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Daily Program

A Faith that Saves

Series: Death Is Not Dying (with Rachel Barkey)

Tuesday, June 16 2009

Leslie Basham: This is Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss for Tuesday, June 16. When Rachel Barkey was diagnosed with terminal cancer, it made her evaluate her spiritual health.

Rachel Barkey: In His providence, God has used the tough things in my life to draw me closer to Him, to show me His great love, and to teach me many things. I have learned that I am not perfect, and I have the scars to prove it, 13 of them. They serve as a physical reminder of a spiritual reality that I can never be perfect on my own. I need a Savior.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Proverbs 31 tells us that a wise woman is clothed with strength and dignity and that she smiles at the future. I've thought of that verse recently as I've listened to a moving message from Rachel Barkey, a godly woman who is smiling at a future that many other women would consider hopeless.

If you missed part one of Rachel's message yesterday, please visit ReviveOurHearts.com where you can link to Rachel's website and hear the message in audio or watch it on video. Rachel delivered this message this past March, just several weeks ago. At the time, she had been told that she had only six to 18 weeks to live. She was on 14 medications and was only strong enough to be out of bed for a few hours each day.

Yesterday, we heard Rachel talk about the importance of knowing God and knowing yourself if you're going to be able to face the future with confidence. In the second half of her message, Rachel talks about two other things we've got to know if we're going to be able to smile at the future. Here's Rachel Barkey.

Rachel: Know the Gospel. The Gospel, for those who are unfamiliar with the term, means “good news,” the good news that, in light of God's perfection and our imperfection, God has made a way for us to know Him, and that way is Jesus.

Paul, speaking in his letter to the church in Corinth says,

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

When I was a kid, I must have prayed a bunch of times for Jesus to come into my heart. I thought that I had asked Him to come in, but I was afraid He might have left.

Then when I got older and was sure that He hadn't left, I didn't really understand the difference that it made for me now. I had my ticket to heaven, so to speak, but what difference did this good news make to me now, today? All the difference in the world, and let me tell you why.

What happened on the cross at Calvary was that every sin of every person was placed on Jesus, and God the Father poured out His wrath on His Son. God looked at Jesus, His Son, as if He had committed the sins of horrible men and women and was punished for it, not just the murderers and the child molesters, yes, them too. But my sins and your sins, all the pride, all the selfishness, all the lies, all the unkind thoughts and actions.

The second part of Isaiah 53:6 talks to this. The first part we read earlier is about our sin, and then we find out what God has done with it.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his [or her] own way; and the LORD has laid on him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all.

When you know the Gospel, when you know what has been done for you and you remind yourself of it every day, you don't get offended when someone criticizes you, because you realize that you actually deserve much harsher criticism, but you've avoided it because of Jesus.

You forgive your husband or your friend when they slight you or treat you unkindly because you realize how much you have already been forgiven because of Jesus. You're okay with it when you don't get the credit you deserve, or worse, when somebody else gets it, because you know that you have been given far more than you deserve because of Jesus.

The Gospel is not just a ticket to heaven. It is a whole way of living. Some of you who know Jesus still struggle to understand how this applies to your daily life, and even if you do understand, my challenge to you is this: talk to yourself.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones says, “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself rather than talking to yourself?” We do it to ourselves every day. Every morning, we wake up, and it begins.

“What day is it? Wednesday, oh great, another day of laundry and errands. It is never ending, and oh, the car is making that funny noise.” You need to get it fixed. Then your feet hit the floor, and the talking continues. “Doesn't anyone in this family know how to put away the toothpaste?” and on it goes, all day.

C. J. Mahaney says in his book, The Cross-Centered Life.

On a daily basis, we are faced with two simple choices. We can either listen to ourselves and our constantly changing feelings about our circumstances, or we can talk to ourselves about the unchanging truth of who God is and what He's accomplished on the cross for us in His Son, Jesus. 

I realized that I was spending more time listening to myself rather than talking to myself. But because I knew God, I knew myself, and I knew the Gospel, I began to remind myself of these truths daily.I would read books that reminded me of who God is and what Jesus has done for me.

