We
think she'll be checking into a nursing facility in Aurora.
I'll be staying in denver and driving to work in Colorado Springs but i'll be able to continue the medication regimen i've been administering to her daily. I'll be driving back to the ranch a couple
times a week to pick up mail and make sure all is well at the ranch.
I'll be staying at st. vincent's house, where we staying when we were in denver a year ago. It's provided by the local catholic churches and it's only
about a mile from Swedish hospital. Abigail will be with us a few more days and then she'll be leaving for a tournament in Canada.
Margo is very weak, and her leg muscles in particular have atrophied so much it's takes two strong people to get her out of bed. We're hoping she'll recover
quickly and enough so we can take care of her at home very soon.
We're planning on continuing with the day care she's been receiving for the last 6 weeks or so, after she returns home.
Please pray for a rapid recovery and for strength for her. - ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Sat, 17 Nov 2007
We are back home now. Got home last night. Margo is very happy to be home again. Our friend Sandi is staying with us and will be here until Dec 10th
helping out and taking care of Margo.
Margo did not reover like we had hoped, but she's very happy to be home. When she first got to the nursing home she seemed to be making very good progress, but
over the last week to 10 days, she has regressed. We think part of the problem is she came down off the dexamethasone steroid too quickly without substituting
another steriod. She started experiencing severe headaches and lost quite a bit of function on her left side.
Now that we have her home, we can control the chemo drugs much more effectively. We've changed the steroid dosage and she's already feeling better.
We'll be starting in home physical therapy this week, Lord willing.
Margo is trying her best to recover from all this. We've had some hard times over the last few weeks, but the Lord has brought us through these valleys, and
sometimes it even seems he's just picked us up and carried us. Over the last month, we've been in the ER four different times, in two different hospitals.
margo has been in ER twice while she was at the nursing home.
Please continue to pray for her...healing, strength, encouragement, and please continue to call her. It's even more difficult for her to call out now, so
she depends on her friends and relatives calling her more than ever. Call her on our home phone. We left the cell phone at the nursing home in Denver and I
won't be able to get it until the weekend.
God bless you all for supporting us with prayers, cards, cd books, phone calls and visits. i especially want to thank those of you who came to visit her.
our pastor Cory Beery and his wife Shanda were there with us when margo came out of ER at Swedish hospital after the cerebral hemorrhage and she was on life
support. i can't tell you how much that helped me. i'll never for get that.
p.s. i was able to take margo out in the wheelchair on the deck this evening just after sunset. it was about 72 degrees and the mountains were beautiful. some of
you know what that's like. God bless you all.
Margo's Bible Verses November 20th
On this date, November 20th Margo was reading in the book of Acts 21:37--22:16 titled "Paul Retells His Conversion" and in I Peter 1:1--7 titled "Trials Refine Our Faith".
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the entire passage in I Peter. When you read this passage, and as you think about what she was going through this time last year, and the year before, you'll know why she underlined it:
"1:Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2:who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
3:Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4:and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5:who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6:In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7:These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in Acts. However, she underlined the entire passage in I Peter. When you read this passage, and as you think about what she was going through this time last year, and the year before, you'll know why she underlined it:
"1:Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2:who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
3:Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4:and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5:who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6:In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7:These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses November 14th and 15th
On these dates, November 14th, and November 15th Margo was reading in the book of Acts 19:11--20 titled "Paul Casts Out Demons in Ephesus" and in James 4:7--10 titled "Draw Near to God", and on November 15th she was reading in in Acts 19:21--41 titled "A Riot Erupts in Ephesus" and in James 4:11-12 titled "Don't Judge One Another".
Margo didn't underline any verses in the first passage in Acts. Here are the verses she underlined in in the first passage in James:
7:Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8:Come near to God and he will come near to you..."
The second passage in Acts will require a little context. Luke is writing about Paul's third missionary journey where he was preaching in Ephesus, located in modern day Turkey, on the Aegean. Ephesus housed the temple of Artemis, the Greek goddess of fertility. The Artesian temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world. There was much commercial activity dependent upon the worship of Artemis.
These are the verses Margo underlined in the second passage in Acts:
Demetrius, a silver smith who made small silver shrines of the temple and sold them in Ephesus, speaking to a mob near the temple.."26:And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27:There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.
