Cleaving to God - I Samuel 30:6

David found strength from God.

I Samuel 30:6b

(KJV) ...but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
(NAS) ...but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
(NLT)...but David found strehgth in the LORD his God.

וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֣ק  (Strong's #2388) is the word for "encouraged" or "found strength."

It has meanings like fasten upon, seize, be strong, to bind, cleave, hold faｓt, lean, etc...

How did David become encouraged and strong? We don't have to imagine or guess what he did or how he did it because it is indicated in the original word! He cleaved to the LORD his God. That is how we stay encouraged and gain strength, too, because the word of God gives strength and life to those who find them. (proverbs)

I was greatly encouraged by the following words from Deuteronomy 4:4.  The word for "cleave" is a different word from #2388 (it is #1695),  but "cleave" part is the same. : )

(KJV) ...but ye that did cleave upon the LORD your God are alive every one of you today.

I once asked the LORD, "What was I doing then, when I was reading the Bible and studying the Bible, before I was diagnosed with cancer? Wasn't I reading your word?" I felt a soft small voice in my heart immediately after I said it. "These words are giving you life." This was a moment when I understood what he meant. He doesn't answer my "why" questions, but he gives me peace. Our God's kindness is great. I keep trusting Him. He is my hope.　Cleaving to/clinging to/adhering to God is the best place to be.

Thanksgiving - Psalm 30

Psalm 30

¹ I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.
      You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.
 ² O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
      and you restored my health.
 ³ You brought me up from the grave, O Lord.
      You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

That is exactly what God is doing in my life!
I am full of gratitude.
Thank you, Father.

Today I got together with some of my relatives, and I connected with some of my friends via texting. My heart was full of joy.

 ¹¹ You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
      You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
 ¹² that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
      O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

I don't want to forget what you have done.
I keep praising you, Lord.

Spoken words - Deuteromony 4:9

Deuteronomy 4:9 (my own words, acquired from different translations)

Only take heed, hedge about, attend to , and protect your life/breath/soul diligently so that you don't forget what God has said (= and done!) which your eyes have seen, and so that the word of God, which was accomplished by His deeds, will not leave your heart all the way till the end.

Instruct your children and grandchildren.

In Dodie Osteen's book, I read that the word for "God has said (=and done)" is translated as "miracle" in her devotional. In other translations it is "word" or "things." It caught my eyes.

I found that the original word is Strong's Hebrew 1697    דָּבָר (dabar).

It can be word, spoken, matter, or thing. 

Dabar is also the Hebrew title of Deuteronomy. 

Personally this word is saying that the word of God equals things/matter because God does what he says. That the spoken words are always done is hidden in this small word. When God's spoken words or promises come true in front of our eyes, it is a miracle.

Joshua 21:45 (my own words acquired from different translations)

Not one good thing/promise/word (Strong's 1697) which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel failed; all came to pass/go/bring forth/cause.

It is written that God's word will not return to him void. In this case the word even causes things. I sense the importance of the spoken words.

Jesus told the disciples that "These signs will accompany those who believe; They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak new language; they will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them."

Then later the Bible says that ".. the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the LORD worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs."

I don't know how to compare Greek words to Hebrew, but somehow I think these scriptures go together.

I thank God for His life-giving words. Lord, I pray that your word keeps being alive in my life and those who need life in their bodies. 

In Jesus,

"You saved my soul"

Be blessed by Bryan and Katie Torwalt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zouu_88-ZV8



"....I'm healed now, cause you made me whole."

This makes me smile.

change in treatment plan

My oncologist has always said that the treatment plan will remain the same, but he is changing it.

Me "Could you remind me the reason why I was inoperable? People are asking me and I can't remember the reason."
Doctor "Well, the cancer was all over you."
Me "But it is in one place in the upper lung."
Doctor "Mmmm. If it stays the same for one year, we can have a surgeon to take it out."
Me "It is staying the same since April."
Then the doctor wrote down that he may send me to a surgeon in April. (or something similar)

Just like that?
Compared to what it was a year ago, it is amazing!

God is still watching how his words are accomplishing their purposes. His words never fails.
I am just standing in awe.

I am sorry but I have to confess here that I still don't have courage to be a part of a support group. Maybe I should be there and encourage people, but I don't feel strong enough to do it. I encourage myself through God's words but I may be discouraged easily. I want to keep looking up. When the medical world says there is not hope, God is my only hope. No man can save me. I just stand in awe and praise him. :)