Devotions from Judy’s heart
We will not live forever! We all know we will die someday but nearly everyone tries to avoid this truth and does many activities to prolong life as long as possible. Just think of all the advertisements that tell us about a magic drug, a workout regimen, or right diet that will help us live longer. I read an article by Todd Billings who wrote, “The End of the Christian life.” He says we should stop waging war against mortality and instead learn to embrace and give thanks for our finitude. We may assume that if we don’t think about the end, we will be more content in the present. But Billings says, “As strange as it seems coming to terms with our limits as dying creatures is a life-giving path.” Right now, my 94 year old aunt is getting ready to go home and family is surrounding her and saying their good byes. It makes death more real to me as well. As we prayed for her, I could only imagine that thin veil that lies between this life and the life to come, and soon she will be with the Lord. It happens that most of us make efforts to avoid thinking about death until a loved one is dying or a pandemic happens. All of a sudden, we see clearly that we are not in control and gain a new perspective on our present life. Billings has had to also face death himself as he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at 39 that is incurable. He asks in his book if death is an enemy or a friend, and he responded by saying both. The apostle Paul wrote of death as our last enemy but it is also our friend for as we accept our death, it becomes an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. We are in a culture that denies death but as Christians what is ahead and waiting for us, makes everything else pale. Our life doesn’t end in death but goes on for all eternity. As David prayed in Psalm 23(ESV), “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me….and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The best is yet to come so let us not live under the fear of death but count it as a gift.
Challenge for today: Spend some time reading scriptures about heaven.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy
will have to keep it covered for a while. This morning I baked starch free cookies and went to Aldi’s. Do pray for my aunt as she is getting nearer to the end. My cousin held the phone up to her ear last night and we prayed for her and will continue.
Devotions from Judy’s heart Are there times we wonder if God has heard our prayers and question why He hasn’t answered yet? Even Habakkuk said in Hab.1:2, “How long, Lord, must I cry for help and you do not answer?” He felt like God wasn’t stepping in and doing something about the sinfulness going on in Judah. The truth is that God answers every believing prayer, but not necessarily the way we would always desire. Sometimes He says yes, but other times He says no or wait. When we studied prayer in our Bible study group we saw a yes answer when King Hezekiah was dying and cried bitterly, asking God for a longer life. God answered with a yes and gave him 15 more years. But Jesus Himself prayed to the Father with loud cries and tears that the cup of suffering would pass from Him but he also said not as He willed but only the Father’s will. His answer was a no for it was part of the Father’s plan that Jesus suffer and die for us that we might have salvation. Sometimes God’s answer is a wait answer. I have always loved the story of David when he was fighting against the Philistines. The first time God told him to attack right away but the next time the enemy came against him he was told to wait. He was to circle around and then wait for the sound of marching in the mulberry trees. (I Chron.14:15) David was obedient and waited until he heard the sound in the trees; he then struck down the enemy and victory was his. It’s rather like that for us. With each request we have we need to ask for His will and listen for his answer. It may come in many different ways, but He always answers. We need to accept whatever that is and know that His answer is the best and always on time. Challenge for today: Pray in faith and trusting and as you wait patiently for His answer. Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy
Can’t even wash my hair! I think I better hole up in our apt!!! Thank you for prayers as I was lifted by them and felt His peace. Hope your day is going well!
Enjoy your weekend!
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