Prayer Journal
Saturday, June 3, 2000
Pray for The Sick, Lost and Grieving today.
In discussing God's sovereign choice of Israel as His people, Paul in Rom 9:16 says God's mercy and compassion depend on His election and not man's choice. Then, in verse 23 Paul reminds the Jews that the Gentiles also have a special place in His family.
"What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory - even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?" Rom 9:23 I am thankful to be a part of God's forever family. But this morning I am thanking God for the words, "..whom he prepared in advance for glory".
My mom was born in 1905, lived 95 years in February, and this morning is on the threshold of glory. My brothers, sister and I have asked the doctors what we can do to make her comfortable and thereby ease her pain. (She has a Living Will that states she does not want life "saving" measures which might prolong her life.) Hospice now cares for mom. They comfort mom and the rest of the family as well.
My brother and I listened yesterday to a Hospice representative describe the end of life as she knew it, having attended dying people many times in the past. She comforted us with the thought that God has prepared our bodies in advance for this natural event.
She told us that should we live to a "natural" old age, our bodies will initiate a "shut down" process that is as natural as childbirth itself. In addition, through a window of lucid awareness of both this world and the next, a "closure" time is usually afforded the family. With one foot in heaven and one on earth, sometimes the dying person simply needs permission to "let" go.
I wrote, a few days before her stroke, a tribute to mom and dad that described their lives as redefining the character quality of "determination". As we "release" mom in these hours, I have confirmation in that assessment. Truly, the word, "quit", is not a part of my mom's vocabulary.
Proverbs 31:10-31 speaks of the woman of noble character. Verse 28 says, "Her children arise and called her blessed". Today I know what that means. Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
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