December 26, 2009, "In One Moment"
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell
"As a father pities [his] children, [So] the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we [are] dust. [As for] man, his days [are] like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more."
~ Psalm 103:13-16 ~
My heart aches for Debbie. I can not imagine the horror, grief, and her sudden loss. The sudden loss of her husband, soul mate and the father of their children. Early morning, Christmas Eve, it was in a moment, and he was gone. In one moment.
Praying for her, I relied on the Holy Spirit for the words to pray and declare over this family. I felt nauseous for her. I started to drift away in my thoughts concerning her horrific circumstances.
I imagined that they had kissed each other 'good night' the night before, anticipating with great expectation the 'to do' list the following morning.
In a moment, John had passed from this earth leaving behind a wife, two sons and many other family members and friends. He literally woke up and in a moment had a massive heart attack, dying soon after he awoke.
I am sadly reminded that we aren't guaranteed another breath. With each breath I take, I must inhale God's forgiveness and powerful love that He has so richly provided to each of us through Jesus Christ. As I inhale this reminder, I want to exhale with gratefulness revealing God's powerful love and forgiveness upon others; especially those whom I love that He has so abundantly poured out upon my life. Abundantly, beyond my own capability of comprehending.
As God remembers our frailties, may we also remember each others frailties as well. Remembering that each of us has a 'story'. As we remember that, may we also be careful not to fall into the deceptive trap of offense. Let us be aware of our surroundings. When we feel as though we have been 'broadsided' with hate, offense and unforgiveness; may we broadside it with the love of God, not receiving the offense and walking humbly in forgiveness.
I pray for safety over each of you and your family and friends. May we intentionally, and on purpose be grateful to our Almighty God for what He has already done, is doing and will continue to do....and that is be Almighty, Majestic, Holy, Awesome God!
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell
"As a father pities [his] children, [So] the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we [are] dust. [As for] man, his days [are] like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more."
~ Psalm 103:13-16 ~
My heart aches for Debbie. I can not imagine the horror, grief, and her sudden loss. The sudden loss of her husband, soul mate and the father of their children. Early morning, Christmas Eve, it was in a moment, and he was gone. In one moment.
Praying for her, I relied on the Holy Spirit for the words to pray and declare over this family. I felt nauseous for her. I started to drift away in my thoughts concerning her horrific circumstances.
I imagined that they had kissed each other 'good night' the night before, anticipating with great expectation the 'to do' list the following morning.
In a moment, John had passed from this earth leaving behind a wife, two sons and many other family members and friends. He literally woke up and in a moment had a massive heart attack, dying soon after he awoke.
I am sadly reminded that we aren't guaranteed another breath. With each breath I take, I must inhale God's forgiveness and powerful love that He has so richly provided to each of us through Jesus Christ. As I inhale this reminder, I want to exhale with gratefulness revealing God's powerful love and forgiveness upon others; especially those whom I love that He has so abundantly poured out upon my life. Abundantly, beyond my own capability of comprehending.
As God remembers our frailties, may we also remember each others frailties as well. Remembering that each of us has a 'story'. As we remember that, may we also be careful not to fall into the deceptive trap of offense. Let us be aware of our surroundings. When we feel as though we have been 'broadsided' with hate, offense and unforgiveness; may we broadside it with the love of God, not receiving the offense and walking humbly in forgiveness.
I pray for safety over each of you and your family and friends. May we intentionally, and on purpose be grateful to our Almighty God for what He has already done, is doing and will continue to do....and that is be Almighty, Majestic, Holy, Awesome God!
Teresa...so sad! I can't imagine the grief and devastation of losing a best friend in the middle of celebrating God's gift to mankind. I will pray for her! Poor, poor woman. I just said to Mark this morning, "I wouldn't want to live if anything happened to you." Dear, dear Debbie. All I can do is pray.
ReplyDeleteTeresa--thanks so much for this devotional that lifted up our family through our sudden loss during Christmas. God truly gave his comfort and love to each of us on that Christmas day and the days following as funeral preparations were made. The funeral was a sweet celebration of Mike's life and the impact he had on his family as he lived his life with purpose. Please continue to pray for Debbie and her sons, Michael, 24 and Jonathan, 18, as they move forward in life without their dad and husband. Love you! Janine
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