preacherman

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

When Was Your Last Dr's Appointment?

I want to thank everyone for your prayers, words of encouragement while the many Dr's are trying to figure out my neurological problems. I should know something in ten days as I visit with the Dr concerning all of the tests and what they mean and where to go forward. I graciously ask that you keep my wife and I in your prayers as it is stressful dealing with the pain and emotions that I go through on a daily basis. Please continue to pray for healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. I also ask prayers for my mother-in-law who just had sugery on her foot. My wife is under alot of stress with working, taking care of the boys, my illness and her mother surgery, so please keep her in your prayers as well.

There are many times because of my health that I am unable to attend church or worship services as this past Easter Sunday. I do find that reading scripture and daily devotion has helped and can help ones spiritual journey. How often do we spend in the word and in prayer on a daily basis? I am trying to re-prioritize my life as I face these hardships. I want to be a better husband, father, believer, and scholar of the Word. I don't just want to know about Jesus Christ, I want to know Jesus Christ and let him be lived out through me in every aspect of my life. I want my Christianity to be real. I want to get rid of and repent of things that have hurt the ones I love the most. I want to completely die to self and live for Christ. As Paul mentioned, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10) I thank God for second chances. No, not just second chances but countless chances to start new and fresh. I right now am seeing many doctors for many problems physically but I am going to let Jesus Christ be my "great physician" for my spiritual health (I know as well the "great physician"has the power to heal me physically but I want Him to be the physician of my soul most of all).

This morning while in prayer and deep consultation with the "great physician" I went through a complete spiritual check-up and physical. It had been a very long time since my last visit.

First "the great physician" Dr. Jesus, wanted to look at my heart because it is the part of the body that pumps the blood of life or death. As the physician looked and listened to my heart the words of David flowed from my tongue, "Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me." As I said those words my heart pumped with joy, love, and warmth. As I stated a promise that I had never said to another physician and that was: "I love you with all my heart, soul, strength and mind and I promise to you to love my neighbor as myself." As I made that convenant with the physician he smiled greatly going on to my head to take a look. He saw depression, thoughts of suicide, lust, revenge, anger and then the "great physician" told me "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praise worthy think on these things."(Phil.4:8)

He then told me to open my mouth, stick out my tongue and say ah. He told me, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing, this should not be." (James 3:9-10), "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt." (Col 4:6)

He looked in my ears and said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from life to death." (John 5:24) As the exam went on He shined a bright light in my eyes and said, Kinney I can't believe this but you have a big plank in your eye! Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye! How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye," when you all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye." (Matt.7:3-5) Jesus then looked at my legs, tested my reflexes and spoke sharply saying, "Walk in the light!"(1John1) "Keep in step with the Spirit!"(Gal. 5:25) Kinney, "If you want to come after me, you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me!" (Mark 8:34)

After the exam, "the great physician" gave me some further instructions on how to live and stay healthy. He told me to listen up and listen up closely, "The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all of your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your heart, impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."(Duet. 6:5-7) "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and seccessful." (Joshua 1:8) As the consultation continued He stressed to me the importance of prayer, fasting, meditation, and cherishing the gift of grace and salvation (Rom 6). He reminded me of the commitment that I made to my wife and how important love and marriage is to God. Jesus words told me to treat her with love and respect as I love and respect Him. As He told me this tears flowed down my eyes as I remembered how many times I had hurt her and let her down. The doctor assured me of the love that God has for me and that it was possible to be a strong, faithful leader as a husband and father. (Eph. 5:22-6:4). Stressed that it was important to not let anyone look down on my because of my youth but to set an example for all believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.(1 Tim 4:12).

After Jesus had finished he told me he wanted a follow up daily.
I committed to everything he had told me by saying to him that I loved Him more than life itself.
It was the best visit with a doctor that I had ever had in my life.
I will never be the same.

I am thankful for all the great physicians that God had brought into my life but I am most thankful for the greatest physician of all, Jesus Christ!

Question for discussion:

Is it important for us to see the "great physician"? Why is it important for us to see the "great physician"? What happens when we see the "great physician"? How often should we visit? Is the doctor going to tell us the same thing every time we visit? How have you been touched and changed by visiting and consulting the "great physician", Jesus Christ? Why are people afraid of the "great physcian? Does the "great physician" ever give shots? Do the appointments sometimes hurt? Why How can we find comfort from consulting the "great physician"? When was the last time you visited the "great physicain"? Are you afraid? If so, why?

Why not make an appointment today?

What do you think?
Share your thoughts?

21 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

i think a lot of people can relate to this post! really good.
i like the part about the daily follow-ups.

9:23 PM  
Blogger Larry said...

Spiritual check-ups are absolutely necessary, and an important part of being a child of God. Never have I approached Him sinless, but always in need of correction and direction.

You and your family remain in my prayers.

Larry

10:13 PM  
Blogger Greg said...

That's a great analogy, Kinney! Jesus is indeed our Great Physician, physically and spiritually. But as Paul said, we need to not just come to Him with our problems, but also thank Him continually, for taking such good care of us. How many of us actually go back to our earthly doctor, to thank him/her for the good job they did?

10:48 AM  
Blogger Bill Williams said...