I was in a regular Bible study with others who were likeminded in their desire to know Jesus and to seek truth. I made and committed to a plan to regularly read the Bible. I attended a church where Jesus, who He was and what He accomplished on the cross, was regularly taught. I chose friends who would encourage and challenge me in my spiritual walk.

All these things I would encourage each of you to do, too, in your efforts to know Jesus and to talk to yourself. If you haven't already,

  • Make and stick to a plan to read the Bible.
  • Join a small group Bible study.
  • Read good books, and I mean books that might even make you uncomfortable.
  • Choose friends who want to know Jesus like you do. I have great friends, truly. I don't do many things well, but the one thing I have done well is to pick good friends.
  • Choose a good church that talks a lot about Jesus.

Because I have done these things, in the midst of conflict, I am able to remind myself of the Gospel.

The final thing I have learned: know your purpose. The Westminster Catechism (a lot of you probably haven't heard that one before) states, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him.” This seems at first blush a rather odd thing to have as our purpose. It goes against everything our culture tells us that we should want or live for.

First of all, to glorify God, what kind of purpose is that? Is God arrogant, selfish, or meglomaniacal to want things for His glory? I wish I could answer that for you in depth. Time does not permit, but ask it. Ask it and seek the answer.

Don't just dismiss God or assume that you know who He is because you don't understand Him. He is knowable. If you seek the truth, it will stand under the hard questions.

As a brief answer, we start where we began. Know God. We know God is perfect, and so His desire for us to glorify Him is rooted in this perfection. One author explains this when he says,

When a human glorifies himself, he robs others of joy, but when God displays and exhibits His glory, He shares joy with His creatures and wholeness with all creation. Put most directly, without the knowledge of God's glory, we would be robbed of true joy.

How do we glorify God? The answer is in the second part of the equation—by enjoying Him, by knowing God, by being like Jesus. What did Jesus do? He served. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He came to serve us, and He did it joyfully.

A few years ago, I was struggling with the daily grind of constantly cleaning and tidying, laundry (which I detest), trying to meet project deadlines, cooking meals and washing dishes, replying to work emails, refereeing disagreements with the kids, homeschooling, only to turn around the next day or even the next moment to have to do it all over again. I thought, “Is this it? Is this all that I'm supposed to be doing?”

Right about that time, I came across a blog of someone who put it so succinctly, it has stuck with me ever since. They said, “I am here to serve with joy.” Up until that point I had been serving. Believe you me, I was serving and serving and serving—meals, sippy cups, snacks, housekeeping, diaper changing, toothbrushing, organizing.

I was serving—just like Jesus, but I wasn't doing it with joy. Big difference. Being here tonight is part of fulfilling my purpose to serve with joy because I know that one of my roles is to encourage and challenge other women in the church. Titus 2 says,

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled (verses 3-6).

Now, there is a lot in there to talk about, but the point is that I am an older woman, despite the efforts of Oil of Olay and some serious concealer. One of my God-given roles is to help other women serve with joy.

Another role in which I serve with joy is to share my faith with those who are not Christians. First Peter 3:15 says,

Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

I hope that I have done that tonight for those of you who do not yet know Jesus, and it is for my children.

Deuteronomy 6:7 says,

You shall teach them [talking about the things of God] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 

I asked that tonight be videoed so that some day Quinn and Kate would be able to watch this and to hear my heart. I have been blessed to be their mother for these years.

I have many roles, including others not mentioned here, most noteably being a wife, but in all of these I have one purpose—to be like Jesus, to serve with joy. Many have asked why. Why is this happening to you, to Neil, to Quinn and Kate, to your family and friends?

I don't ask why because I know the answer, and here it is. We live in a sinful world. Bad things happen, but it was not supposed to be this way, and it will not always be this way.

God has a plan. He has made a way for sinful people, you and me, to be with Him in a perfect world. The way is Jesus.

  • Acknowledge that you have sinned and that you have a serious problem before you in light of a God who is perfect and just.
  • Recognize that there is nothing you can do to save yourself.
  • Trust that Jesus, who died to pay the penalty for your sin, has risen from the dead and given you His righteousness.

This is the way to know God and someday be free from this world of disease and pain.

