In the last week, my wife has had to go to two funerals. (I went to one). The we went to together was for a guy that used to go to the church we went to. He was a very nice guy, he loved the Lord and there was no doubt (as far as we can know someone's heart-seeing his fruit) as to where he was heading.
Richard was 48, seemed healthy, and "all of a sudden" had a heart attack and died. He had eight kids ranging from 1 yr. to 23 yrs. old. [You need Jesus just to handle that.] He was not perfect, but he always tried to do the right thing for his family and others. A very godly man. He was on the worship team and a few folks mentioned how sometimes during a song, he would stop playing just so he could worship God for a bit. We had not seen him for a few years, but he will be missed by many.
The other funeral my wife had to go to was the mother of a friend she used to play softball with. Judy was 59 years old. She seemed pretty healthy. One day, she had gone to the doctor's for a check up of some sort. The doctor told her, after tests, that she had brain cancer. I think my wife said it moved from her chest to her brain.
After a short time doing radiation therapy, the doctors got a better look at her brain and saw that it was pretty bad. They told her she had 2-3 months to live. One week after hearing this news, she died.
Also: a friend of mine's father-in-law just passed away as well (I did not know him).
We never really know how much time we have here on earth. We must make sure to be living the best life for God and others that we can. It is not enough to skate by. Anybody can do that. And since most folks are just skating, it does not take much more energy to "be excellent at what is good and be innocent of evil". Rom 16:19
I do not want to take for granted those loved ones in my life. Life, truly is too short. If you are a believer, stop being lukewarm. Be hot or cold, but don't just skate by. If you are not a Christian, why not? I would be interested to hear the reasons for your rejection/hesitation.
Also, get to church. Pastor Mark Roberts said something right on: "be a part of the body of Christ, don't be an amputated body part." Find a Bible-believing church. Don't look for a perfect one; you'll never find it. Find one that doesn't always tell you what you want to hear.
I will get off my soapbox now. For those of you who may misunderstand, this is just as much (if not more) for me. I am nothing but a regenerated sinner who has been forgiven and strives to serve God. A beggar telling y'all where to find bread.
Please---as you think about it, remember these families in your prayers.
God Bless,
Derrick
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2 comments:
I attended Judy's funeral with my wife and my daughter, Tracy. I saw friends who I had not seen in quite some time. Life is fragile. the Pastor leading the graveside service was wonderful. Never take for granted the love of family and friends. Be prepared in your heart, for we never know when our time on this earth will be done. The Lord gives us plenty of opportunity. We need only grasp His love and Word.
i Love you Derrick, everything was well said. It's all the truth, don't sweat the small stuff, life is way too short I never thought i would be 50 but thank God i made it. I'm able to enjoy my kids and the rest of my family no matter the differences.I want to be able to see people the way that Jesus does. I'm surely (not Shirley) not perfect. I just know, i want to be more like Jesus everyday, not just talk the talk but walk the walk. I want to continue to grow. I'm proud of you Derrick of the man, the son, the husband, brother, uncle, friend and family man that you are. I Love you Derrick
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