Live life like your time draws near!

 

I was out making HOME AND HOSPITAL VISITS yesterday. I love doing this part of pastoral care and wish I would make time to do it more often. But, it was precious time spent with people who mean so much to me and to the church. Most of them desire to be more active like they once were, but accept the place God has given them. I was so happy to spend personal one-on-one time with them. Whenever I do, I hear WONDERFUL STORIES and I just beam with joy as I hear how God has worked in their lives. Each of these people have a story to tell to the nations. They have STORIES OF GRACE and new life after coming to know our savior. They all have a perspective that says, I am READY TO COME HOME to you Lord, but I trust you are keeping me here a little longer because you still have a task for me. 

"All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" (Ephesians 2:3-5, NLT)

God has done such a work in the lives of these people and he continues to live within them even though their bodies are frail and their minds are not always what they used to be. They have witnessed the power of JESUS first hand. They have seen the life saving power, the richness of his mercy, and the sacrificial love, first hand. They are WITNESSES to all God can do. 

They will all see paradise and it brought a SMILE TO MY FACE as I saw the presence of the Lord in each of them. We should all be living like our time on this earth draws near. Literally, it could be today that we are CALLED HOME. It could be tomorrow or a year from now or longer. But God has called us to live life to the fullest while we are here. We are called to seek those who have not yet come to him, and use every breath, every waking moment, helping them SEE JESUS. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of wisdom you have bestowed upon these men and women, the cornerstone of your church here in New Castle. I praise you for the opportunities to visit with them and to listen to their powerful stories. Lord, bless them, care for them and heal their bodies through the power of medicine, the touch of a physician, or YOU Lord calling them home. We love them and I thank you for the time I was able to spend with them. Amen!

We should all live life like the day is drawing near!