FACING MORTALITY
Read 1 Corinthians 15:39-57
This perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
- 1 Corinthians 15:53 (NRSV)
Today's Devotional
When the oncologist called with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, I felt devastated, disoriented, alone, and helpless. As a pastor, I had preached sermons on grief and led many discussions on the topic of grief, stress, and depression.
This was different. I was experiencing grief about my life, facing my mortality. My response was to request prayer. I also contacted my pastor, and he arranged for me to receive anointing with oil. My devotional readings included The Upper Room, Psalms, and 1 Corinthians 13 and 15.
After surgery and radiation, the cancer has not returned. Though not all my worry is gone, I dwell more on faith, hope, and love than I do on the fact of my mortality.
Through my experience with cancer, I have come to believe in spiritual healing, even though spiritual healing may not necessarily result in physical healing or an extension of life. Prayers, medical care, love, and healing by the Holy Spirit have given me a second chance to share the gifts of this life with my family, friends, and many others who have spiritual and physical needs. No matter our circumstances, faith in Christ gives us each the promise of new life.
Read more from the author, here.
Don Coleman (West Virginia, USA)
Thought for the Day:
When I trust in Christ, I can face my fears.
Prayer: Dear God, help us face our own mortality and accept your promise of new life in you. Amen.
Prayer Focus: CANCER PATIENTS
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:39-57
This perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
- 1 Corinthians 15:53 (NRSV)
Today's Devotional
When the oncologist called with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, I felt devastated, disoriented, alone, and helpless. As a pastor, I had preached sermons on grief and led many discussions on the topic of grief, stress, and depression.
This was different. I was experiencing grief about my life, facing my mortality. My response was to request prayer. I also contacted my pastor, and he arranged for me to receive anointing with oil. My devotional readings included The Upper Room, Psalms, and 1 Corinthians 13 and 15.
After surgery and radiation, the cancer has not returned. Though not all my worry is gone, I dwell more on faith, hope, and love than I do on the fact of my mortality.
Through my experience with cancer, I have come to believe in spiritual healing, even though spiritual healing may not necessarily result in physical healing or an extension of life. Prayers, medical care, love, and healing by the Holy Spirit have given me a second chance to share the gifts of this life with my family, friends, and many others who have spiritual and physical needs. No matter our circumstances, faith in Christ gives us each the promise of new life.
Read more from the author, here.
Don Coleman (West Virginia, USA)
Thought for the Day:
When I trust in Christ, I can face my fears.
Prayer: Dear God, help us face our own mortality and accept your promise of new life in you. Amen.
Prayer Focus: CANCER PATIENTS
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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