Second Peter 3:9 says this,

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

So God is being patient, patient so that everyone has the opportunity to repent and to make things right with Him. That is why there is evil and suffering in the world, because when He does return to bring judgment, there will be no second chances.

I am dying, but so are you. Neither of us knows if he will even see tomorrow, and perhaps the reason that I am suffering now, the reason that God is waiting to bring judgment against all the evil in this world, is because He's waiting for you, for you to acknowledge your sin and to turn to Him for forgiveness. Maybe you are the one we are waiting for.

Jesus suffered. God did not spare Him. Why would He spare me if my suffering would result in good for you? If my suffering is the means that God would use to bring even one person to Himself, it is an honor for me to suffer.

Does that seem strange? I suppose it does, but really, it is the only way that all of this makes any sense at all. A God who sees my suffering but is unable, or worse, unwilling to spare me? A God who sees my suffering but allows it with no greater purpose or hope? My God is able to save me, but save me from what? From a life without Him.

There is a place where there is nothing good, not even a gentle rain or a child's laugh. It is a place where everything that we despise about this world, the evil, the injustice, is the rule with no exceptions.

Hell is a physical place where God is not. Instead, He will bring me to a perfect world where He is, heaven, where life is full of wonder, adventure, and joy, everything good, for all eternity. My God is able to save me, and He will. This suffering is temporary, and the life I will live in eternity will make all this seem light and momentary.

As one speaker explained, “God allows in His wisdom that which He could easily prevent by His power.”

I chose the title of this talk, Death Is not Dying: A Faith that Saves. The first part came from one of my favorite preachers and authors, Charles Spurgeon, and the second came from another of my favorite teachers, our Pastor at Westside, Norm Funk, when he recently posed the question from James 2:14, “Can that faith save?” He pointed out the most important word in that verse is the word, that.

Can that faith save? We all have faith in something, but not all faiths save. The faith I have saves, so when I say that death is not dying, the part of me that will die is only a shell.

The next few weeks or months will not be pretty. Bone cancer is intensely, intensely painful, and I am already bedridden for almost the entire day, taking three, sometimes four different medications to control the pain.

Liver cancer causes intense nausea. Last Saturday I woke up, and I instantly had to run to the washroom to throw up. I did not stop throwing up all day, and just last week when we learned that the cancer has spread to my skull, it made sense because it has started affecting the nerves in my face.

I have not felt hungry in more than two months. Any food I do eat is forced down, but it will not always be this way. Soon I will become too weak or in too much pain to get out of bed at all. It will become harder and harder to eat and drink. My body and the cancer will fight over the few calories that I do consume. Eventually, the cancer will win, and I will starve to death.

That is the most likely scenario. I have lived a seemingly picture-perfect life from the outside looking in. In truth, I have been very blessed, but in my life there have been many difficult things that the Lord has allowed.

I have known the shame of being sexually abused. I have made poor decisions in relationships and have hurt others and have been hurt as a result of them. I have known the searing pain of loss with the death of a loved one. I have been diagnosed with cancer twice now, and this second time, barring a miracle, will end my life before I reach my 38th birthday.

In His providence, God has used the tough things in my life to draw me closer to Him, to show me His great love, and to teach me many things. I have learned that I am not perfect, and I have the scars to prove it, 13 of them. They serve as a physical reminder of a spiritual reality that I can never be perfect on my own. I need a savior.

I have learned that the greatest evidence of God's love is seen when I stand at the foot of the cross. He took my shame upon Himself and rescued me. I have learned that being a Christian is not just hope for the future, although it is most definitely that, but that it is the joy of knowing and trusting in a God who is loving and faithful no matter what the circumstances.

So , when I say that death is not dying, death will not kill my soul. It is eternal just like yours. It is just this physical body that will die, but even it will be raised again just like Jesus. It will be better than the one I have now.

Like everything, it will be better because God is going to make everything new, and I know this, why? Because I know God. I know myself. I know the Gospel, and I know my purpose. I know I have a faith that saves because my faith is in Jesus alone.

