|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Spirit Of God Descend"1 (Lyrics) |
A number of years ago, my wife's mother, in her eighties, was hospitalized for observation for a variety of concerns. While she was there, a retired pastor she was related to, but whom she detested, came to visit her. I heard her say under her breath, "What's that loud-mouth doing here?" However, after some small talk, he offered to pray for her, which was okay for my mother-in law, because then he would leave. The prayer ended something like this: "God, give Joyce a vision of heaven."
The apostle Paul was given just such a vision of heaven:
2 Corinthians 12:3-4 – And I know such a man — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows — how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (NKJV)
Ten years later in a seniors' home, Joyce was having an afternoon nap when she suddenly found herself in a beautiful place where everything was clean and white and peaceful. When she awoke, she said that her room looked so filthy compared to what she had just experienced.
Later in the dining room, she shared her experience with the ladies at her table. Joyce said that they looked at her strangely and assumed that she was out of her mind, like some of the other residents. Following her experience, she seemed to lose her fear of dying.
Years later in another facility, she was seen reading her Bible and Christian articles, and enjoying gospel music tapes. She passed away peacefully in her room at the age of 91. The staff said that she always had a lovely smile for everyone.
Our prayers may not come to pass until years later. When we pray for an issue, God may answer "Yes", "No", or "Wait". The onus on us is just to trust a loving God.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for answered prayer, even though it may be done long after we issue it. In Jesus' name, we give thanks. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Sunday, January 26, 2025 – In Asia — Pray for wisdom for my team and me. We started going through weekly coaching with an organization which teaches us how to use social media as a means of sharing the good news. Pray for God's leading as we put this into practice and encourage those who follow our website to start meeting in person and studying the Bible together. I am thankful for their vision for in-person discipleship. Pray the Lord will bless many other ministries through this organization.
Child custody: "January 23, 2025: Urgent prayer request: please pray for a young friend Tessa who has court dates..." 
Car stolen: "January 23, 2025: Please pray for my friend who had her car stolen. She is a single parent and..." 
Thanks for the good word Allan.
This wonderful, Allan! Thanks.
Lovely devotional Allan. Thanks for sharing.
I want to thank you, Allan for this inspiring devotional. It rings a bell.
Good Monday Morning Allan, and thank you for your devotional to start off our week.
Thank you for this devotional. My daughter passed last evening and your message is helping.
Dear Allan,
What a blessed story! I was inspired by the testimony you shared.
Thanks for sharing this story. Trusting God is something I am learning over and over and over. Does get somewhat easier each time — knowing that He IS trustworthy.
Thank you for your word this morning. I am in the midst of reading a book that was written by a woman who died and came back and experienced heaven for a brief period. It is amazing.
Thanks for you devotional Alan.
May God give us all regular vision of heaven and may wee seek such visions often.
While in hospital I never stopped thinking of my home and any vision of heaven is many times better than one of our earthly home .. and yet how infrequently we do so.