Thursday, April 28, 2011

Kenny L.’s in the Church Triumphant

A child going to Heaven
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel

of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 (KJV)


Those of our church family have another friend who will be waiting for us when it’s our turn to enter Heaven. He and his wife will greet us, He, with his great big smile and a great big bear hug. She, with her beautiful smile and quiet presence.

We didn’t know he was as ill as he was until about three weeks ago. He will always be remembered for his trademark sense of humor and his gentle caring attitude. He teased those he loved; some of us he REALLY loved.

Kenny lived a full life with lots of activity. He had been a Boy Scout leader, working with some who became Eagle Scouts. He had worked as a school custodian for several years. There he took the time to listen to all who needed guidance.

He, his late wife, and their son chose to drive from another town every Sunday to worship with us. Almost five years ago, he went through a major health crisis. During that ordeal, his family almost lost him four times. God allowed him to stay with us these five years. It has been our privilege and blessing to have him with us since his other serious illness.

A dear friend called me late in the afternoon the day of the funeral. She had accompanied two others down to the town Kenny and his family called home for the calling the night before. She commented on the picture boards. All the pictures showed Kenny and Sue Ann smiling and enjoying life.

Kenny lived his faith. Our pastor told of the last time he went to see him. Pastor John said, “I’ll see you, Kenny. Kenny didn’t miss a beat. “I’ll see you, John, in heaven.”

Those who were able to visit him in the hospital came back and told us the same thing. Kenny was ready to go to Heaven and spend time with Jesus and with his wonderful wife.

His children chose to bring Kenny to church for his celebration of life. His son, Kelly, still had the bulletin from Sue Ann’s service almost three years ago. It was Kelly’s wish to have the same music for his dad’s service.

Kenny was ready to go to heaven. He lived his faith every day. It is my wish that everyone would have that outlook.
_________

Note: Transferred to the Church Triumphant was on the face of the bulletin for this home going. I have seen it used for other funerals at the church.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wait For God




“I say to myself,’ The Lord is my portion; therefore

I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those

whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

It is good for those who wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:24-26 (NIV)



Waiting is not always my long suit. I used to prefer quick action to my needs but as I have matured in chronology and in faith I have learned to wait. We, as Christians, have to learn to be patient and, yes, to wait for what God has in store for us.

God is our allotment; we willingly wait for Him to act. God smiles on those who place their confidence in Him, those who seek Him and obey His rules. Jeremiah, the author, tells us it benefits us to patiently wait for the Lord’s saving grace to be imparted to those of us who seek Him.

When we have doubts and issues confronting us, we can remember that God is our Savior-He will save us from our sins, if we ask Him that God is our healer; He heals all our diseases, and that God is our friend. He is always with us. We can place our confidence in Him.

Waiting is not always fun, not always easy but we have to wait for God to step in and act on our behalf as well as others. We might not always get what we want but we always get what is best for us or the situation.

Monday, April 25, 2011

God in Us




“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And we know and rely on the love God has for us.” 1 John 4:15-16 (NIV)



This is a basic statement for belief in God. All we have to do is accept Jesus as the Son of God. As we grow spiritually, we feel more at ease with witnessing for the Lord.

When we begin to live for Christ, we communicate His love to those around us in very small yet practical ways. Sometimes, just listening to a friend is all it takes for that person to feel God’s love in a special way.

If a friend has a difficult time dealing with an issue her family faces, we can pray with the person. We may be able to send an encouragement card to her or him.

We do ministry because we learned that we've become Jesus’ hands and feet. We work for the Kingdom’s enlargement because God has commissioned us to be His instruments, His vessels.

Our motivation is His love, His endless wonderful love.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...