LIR RESPATI BUMIDAYAMy
father passed away in July 2009 of congestive heart failure. I spent
his final month with him in a small, hot town in Texas. Although he’d
achieved only an eighth-grade education, he was a successful
entrepreneur. Many of the locals held him in high esteem as he cruised
the pot-holed streets in his exotic cars. He was very active in his
church and enjoyed his status as the top donor. What I found most
interesting during the entire ordeal of his impending death was the
nature of his final requests:
“I’d like to hear my sister Althea’s voice. Do you think you can arrange that?” She lived on the East Coast and they rarely spoke. There was no rift in the relationship; just never enough time to connect.
“Tell my sons to come and see about me. I can’t take care of myself.” All six lived in California and were already en route. He was never the type to express any kind of vulnerability or to do “mushy stuff ” like send a birthday card or say, “I love you.” I marveled at the power of death to humble the proudest of souls.
I knew that my father was afraid to die, even though he had heard many sermons on death during almost a lifetime in church. Indeed, he had a reason to be afraid, for there was unfinished business between him and a couple of his fellow church leaders. He had flatly refused to forgive them for an offense that had hurt him deeply and had cost him a cherished fifty-year friendship. Of course, he was not without fault in the matter. We’d had many discussions about the situation during the past year. I was more concerned about his unforgiveness than his dying because I knew it was hindering his fellowship with God. Jesus was emphatic about the impact of unforgiveness: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
I finally took matters into my own hands and called his offenders. They expressed a willingness to forgive and finally made the necessary phone calls to reconcile with him. I rejoiced. I also led my father in a prayer of repentance for all his sins. I know that he is now resting in peace.
Fear Analysis
Fear of dying is one of the fundamental or core fears from which many other fears stem, such as fear of doctors, flying, and others that we will discuss later. Every member of the human race will eventually have a date with death. It is inevitable and its timing uncertain; consequently, almost everyone has some modicum of anxiety about it.
When discussing death, it is important to understand that we are eternal beings. Thus, when the Bible speaks of death, it refers to the physical separation of the soul from the body (James 2:26) versus total annihilation. The soul will live eternally in the presence of God or in hell. (Read Luke 16:19-31 for a vivid portrayal of the difference in the quality of the afterlife of Lazarus the beggar compared to the rich man who had ignored Lazarus’s daily plea for help.) The decisions that we make during the crucial interval called “time” will determine the place and quality of our eternal existence. God will make the final call. Thus, many people are afraid to die because of the fear of this final judgment.
Action Plan
American author and humorist Mark Twain once said, “A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” This reminds me of a story I heard about an aging church janitor. One night after a passionate sermon on the hereafter, the country pastor asked the small congregation, “How many of you want to go to heaven?” All raised their hands except old Jim, who sat quietly in the back still clad in his work uniform. The pastor, puzzled at his response, said, “Jim, don’t you want to go to heaven?”
“Yup,” came his reply.
“Well, why didn’t you raise your hand?”
“Thought you were trying to get up a load for tonight!”
Like Jim, we all want to go to heaven, but not tonight. Let’s look at what we can do now to conquer the fear of dying:
Prepare for death spiritually and emotionally. We prepare spiritually by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior and living a life of obedience to His Word by the power of God. Emotionally, we must accept the inevitability of death—especially when death is imminent.
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, a pioneer in the study of the effects of death and dying, explained that most of us go through the following stages as we face our death:
Shock Stage: “Oh, my God!”
Denial Stage: “It can’t be true!”
Anger Stage: “Why me?”
Bargaining Stage: “Spare me, God, and I will do something for You.”
Depression Stage: “It’s all over. I have nothing to look forward to.”
Testing Stage: “What can I do to make my remaining days worthwhile?”
Acceptance Stage: “It doesn’t make sense to fight the inevitable.”
Only the grace of God can empower us to experience inexplicable peace as we accept our Divine destiny.
