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Listen while you read: "The Head That Once Was Crowned"1 (Lyrics) |
Ecclesiastes 9:12 – Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. (NIV 2011)
One rather ordinary morning recently, I had a list of errands that I wanted to attend to. As I was crossing a downtown street, at the crosswalk and with the pedestrian light, I was suddenly and unexpectedly aware of a large black vehicle. It hit me, and I was knocked down. I was blessed to have complete strangers come to my assistance. Someone called 911. Before the ambulance arrived, I was further blessed as a Christian friend came, held my hand, and simply reminded me that the Lord was there with me. All fear left me.
But that was not the end of my blessings. My husband and son met me at the hospital. So I was surrounded by loved ones as well as the competent, friendly staff of the emergency room. After being thoroughly checked out and getting the results of a CT scan, I was released to go home — that same afternoon. Although nothing was broken, this late-sixtyish body was severely shaken, stiff, and sore. It could have been so much worse. But it wasn't! I have only one significant bruise attributable to the accident. I am truly blessed!
My hour hadn't come. Not then. It could have, though. Was I ready? Are we ever really and truly ready?
I experienced firsthand how quickly and unexpectedly something can happen. Jesus said, "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Luke 12:40 NIV) So, I need to be prepared — to make sure that all my affairs are in order — to live every day, every hour, every minute as if it were my last one — a very tall order!
Thankfully, I have help, the same help that was there and took away my fear, as I lay on the pavement holding my friend's hand. I have another Friend, Jesus, because I have accepted Him as my personal Lord and Saviour. I don't need to fear "my hour". While I'm not ready to die just yet, I am spiritually prepared to go whenever I am called. Are you?
Prayer: Thank You, Father God, for sending Your Son, Jesus, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Thank You, Jesus, that You gave Your life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. We confess our sins and accept Your free gift of salvation. May we rest in the assurance of eternal life with You! Amen.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – In Toronto, Ontario — Praise God for the Alpha series at Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario, as they conclude the series today with over two dozen guests and many supporters. Pray that God may continue to bless and guide them and bring lasting results for Christ in the lives of guests and helpers.
Prayer for P.: "Update April 15, 2024; Please keep praying for P to find new accommodations.**March 22, 2024: P is..." 
Thanks for the good word Mary.
Thank you for a timely reminder.
What a wonderful testimony! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings.
Thanks for sharing this with us. How important it is, as you say, to be prepared. So glad that you had friends and loved ones with you in your frightening time. And, of course, when we believe in Jesus He is always with us. Isn’t God so good to us?
Dear Mary-Lynne,
Thanks for your very fine devotional. So many people need to hear your good news that people CAN be ready with the asurance of salvation when their time is come.
Thanks for telling of your experience.
Keep writing.
Hello Mary-Lynne, I read your devotional this am and it brought back a memory from my childhood. My Mom was hit by a car on a sunny winter, the driver blinded by the sunlight and didn’t see her. Fortunately, she had a heavy winter coat on with a hood ( which protected her head somewhat) . She did end up with a concussion and was sent home that afternoon but was not to be left alone. My Dad had to go back to work so he decided to have me take care of my Mom. Of course I knew nothing about head injuries and couldn’t understand why my Mom kept asking the same questions over & over again. Anyway, I am so glad that you weren’t seriously injured and that you felt God’s presence & knew you did not need to be afraid! Blessings.
A lovely devotional Mary-Lynn. Every day is a gift from God and we must use it well.
God’s Blessing on your day!
Certainly a strong message Mary-Lynn.
Keep writing and let people know more about Jesus.
Many blessings in Christ.
An encouraging story.
Hi Mary Lynn,
Thank you for your devotional.
about 20 years ago it was discovered that my aortic heart valve was defective, had been since birth apparently. It was replaced by a pig aorta ans lasted for 18 years. It was replaced a couple of years ago and I am doing fine again. I am convinced that the Lord was not through with me yet and that there was more of His work to be done.
I wish you and yours a blessed New year.