Newkirk Church of Christ

Scott’s Thoughts

May 24, 2026

 

“Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass.” (Job 14:5, SV)

I recently looked up the average life span of Americans. For women it is about eighty-one years, and for men like me it is around seventy-five. About eighteen months ago, a doctor told me—very directly—that I could expect to live about five more years. She also said that, statistically, it wouldn’t make much difference whether I received a kidney transplant or not. Five years was still the number This was the same doctor who told me back in October of 2017 that I would be on dialysis within a year. Dialysis is certainly closer now, but I’m still not there yet. I also know the odds of getting a transplant are extremely small. Even so, by the grace of God, I have lived a full life, and I still function close to normal.

I’m not down on doctors. They have helped so many people —many of them in my own circle. The really good ones don’t give up until every possible treatment has been tried. My renal doctor tells me at every visit how glad she is that her first assessment of me was wrong. I’m glad too. The truth is the number of years I have left is still unknown. How long can I live with this kidney disease? I don’t know. I also carry another disease that nearly took my life in 2015. It hasn’t been cured, but it has been treated, and I no longer think about it every day.

Over the last eighteen months, God has given Ava and me the privilege of watching Him work in her life. Her diagnosis and treatment for pancreatic cancer have changed our lives in many ways. Along this journey we have met many people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Each one receives treatment tailored to their needs, and each one deals with the side effects as best they can. We see the same people at almost every treatment session. We talk, we visit, and we learn about each other’s families —children, grandchildren, and sometimes great grandchildren. Every now and then we discover that we even have friends in common. These conversations help. They make the journey easier. And it helps even more to talk about what our great and loving God is doing to carry us from one day to the next. Without Him, there would be no hope.

This much I know for certain: however many days God gives me on this earth; He stands ready to give me eternal life with Him.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, ESV)

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Thanks for listening and keep on shining.

—Scott

2020 Mission Trip to Kramatorsk, Ukraine

Day 1 & 2 | 10/12/20 | 10/13/20 | 10/14/20 10/16/20 | 10/17/20 | 10/18/20 | 10/18/20 10/19/20 | 10/20/20| 10/21/20 | 10/23/20  | 10/25/20 | Summary Report

 

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Memorial Day:
Not Just About Vacations

This day of remembrance is an expression of deep gratitude for men and women who gave their lives in service to others.

From time to time you hear someone mention on television that Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of the summer vacationing season. Most of the focus is on boating, barbecuing, enjoying family time, and relaxing. Sometimes we take for granted that the holiday is more than an opportunity to take a break from work. It’s an important national reminder that the freedom to do all these things was born out of costly personal sacrifice for thousands of American soldiers and their families.

Across our nation, those in touch with this fact will express a deep gratitude for men and women who gave their lives in service to others. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Those words remind us that sacrifice is one of the purest expressions of love.

As Christians, Memorial Day also calls us to remember. Throughout Scripture, God often told His people to pause and remember His faithfulness and the sacrifices that made their blessings possible. We honor those who served our country by refusing to take our freedoms for granted. We honor them by living with integrity, kindness, and faithfulness to God.

This national holiday can also remind us of another sacrifice: the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. While brave soldiers gave their lives so we could enjoy earthly freedom, Jesus gave His life so we could experience eternal freedom from sin (John 8:36). His resurrection assures us that death is not the end for those who are truly His disciples.

As you gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, take a moment to pray for military families, thank a veteran, and remember those who never came home. May we live in a way that honors both the sacrifices made for our nation and the Savior who gave everything for our souls.

Bulletin Digest