Prepare relationally. We need to let the key people in our lives know how much we care about them. We must also forgive everyone who has hurt or offended us. This is critical to getting our own sins forgiven. We must also ask forgiveness from others for our trespasses against them.
Prepare financially. Being financially unprepared is surely a cause for legitimate concern—especially if you have dependents. Be smart and, at a minimum, get burial insurance and prepare a will that spells out who will handle your affairs and who will inherit specific assets. A will can be handwritten and notarized. As a certified public accountant, I recommend you not only have a will (for special, sentimental assets), but a living trust (for real estate, investments) and an advanced directive that sets forth your preferences regarding the use of possible life-extending measures.
Submit to His sovereignty. Neutralizing the fear of death requires focusing on living life to the fullest. My concern when contemplating my own demise has always centered on how I will make that transition. I don’t wish to die violently nor do I want to suffer a protracted illness. (I’m hoping for an “Enoch deal” [Genesis 5:24] where God just takes me up!) Meanwhile, since I have no control over how I’m going to die, I have decided just to let my “requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7) and to submit to His sovereignty. When the time comes, He will be there to give me the grace I need to join Him for a life of eternal bliss.
What reason can you give for why you would be afraid to die—tonight? Have you lived a life of selfishness and disobedience, and thus fear eternal damnation? Or can you confidently say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)? If not, what must you do now to be ready to make that eternal transition? Do you need to forgive an offense, express your affection, or apologize for your wrongdoings? If an angelic messenger were to show up and announce, “Tonight’s the night!” know that death ushers believers into the presence of the Lord where there is fullness of joy.
You will love this peaceful worship music CD. Nina : )
“I’d like to hear my sister Althea’s voice. Do you think you can arrange that?” She lived on the East Coast and they rarely spoke. There was no rift in the relationship; just never enough time to connect.
“Tell my sons to come and see about me. I can’t take care of myself.” All six lived in California and were already en route. He was never the type to express any kind of vulnerability or to do “mushy stuff ” like send a birthday card or say, “I love you.” I marveled at the power of death to humble the proudest of souls.
I knew that my father was afraid to die, even though he had heard many sermons on death during almost a lifetime in church. Indeed, he had a reason to be afraid, for there was unfinished business between him and a couple of his fellow church leaders. He had flatly refused to forgive them for an offense that had hurt him deeply and had cost him a cherished fifty-year friendship. Of course, he was not without fault in the matter. We’d had many discussions about the situation during the past year. I was more concerned about his unforgiveness than his dying because I knew it was hindering his fellowship with God. Jesus was emphatic about the impact of unforgiveness: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
I finally took matters into my own hands and called his offenders. They expressed a willingness to forgive and finally made the necessary phone calls to reconcile with him. I rejoiced. I also led my father in a prayer of repentance for all his sins. I know that he is now resting in peace.
Fear Analysis
Fear of dying is one of the fundamental or core fears from which many other fears stem, such as fear of doctors, flying, and others that we will discuss later. Every member of the human race will eventually have a date with death. It is inevitable and its timing uncertain; consequently, almost everyone has some modicum of anxiety about it.
When discussing death, it is important to understand that we are eternal beings. Thus, when the Bible speaks of death, it refers to the physical separation of the soul from the body (James 2:26) versus total annihilation. The soul will live eternally in the presence of God or in hell. (Read Luke 16:19-31 for a vivid portrayal of the difference in the quality of the afterlife of Lazarus the beggar compared to the rich man who had ignored Lazarus’s daily plea for help.) The decisions that we make during the crucial interval called “time” will determine the place and quality of our eternal existence. God will make the final call. Thus, many people are afraid to die because of the fear of this final judgment.
Action Plan
American author and humorist Mark Twain once said, “A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” This reminds me of a story I heard about an aging church janitor. One night after a passionate sermon on the hereafter, the country pastor asked the small congregation, “How many of you want to go to heaven?” All raised their hands except old Jim, who sat quietly in the back still clad in his work uniform. The pastor, puzzled at his response, said, “Jim, don’t you want to go to heaven?”
