"Live Like You Were Dying"

My church Bethany Lutheran in Elkhorn Nebraska, is following an amazing worship series titled: "Live Like You Were Dying".  It is a 5 week series that is discussing a topic many of us......including myself, don't usually bring up in casual conversation. 

I have recently been spending more time with my Grandparents who have been moved into an assisted living home.  They are entering their 94 year of age!  What is so hard for me to hear is that they just want to die, and don't understand why they have not been called to do so:(  I went today and had some great smiles from Grandma and I believe brightened Grandpa's outlook.  I asked them if I could share a devotion with them.....they were eager to hear:

Luke 6:45 "The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks"

WHAT OVERFLOWS?
Those hurtful words we say - they come from somewhere.  They come from our heart.  Those sweet words we say - they come from our heart.  What comes out of our mouth flows from our heart.  It is our attitude, our feelings and our disposition that produce the words we say.  If we are going to speak sweeter, it starts inside.  If you are angry, go to God first.  Take time alone.  Find ways to enter conversations with a heart of gratitude, respect, and care for others.  Focus your heart on the fruits of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  Out of a heart filled with these fruits comes a word of encouragement; truly sweet to the soul of those who hear them.  

After reading this to my Grandparents, my Grandfather asked me to read the scripture again to him.  He said he was sorry for not wanting to live and for his loss of interest, however he is ready when the Lord is ready to take him.

My hope is that I will also do my best to encourage and focus on the fruits of the Spirit.  I can never go back to what I have done, however I can look forward to everyday ....one day at a time I am given.

Holy Hugs!
~Deb