Nancy: I can't help but ask you, do you have the kind of hope that Rachel Barkey has been describing? Like her, your time is limited, and like her, you can have true hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Don't put off finding that hope. Rachel's made it clear that all of us need to be ready to face eternity.

At ReviveOurHearts.com you'll find a link to Rachel Barkey's website where you can read some of her thoughts as she prepares to meet the Lord. You'll also find the talk that you heard today.

Unfortunately, we didn't have time to air the complete message, but both the audio and the video are available. You may want to listen to this message again yourself, or you may want to share it with someone else that you think it would minister to. Again, you'll find a link at ReviveOurHearts.com.

O Lord, how I thank You for the power of this life message, for the power of the Gospel, for the power of this testimony through the life of one who is very close to being in Your presence forever. Lord, I pray that You would use this testimony to do a fresh work of grace in many of our hearts, that we would truly know You, that we would know ourselves, that we would know the Gospel, and that we would know our purpose, to please and honor and glorify You in this life and for all of eternity. I pray it in Jesus' name, amen.

Well, like our guest today, my friend, Joni Eareckson Tada, has learned how to suffer with hope after an accident left her paralyzed from the neck down more than forty years ago. Joni has some important things to say about living with joy through great pain. That's tomorrow on Revive Our Hearts.

Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss is an outreach of Life Action Ministries.

All Scriptures are from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.

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Read and post comments about: A Faith that Saves

*The following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

 

"i am praying for spiritual growth in me, my husband, son , mother, brothers, sisters, inlaws and my friends. what i have read above serves as a guide to me urgent need . it has ministered unto my soul and may this site be known to many others so that we are all saved."

Sharon (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:47 AM)

"God bless you Rachel and your family. Your testimony has truely changed how i look at life. I pray that God will give me the grace to worry only about the most important thing in life - my relationship with Him. Nothing else really matters. Thank you Rachel. I thank God for the peace He has given you. May His be glorified forever and ever."

Everlyne (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 8:26 AM)

"The Lord always has something to teach us; we must be teachable."

Kathy (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 9:02 AM)

"Thank you, Rachel. I will never forget your message and have learned much. You are a brave, wonderful person. God bless!"

Tanya (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 9:10 AM)

"Rachel, your message was very touching. The Lord has put on my heart to share a book with you by the name of "A More Excellent Way" by Henry W. Wright. If you wish to contact Henry Wtight, his e-mail address is info@beinhealth.com or call (800) 453-5775 or fax (706) 646-2864. Psalm 103:3"

Deb (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 9:39 AM)

"Rachel, your message was very powerful. It was also very, very humbleing. And you made me realize how grateful I am for every minute of my God given life. Thank you Jesus! Thank you Rachel! God has blessed you!"

Kathy (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:05 AM)

"Rachel your message is a true gift from God and an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your humility and boldness in sharing your pain and suffering for His glory. It's been a great honor to know you and pray for you and your family. I will look forward to meeting you in heaven. Jesus is our past, present, and future!

God's love,"

Gift (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:06 AM)

"I'm praying for this young women to be healed in the name of Jesus. Thy will be done, on earth, as it is, in Heaven."

Robin (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:09 AM)

"Thank You Rachel and God Bless you,As I listened to you're message it touched me so very much.You see 3 years ago I was diagnosed with liver cancer.God has chosen to keep me here I know there must be a purpose.You see I also had sexual abuse in my childhood.So for many years did not believe that anyone could love me if they said they did in my mind there had to be a reason why surely they could'nt love me for being me.Because I believed that I was dirt.Could'nt believe my husband loved me my children and certainly not God.Now I believe God loves me and always has.I'm amazed everyday at how much he does love me.God bless you I know what you mean when you talk about the nausea from liver cancer.I'm praying for you and you're family.you're sister in Christ"

Sheila (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:12 AM)

"Thank you for your testimony Rachel. Your children and husband are so blessed to have you in their lives. Thank you for your testimony. God has so blessed you with this testimony of His goodness and strength. Thank you for sharing so much."

