Death

Death – it will come.  For some sooner than others but eventually it will come to all of us.  I used to say that “I’m not ready to die but I know where I’m going when I do”.  Wow!  I used to say that???  Well, not anymore.  I know the world will go on with or without me so I am ready to go today if the Lord is so willing.

The picture above was taken Easter Sunday of 2007.  Since that time two of our loved ones have passed on.  It is so comforting to know that both of them knew the Lord and one day we will see them again.  What if we knew we only had a week to live?  Would our priorities change?  Things that seemed so important would most likely lose their sense of urgency.  Would you spend your last week saying goodbye to all of your friends and loved ones, go on a trip around the world, get all your “things” in order?  Or would you spend your time making sure that the people you love know Jesus as their Savior?  What is more important than knowing that your children, husband, mom, dad, sister, brother, grandchildren and friends will be joining you in heaven?  What could possibly be more important than the salvation of the people you love?   

Jesus, the Son of God died for the sins of the world; I know this to be true.  Do you?  Do your loved ones?  Sharing your faith in Jesus could save someone you love from eternal separation from God.  Tell someone you love today about Jesus.

SCRIPTURES

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that who so ever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  Romans 1:16

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Merciful Father

Suddenly your world is rocked to its core.  Your head is swimming and all you can think is “WHY! IT’S NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!”  I completely understand this because it is exactly how I felt on Christmas Eve 2006 when my grandson died of SIDS and again six months later when my family (my daughter in law and two grand children) were in a horrible accident which left my grandson (4 years old at the time) paralyzed from the neck down.  I know I mentioned this before but it is the prevalent issue in my life right now and I am writing from this perspective.  I’m grieving and continue to grieve every day. My God has given me mercy and grace through it all and continues to give me the comfort and peace that exceeds all understanding. 

I can’t explain to you why I have peace about this horrible situation but I do.  I know everything is going to be alright no matter what the future holds.  Jason is a blessing in my life that has brought me closer to God and has made me a better person.  Every time I see that little guy he just lights up my life!  His sweet spirit and precious personality just blesses my heart like no one else can do.  It’s hard to see him in his bed hooked up to all of those machines, unable to move but as soon as he starts talking to me I forget about all that stuff and all I can see is this precious gift from God!!!!  I have heard it said that “we’ve done all we can do; now all we can do is pray”.  I say all you need to do is pray.  Put all your cares in God’s loving hands and let Him handle it.  He will give you the peace and grace every day to get through it. 

I’m not saying that you won’t be sad and that all your tears will disappear.  What I am saying is that through the sadness and the tears you will feel the hope of a better day; no matter what the outcome.  God is in control and His will is perfect and whatever the outcome of our situation it is the best outcome we could ever in our wildest dreams wish for.  Believe Him ... Trust Him ... Love Him despite your circumstances. Someday you will look back on this time and see He was there all along.

SCRIPTURES

Job 6:11 NIV

"What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?

Psalms 25:5 NIV

guide me in Your truth and teach me, for Yyou are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.

Psalms 33:18 NIV

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,

Psalms 33:22 NIV

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.

6-2-08