Hezekiah listens to and believes God’s Word and prays. The result for him is not death but life.
For all of us, the ultimate result of Christ among us is not death but life. Yet, we must die—both literally, to reach eternal life, and also spiritually, through living our baptismal promises and allowing our egos and self-absorption to die, so that the life of the Holy Spirit can take hold of us. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a clear one that doesn’t deny death or avoid pain but illuminates their true natures.
Let’s put our internal houses in order, letting God’s flame live in our hearts, and with God, let’s face the “daily deaths” that come our way. Though we don’t know the moment of our physical death, we know who leads us through it to eternal life.
Sharing with you, “ DAY SEVENTEEN “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb…” *** READ “She gave birth to a Son, a male child, Who ‘will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.’ And her child was snatched up to God on His throne.” Revelation 12:5 “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11 *** REFLECT Revelation unfolds three sets of cascading judgments: the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls. Following the seventh trumpet’s blast, chapter 12 introduces the coming war involving heaven and earth. The full fury of Satan and the forces of evil will rage against believers. Satan desperately seeks to oppose God, destroy His Son, thwart His purposes, and harm His followers. But John reminds us in Revelation 12:5 of Christ’s ultimate victory. God moves all history toward the exaltation of His Son. Today, Satan remains our worst and strongest enemy. The reality of Satan’s toxic web in this world should drive us to the only source of hope and truth. God’s children do not win spiritual battles in human strength. God provides everything we need. *** PRAY The spiritual battle behind the scenes of history and our lives today can be both obvious and challenging to grasp. How have you experienced Satan’s attacks and temptations in your life? Take time to pray for eyes to clearly see Satan’s schemes around you. Ask for the strength to resist his lies and temptations. Pray for the faith to cling to Jesus in all adversity.”
Near the end of her life, I remember my mom saying she was ready to go. She would say pneumonia is an older person's best friend. She died of other causes, but her sentiment was genuine. My personal views on death have changed dramatically since I fully accepted Christ. I did not necessarily fear death; I just did not give it much thought. There was a period after the catastrophic event of earlier this year where I felt death was the best thing for me. As time passed, I realized God wanted me to grow, not die, at least not right then, for he had grand plans for me. Each morning, I praise God for my life and the opportunity to enter a deeper relationship with him. When in bed at night, I tell him I am ready if he chooses to take me, and I mean it. I find solace in the closing words from the night prayer on Divine Office. May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen
Thank you, Salina and Bill.
My suicide note 25 years ago at the bottom put was actually my Birth Certificate in Christ ✝️ *** We are new and alive in Christ! 1 Corinthians 5:17, “ When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here!” *** Therefore…1 Corinthians 5:16, “So from now on we don’t look at anyone the way the world does. At one time we looked at Christ in that way. But we don’t anymore!” *** We were dead and now we live for Christ in 1 Corinthians 5:14-15, “Christ’s love controls us. We are sure that one person died for everyone. And so everyone died. Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again!” ******* All because of Jesus in 1 Corinthians 5:18-20, “All this is from God. He brought us back to Himself through Christ’s death on the cross. And He has given us the task of bringing others back to Him through Christ. God was bringing the world back to Himself through Christ. He did not hold people’s sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to Him. So we are Christ’s official messengers. It is as if God were making His appeal through us. Here is what Christ wants us to beg you to do. Come back to God!” Amen ♥️✝️♥️
Rusty, it’s obvious that God has bigger plans for you, He’s not ready to call you home yet! Surrendering to His will is half the battle! I’m not a robot!!
One of my favorite responsorial psalms: “Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.” Peace and blessings to all the LFF today and everyday.
One of my favorite songs and my husband’s favorite Psalm ✝️♥️ https://youtu.be/MODUEB_NW-U?si=kwnPn_I2Eqip12kd
Mary…thank you. Your Reflection was comforting. Life leads to death and death leads to Life!❣️
Did Hezekiah put his house in order? *** Hezekiah earnestly prayed to the Lord in Isaiah 38:2-3, "Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall. He prayed to the Lord. He said, “Lord, please remember how faithful I’ve been to You. I’ve lived the way You wanted me to. I’ve served You with all my heart. I’ve done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. *** God heard his prayer and healed Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:4-6, "A message from the Lord came to Isaiah. The Lord said, “Go and speak to Hezekiah. Tell him, ‘The Lord, the God of King David, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I will add 15 years to your life. And I will save you and this city from the power of the king of Assyria. I will guard this city!" *** All was well and Hezekiah was grateful in Isaiah 38:15-17, "“But what can I say? You have promised to heal me. And You yourself have done it. Once I was proud and bitter. But now I will live the rest of my life free of pride. Lord, people find the will to live because You keep Your promises. And my spirit also finds life in Your promises. You brought me back to health. You let me live. I’m sure it was for my benefit that I suffered such great pain. You love me. You kept me from going down into the pit of death. You have put all my sins behind Your back!" ******* What a great thanksgiving prayer: God forgave his sins of pride and bitterness, God kept His promises bringing him back to health and let him live, the great pain Hezekiah suffered was for his benefits, God loved him and kept him from going down the path of death! *** Hezekiah repented of his sins of pride and bitterness and promised to live the rest of his life free of pride!!! *** Did Hezekiah keep his promise to God? *** What happened? ******* Read Isaiah 39 and you will find out...https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah 39&version=NIRV *** What do you learn about God? *** What do you learn about Hezekiah? *** What do you learn about yourself or others?
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.