July 28 Update: “Beyond the Beyond”

Ephesians 3:20-21

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Another week has passed and I did end up taking a break from radiation.  I have not had radiation since last Wednesday.  I have been nauseated almost every day this past week. While the break has been good I have been at the cancer center or the hospital every day for something.  This weekend I continue to take fluids and shots to bring my white blood count up. I have also been receiving additional nausea medicine.  I am hoping that by Monday to feel better and ready to go into the last phase of my treatment.

I will take my last chemo next Tuesday.  I will also start back on radiation that day.  I have seven days of radiation to complete.

Prayer needs:

1. Pray that the pain in my throat might get better before starting back radiation.
2. Pray that my nausea would go away.
3. Pray that I might heal quickly once all of my treatment is complete.
4. Pray for Janette, she has battled an infection in her arm this week.
5. Pray for Wes and his family as they travel to Missouri for a funeral.

In the book “Kisses from My King” the author Debbie Jackson quotes Ephesians 3:20 several times and used a term she got from Priscilla Shirer to define the word “immeasurably”.  God is able to do  “beyond the beyond”.  Those words really stuck with me.

I memorized this verse of scriptures many years ago and often I will use it as a benediction to a closing prayer just as Paul did.  But there is a lot of power and helpful information in these two verses.

1. God is able to do “beyond the beyond”, more than we can imagine or think!   I try to take measurable and calculated decisions.  In other words I often trust in my own wisdom rather than trust in the immeasurable power of God.  That does not glorify God.  But when I trust God “beyond the beyond” that will always glorify him.
2. If you are a believer, that power is already at work in you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Regardless of the circumstance the glory is in God.But look a little closer at that closing verse.  The power is given to the church. Our pastor always asks us “who is the church”?   We are!  Therefore in every circumstance God is to be glorified.  Christ came to glorify the father; we are an extension of Christ and his mission.
4. We have a responsibility to the generations to come to glorify God.World governments will come and go, but the power of God will go on beyond the beyond.

We love all of you and we appreciate your prayers.