28:When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
Margo didn't underline any verses in the first passage in Acts. Here are the verses she underlined in in the first passage in James:
7:Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8:Come near to God and he will come near to you..."
The second passage in Acts will require a little context. Luke is writing about Paul's third missionary journey where he was preaching in Ephesus, located in modern day Turkey, on the Aegean. Ephesus housed the temple of Artemis, the Greek goddess of fertility. The Artesian temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world. There was much commercial activity dependent upon the worship of Artemis.
These are the verses Margo underlined in the second passage in Acts:
Demetrius, a silver smith who made small silver shrines of the temple and sold them in Ephesus, speaking to a mob near the temple.."26:And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27:There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.
28:When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses, November 4th
On this date, November 4th, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 15:22--41 titled "A Letter to Gentile Believers" and in James 1:1-4 titled "Trials Build Character".
Margo didn't underline in of the verses in Acts, but she did underline these verses in James:
"2:Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3: because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4:Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Margo didn't underline in of the verses in Acts, but she did underline these verses in James:
"2:Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3: because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4:Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses, October 29th
On this date, October 29th, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 13:24--44 titled "Paul Preaches to the Jews of Antioch" and in Hebrews 12:12--17 titled "Commands for Christian Living".
Margo underlined several verses in Acts and one sentence in the commentary on them:
The apostle Paul speaking to the congregation at the synagogue in Antioch: "32:We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33: he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
"'You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.'
34:The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words:
"'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
35:So it is stated elsewhere:
"'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'..."
Here's the commentary she underlined:
"...This is the essence of the Good News--that forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available to all people through faith in Christ--including you."
Margo underlined several verses in Acts and one sentence in the commentary on them:
The apostle Paul speaking to the congregation at the synagogue in Antioch: "32:We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33: he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
"'You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.'
34:The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words:
"'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
35:So it is stated elsewhere:
"'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'..."
Here's the commentary she underlined:
"...This is the essence of the Good News--that forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available to all people through faith in Christ--including you."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses, October 28th
On this date, October 28th, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 13:13--23 titled "A Trip to Antioch of Pisidia" and in Hebrews 12:5--11 titled "God Disciplines His Children".
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in the book of Acts but she did underline a couple sentences in the commentary. I'll have to provide some context, however.
Paul and Barnabas had traveled to several cities and preached the good news of our Saviour Jesus in many synagogues on their missionary trips. But many of the Jewish members of the synagogues where they preached refused to believe Jesus was their much longed for Messiah. This also happened in Psidian Antioch. These Jewish congregates were looking for a different kind of Messiah.
Here's what Margo underlined:
"He was not a military king who would overthrow Rome's control, but a servant king who would overthrow sin in people's hearts."
These are the verses Margo underlined in Hebrews:
"7:Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8: If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
"...think on these things."
Margo didn't underline any of the verses in the passage in the book of Acts but she did underline a couple sentences in the commentary. I'll have to provide some context, however.
Paul and Barnabas had traveled to several cities and preached the good news of our Saviour Jesus in many synagogues on their missionary trips. But many of the Jewish members of the synagogues where they preached refused to believe Jesus was their much longed for Messiah. This also happened in Psidian Antioch. These Jewish congregates were looking for a different kind of Messiah.
Here's what Margo underlined:
"He was not a military king who would overthrow Rome's control, but a servant king who would overthrow sin in people's hearts."
These are the verses Margo underlined in Hebrews:
"7:Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8: If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
"...think on these things."
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses, October 23rd
On this date, October 23th, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 10:23--48 titled "Peter at the Centurion's House" and in Hebrews 11:17--20 titled "God's Testing of Abraham".
No verses in the chapter in Acts were underlined, but a couple verses were underlined in the passage in the book of Hebrews.
Verse 13 of Hebrews chapter 10 provides some context: "13:All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own."
"17: By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son...20:By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future."
No verses in the chapter in Acts were underlined, but a couple verses were underlined in the passage in the book of Hebrews.
Verse 13 of Hebrews chapter 10 provides some context: "13:All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own."
"17: By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son...20:By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future."
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses, October 11th
On this date, October 11th, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 5:26--42 titled "The Apostles Suffer Persecution" and in Hebrews 9:1--10 titled "The Earthly Tabernacle".
