“Blessed is the one
who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will
receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
Well today is March 1st and for our family this month holds two important memorial markers in our family. Two weeks from today it will be a decade
since I’ve laid my eyes on my little sister, Beth. For those who didn’t know her, I’m truly
sorry because she was one little high-spirited soul who squeezed every ounce of
living out of each day. For those who
knew and loved her no doubt a smile and giggle have found its way in your heart
just now thinking about the crazy things she did. Two weeks from tomorrow will mark 9 years
since I heard my sweet daddy tell me he loves me. For those of you who knew him you just might be a better person for it and quite possibly inspired by him. He walked this earth with integrity on every
level, with a heart for bringing children to Jesus. His work in Child Evangelism Fellowship
placed many unchurched children into the lap of Jesus. They both went through the trials of cancer,
both walked tough journeys. They both walked
their trials with grace, faith and complete dependency on God. They had tough days and good days…discouraging
days and encouraging days…sad times and joyful times. But now they stroll the golden avenues of Heaven
with a crown atop their precious heads. The
promise was clear from the Lord, ‘Those who accept my commandments and
obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will
love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.’ John 14:21. He went on to promise, ‘When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the
mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 1 Co 15:53. And then the promises
of all promises, ‘Do not let your hearts
be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have not told you
that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where
I am” John 14:1-3. And that
is exactly what He did…just as He promised…just as they were…just as we are.
The older I get the more heaven-minded
I become. We were never meant to live
here forever since this is not our home.
We were created by His precious hands into an hourglass life, each of us
with a certain number of grains of sand.
But we were not born to die, but rather to live…to really live…eternally…
perfectly…in community with God, the saints and our crowned loved ones. Beth and Daddy ran their race and crossed the
finish line and walked up the podium steps as the King of Kings placed their
crowns on their heads.
One day I will break the ribbon
crossing over my finish line and will finally begin living in the fullness of face
to face communion with the Promise maker.
Death has certainly been swallowed up in victory… now that’s real
living!
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