“Yup,” came his reply.
“Well, why didn’t you raise your hand?”
“Thought you were trying to get up a load for tonight!”
Like Jim, we all want to go to heaven, but not tonight. Let’s look at what we can do now to conquer the fear of dying:
Prepare for death spiritually and emotionally. We prepare spiritually by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior and living a life of obedience to His Word by the power of God. Emotionally, we must accept the inevitability of death—especially when death is imminent.
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, a pioneer in the study of the effects of death and dying, explained that most of us go through the following stages as we face our death:
Shock Stage: “Oh, my God!”
Denial Stage: “It can’t be true!”
Anger Stage: “Why me?”
Bargaining Stage: “Spare me, God, and I will do something for You.”
Depression Stage: “It’s all over. I have nothing to look forward to.”
Testing Stage: “What can I do to make my remaining days worthwhile?”
Acceptance Stage: “It doesn’t make sense to fight the inevitable.”
Only the grace of God can empower us to experience inexplicable peace as we accept our Divine destiny.
Prepare relationally. We need to let the key people in our lives know how much we care about them. We must also forgive everyone who has hurt or offended us. This is critical to getting our own sins forgiven. We must also ask forgiveness from others for our trespasses against them.
Prepare financially. Being financially unprepared is surely a cause for legitimate concern—especially if you have dependents. Be smart and, at a minimum, get burial insurance and prepare a will that spells out who will handle your affairs and who will inherit specific assets. A will can be handwritten and notarized. As a certified public accountant, I recommend you not only have a will (for special, sentimental assets), but a living trust (for real estate, investments) and an advanced directive that sets forth your preferences regarding the use of possible life-extending measures.
Submit to His sovereignty. Neutralizing the fear of death requires focusing on living life to the fullest. My concern when contemplating my own demise has always centered on how I will make that transition. I don’t wish to die violently nor do I want to suffer a protracted illness. (I’m hoping for an “Enoch deal” [Genesis 5:24] where God just takes me up!) Meanwhile, since I have no control over how I’m going to die, I have decided just to let my “requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7) and to submit to His sovereignty. When the time comes, He will be there to give me the grace I need to join Him for a life of eternal bliss.
What reason can you give for why you would be afraid to die—tonight? Have you lived a life of selfishness and disobedience, and thus fear eternal damnation? Or can you confidently say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)? If not, what must you do now to be ready to make that eternal transition? Do you need to forgive an offense, express your affection, or apologize for your wrongdoings? If an angelic messenger were to show up and announce, “Tonight’s the night!” know that death ushers believers into the presence of the Lord where there is fullness of joy.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Rivers CD
You will love this peaceful worship music CD. Nina : )
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour
book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click
the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A
Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter
from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour
is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for
young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Suzanne
Perry Lorente has been a child of the Lord since age 7. Her gift of
music began at age two and has carried her through her life. She is an
accomplished long time song writer, singer, guitarist and performer from
the age of 13. At a young age, Suzanne chose a career of a professional
entertainer as a single singer/guitarist in well known night clubs,
dinner houses and special events, with a repertoire of more than 400
songs. During this same time frame, she achieved an Associate of Arts
degree in Mass Media from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from San Jose State University in
California. As time marched along, she realized God's calling on her
life to turn her heart toward Him as she could hear that "still, small
voice" asking her to leave the relentless work of night clubs and
secular entertainment. "It was a vow that took place in a day, and His
promise took place over my lifetime. I am so blessed and God has kept
His promise that He would give me the songs to sing for His children and
for His glory." Suzanne has sung first of all for her family, then in
choirs, started and sang in many small groups and trios, sang solo for
so many audiences and congregations throughout the United States, and
left behind a legacy of musical scenarios as she tells her stories of
how each of her songs came about. She has recorded an ageless cassette
that continues to be in demand, and a new CD, that has high-lighted the
songs God has given to her. Suzanne has been teaching voice and guitar
since she was 14 years old. She is presently singing in the little City
of Dixon, CA for their Farmers Markets, weddings, and events, as well as
with her trio, Suzanne Lorente and Friends, as they embark on
recording a CD together. They are out doing concerts whenever possible
and wherever the Lord leads. "It's wonderful to see God change the lives
and hearts of people as we just sing our songs and allow Him to work
through us. I love that!"
