How many times have you said to fellow Christians, "I don't know how anyone can go through this kind of pain, sorrow, loss, or circumstance without the Lord Jesus"? We usually follow that by stating the obvious, "It is only through His grace that I am standing up under this heartache". As I reflect on this summer's sorrows, losses, and circumstances it is with the confidence and knowledge that God was there with me. He kept His promises and His Spirit brought peace and comfort through the ministry of His Word.
As some of you know, I was away from Elyria for 6 weeks this summer, as I attended the needs of my mother and sister-in law as we awaited the homegoing of my brother, Michael. Michael called me "Sis". He served his country in the US Air Force for 20 years. He was a gentle man, full of humor and wit. His life had many disappointments, but he clearly did not let broken relationships, broken dreams, or broken health take away his love for family or the Lord. Phil 4: 11 was Michael's life verse, "For I have learned that in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content." His wife included this quote in his obituary. "Many would say that CANCER claimed another life this week but we would say, 'Cancer cannot corrode faith, shatter hope, silence courage, invade the soul, kill friendship, conquer the spirit, cripple love, suppress memories, or steal Eternal Life'." God took my brother home one month before his 58th birthday.
During the time I was away, our dear Pastor continued his own battle with cancer. I arrived home from NC just as we all learned that the fight was over and that there was no more to be done for Pastor on this earth. In one of my last visits with him I heard him quote from Phil. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He had claimed that promise his entire Christian life but in the midst of his suffering he offered it to those of us who stood around his bedside. He wanted us to know that it is TRUE. God's Word is TRUE and we only have to "...draw near to Him with a True Heart in full assurance of our faith" (Heb. 10:22a), for us to experience Christ's strength and peace also.
Hebrews 10 encourages us to rejoice in the truth that Christ is our Savior, our intercessor, and our coming bridegroom. He will someday come in majesty, glory and power to claim his church, the Bride of Christ.
Notice in verses 22-25 we are given instructions for living while awaiting His coming and the anticipated reunion with all who have gone before.
This passage is specific and given for every believer to follow. It says:
22) "Draw near with a True Heart in full assurance of faith.."
23) “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering..."
24) "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works..."
25) "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ...but exhorting one another as ye see the day approaching."
It is hard not to be envious of those who have gone on to their prepared mansions! But do not be discouraged; we are left for a purpose. So let us be busy doing the things God has given us to do until that day we will all see Jesus.
Serving with Joy,
Barbara
As some of you know, I was away from Elyria for 6 weeks this summer, as I attended the needs of my mother and sister-in law as we awaited the homegoing of my brother, Michael. Michael called me "Sis". He served his country in the US Air Force for 20 years. He was a gentle man, full of humor and wit. His life had many disappointments, but he clearly did not let broken relationships, broken dreams, or broken health take away his love for family or the Lord. Phil 4: 11 was Michael's life verse, "For I have learned that in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content." His wife included this quote in his obituary. "Many would say that CANCER claimed another life this week but we would say, 'Cancer cannot corrode faith, shatter hope, silence courage, invade the soul, kill friendship, conquer the spirit, cripple love, suppress memories, or steal Eternal Life'." God took my brother home one month before his 58th birthday.
During the time I was away, our dear Pastor continued his own battle with cancer. I arrived home from NC just as we all learned that the fight was over and that there was no more to be done for Pastor on this earth. In one of my last visits with him I heard him quote from Phil. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He had claimed that promise his entire Christian life but in the midst of his suffering he offered it to those of us who stood around his bedside. He wanted us to know that it is TRUE. God's Word is TRUE and we only have to "...draw near to Him with a True Heart in full assurance of our faith" (Heb. 10:22a), for us to experience Christ's strength and peace also.
Hebrews 10 encourages us to rejoice in the truth that Christ is our Savior, our intercessor, and our coming bridegroom. He will someday come in majesty, glory and power to claim his church, the Bride of Christ.
Notice in verses 22-25 we are given instructions for living while awaiting His coming and the anticipated reunion with all who have gone before.
This passage is specific and given for every believer to follow. It says:
22) "Draw near with a True Heart in full assurance of faith.."
23) “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering..."
24) "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works..."
25) "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ...but exhorting one another as ye see the day approaching."
It is hard not to be envious of those who have gone on to their prepared mansions! But do not be discouraged; we are left for a purpose. So let us be busy doing the things God has given us to do until that day we will all see Jesus.
Serving with Joy,
Barbara
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