Lindsay (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:14 AM)

"May God bless you and each of us as we learn to keep looking Up! To Rachel and anyone else who is or will be discerning God's plan for physical healing (as well as spiritual) - please research Healthquarters Ministry in Colorado. Website - www.healthquarters.org - Phone: 719-593-8694. This Christ-centered ministry was founded by David and Anne Frahm - Anne who was diagnosed and sent home with weeks to live as a result of cancer.....this ministry was birthed out of her amazing recovery. Blessings to you Rachel as you walk the talk and glorify our Lord."

Linda (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:14 AM)

"Thank you."

Sharon (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:16 AM)

""Thank you Rachel for sharing your story with others and reminding us that our faith is in the Lord.
My husband is battling a rare cancer and although it is very hard, we are so thankful for the peace that God has given us.
Thank you again for sharing your heart. It will not be forgotten! I will pray for you and your family."

Sandra (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:24 AM)

"Rachel
I was driving home after dropping of my kids at their summer activities and tuned into your truths. I have wept listening but I know what you mean when you say KNOW YOUR GOD. It is He only who keeps everything in perspective. My heart goes out to you, your children and your husband. You have blessed me with the truth you spoke and helped me keep my focus on HIM. I thank you and am emailing the link to a bunch of my good friends so they may be encouraged too.
Col 1:27 - Christ in me, my only hope in Glory"

Priya (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:32 AM)

"Thank you so much, Rachel for sharing your story. It's such an encouragment and blessing to hear the heartbeat of one so near the heart of God. You have ministered to me this morning ~"

Lorinda (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:02 AM)

"Rachel after listenting to your story, my spirtual side kicked in and I began to pray that you will endure no more pain. That your message to the world leaves us to look in the windows of our home and not take time, family, ourselves and first and foremost God for granted. God bless you and your family. You have much to look forward as you begin your journey to his arms in peace and glory."

Vilma (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM)

"Yesterday in the car I was listening to a song of Sheila Walsh "I will declare the beauty of the Lord".....and today as yesterday too, I could see it. How beautiful was the Lord in you,Rachel. That's what makes us to be in "awe" listening to your story....the BEAUTY of the LORD ! Wow,it is so attractive and unique. He did shine on you in a wonderful way and now you are beautiful....so beautiful!"

Luminita (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:52 AM)

"Rachel & ROH,

W.O.W.

*Stunned. Simply stunned*

Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm in awe."

Mrs. (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:26 PM)

"Rachel, you are truly a woman of God and such an inspiration to the rest of us striving to
live like Jesus and raise Godly children. My heart breaks for you as letting go of your children and husband will be the single most difficult mountain you will have to climb - even more so than the pain you are enduring. Keep your eyes on Him - and I am praying for you and those who love you. He is so proud of you - I know He will lift you up and give you strength and comfort. Thank you for sharing your amazing story and life with us. Thank you for challenging us to live our lives as God would have us live them and serve with joy."

Laurie (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:42 PM)

"I just sent a message but it said i had not put in a valid email so I lost my way back. This is my email. My name is Mary Morgan, I hope your receive it. It meant so much"

Mary (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:51 PM)

"Simply profound! I have shared this with friends and am thankful for your life, Rachel..."

Tanya (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:58 PM)

"As a husband and father listening to this program, I was stirred to consider the question: "If God made it clear to me that I was in my last weeks here on earth, what would be really important to me right now?" Would what's on TV really matter? Would my wife and kids get more of me than I give them now? WOW...Thank you ROH!"

Phil (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:00 PM)

"I will be 38 in November. In reading the transcripts for the past two days, I've wanted to find a quiet place and just cry. This could easily have been me....it could be me...no one knows what the future holds. I have two small children whom I love dearly and a husband whom I love dearly and I don't know how I would feel if I knew that I was about to leave them. I think I'd do some things differenly.
I went to Rachel's website and read her "Book List" and said "wow", we have read the same books. I read part of her "letters'.
I just want to cry for her and yet, her faith causes her to look up. Oh God, help me trust you no matter what comes my way. Help me to come to know You in such a way that none ot these things would move me except to push me closer to you. In Jesus' name, I pray...."

Jodi (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:08 PM)

""My prayers are with you and your family. I thank you for taking precious time and speaking the truth. It has touched my heart profoundly. God Bless You!""