I'll need to lay down the context. The chief priests in Jerusalem had thrown the apostles into jail because the apostles were preaching the gospel and thousands of Jews had come to believe in Jesus as savior and many had been healed of their diseases. An angel had come and released the apostles from prison and the chief priests had them arrested again and brought before the Jewish religious council to stand trial a second time. The Jewish religious leaders again forbade them from preaching but Peter and the other apostles refused saying "We must obey God rather than men." and they went on to preach the gospel to the Jewish religious leaders, some of whom became enraged and wanted to kill the apostles.
However, one of the leaders of the council, whose name was Gamaliel and who was very highly respected, recommended a different approach. He told the story about how other messianic impostors had come and gone.
These are the verses Margo underlined, Gamaliel speaking to the council: "38:Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39: But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
I'll need to lay down the context. The chief priests in Jerusalem had thrown the apostles into jail because the apostles were preaching the gospel and thousands of Jews had come to believe in Jesus as savior and many had been healed of their diseases. An angel had come and released the apostles from prison and the chief priests had them arrested again and brought before the Jewish religious council to stand trial a second time. The Jewish religious leaders again forbade them from preaching but Peter and the other apostles refused saying "We must obey God rather than men." and they went on to preach the gospel to the Jewish religious leaders, some of whom became enraged and wanted to kill the apostles.
However, one of the leaders of the council, whose name was Gamaliel and who was very highly respected, recommended a different approach. He told the story about how other messianic impostors had come and gone.
These are the verses Margo underlined, Gamaliel speaking to the council: "38:Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39: But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses October 4th
On this date, October 4th, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 2:14--39 titled "Peter's Pentecost Sermon" and in Hebrews 5:7--10 titled "The Example of Abraham".
Here are the underlined verses in Acts, Peter speaking and quoting the prophet Joel :"17: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams....21:And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'...37:When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38:Peter Replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39:The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Here are the underlined verses in Acts, Peter speaking and quoting the prophet Joel :"17: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams....21:And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'...37:When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38:Peter Replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39:The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses October 1st
On this date, October 1st, Margo was reading in the book of Acts 1:1--13 titled "Jesus Ascends to Heaven" and in Hebrews 5:7--10 titled "Jesus Learned Obedience Through Suffering".
Here are the underlined verses in Acts:
Jesus speaking and answering His disciples after they had asked Him if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time, just before He ascended: "7: He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. 8:But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 9:After He said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
Here are the underlined verses in Acts:
Jesus speaking and answering His disciples after they had asked Him if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time, just before He ascended: "7: He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. 8:But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 9:After He said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses September 18th
On this date, September 18th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 16:1--15 titled "The Promise to Send the Holy Spirit" and in Titus 3:9--15 titled "Avoid Foolish Arguments".
Here is the underlined verse in John:
Jesus speaking: "2: They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God."
She also underlined this sentence in the commentary on this passage:
"You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you."
There was nothing underlined in the passage in Titus.
Here is the underlined verse in John:
Jesus speaking: "2: They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God."
She also underlined this sentence in the commentary on this passage:
"You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you."
There was nothing underlined in the passage in Titus.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses September 15th
On this date, September 15th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 14:15--31 titled "The Promise of the Holy Spirit" and in Titus 2:1--10 titled "Community Life Within the Church".
Here are the underlined verses in John:
Jesus speaking: "16: And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- 17: the Spirit of truth...18: I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...26: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
...29: I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe." (this last verse, verse 29 is referring to verse 28, where Jesus told his disciples he would be going "away".)
She also underlined these sentences in the commentary on this passage:
"...This happened at Pentecost, shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. (referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit) The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers, helping us live as God wants."
There was nothing underlined in the passage in Titus, but it's very much worth reading. Here's a sample:
"2: Teach older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance."
Here are the underlined verses in John:
Jesus speaking: "16: And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- 17: the Spirit of truth...18: I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...26: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
...29: I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe." (this last verse, verse 29 is referring to verse 28, where Jesus told his disciples he would be going "away".)
She also underlined these sentences in the commentary on this passage:
"...This happened at Pentecost, shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. (referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit) The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers, helping us live as God wants."
