NOTE*: Some editing has been done (some addition in text), as well as more pictures posted, since I posted some hours ago. BP12.22.22
Our soul waits for the Lord: He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice (be glad) in Him because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your steadfast love [mercy] O Lord, be upon us, according [even] as we hope in You. [Ps33:20-22]
Before I get to the article which I have been trying to get together and posted for almost a month now, I would like to honour a brother in the Lord Jesus/Yeshua.
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| Mr. Hoang Nguyen - 57 |
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| Please join me in praying for the people in these three areas, if you are so led Thank you - pray for protection from natural disaster - pray against danger [supernatural protection] from enemies |
In Honour of Hoang
H. Nguyen
On November 23, 2022, Hoang Nguyen (57), a dear friend
and brother in Christ Jesus entered into the presence of the Lord. His cremation
service was held December 16, 2022.
Hoang’s sudden passing was a surprise because to my
understanding, he was in good health. He had written me a quick note November
20th (email) three days before he passed, with intentions to
touch base soon.
I had come out of the hospital on the 19th
(Saturday) and wrote a short email explaining why I had not replied to a
letter that he had written [email] almost two weeks earlier (with prayer requests
for students). He quickly responded on 20 November. So, to learn that he passed
a mere three days later caught me completely off-guard.
When Hoang passed unexpectedly, he was teaching
mathematics at Silver Creek High (East Side) in San Jose, California. He
cared for his students, even posting YouTube videos (private) to help
them beyond the class time.
His parents, siblings and himself moved from Vietnam
after the war, and settled in San Francisco when Hoang was only 10. Hoang
graduated with engineering degrees, but soon discovered that employment was
hard to come by.
As a result, he had to consider another career. Since
he enjoyed people, Hoang decided to sit in on a couple of classes [elementary
and high school levels] as an observer. That was the deciding factor that convinced
him to pursue teaching.
Hoang was a kind-hearted, thoughtful servant of the
Lord, who truly cared about the souls of others, not only those he taught, but
also for those he worked with. Guaranteed none of the students or colleagues
knew about his secret petitions for them.
He never gave details except that some young students
were struggling (matters kept private); some students were in [unrevealed]
troubling situations. Only a first name was ever given.
In his desire to help them, Hoang sought prayer for
wisdom, but also for the Lord’s intervention in the lives of his students.
Our correspondence flowed randomly (off and on)
over the course of not quite 11 years. Back then, he first introduced himself by
leaving a few (not many) casual comments on the blog. Over time, he opted
to correspond through emails rather than the comment section.
Hoang felt more comfortable asking for prayer
privately, instead of on a public platform (the blog). Emails were infrequent
and never lengthy (I am the lengthy writer); he was not one for
writing much.
On the occasion when he did write, Hoang would
encourage me to keep writing on the blog, at times ask for prayer (mostly
for others), and other times to let me know he was praying for myself and my
family.
Hoang loved camping and fishing, and doing odd jobs
around the house, even gardening. He was a godly man who was wholly dedicated
to his wife. Since they had no children, they spent a lot of time together.
One prayer Hoang appreciated deeply was the prayer for
protection over his marriage, and his beloved wife of 23 years. Marriage is
precious to the Lord, and it was to Hoang also. The Bible explains the union of
marriage, and how it is symbolic to the relationship of Jesus with His people (church).
The Bible states that the two become ONE flesh (inseparable)
[Gen 2:24] Bless the Lord
A few years back, Hoang sent a quick note to say he
was leaving California to join his wife in Maui, as she had gone ahead of him.
(he had to give proper notice with the school). That was the last I
heard from him for a little over a year.
The couple spent that year in Hawaii. When Hoang and
Jessica both returned to San Jose, he returned to teaching. He was a faithful,
loyal husband, and a dedicated child of God. He touched base again later on,
when he and his wife had both settled.
Their return was before the Covid-19 pandemic was
announced globally, but when schools closed, Hoang taught his students
virtually until mandates lifted.
He became my friend over the years, someone who prayed
for me, and in return, I respectfully prayed for him and his loved ones, and
his students. That is one thing that caught brother Hoang’s attention –
prayer. Jesus told us to watch and PRAY.
It was something we both agreed on as being important.
Prayers are priceless and immeasurable, and when intent and motive is pure
before God (who judges all things well), He answers – He is the Faithful
and True one.
Even though our communication was infrequent, we kept
in touch off and on over the years. That is what friends and family in Christ often
do…we simply pick up where we left off, even if it is months or years later.