Gail (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:18 PM)

"I thank and praise God Father of all who is above all and in us all , for beautiful sister in christ like you Rachel may God loving arms and hedge forever be around you and your family."

Virgina (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:26 PM)

"Thank you for your effort in putting together your words along with God's. I will send order this for a 33yr. old friend who is suffering with lung cancer. He is a new believer and is struggling in ways only you and God could understand, I'm sure!"

Lynn (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:48 PM)

"Rachel,

You have chosen to use your suffering for the glory of God and the building of His Kingdom by sharing words that change lives. God of Eternal Truth and Love has embraced you totally that to hear your voice is to understand His heart. Thank you. I want to ease your pain when it happens, by placing my hands in prayer over your aching body.
But God will use any hand around. Let Neil and the two little angels in your house lay their prayerful hands on you on the moment of extreme pain, and let them feel the heat that comes from God comforting you through their praying hands.
Love remains forever. God in you and you in God"

Elizabeth (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:55 PM)

"The comment that most impacts me is, "If my suffering is the means that God would use to bring even one person to Himself, it is an honor for me to suffer ." Praise God for that heart of selflessness. I have been sick for over a year and that challenges me. Dear sister, I look forward to washing your feet when we get to the other side."

Melanie (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 1:58 PM)

""Hello Rachel. I do pray that you will be able to read this. I am a new Christian. I have found the (Joy in my heart that wasn't there before). Your testimony stirred my heart. I cried and prayed after hearing it on the radio today. Amazingly I also have two children with the same names of Quinn and kate. You even said Kate, note Katie or Katherine. Thank you for being courageously generous sharing your life with all who will listen. And through your enlightenment of our Lord to help us all grow in our understanding of the truth. Our daily lives are a sacrifice as Jesus sacrificed for us to be free (from our and all sin here on earth). From my grateful heart to yours. I am a person who is learning about love, forgiveness and hope. And I will always remember you."

Linda (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM)

""It is God that I prosper and be in good health, even as my soul prospers."
3 John 1:2"

Gift (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM)

"May God meet you and your family where you're at today, Rachel. Your message touched my heart."

Michele (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM)

"This is really moving, God used it to get my attention again for what he tried to tell me a week ago. Last Monday I had terrible chest pain and thought I was dying, then even I have been saved more than 15 years ago, I realized how little of myself I have given to my family- I am selfish. Racheal's testimony is a follow-up call for me. I pray never to remain the same again after listening to this testimony. I will definitely share this with my family when I get home today. My heart goes out to Racheal, May God strengthen you for the rest of your days if it is His will for you to die, but if not he can do anything. ROH, Thanks for sharing this with your listeners. You said your ministry is for women, but I want to tell you that it is for everyone because your messages are for everyone."

Ebenezer (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:42 PM)

"My doctor recommended the Hallelujah Diet. He was healed of colorectal cancer. He said cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Our bodies are too acidic. Most Dr.s are not trained in Nutrition. Your story touched my heart, and the first thing that came to mind was "try the H. diet", surely it cannot hurt at this stage, but may give you more time with your family. Either way, may God be glorified in all of our lives. He is ultimately the One with the final say. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Continued blessings from our God and Savior."

Jacey (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 3:16 PM)

"God is good. Let's trust His ways. The song says, "God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don't understand, when you don't see His plan. When you can't trace His hand, trust his heart. Praying that you will be faithful and experience the joy of His presence. I love you Sister."

Doris (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 5:01 PM)

"I am so glad to be apart of the family of God so glad. Through all of our ups and downs, ins and outs, God is faithful. Whereever we are in life right now we that believe in Jesus Christ know that "all things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes." That is our hope, that is our life.
Nancy please keep us updated with Racheal's health as we will be praying for her and her family as the Spirit leads.
Racheal I know that the doctor has given his prognosis, but I believe life for you is just beginning. You are a true hero, not because you are looking this sickness in the face, but you have chosen to live life depenedent on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Be blessed."