Visit the author's website.
This
CD is a wonderful spiritual uplift and encouragement for any Christian
who wants to grow, not only by hearing God's Word, but by doing what
He's asking us to do. We have to take that first step and that's what
this CD motivates believers and non-believers to do. The songs are
original Christian Gospel scenarios that anyone can relate to, and
that's what gives you the anointing strength to keep on going. You will
love the beautiful orchestral and vocal backgrounds with each song as
Suzanne Lorente and her trio envelope you with their angelic harmonies.
God has put His Hand of blessing on Suzanne and given her songs
throughout her lifetime of ministry. She and her gals are planning a
tour and would love to include your church or event if it's possible.
May God bless every listener and urge them to follow the Lord by
listening to His "Still, Small Voice!"
Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Music CD
Publisher: Lorente Publishing
Language: English
AND NOW..A SAMPLE OF A SONG FROM THE CD:
(To hear more samples, please visit Suzanne's website)
Here is one of the songs, "Misunderstood." This song is an original of mine written on January 1st of 2010. I am the voice for those who have been aborted, abused and misunderstood. This is quite sad, but it's telling us that each one of these has identified with the misery, torture, and abuse that Jesus went through on the cross. Many 100's of thousands have died a martyr's death, and are with the Lord because He loves them. Please listen carefully! This could be such a blessing for the Christian pregnancy centers and homes of abused women and children.
Here are the lyrics:
Misunderstood – Matthew 18:1-7
Words and Music by Suzanne Lorente
Arranged by Jeannine O’Neal
How can it be they don’t hear them, they don’t see
What can I say? Jesus loves them, they are free.
No-one will take time to listen as they cry
Knowing that I have the answer, I know why.
They’ve been misunderstood time after time
Their tiny voices still ring in our minds
No-one to love them, no-one to care
What they have to say doesn’t matter…anyway.
There is a hard part to living, not to be heard
Hate takes the joy out of giving, their vision blurred
Where is the love that could give them wings to fly?
Knowing that I have the answer, I know why.
They’ve been misunderstood time after time
Their little voices still ring in our mind
No-one to hear them, no-one to care
What they have to say doesn’t matter…anyway.
Could you be one who can’t hear them, you can’t see?
Are you aware they are people like you and me?
What would have come of the children who were slain?
There’d be a world of compassion…no more pain!
We have misunderstood time after time
Their tiny voices still ring in our mind
Someone will love them, someone will care
What they have to say really matters…anyway.
He’s (Jesus) been misunderstood, but not for long
Each tiny baby to Him will belong.
He really loves them, He really cares
What He has to say is what matters…anyway!
