Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tuesday, March 28, 2006
(Daily Readings: Ps 94,95,97,99,100; Gen 49:19-50:14; 1Cor 11:17-34; Mark 8:1-10)


I WILL BLESS AND BEQUEATH
By: Georgeanne Falstrom

Scripture: “The blessings of your father are stronger than the blessings of the eternal mountains, the bounties of the everlasting hills”; ...Gen 49:28
“Bury me with my ancestors—in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave in the field at Machpelah, near Mamre, in the land of Canaan, in the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site.”...Gen 49:29-30


Reading the markers in old cemeteries is a history lesson. You find out a lot about a family’s genealogy and the ancestors. You can determine what diseases plagued the people in an area and realize how hardships of the times influenced people’s life spans. Epitaphs give you a hint about the personality and actions of the deceased. Yet, there are always questions to be answered, like where are the descendants now? What blessings did they receive?

Have you ever thought about your own burial? Where do you want to be buried? Do you already have a family plot? Or do you want cremation? What songs do you want to be sung? What scripture do you want to be read? Whom do you want to carry your casket? What do you hope people will say about you? How will you be remembered? What will you be remembered for? What treasures have you laid up? How will your epitaph read? Who will write it?

Before he died, Jacob gave each of his twelve sons a blessing, related to their role as the twelve tribes of Israel. What blessing do you plan to give to each of your sons or daughters? Often we take great detail in our written wills, determining how our possessions will be distributed. But do we consider what our loved ones really want to hear from us? Does someone what you to give the blessing of forgiveness? Is there someone who has been waiting a lifetime to hear you say I love you? Perhaps someone wants to hear a word of praise or a thank you. Sometimes “I’m sorry,” is enough to make a loved one smile.

But why wait until the Lord has you by the hand, ready to lead you on your final journey to that promised land? Today is the day to experience God’s peace and know that all is right in your life. Distribute your blessings to those you love so you can enjoy the reward along with them.

What treasures will you leave behind? One of the best blessings you can give your family is a legacy of loving service to the Lord and dedicated worship. Your personal example of believing, accepting God’s grace and living a life in Christ will provide your family a living will that money cannot buy. And don’t forget the influence you have given your church family, friends and community? These bequests will not be misspent or forgotten. They are your true treasures.

Prayer: Lord God, Heavenly Father: I ask your wisdom in determining how to settle my affairs when you call me home. Let my bequests be of greatest benefit to those I love. Most of all, I ask your protection and guidance for each of them. Bless them with your grace and the assurance of eternal life with you. Amen.