Brother Hoang was a faithful Christian, a dedicated
and loyal husband, a man who loved his family (he had many relatives), friends,
students, and fellow workers.
Because my friend and I never met in person, we laughed
about how: We walk by faith and not by sight… [2Cor 5:7] It is one of the
verses that I commonly use, and it fit perfectly.
Hoang Nguyen was a Christian man who bore good fruit. He
has a crown of life awaiting him. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they
shall see God. [Mat 5:8]
Mrs. Jessica Nguyen, you were the sparkle in your
husband’s eyes, his other half. He loved you dearly; anyone who knew Hoang long
enough knew this. I pray that Jesus be your Comforter, and protect you during
this tender and fragile time.
May Jesus be your shield, fill you with the shalom
that passes all understanding, and provide all your needs, as only He can
do…for your good, for His glory.
I pray also that the Lord sends comforters who
minister strength and peace to Hoang’s mother, his brothers (and their
families), all extended family members, his friends, his fellow workers
(colleagues), and his students.
On December 16, 2022, Hoang was cremated.
In this wee corner of Canada, dear brother Hoang H.
Nguyen, we SALUTE you!
You can finally rest, my friend. Shalom in the
Anointed One of Israel, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, until the day we are all with
Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer... Amen
Time for a Good Report!
I was put on oxygen within an hour of my admittance to
emergency on November 9, and remained on it for the full nine days, and halfway
through the tenth day.
Two physical therapists who did in-hospital therapy, had me walk up three stairs and down, and then measure my heart rate and oxygen levels (oxygen saturation) of the blood via a pulse oximeter; a respirologist, and a doctor all told me that I should expect to be on the oxygen long term, if not for life.
The doctor stated it would be a 30-day order, but to
expect long term (possibly the rest of my life), due to scar tissue in
my lungs. But God! The good doctor forgot the God factor! God is Sovereign over
all.
My son was quite concerned about the equipment being
returned prematurely, and concerned that I would need it. With all due respect
for his concerns, I allowed sufficient time to pass so that he could be at ease.
Friends prayed; family prayed. Three-quarters of the
way through the second day at home, I removed the
oxygen after prayer. Even still, I have learned to be careful what I lay at the
feet of the Lord.
It is understood that a great many say, ‘God said’,
when perhaps He did, or perhaps He did not. The flesh (our minds) and/or the
adversary, Satan, can be quite convincing that it is God speaking (copycat,
counterfeit, imitator)
I do fear the Lord and do not want to mislead anyone,
in any way. When you pray for wisdom, remember: The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
[Prov9:10]
So it is with great care that I say that after prayer
I felt directed by the Lord to carefully go about my day without oxygen. If I
did mess up, meaning if I was NOT hearing from the Lord or understanding
correctly, the oxygen was still in the home to fall back on.
We are in serious times. The disciples wholeheartedly
serving the Lord these days are being separated from those who have mastered only lip
service. Sheep being separated from sheep.
The Lord has been trying the heart for years, rotating
throughout the Body of Christ. He has placed us in situations where we either learn to go
higher and deeper in our trust with Him (which requires some good quality time like any relationship), or we forfeit and walk in fear (fear opposes trust). Trust too has and is being challenged, and rightfully
so.
I speak of the fear that paralyzes us, hinders us from moving forward in Christ, not the reverent fear of a holy God. If we begin to wander, the Good Shepherd will call us. He will even leave the 99 to go after one lost.
All the work the Lord does in us, He has every right
to prove us. Hezekiah and the Lord went through much together. The Lord even
sent Isaiah the prophet back to the king after Hezekiah (who was told he would soon die) cried out to God. Isaiah returned stating that God had granted the king another 15 years of life. [2Kings 20:6]
We believe that God is the same yesterday, today and
forever, and He is. In 2Chron 32 vs 31, it is written that: […] God left him
(Hezekiah), to try him that He might know all that was in his heart.
It is also written that the Lord searches the heart,
and tries the reins [Jer 17:10 KJV], (tests the mind NKJV). Jesus knows
the level of our trust already. We think we know, but a challenge will prove
our trust one way or another.
If we are a new creation, and the Lord gives us a new
heart (which happens when we are born-again) then we can expect that He will indeed be silent for a season (leave us
be), to try our heart. Now, do not misunderstand me. The Lord promises that He
never leaves or forsakes us.
His promise is true. Think of it this way.
When a good parent hands their child a task to do, they leave their immediate side, but will watch from a distance to see if the child performs the task, and if they do, how well they do it.