What He has to say is what matters....anyway! Matt. 18:1-7
Additional high vocals Suzanne Lorente, Cecelia Dettle
Copyright 2010 BMI-0777 All rights reserved
See my website for further information
www.suzannelorente.com
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card artist is:
and the CD:
Lorente Publishing
***Special thanks to Suzanne Lorente for sending me a review cd.***
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Suzanne
Perry Lorente has been a child of the Lord since age 7. Her gift of
music began at age two and has carried her through her life. She is an
accomplished long time song writer, singer, guitarist and performer from
the age of 13. At a young age, Suzanne chose a career of a professional
entertainer as a single singer/guitarist in well known night clubs,
dinner houses and special events, with a repertoire of more than 400
songs. During this same time frame, she achieved an Associate of Arts
degree in Mass Media from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from San Jose State University in
California. As time marched along, she realized God's calling on her
life to turn her heart toward Him as she could hear that "still, small
voice" asking her to leave the relentless work of night clubs and
secular entertainment. "It was a vow that took place in a day, and His
promise took place over my lifetime. I am so blessed and God has kept
His promise that He would give me the songs to sing for His children and
for His glory." Suzanne has sung first of all for her family, then in
choirs, started and sang in many small groups and trios, sang solo for
so many audiences and congregations throughout the United States, and
left behind a legacy of musical scenarios as she tells her stories of
how each of her songs came about. She has recorded an ageless cassette
that continues to be in demand, and a new CD, that has high-lighted the
songs God has given to her. Suzanne has been teaching voice and guitar
since she was 14 years old. She is presently singing in the little City
of Dixon, CA for their Farmers Markets, weddings, and events, as well as
with her trio, Suzanne Lorente and Friends, as they embark on
recording a CD together. They are out doing concerts whenever possible
and wherever the Lord leads. "It's wonderful to see God change the lives
and hearts of people as we just sing our songs and allow Him to work
through us. I love that!"
Visit the author's website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
This
CD is a wonderful spiritual uplift and encouragement for any Christian
who wants to grow, not only by hearing God's Word, but by doing what
He's asking us to do. We have to take that first step and that's what
this CD motivates believers and non-believers to do. The songs are
original Christian Gospel scenarios that anyone can relate to, and
that's what gives you the anointing strength to keep on going. You will
love the beautiful orchestral and vocal backgrounds with each song as
Suzanne Lorente and her trio envelope you with their angelic harmonies.
God has put His Hand of blessing on Suzanne and given her songs
throughout her lifetime of ministry. She and her gals are planning a
tour and would love to include your church or event if it's possible.
May God bless every listener and urge them to follow the Lord by
listening to His "Still, Small Voice!"
Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Music CD
Publisher: Lorente Publishing
Language: English
AND NOW..A SAMPLE OF A SONG FROM THE CD:
(To hear more samples, please visit Suzanne's website)
Here is one of the songs, "Misunderstood." This song is an original of mine written on January 1st of 2010. I am the voice for those who have been aborted, abused and misunderstood. This is quite sad, but it's telling us that each one of these has identified with the misery, torture, and abuse that Jesus went through on the cross. Many 100's of thousands have died a martyr's death, and are with the Lord because He loves them. Please listen carefully! This could be such a blessing for the Christian pregnancy centers and homes of abused women and children.
Here are the lyrics:
Misunderstood – Matthew 18:1-7
Words and Music by Suzanne Lorente
Arranged by Jeannine O’Neal
How can it be they don’t hear them, they don’t see
What can I say? Jesus loves them, they are free.
No-one will take time to listen as they cry
Knowing that I have the answer, I know why.
They’ve been misunderstood time after time
Their tiny voices still ring in our minds
No-one to love them, no-one to care
What they have to say doesn’t matter…anyway.
There is a hard part to living, not to be heard
Hate takes the joy out of giving, their vision blurred
Where is the love that could give them wings to fly?
Knowing that I have the answer, I know why.
They’ve been misunderstood time after time
Their little voices still ring in our mind
No-one to hear them, no-one to care
What they have to say doesn’t matter…anyway.
Could you be one who can’t hear them, you can’t see?
Are you aware they are people like you and me?
What would have come of the children who were slain?
There’d be a world of compassion…no more pain!
We have misunderstood time after time
Their tiny voices still ring in our mind
Someone will love them, someone will care
What they have to say really matters…anyway.
He’s (Jesus) been misunderstood, but not for long
Each tiny baby to Him will belong.
He really loves them, He really cares
What He has to say is what matters…anyway!
What He has to say is what matters....anyway! Matt. 18:1-7
Additional high vocals Suzanne Lorente, Cecelia Dettle
Copyright 2010 BMI-0777 All rights reserved
See my website for further information
www.suzannelorente.com
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