UMBILICUS

MEDICAL CLINICS

STABLE

                                                                                            STABLE

A few years ago I wrote a piece called wandering in chaos. Observing the world now compared to then, it appears that the world has become more chaotic. 

Many of us long for stability. So what would or does stability look like. For instance a patient who has had a major operation may be declared stable even though he has several tubes emanating from his body. A psychotic patient may be declared stable under the influence of medication. After a loved one dies we adjust our life and attitude to mourn the loss and press toward a life that includes the memories, but not the presence of that person. Life in a war torn area reverts to a day to day living pattern, but the sites of war are all around.

So stability depends upon perspective. As such a new normal. However, as we live in a rather chaotic world the new normal often seems to be adjusting to the unpredictability of each day. We learn to adjust our mind to the events of each day within broad parameters.

Or do we assess stability as meaning life is going in a manner consistent with my thinking and expectations. As long as b follow a and c follow b we feel the stability of life.

However, is there an underlying theme on which we can balance the ever changing new normal. What events take place each ordinary day. Sleeping, eating, surfing the net. daily events in which we most often participate. Then there are events that take place which we may not “see”. ‘’ Do we take the rising and setting of sun for granted? The changing seasons, etc. 

So in order to venture out into a life of stability apparently we need a stable foundation on which to base our thoughts and mind-set. May I suggest that one consider the one from whom the “unseen” stability emanates. The one who made time, the one who orders the sunrise and sunset, the one who spoke and life came to be.

The God of the Bible grants to us a stability that has a history embedded in infinity and beyond. God operates the world from outside of us. He gives to us life temporal-by creation and eternal-by the death and returning to life of His Son. When one begins to view life from the foundation of the one who made the foundation for our existents, one has a framework from which to adjust to the world in which we desire stability. Maybe life is already stable, but we do not see it for wanting our own wishes, desire and expectation to come to fruition. We apparently need to trust the maker of all things to be the stable entity in our life.

Merry Christmas

FIRM

FOUNDATION

Young medical students along with others asked us to begin a Bible study in our home in Cambodia. We were delighted for the request. For many Wednesday and Saturday evenings Nancy fixed a meal and then we studied the Bible together. Many of us have difficulty understanding the whole story of God’s work on earth. Creation, man’s fall into sin, man’s life in sin, anticipating the rescue, the coming of the rescuer and now new life in Christ the one who rescues. Representing it is God who works in and through individuals to accomplish His will rather than intermittent moral stories presents a challenge. Be kind to our neighbor is a good thing. The deeper understanding of what causes one to be kind to their neighbor addresses the under lying heart issues. Using a study called Firm Foundations we studies how God works in all phases of life and motivates us to accomplish His purposes. 

In the middle of the study we came to the states for a time. A few weeks before our time in the states I began seed the idea that they could continue the study. We are please to know that they have taken the challenge and meet weekly. One of the young ladies works at the Starbucks office. She made arrangements for them to study at Starbucks. In addition, one of the medical students may interrupt her medical studies for a 3 month mission to Africa. What doors the Africa trip will open for her, time will tell.

Pray for these students as they pursue their new life in Christ.

LANGUAGE Language

CAMBODIA Christ alone matures believers overcoming darkness in Asia.

Eager and willing to learn describes the young physicians of Cambodia. I have the privilege of mentoring these young eager doctors. Medical education in Cambodia emphasizes didactic learning. In light of this we provide hands on experience for the young physicians and medical students. 

Young physicians at Hebron Medical Center work in a holistic medical environment to minister to the whole person. While mentoring the young physicians I present Bible teaching as a part of their morning devotional time. At the close of each session I ask for at least one question. The length of the silence before a young physician will reluctantly ask a question varies. After several sessions emphasizing those in Christ have benefits in God’s Kingdom, one of the young physicians asked “what does it mean to be in Christ”? Now realize the I speak in English much more rapidly than I realize. I am speaking to those who have English as a second language. Most of the time the young physicians speak to Koreans who have English as their second language as well. I speak English with an American accent. The Koreans speak English with a Korean accent. To further complicate the language situation some of physicians come from a medical school where the instruction is in French and others come from a school where the instruction is in English. Some test are given in French or English or both. Now because of these nuances I wonder if I am understood at all. Well, I guess at one the physicians heard “in Christ” often enough to ask for a fuller explanation. Understanding the abstract concepts of the scripture can be challenging in our own mother tongue. I address the question briefly at that moment and sent him via the internet a more definitive explanation. Often reading and rereading will help solidify the concepts I expressed to him when we understand our identity in Christ we have a rich and delightful place of finding our security and significance in Christ. We rest more freely in the joy of our salvation.