The parent is still nearby to help, if need
be, but they left the immediate side of the child so the child could do the
task on their own.
I am thankful and overjoyed to report that it will be
four weeks and four days as of Dec.21.2022 that no oxygen machine has been
used.
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| There were 4 little tanks too (guess I missed taking a picture of three) The black bag on the left with tubing coming out is one of the four portable tanks returned |
And it took me so long to get this article posted that not only did I have to keep going back changing dates and times, but now I can happily add that all machinery, tubing, portable tanks, and bags have all been returned to the company! Liberty.
That is God alone, and I offer up thanksgiving as I
exalt Him, worthy He is to be praised and glorified!
Do We Trust God With the Outcome?
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| Trusting God in scary times |
Regarding the report on the oxygen machine and usage, is that not proof that our God is fully in control? Indeed, He can overrule any doctor’s report, but we must not be presumptuous. We must be very sure we have clearly heard Him.
If we get ahead of God, or try to force His will to be
our will, we are in grave danger. As I have often stated over the years: God
does not make mistakes, we do – I do.
We can get overzealous sometimes and get ahead of the
Lord. We want to be sure to be in HIS will, and not acting on our will. We will
not understand all the ways of the Lord, or have all our ‘why’s’ answered. We
need to trust His loving wisdom.
We still go on hoping, and praying and believing… then
we wait upon Jesus. It only makes sense. Do not let anyone tell you that
miracles or healing no longer happen. But on the other hand, do not let anyone
tell you so-and-so was not healed (or you are not healed) due to lack of
faith. That’s imbalance; two extremes.
Sometimes we are healed instantly; sometimes it is a
process with treatments and medicines (herbals, vitamins, minerals too),
and sometimes we are not healed. I have noticed that for many moons (years)
pneumonia or flu continually hit me, as if it keeps getting recycled.
I came across an article one time where a doctor
suffered the same thing (repetitious respiratory ailments). Even as a
doctor himself, it took decades for him to find an answer. The article came in
over a month ago and I tucked it away, just so much to read sometimes. I am
sure that taking Vitamin C intravenously was part of the protocol that healed
him.
Just took a
look at the email and yes, IV Vitamin C, plus nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Our food (due to soil) and water is so depleted now.
If you or
anyone you know suffers with recycling pneumonias, head colds or viral
bronchitis (the doctor who write the article, Dr. Dwight Kalita MD calls it
revolving-door), I invite you to read the link below. It may help you or
someone you know.
Orthomolecular
Medicine by D. Kalita MD
It is
something I hope to look more into myself, with the Lord’s help and guidance.
Keep pressing in; keep believing; keep waiting upon the Lord to lead. We can trust God in the scary times; we can trust Him NO MATTER the outcome, and we can trust Him WITH the outcome.
He will answer you, but patience is required.
That is a tough one. And anyone who has walked with Jesus for a while can agree that it is not easy when we are suffering in any form. It can be challenging, but God's got this.
I leave it there because I do not have all the
answers, but as I have said for years, ‘do not give up’ or ‘give in’. I wrote a
5-part series on it in 2018: Do
not give up just at the finish line. There are prophetic words in the
series that are applicable.
Keep fighting the good fight of faith [1Tim 6:12];
Can You
Hear Him?
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| Can you hear His still, small voice? |
Did Father have to bring me to the point where the very breath I draw was only if He allowed it? Yes, He did. It is easy to stray from our first love, for various and valid reasons.
To be completely dependent upon the Lord, to need Him for everything is exactly where He wants us to be. That is how it was for Adam, and later, for Eve. He created us to fellowship with Him, to be intimately close to Him. He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Imagine.
I used to live in the mountains, the home of my heart,
but He took me away from there like a steady, gentle wind. Watching the mountains fade away into
the distance was like watching them be broken into pieces; my beautiful
mountains – gone!
Jesus has never moved me without valid reason. Blown
across the provinces of Canada, from British Columbia to Ontario, like a strong
wind that could not be resisted. It was excellent weather and driving, but the
further along I got, it became near-impossible to find any vacancies in lodging.
It was the most important long weekend of the year for
the nation, Canada’s birthday. I had to keep going. Rest came in half hour or
hour timeslots, sitting in a gas station truck stop, or rest area, or a random
parking lot.
The constant driving began to shake me like an
earthquake, because the constant sitting (even with a few short breaks to
stretch the legs) caused swelling (circulation cut-off), and the osteoarthritis
in my knees rocked my whole body with pain. It shook me…
By the sixth day, I finally arrived, but my bones were
like a fire. I could barely walk, nor could I sit or stand for long. It was as
if I was burning up with pain and sheer exhaustion. Quite the quandary, yet I
was strengthened to endure.
