Swallowed Up by Life

We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.
2nd Corinthians 5:2-4 NLT

In 2011, I attended the Homegoing celebration of one Mrs. Sullivan. I never met her face-to-face, but I know and love her daughter and son-in-law. That afternoon, I was invited into the private world of Mrs. Sullivan by those who loved her. It was an interesting place inhabited by a strong-willed woman who was clearly defined by her love for her family and friends, always wanting to take care of everyone, who loved to laugh, and liked to cheat at any game she played... and she let you know right up front that she would cheat. Ha!

Libby told me about one of her mother's escapades that took place earlier in 2011. Libby got a call at work - her frantic husband was on the other end to tell Libby that her mother was up on the roof with her former handyman because Mrs. Sullivan was convinced there was something up there that needed to be fixed. No one had any idea how they were able to wangle the extension ladder out of the garage, let alone climb it to get on the roof! At the time, Mrs. Sullivan was 87 years old - and her former handyman was in his 90's!  

You see, Alzheimer's had started to take its toll on Mrs. Sullivan's ability to stay in the present. Her latter years of life were being swallowed up by the dread disease. As is often the case with Alzheimer patients, those who were Christians before the onset, don't lose that relationship. They still know the Word, they know how to pray and want to, and they still worship. Mrs. Sullivan was no exception. She saw and heard things that weren't really there, but she knew enough to ask her son-in-law to pray for her and with her. 

Pastor Alan Neel explained it beautifully. We often think of death as the end of life, but that's not the truth. Mrs. Sullivan's latter years were being swallowed up by Alzheimer's, but when she passed from life as we know it, according to our Scripture for today, she put on her new body, and the dying body was swallowed up by Life. Eternal life. No tears, no pain, no heartache.

Life, full and free. Forever...

Prayer:

Father, 
           We don't always understand the why of things, but we know that You are trustworthy. We thank You for Your Word which gives us real hope in times like these. Thank You for the promises of eternity with You. Death swallowed up by victory. In Jesus' Name we give You praise. Amen

Friends' Favorites - The Abraham Generation

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:18

There is a common misconception that as we age, we lose our value. We may not be able to move as we did in our younger days, or lift as much, or remember as quickly, but I can assure you this: If you get two or three seasoned followers of Christ in the same room praying, they will touch heaven on your behalf.  

I have known three women - all of them prayer warriors - who died from Alzheimer's. They lost their memories. Those precious, loving women couldn't recognize their own children, but they did NOT forget their God! They knew Him and prayed powerfully until the end of their lives on Earth. They were a living testimony of Romans 8:38-39 - NOTHING separated them from God's love! 

That is why I was SO pleased to see the honor bestowed by a church body on its' older generation. I was privileged to attend a ground-breaking ceremony for an older church to begin a new building. It is a congregation of generations in a small town. During the ceremony at the construction site, I was impressed with the way they lovingly gave honor to whom honor was due.

While the whole of the congregation walked out to the construction site, the seniors were helped into golf carts for a smooth ride to the front side of the site. They were then assisted the few feet to the pastor's side as he honored them for having carried the church on their knees in prayer. He titled them, "The Abraham Generation" and explained to the younger folk about the blessing of generations, and how the new church would not be a reality without the prayers of the saints that stood before them. He acknowledged and reinforced why it so important for the older generation to teach and for the younger generations to listen and learn. It was incredibly beautiful and holy as the Abraham Generation pointed it all back to God! I know God will continue to mightily bless the young pastor and his congregation.

If you are blessed with knowing members of the Abraham Generation, thank God for them, and also pray for them. Treat them with respect. If you have to slow down for them, do it honorably. It will be time well spent.

Prayer:

Father,

           We pray Your Word* - May we experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. May we be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to You, God, who is able, through Your mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to You in the church and in Christ Jesus through ALL generations forever and ever! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

*Ephesians 3:19-21 NLT