There was nothing underlined in the passage in Titus, but it's very much worth reading. Here's a sample:
"2: Teach older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance."
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses September 14th
On this date, September 14th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 14:1--14 titled "Jesus the Way to the Father" and in Titus 1:6--16 titled "Requirements for Church Leadership".
Here's the underlined verse in John:
Jesus speaking: "1: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
She also underlined the commentary on this passage:
"This is one of the most basic and important passages in Scripture. "How can I find God?" and answers, "Only through Jesus." Jesus is the Way because he is both God and man. By uniting our lives with his, we are united with God. Trust Jesus to take you to the father, and all the benefits of being God's child will be yours."
Margo also underlined these sentences in the commentary on the passage in Titus:
"Notice that most of the qualifications involve the elder's character, not his knowledge or skill...While it is important to have an elder or paster who can effectively preach God's Word, it is even more important to have one who can live out God's Word and be an example for others to follow."
Here's the underlined verse in John:
Jesus speaking: "1: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
She also underlined the commentary on this passage:
"This is one of the most basic and important passages in Scripture. "How can I find God?" and answers, "Only through Jesus." Jesus is the Way because he is both God and man. By uniting our lives with his, we are united with God. Trust Jesus to take you to the father, and all the benefits of being God's child will be yours."
Margo also underlined these sentences in the commentary on the passage in Titus:
"Notice that most of the qualifications involve the elder's character, not his knowledge or skill...While it is important to have an elder or paster who can effectively preach God's Word, it is even more important to have one who can live out God's Word and be an example for others to follow."
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses September 5th
On this date, September 5th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 11:1--29 titled "The Death of Lazarus" and in II Timothy 2:8--14 titled "Suffering for Christ".
Margo didn't underline any verses in the gospel of John but she underlined one short sentence in the commentary. But this short sentence is very powerful. Try to remember what Margo was going through this time last year. Here's the sentence she underlined:
"Patiently await his timing."
Margo underlined several verses in II Timothy and one sentence in the commentary to the II Timothy verses. These are the underlined verses in II Timothy:
"11:...
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12: if we endure,
we will also reign with him,
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13: if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
14: Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen."
She underlined this very important sentence in the commentary on II Timothy:
"True discipleship is very costly."
Margo didn't underline any verses in the gospel of John but she underlined one short sentence in the commentary. But this short sentence is very powerful. Try to remember what Margo was going through this time last year. Here's the sentence she underlined:
"Patiently await his timing."
Margo underlined several verses in II Timothy and one sentence in the commentary to the II Timothy verses. These are the underlined verses in II Timothy:
"11:...
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12: if we endure,
we will also reign with him,
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13: if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
14: Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen."
She underlined this very important sentence in the commentary on II Timothy:
"True discipleship is very costly."
Margo's Bible Verses September 4th
On this date, September 4th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 10:22--42 titled "Jesus Is God's Son" and in II Timothy 2:1--7 titled "Endure As A Soldier of Christ".
Margo underlines several verses in the gospel of John and in the associated commentary on John. These are the verses she underlined:
Jesus speaking, "27: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28:I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29:My Father , who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30:I and the Father are one."
To provide context, I'm including the first couple sentences of the commentary:
"These Jewish leaders were waiting for the signs and answers they thought would convince them of Jesus' identity. Thus they couldn't hear the truth Jesus was giving them."
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on John:
"Jesus tried to correct their mistaken ideas, but they clung to the wrong idea of what kind of Messiah God would send. Such blindness still keeps people away from Jesus."
Margo didn't underline any verses in II Timothy, but she underlined several sentences in the commentary:
"Paul directed Timothy to the lives of soldiers, athletes, and farmers as examples of ones who endure suffering for the sake of achieving a desired end. Soldiers, athletes, and farmers all must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want...We keep going in spite of suffering because of the hope of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. All our suffering is made worthwhile by our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with him."
She underlined these verses in Proverbs 22:17--19:
"Pay attention and listen to the saying of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you."
Margo underlines several verses in the gospel of John and in the associated commentary on John. These are the verses she underlined:
Jesus speaking, "27: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28:I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29:My Father , who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30:I and the Father are one."
To provide context, I'm including the first couple sentences of the commentary:
"These Jewish leaders were waiting for the signs and answers they thought would convince them of Jesus' identity. Thus they couldn't hear the truth Jesus was giving them."