All along, even if the Lord left me to try me, He had ways to keep me aware of His presence.
* three crosses [in the wilderness] by the roadside (yes, I know they were memorials, but so is the cross of Jesus when He hung between the two thieves).
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| 3 crosses on fence - ONT |
Do you know how significant that ended up being? Tirelessly, for two months, applications and phone calls went forth trying to get a rental. With only two days left (approx) before I left Alberta for Ontario, a landlord made arrangements to show the place to my son (he was already living in Ontario).
With nearly 100 applications out (perhaps in the 80s), I somehow knew that one was going to be our home. There were three crosses on the fence in the yard of the potential rental, and yes, we ended up getting the place. It is where we live now.
My son texted me the good news that the landlord was willing to rent to us. They merely awaited meeting me, so that we both could sign the papers.
So, when I saw the three crosses on the side of the road (the only THREE together seen on the entire trip across Canada), it was a sign of the Lord's faithfulness and He was travelling with me.
To me, it stood for my son and his boy (my five-year old grandson) and myself (three [3] of us). Bless the Lord - Jesus hung between two thieves upon a rugged cross. To the one He said: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise." [Lk 23:43]
* Did you ever pull over into a gas station and have the opportunity to visit a church the size of a large shed, with a pastor inside waiting to speak to whosoever? I have never even heard of such a thing.
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| Church at Shell station, north ONT July 1, 2022 |
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| Middleston street Click on any picture to enlargen |
The church was by the street called Middleton (MIDDLEton) - between the world and the Lord; the physical and the spiritual.
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| church in gas station parking lot |
Then there was the old church I saw. It was easy to see it had not been used for a very long time. The paint was peeling, the roof was missing shingles, broken windows, barred door.
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| battle-scarred...still standing |
And though it had been around decades of seasons, and had been through much in its time, beaten down upon by heavy rains and strong winds and other stormy times (obvious by its condition), and mightily battle-scarred... it was still standing (not sign of caving in).
Two things - have you noticed? First, despite the fact the building is old and seemingly unused, the grass around it is cared for. It is not neglected or overgrown. Jesus takes care of us even in old age, or even when (we think) we are 'useless' (unused - not drawing big crowds)
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| The foundation itself is still strong, the sides of the building prove that |
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it did not fall: for it was founded upon a rock. [Mat 7:25]
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes in vain. [Ps 127:1]
That is all who belong to Jesus... We will keep standing, just like Stephen did when he was being stoned to death. We who are truly in Christ will keep standing, no matter what comes against us because we have a sure foundation - because the LORD built the house.
So yes, I did see God's hand all the way through this trip. The presence of Jesus was something I was keenly aware of. Sometimes I wept from fatigue and not being able to lie down, but day after day, moment upon moment, the Lord strengthened me.
He undergirds us. We only need ask.
It takes nearly 20 hours (nonstop) to drive from the Manitoba border to where I was going in Ontario. That is how large the province of Ontario is. Needless to say, it was not nonstop. No way!I had to get gas and rest (close my eyes sometimes and rest). But indeed, I pushed it. The landlords were waiting, and what was normally a three, possibly four day trip for most, it took six and a chunk, due to major construction throughout the province, and heavy traffic, due to July 1 long weekend.
Why do I bring this up? If you feel like you are being
blown around (tossed to and fro) relentlessly by happenings, or if you hoped
for the mountaintop but watched all your plans crumble into pieces. It your world
has been shaken up; or if you feel like you are in a fiery furnace, stop and
listen intently.
And He said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before
the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the
mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord;
But the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind
and earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the
earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire, a still,
small voice. [1King 19:11-12]
That is what you wait to hear, rarely audible. You
will hear it deep down within your spirit man, Immanuel, the Good Shepherd. If
you wait upon Him, despite all the things happening in the natural, you will
hear the still, small voice.
Be patient. Try not to rush out of His presence.
Waiting is hard for every single person, but at times, very necessary.
Hopefully, you are encouraged more to not weary in the waiting. The time is
upon His people…
For Now
There is so much more that has been written. The busyness is almost as if someone wanted to silence me. But all is in Abba's hands. I cling to the Vine, Jesus.
However, I would like to put up piece
to honour a brother in Christ. There is much I have touched upon, so much to share: but for now,
I salute a friend farewell.