A Twisted Crown of Thorns ®

A couple of years ago I was struggling with several theological issues. Most stemmed from my background in the Seeker Sensitive church. I was battling to understand decisional regeneration plus I was wondering why I wasn’t hearing preaching more about sin, righteousness, judgement or even hearing the gospel of Christ’s death for the forgiveness of sins. Most of the sermons I was being lavished with were about how to live a better life, make more money, have a better marriage and not miss the next “fun filled” conference on how to become a better me. Well these motivational tips are not bad in them selves (I was actually over dosing on the same topics or even better ones  on secular radio and television talk shows). What I desperately needed was Christ-centered biblical approach of the old paths of Christianity. And sure enough one of the blogs I came across seemed to challenge me in a good way. It was The Old Truth.

The Old Truth was run by a gentle man called Jim. I later tracked him down and realised he had slowed down and wasn’t writing as actively any more. Jim’s life had taken one tumble too many. He at the last time I counted has broken at least 70 bones in his body (due to a rare medical condition that makes his bones brittle). Was diagnosed with End Stage Liver disease (has been waiting a liver transplant for the last over 4 years) and was spending more time in hospital than at home. But he amazed me with his ever humorous writing and attitude and more so with a profound trust in God. I started this blog soon afterwards and I have re blogged several of his posts over here,  here and here. I even used this set of questions on the Sovereignty of God in Salvation from  Jim that is featured on my profile page.

This week I would like to ask you to pray for my good friend Jim. In a blog update (on May 22nd 2012) on the CaringBridge website titled  “The beginning of the End” he says:

Today I was told that my liver simply will not process blood anymore; it is irreversibly dying and that I have days or weeks to live.

So, tomorrow starts the preparations for my journey home. I need to have an Oxygen tank ready, a whole bunch of other medical equipment, pain pump, and arrange a private ambulance to get me home. 

I could stay hospitalized for another week, and accept more blood transfusions. But that would simply buy me a few more days of time away from my home. Instead, I plan to throw myself into the hands of God.

I don’t know what challenges the next week or two or three will bring. The doctor has offered-up some very scary scenarios.
Whatever the case, as follows is the lot in life God has decreed for me.

Please pray that my passing will go easy, and that the Lord will steer this broken man through the pylons of pain and agony. Pray also that the Lord will grant me spiritually edifying times with my family.

This is all happening so much quicker than we  expected. It is the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through; it feels very much like I am being tested beyond what I can endure. But we trust that it’s endurable according to Gods word. Your prayers however will do so much to support me through the few days or weeks that I have left. God bless you as well.

Hey Jim, I am praying for you buddy. You will always be my favorite stunt man!

:[This morning 16th July 2012 I got the news that Jim has gone to be with the Lord yesterday. He will be greatly missed. I am grateful for his work and faithful service to the Lord]