Penetratingly beautiful! Thanks, brother!! You are in my prayers.

-bill

4:50 PM  
Blogger XtnYoda said...

Wonderful analogy about the Rapha.

Now if you could apply this in similar fashion to going to the dentist I would appreciate it... as I despise dentist visits!

I always ask my dentist what the DDS above their door stands for and always must correct their "Doctor of Dental Surgery" reply... "No Dr., it stands for 'Don't Dare Scream!'"

Will be praying with you sir.

chuck

5:02 PM  
Blogger Wade Tannehill said...

Kinney,

Excellent post!!! Great analogy. Your heart comes through in your writing and your priorities are where they should be. You've encouraged me.

10:04 PM  
Blogger cwinwc said...

Kinney,
We're throwing up some Central Florida prayers on everything you asked.

I'd say those of us in ministry or church leadership at times make the worst patients for "Dr. Jesus" or at least the ones they have to send constant reminders to have the "spiritual checkup."

11:50 AM  
Blogger Lucy Stern said...

We need to keep our lines of communication open with the Lord....We need to thank him for all of our blessings daily and remember that he is the reason we have all that we do.... When we forget the Lord and get puffed up with pride, that is when things fall apart... The Lord is our savior and redeemer. Pray daily and listen.

Thanks for that post and good luck with you doctor appointments, physically and spiritually.

2:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This post applies to me daily Kinney. Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement to get a Check up daily.

My prayers are for you and your whole family brother.

3:15 PM  
Blogger Dusty Chris said...

I need more than a check up...I need a daily overhaul. When I approach the Physician, He is constantly pushing me to have the surgery I need to removed all things that I hold onto. Knowing I need surgery and allowing Him to perform surgery are two different things.

I have kept you in my prayers since read about your medical concerns.

10:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Kinney. We tend to be in denial about our health most of the time, avoiding the check ups until we are forced to have tests that may or may not diagnose something. I know I need to be more responsible about my physical health and even more so about my spiritual health. And of course, more regular daily spiritual routines will bring rewards!

10:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are a deep inspiration my Brother...You have a "right" to share such a passionate way of viewing your walk with God. You have endured more that I ever have..and probabaly ever will.

Praying daily !!!

9:08 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have seen and experienced the Great Physician working not only healing physical ailments, but mental ones as well. "Everything is possible for him who believes..." You are in my prayers!

10:35 AM  
Blogger cwinwc said...

I'm convinced that when we get crossed up with some of the dumb things we can potentially argue and fuss about in church, its a strong indicator that folks are way behind on their "Spiritual Physical" with "Dr. Jesus."

I know its true for me.

12:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Goodness gracious Kinney, I'm glad I read this post.

I get so wrapped up in busyness sometimes that I forget why I'm doing what I'm doing - I've neglected my checkup!

I really do appreciate your attitude in the midst of your struggles - you are suffering well, and it is encouraging to me and many others I'm sure.

8:55 PM  
Blogger Bill Williams said...

Kinney,

Would you please shoot me an email? I seem to have lost your email address.

Thanks,
Bill

11:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just stopping by,
Morning Preacherman

9:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great thoughts. Our power was out at work recently for several hours. It gave me a chance to get a check up that was needed.

Good post.

9:08 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

After I visited the Great Physican These were his words: Surely He has borne my griefs and carried my sorrows,by his stripes I am Healed. Go in peace your faith has made you whole.

10:15 PM  
Blogger oakleyses said...

gucci outlet, louboutin outlet, longchamp handbags, tory burch outlet, longchamp outlet, true religion jeans, louis vuitton outlet, air max, oakley sunglasses, louis vuitton outlet, louis vuitton, jordan shoes, burberry outlet, tiffany and co, louis vuitton handbags, michael kors outlet, kate spade handbags, ray ban sunglasses, air max, oakley sunglasses, michael kors outlet, louboutin, tiffany and co, oakley sunglasses cheap, kate spade outlet, michael kors outlet, prada outlet, burberry outlet, michael kors outlet, nike shoes, coach factory outlet, nike free, louboutin, polo ralph lauren outlet, louis vuitton outlet stores, chanel handbags, christian louboutin shoes, prada handbags, michael kors outlet, polo ralph lauren outlet, coach purses, michael kors outlet, coach outlet store online, true religion jeans, ray ban sunglasses, longchamp handbags, coach outlet

8:54 PM  
Blogger oakleyses said...

insanity workout, north face jackets, giuseppe zanotti, chi flat iron, ugg boots, p90x, birkin bag, longchamp, ferragamo shoes, rolex watches, herve leger, hollister, canada goose, babyliss pro, ugg australia, canada goose, canada goose jackets, reebok outlet, ghd, soccer shoes, ugg, nfl jerseys, nike roshe run, north face outlet, valentino shoes, mont blanc, celine handbags, nike huarache, new balance shoes, canada goose outlet, ugg boots, canada goose, mcm handbags, beats by dre, bottega veneta, wedding dresses, soccer jerseys, marc jacobs, canada goose uk, mac cosmetics, ugg pas cher, vans shoes, jimmy choo outlet, instyler, uggs outlet, asics running shoes, lululemon outlet, abercrombie and fitch

9:05 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home