Here's what she underlined in the commentary on John:
"Jesus tried to correct their mistaken ideas, but they clung to the wrong idea of what kind of Messiah God would send. Such blindness still keeps people away from Jesus."
Margo didn't underline any verses in II Timothy, but she underlined several sentences in the commentary:
"Paul directed Timothy to the lives of soldiers, athletes, and farmers as examples of ones who endure suffering for the sake of achieving a desired end. Soldiers, athletes, and farmers all must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want...We keep going in spite of suffering because of the hope of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. All our suffering is made worthwhile by our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with him."
She underlined these verses in Proverbs 22:17--19:
"Pay attention and listen to the saying of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you."
Friday, August 29, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses August 29th
On this date, August 29th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 8:1--11 titled "Jesus Forgives an Adulterous Woman" and in I Timothy 6:6--12 titled "True Riches".
Margo didn't underline any verses in the gospel of John, but she did underline some sentences in the commentary. To provide some context I'll list some of the important verses and then the underlined sentences from the commentary:
John 8: "3 :The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4:and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5:In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6: They were using this question as a trap...but Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."...9: At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first,...10: Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11: "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Here's what Margo underlined in the commentary:
...But by saying that only a sinless person could throw the first stone, He highlighted the importance of compassion and forgiveness...It is God's role to judge, not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion.
These are the underlined verses in I Timothy:
Paul writing "10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs...11: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love , endurance and gentleness. 12:Fight the good fight of the faith."
In the commentary on I Timothy she underlined:
"(1) REALIZE THAT ONE DAY RICHES WILL ALL BE GONE; (2) BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE; (3) MONITOR WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO TO GET MORE MONEY; (4) LOVE PEOPLE MORE THAN MONEY; (5) LOVE GOD'S WORK MORE THAN MONEY; (6) FREELY SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE WITH OTHERS."
Margo didn't underline any verses in the gospel of John, but she did underline some sentences in the commentary. To provide some context I'll list some of the important verses and then the underlined sentences from the commentary:
John 8: "3 :The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4:and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5:In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6: They were using this question as a trap...but Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."...9: At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first,...10: Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11: "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Here's what Margo underlined in the commentary:
...But by saying that only a sinless person could throw the first stone, He highlighted the importance of compassion and forgiveness...It is God's role to judge, not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion.
These are the underlined verses in I Timothy:
Paul writing "10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs...11: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love , endurance and gentleness. 12:Fight the good fight of the faith."
In the commentary on I Timothy she underlined:
"(1) REALIZE THAT ONE DAY RICHES WILL ALL BE GONE; (2) BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE; (3) MONITOR WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO TO GET MORE MONEY; (4) LOVE PEOPLE MORE THAN MONEY; (5) LOVE GOD'S WORK MORE THAN MONEY; (6) FREELY SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE WITH OTHERS."
Monday, August 25, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses August 25th
On this date, August 25th, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 6:47--71 titled "Words of Eternal Life" and in I Timothy 5:3--10 titled "Helping Older Widows in the Church".
Here's what she underlined in the gospel of John:
Jesus speaking, "47: I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48:I am the bread of life...51: I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever..."
This is the underlined verse in I Timothy:
"8:If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Here's what she underlined in the gospel of John:
Jesus speaking, "47: I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48:I am the bread of life...51: I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever..."
This is the underlined verse in I Timothy:
"8:If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses August 24th
On this date, August 24rd, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 6:22--46 titled, "Jesus, The Bread of Life" and in I Timothy 4:12--5:2 titled "Role Models for God's Flock".
Margo underlined several verses in the gospel of John and in the commentary to it.
John 6:22--46
"...29: Jesus Answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent"."
For context:
"...30:So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31:Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Underlined:
"...33: For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world"
"...35:Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
"...40:For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
"...43:No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45:It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to me. 46:No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only He has seen the Father."
Commentary underlined:
"...We can satisfy spiritual hunger and sustain spiritual life only by a right relationship with Jesus Christ. No wonder he called himself the Bread of Life. But bread must be eaten to give life, and Christ must be invited into our daily walk to give spiritual life...We should follow Christ because we need the truth. Many people use religion to gain prestige, comfort, or votes. But those are self-centered motives. True believers follow Jesus simply because they know His way is true life--eternal life."
