Daily Devotion for February 8, 2006

Time to Talk and Show Something-

 

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.  Hebrews 4:11 
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, Hebrews 6:19

 

It's a rare month that passes without the news of the death of a family friend or member, or someone who is close to the ministry of LCC. The news is received either by e-mail, by phone, or sometimes in person.

 

Throughout my life I've experienced the sudden, tragic deaths of friends and family. They die and they are gone. Those left behind struggle through their grief until they reach a place of acceptance. They did not have time to say goodbye.

 

Some family and friends have had terminal illnesses lasting months or years. Just as lengthy illnesses teach us about time management, we are also given the gift of time: time to talk about important things, silly things; time to tell each other we cared, we loved, that they mattered in our lives and we in theirs; time to heal old wounds; time to forgive; time to say goodbye.

 

It took Jesus six hours to die when He was crucified. As He cried out in His suffering, one man rushed to give Him water and vinegar on a sponge... time to let Him know that He mattered, that in His final hour, someone cared.

 

We can't stop some illnesses and impending death. With His grace, we can accept the time given as a gift to be used wisely and lovingly.

 

Prayer
We thank you Father, that in the darkness of despair, you offer us light. Help us use the time you have given us to use our gifts to help others and tell others about your love. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom