When the openly revealed will of God is on a collision course with my personal will, I am not only to pray “Your will be done and not mine.” I am to be for God’s will and against myself regardless of the consequences. But in matters of silence from God as to the length of life and health, I Believe God does not only negotiate with his children generously and mercifully, “He remembers that we are dust”, “He remembers our weakness”

God himself has paid by His wounds and His stripes for our healing.” He will not snuff out the smoldering wick, nor will he break an already bruised reed. He blesses with good old age those that are His and He does it after the counsel of His own will.

God promises long life and prosperity to children who honor their parents. He promises that no harm will come to those who trust in Him and whose minds stay on Him. The gray hair of the faithless will not go to the grave in peace; but ripe, good old age with eyes that have not dimmed, will await the righteous.

Those who reason together with God, those who negotiate with God, those who pray to God, those who confess and repent before God will eat the good of the land, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken so.

I, a sinful man, to the worst of my children, in the worst of their behavior wish them always health, life and prosperity in the love and service to our Lord and King.

How much more a perfect Father, who is full of mercy, full of patience, full of love, full of kindness, full of grace, full of generosity, will not be willing to be kind for His name’s sake?

Hezekiah received many more years of life from God. Peter’s mother in law was healed by Jesus and served Jesus and His disciples immediately. Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus returned from the dead for God’s glory.

We are not asking God to let us live forever on the earth but only for more years to enjoy and show our love for God by our service. Not to be saved because of our service, but because we are already saved, we ask boldly for life and health and blessings -- not to live wicked, evil lives but to finish the race to which we have been called. “We love His work”.

After careful examination of our hearts, we concluded that our petition is in accordance with God’s will and we refuse to say “IF” it is your will. This is not an open rebellion nor is it a false humility and submission. It is confidence that at this time of our lives we want and need health and life. And we believe these things to be good. First for the glory of God. Second for the blessing of others. And third for our own good.

There is no service in death.

In the Church our voices will be absent.

There will be silence in the pulpit where I am to lift the name of Jesus.

Fearfully, humbly and meekly, but truthfully, let’s ask respectfully and say, “Dear Lord, Heaven can wait.”

“We are sure of our citizenship in heaven.”

“Sin will not keep us from coming home.”

Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The workers are few; we are more useful here on earth than in heaven for now.

We promise to walk the rest of our journey as worthy citizens of heaven.

Thank you for taking away the fear of death dear Jesus.

We still hear the echo of your voice in Isaiah when you said, “Who will go for us?” Therefore, we who have heard you say that, know your will and what you want to do. We say to you dear Lord: “Here we are, send us.”

Would you please send us again? “One more time, dear Lord, like Samson’s prayer, we are asking you, give us another chance to do better for our King and His kingdom. Forgive me Lord for dealing with you as barterer. You are neither a man nor a son of man to negotiate with you. But you are our Father for Jesus’ sake.

May it be so Lord, “health and life for Ruthie and Gerry”!!

Your Servant,

Gerry