No verses were underlined in I Timothy, but the commentary was underlined:
"Timothy was a young leader. It would be easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his teaching and living, of love, faith, and purity. Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don't think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you."
She also underlined Proverbs 21:31:
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."
Margo underlined several verses in the gospel of John and in the commentary to it.
John 6:22--46
"...29: Jesus Answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent"."
For context:
"...30:So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31:Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Underlined:
"...33: For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world"
"...35:Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
"...40:For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
"...43:No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45:It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to me. 46:No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only He has seen the Father."
Commentary underlined:
"...We can satisfy spiritual hunger and sustain spiritual life only by a right relationship with Jesus Christ. No wonder he called himself the Bread of Life. But bread must be eaten to give life, and Christ must be invited into our daily walk to give spiritual life...We should follow Christ because we need the truth. Many people use religion to gain prestige, comfort, or votes. But those are self-centered motives. True believers follow Jesus simply because they know His way is true life--eternal life."
No verses were underlined in I Timothy, but the commentary was underlined:
"Timothy was a young leader. It would be easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his teaching and living, of love, faith, and purity. Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don't think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you."
She also underlined Proverbs 21:31:
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."
Margo's Bible Verses August 23rd
On this date, August 23rd, Margo was reading in the gospel of John 6:16--21 titled, "Jesus Walks on the Water" and in I Timothy 4:7--11 titled "Exercise Yourself Spiritually".
Margo underlined three sentences in the commentary on the passage in the gospel of John. To provide some context I'll quote some of the verses from the bible passage and some from the commentary.
John 6:16--21
"...18:A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough...19:they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water;...21:...and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
Commentary:
"Jesus displayed his great power by immediately bringing the disciples to their destination."
Here's what Margo underlined:
"Jesus intervened for the disciples when they really needed it. We often experience God's grace in the midst of difficult times. Jesus never leaves us to face difficulty on our own. Let us trust in God and His power when we face hard times."
As a side light, Margo wrote the following words at the top of the page in her devotional bible:
"For God would want that none shall perish".
These are the verses Margo underlined in I Timothy 4:
"7:Having nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;rather, train yourself to be godly...9: This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10: (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11:Command and teach these things."
About this time last year, I had rushed Margo to the ER at Swedish hospital in Denver from our home south of Pueblo because she had a scary reaction to the chemo treatment. The doctors treated her for dehydration and low blood counts.
When she was in the hospital, she began complaining of tremendous back pain. It took a while but the doctors and nurses finally discovered Margo had a fractured vertebrate in her back. She had fallen a few times that summer. The orthopedic surgeons performed a procedure called kyphoplasty on the vertebrate. It's a process whereby cement is injected into the crushed vertebrate after it's restored to it's "near" original size by a "balloon" inserted directly into the vertebrate.
She was so wonderful through all this, though she was in tremendous pain. I was with her almost every minute. We were laminated to each other during this. She was up on the 7th floor in room 120 at Swedish. Many of you called her while she was in the hospital then. Many of you prayed. She always loved those calls and knew you were praying.
Margo underlined three sentences in the commentary on the passage in the gospel of John. To provide some context I'll quote some of the verses from the bible passage and some from the commentary.
John 6:16--21
"...18:A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough...19:they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water;...21:...and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
Commentary:
"Jesus displayed his great power by immediately bringing the disciples to their destination."
Here's what Margo underlined:
"Jesus intervened for the disciples when they really needed it. We often experience God's grace in the midst of difficult times. Jesus never leaves us to face difficulty on our own. Let us trust in God and His power when we face hard times."
As a side light, Margo wrote the following words at the top of the page in her devotional bible:
"For God would want that none shall perish".
These are the verses Margo underlined in I Timothy 4:
"7:Having nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;rather, train yourself to be godly...9: This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10: (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11:Command and teach these things."
About this time last year, I had rushed Margo to the ER at Swedish hospital in Denver from our home south of Pueblo because she had a scary reaction to the chemo treatment. The doctors treated her for dehydration and low blood counts.
