Personal Reflection: Heart
December 12 is the anniversary of my heart surgery. To go forward with this surgery was a difficult decision to make. Yes, the doctor recommended it, but I didn’t feel that bad. Sure, I had a few problems, but I was dealing fine. I was able to do most everything I wanted. Surgery seemed so extreme. In my thinking, I should wait until my lifestyle was impacted more. Over the years, my body, life and mind had become accustomed to the way I felt. It was normal, it was comfortable, and things were as they should be (so I thought). But, the doctor recommended against waiting. Tests revealed it was time.
Oh . . . .,
But . . . .,
It was so frightening to think about putting my life in the hands of others. Literally, my heart and lungs; the very things that keep me alive.
Looking back now, I can see what a difference the valve replacement made. I didn’t know I could feel this good. My normal wasn’t normal. Things were NOT as they should be.
“You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. ‘Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends’” (Revelations 3:17-20).
The Great Physician (Jesus) wants to heal each and every one of our spiritual defects. Because of His death on the cross, we can be healed. We may think we are fine, normal, comfortable, but we have no idea how wretched we are. All we need to do is invite Him in. We can trust Him. We can put our life in His hands. He is waiting at the door of our heart for us to invite Him in so He can heal us and make life wonderful beyond what we can imagine; beyond what we now know. In addition to healing us, He wants to be our friend. He adores us; we are His beloved.
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Join me and praying daily—"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
Dori Berg
was born and raised here in the Northwest. Except five years living in British Columbia during her early years, she has lived right here in Oregon. She has been a member of the Hood View Church for 35 years, has been married to Ray for 44 years and has worked at Adventist Health Medical Center for 39 years. She enjoys hiking, gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Bible in a Year: 2 John 1, 3 John 1
This Bible reading plan explores The Word based on the chronological order in which it was written, and is unrelated to the daily devotions.
The Word of Promise audio Bible is used by permission. For more information and to purchase the complete audio Bible go to https://www.wordofpromiseapp.com/.
2 John 1
Greeting the Elect Lady
1 The Elder,
To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Walk in Christ’s Commandments
4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
Beware of Antichrist Deceivers
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
John’s Farewell Greeting
12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
3 John 1
Greeting to Gaius
1 The Elder,
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Gaius Commended for Generosity
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
Farewell Greeting
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.