Divine Appointments...
...have been the focus of my personal life since learning that I might not live through the remainder of 2008. Of course, no one knows the mind of the Almighty and how long He might delay my passing into eternity.
...have been something I have prayed for on certain days. Each time, either they actually happen or I am looking for them, but they have occurred each time I have asked for one during the day.
...like one recently, when a former acquaintance of mine was shopping for a lawn mower and I made an offhand comment about my impending passing into eternity, but without fear. After I said, "I know where I am spending eternity," my friend said, "I wish I knew that." So I explained how our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior was all that was needed. He said he was trusting Him, but he obviously has had no teaching about the requirements for entering paradise.
...like another one, where a coworker replied that God might come back before I die. I am sure he meant Jesus might come back, but regardless, I made the observation, that His coming would mean I would be going to paradise with millions of other believers and I was looking forward to going by myself and seeing a welcome home banner just for me. Then I realized how selfish that seemed. Of course, I welcome Jesus' coming even if it occurs before I personally go to heaven.
...seem to occur after I make some statement about having a short time left on earth. People seem to get serious very quickly after that statement. Is it so unusual for people to talk about dying? I realize we are not born with an expiration date stamped on our bodies, but we do have an appointment with the end of our earthly lives. It is only prudent to prepare for that time, not just speak in hushed tones about its coming.