When she was in the hospital, she began complaining of tremendous back pain. It took a while but the doctors and nurses finally discovered Margo had a fractured vertebrate in her back. She had fallen a few times that summer. The orthopedic surgeons performed a procedure called kyphoplasty on the vertebrate. It's a process whereby cement is injected into the crushed vertebrate after it's restored to it's "near" original size by a "balloon" inserted directly into the vertebrate.
She was so wonderful through all this, though she was in tremendous pain. I was with her almost every minute. We were laminated to each other during this. She was up on the 7th floor in room 120 at Swedish. Many of you called her while she was in the hospital then. Many of you prayed. She always loved those calls and knew you were praying.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses July 23rd
On this date, July 23rd, Margo was reading in Luke 20:20--26 titled, "Paying Taxes to Caesar" and in Colossians 3:9--14 titled "Principles for Holy Living".
Margo underlined one sentence in the commentary on the passage in Luke. To provide some context I'll quote a couple verses from the bible passage and a couple from the commentary.
Luke 20: 20--26
Keeping a close watch on Him, they [the religious leaders] sent spies, who pretended to be honest. ...the spies questioned Him: "Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
He saw their duplicity and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?"
"Caesar's" they replied.
He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
...astonished by His answer, they became silent.
Commentary:
...Jesus turned His enemies' attempt to trap Him into a powerful lesson: God's followers have legitimate obligations to both God and the government. But what is important is to keep our priorities straight.
Here's what Margo underlined:
When the two authorities conflict, our duty to God always comes before our duty to the government.
Margo underlined one sentence in the commentary on the passage in Luke. To provide some context I'll quote a couple verses from the bible passage and a couple from the commentary.
Luke 20: 20--26
Keeping a close watch on Him, they [the religious leaders] sent spies, who pretended to be honest. ...the spies questioned Him: "Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
He saw their duplicity and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?"
"Caesar's" they replied.
He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
...astonished by His answer, they became silent.
Commentary:
...Jesus turned His enemies' attempt to trap Him into a powerful lesson: God's followers have legitimate obligations to both God and the government. But what is important is to keep our priorities straight.
Here's what Margo underlined:
When the two authorities conflict, our duty to God always comes before our duty to the government.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses July 22nd
On this date, July 22nd, Margo was reading in Luke 20:1--19 titled, "The Parable of the Disloyal Tenants" and in Colossians 3:1--8 titled "Keep Your Heart on Things Above".
Margo didn't underline any verses or any of the commentary on the passage in Luke, but she underlined a verse in the passage in Colossians. To provide some context I'll quote a couple verses leading up to the one she underlined.
Colossians 3:5--8 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Here's what Margo underlined:
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Margo didn't underline any verses or any of the commentary on the passage in Luke, but she underlined a verse in the passage in Colossians. To provide some context I'll quote a couple verses leading up to the one she underlined.
Colossians 3:5--8 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Here's what Margo underlined:
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Margo's Bible Verses July 21st
On this date, July 21st, Margo was reading in Luke 19:41--48 titled, "Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem" and in Colossians 2:16--23 titled "Do Not Be Enslaved by Legalism".
Margo didn't underline any verses or any of the commentary on the passage in Luke, but she did underline several sentences in the commentary on the passage in Colossians. In order to provide some context I'll quote some of the verses in the passage and then quote the sentences in the commentary she underlined.
Colossians 2: -- Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day...Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize...Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not Taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish...Such regulations have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Here's what Margo underlined:
"Man-made religions focus on human effort; Christianity focuses on Christ's work. Paul agrees that believers must put aside sinful desires, but that is the by-product of our new life in Christ, not the cause of it. Our salvation does not depend on our own discipline and rule-keeping, but on the power of Christ's death and resurrection."
Margo didn't underline any verses or any of the commentary on the passage in Luke, but she did underline several sentences in the commentary on the passage in Colossians. In order to provide some context I'll quote some of the verses in the passage and then quote the sentences in the commentary she underlined.
Colossians 2: -- Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day...Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize...Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not Taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish...Such regulations have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Here's what Margo underlined:
"Man-made religions focus on human effort; Christianity focuses on Christ's work. Paul agrees that believers must put aside sinful desires, but that is the by-product of our new life in Christ, not the cause of it. Our salvation does not depend on our own discipline and rule-keeping, but on the power of Christ's death and resurrection."
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