Elizabeth (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:21 PM)

"Rachael In Gods eyes we are all family. I consider you my sister'in Christ'. I will alwayspray for you. You will be right with Jesus that I know for sure. I lost my son Anthony, He was only 20 years of age. He was shot to death. I thank my Lord God and Savior every day for all He has done for me. The Lord has put me in a place I never thought I could be , spirtiually . You are there and you are ready to meet the Lord face to face. What a perfect place you be. That no one on this earth can possibly understand. All of Gods children will be together very soon.We are in the last days and it is very exciting. So I have to say to you that I wish I could meet you now because I know you are were I am spiritually and it is a great feeling .Jesus is with you every second and He will never leave you. call his name. Jesus it is so healing and peacefull. you are a remarkable Spirit. Love in spirit, Lisa"

Lisa (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:49 PM)

"I will pray every day for you ........Thank you so much you are blessed to have been given this understanding and goodness thank the lord for you...... God bless you and thank you again...."

Eric (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 7:03 PM)

"I am thanking God I heard your message, yesterday and remembered to tune in again to hear the next part, today. God always knows what we need. I have been praying for a couple, the wife has a body full of cancer. Doctor's told her it was not treatable. I have been petitioning the Lord that He would soften her pain and also comfort her family.
I had just studied II Corinthians 1 speaking of the God of all comfort. You are a great example of this chapter, using your suffering to help comfort so many others. God truly blessed you with the ability to pour it from your heart in such clear, beautiful words for us to learn and grow from.
You are truly a wonderful model of keeping ourselves out of the focus, and truly living for God. Thank you for your heart felt testimony, not only to your children, but to everyone. We needed to hear this. Thank you ROH for airing it."

Nancy (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 7:04 PM)

"Today I heard your story.It was not a coinsidence, it was God strengthening me.I don't usually get to hear Nancy's program, but I was not feeling well this morning and was at home in bed. I turned the radio on and you were sharing your life story.When I heard it was Revive Our Hearts program I got out of bed and to my kitchen to write down the web page to hear the whole program, I picked up the book I just bought last night at the library. It is Nancy,s book "SURRENDER" I believe God was showing me how to surrender to His will in all things.My husband and I are both in our late 70's, cancer patient, married 57 years, and know we are all here for God's purpose. Thank you so much, may God keep useing you. Your story will be sent to many people we know,who are still out there. God Bless You and Your Family.We Love You and Will Pray for You and Your Family."

Clara (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 7:19 PM)

"Rachael, I was driving yesterday as I heard your message and just coming from the doctor myself. You are so precious to God and your message has and will bless so many people. My heart breaks for you and rejoices with you because you have learned things it will take most of us forever to even touch. May the Lord hold you closely and bless you and your family. I have prayed many times for all of you since yesterday."

Trish (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM)

"We need to go boldly to the thrown of grace. Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, Your word says we can ask anything in your name and you will do it. I'm asking you for a miracle in Rachel's life. Take the cancer away and give her life back for her family in Jesus name, amen. All the Glory goes to you Father."

Sheila (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 9:30 PM)

"Rachael, in your inspiring testimony, God has countered many of the lies that women have believed, believe, or will believe about God, themselves, and sin. "I have learned that the greatest evidence of God's love is seen when I stand at the foot of the cross. He took my shame upon Himself and rescued me. I have learned that being a Christian is not just hope for the future, although it is most definitely that, but that it is the joy of knowing and trusting in a God who is loving and faithful no matter what the circumstances." Such encouraging words. Thank you."

Sylvia (on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:20 PM)

"My mother passed away on Sat June 13, 2009 from cancer. No coincidence that this is the devotion the last two mornings. We buried my dear mother today.
I will read both tomorrow. Too much for today.
This is God working in people's lives still today!"

Paula (on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 12:17 AM)

"Thank you, Rachel for sharing insights, especially about how we should talk to ourselves instead of listen to ourselves. My pain is more emotional, but I will take your message to heart. God bless you in your journey to wellness!"

Kim (on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 9:27 AM)

"Forgive my spelling mistakes earlier, my fingers don't always respond where I want them to. You have become an inspiration to all our family (extended and close). Your strength shows us how to die gracefully and to keep our hearts focused on Our Lord as He Is In Control of Life. May God continue to richly bless. Sue"

Susan (on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10:24 AM)

"I listen to this testimony and I couldn't help but cry, it made me search my self to see if I as a child of God would have such grace in the time of my trials and pain. God bless you."

