An acquaintance shared with me that she’s undergoing cancer treatment and may not have long to live. I was both surprised and sorry. Sorry, because I’m not sure she’s ready to face eternity.
I’ve never known her to be interested in spiritual things, certainly not church or Bible study. Nevertheless, now that her time is short, perhaps she might be open. So I told her I’d like to share a CD with her. It’s simply a reading of Bible verses – verses promising God’s love, comfort and hope. She said she was not interested, but thanked me anyway.
Meanwhile, an elderly man in our neighborhood recently underwent hip surgery and I know he’s struggling. Yesterday was Saturday and I decided it’s time I reach out to both of them.
My plan: Monday I will stop by the bakery and pick up some freshly baked muffins, then I’ll go for a very short visit. I will bring each of them a card and enclose a DVD of The Jesus Movie plus a copy of the booklet, Would You Like to Know God Personally? by Dr. Bill Bright. Good plan!
Today in the newspaper’s obituary page was the woman who’d shared her condition with me. What?!! So soon? Why didn’t I jump on it sooner? Lord forgive me!
I quickly called the bakery and ordered the muffins for tomorrow morning pick-up for the elderly man in our neighborhood. “Lord, prepare his heart and don’t let me be too late!”
The upshot: The elderly man and his caretaker were pleased with my visit and seemed especially happy to receive The Jesus Movie! I also had an opportunity to share a little of my testimony with them.
“DEAR FATHER, Speak to their hearts as they watch the video and read the booklet. Cause them to think about the words I spoke and draw them both to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.”
- Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
- Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13
- You may watch The Jesus Movie online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWYuIe8ftHA
- THE WELL OF DESPAIR – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
My heart is breaking for the family of the lady who passed away from cancer. May they find comfort in knowing that God is there to help them and guide them through this difficult time. I am praying that she found God before she crossed over. Miracles happen.
Sending healing prayers for the neighbor who had hip replacement. I pray he, too, knows God.
Thank you Kathleen for your gentle heart.
Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers, Elizabeth. Yes, miracles do happen! I know she had faith in Christ as a young person and I’m believing that during her last days/hours, she did indeed call on the name of the Lord. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13