Odelle (on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 12:12 PM)

"Dearest Rachel,

I too am praying for you and your precious family. May our Lord bless you all abundantly and keep you close to His heart, under the covert of His wing.

In His love,"

Leslie.s (on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 1:54 PM)

"Thank you so much for your courage and your strenght. Many would fear death but those who know the Lord know that we are going to a special place that He has prepared for us and this is what our Christian walk is all about."

Julie (on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:47 PM)

"Dear Rachel,
What a reality Jesus is as we walk through the shadow of death. Truly we will fear no evil for Thou art with us...
Praise God for helping you to focus on His Lovely Presence in time of trouble.
I look forward to meeting you in Heaven Rachel.
I know our Heavenly Father will be as a nursing mother to your little ones. He will comfort them & meet their needs. He is able. I have experienced such comfort as He drew me to Himself...
Love in Christ, Leslie N."

Leslie.n (on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 1:57 AM)

"God spoke to me through you. Thank you for letting Him.

Love Your Sister in Christ, Julie"

Julie (on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 12:27 PM)

"Dear Rachel,
Your account of what you are going through has touched my heart. God id good and I know He is with you.
You and your presious faily are in my prayers.
God's blessings be with you."

Gloria (on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 5:09 PM)

"Dear Rachel, your words echoed those of St. Ignatius of Loyola...The First Principle and Foundation...We are created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save our soul. The other things on the face of the earth are created for us to help in attaining the end for which we are created. Hence, we are to make use of them in as far as they help us in the attainment of our end, and we must rid ourselves of them in as far as they prove a hindrance to us. Therefore, we must make ourselves indifferent to all created things, as far as we are allowed free choice and are not under prohibition. Consequently, as far as we are concerned, we should not prefer health to sickness, riches to poverty, honor to dishonor, a long life to a short life. The same holds true for all other things. Our one desire and choice should be what is more conducive to the end for which we are created." I pray the discerning heart sees the message God is sending through you....what seems bad might be good (one "undeserving death" will help thousands of souls) and what seems good might be bad (your observations on "self-esteem -- putting many souls in great peril). God bless you for your courage and faith in him and may God bless your family. They (and all you have touched) have been blessed by you."

Jeanne (on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:12 PM)

"Thank you Rachel. Your testimony was fitting and could not have been any more timely. Thank you for your faithfulness and because of it, you've helped me get right back into perspective on who I am and who God is.
Love, your sister in Christ"

Moc (on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 8:33 PM)

"Thank you Father! rnThank you for your loving kindness towards us. May we all have this same genuine faith and sincere love for Jesus. May the One who is true, rigtheous and just, cleanse me of all unrighteousness. For blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not imput sin. I repent and confess my sin today and say "Son of David" have mercy on me. Thank you for Rachel. Thank you for her life. My heart trembles because Your truth has pierce my soul. Apart from You there is no good in me. Thank you for using her to convey your message. Continue to strengthen her on the inner man and produce in her all things pleasing in Your sight by the power of Your Holy Spirt . Great is your faithfulness and it is greatly to be praise!rnrnlove a sister in Christ"

Davon (on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 1:59 PM)

"It has been 5 days since Rachel passed away. It deeply saddens me to think of her family's pain, but based upon her strong faith I imagine that her family is glorifying God and feeling his presence. Her message and her faith made such an impression upon me, one that I hope will last. What an absolute gem she was to this world and now I am certain she is shining with Him. God speed."

Erin (on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 9:55 PM)

"Just wanted to say how forward I am looking to meeting Rachel someday in the Resurrection. Death is NOT dying, thanks to Jesus...we shall meet one day!"

Cathy (on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 12:25 PM)

"In her absence her story has touched me. In 2007 I lost my Dad to cancer, 2009 my mother has been diagnosed. Rachel's story both reminded me of the horror of cancer, and the wonderful love of our Savior. Still I am devistated by her story, and related to the suffering. May God help us all to make this walk in and for his name."

Kareony (on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 8:12 PM)

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