Qoph: Following After

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Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 13, 2 Timothy 3, Hosea 5-6, Psalm 119:145-176

Good Morning! As I’m writing at night I’m praying that by the time you read this, it will be indeed a good morning. I’ve been on the floor for the past 3 hours trying to soothe our 17 month old who has been struck down by hand foot and mouth disease! Special plans to take our son to Wicked this evening had to be altered so that this Momma could stay at home and tend to the minute by minute needs of the baby. As the clock has ticked down I find myself pleading with God to “make her sleep” and “end this virus for her.” It’s so silly. I’ve been through this before and I’ll be right back here again in the future. What is it about our human experience that leads us to lose all perspective in our moments of struggle? I find myself here all the time. “Lord, this is really bad, please just deliver me from this situation, make it shorter just for me, please Lord make me comfortable again!” Will I remember this evening a week from now? How about a month from now? Of course not! I’ll be in the thick of some new problem that I’m wanting my Heavenly Father to fix. Today’s psalm really spoke to me. It starts out with this weird word: Qoph. I couldn’t help but look it up to see what that was all about. I learned that Psalm 119 is unique in that it is the only psalm that is broken up into 22 equal stanzas and organized in order of the 22 Hebrew letters. Our section today begins with the letter Qoph or Koph which means literally “the back of the head or in context; following after.

Qoph

“With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.” (Psalm 119:145-152)

So often I lie awake in bed in the morning before the sun rises and before my family stirs just to talk to God about my worries. I love that the Bible Journal project brought this Psalm to me for the first time today. It’s so reassuring that God is near, that his commandments are true. I believe we can all be encouraged by the notion that we are not the only ones crying out to God with our whole heart. And then the best part:

O Lord, according to your justice, give me life. (Psalm 119:149)

That bears repeating to ourselves over and over. According to YOUR justice, not ours. There is no deserving in this life. Just as we’ve been reminded in these past weeks, our faith is strengthened by the trials we endure on this earth. God gives us life according to what he believes is just. He determines what we need and all we need to do is respond to that with sensitivity and awareness. I found myself texting a friend this evening complaining that every single holiday is ruined in our family but someone getting sick. I really went for it with the “poor me” attitude. What I don’t want to see, is his grace in the midst of what I believe to be a storm. Tomorrow, I get to stay at home with my little sick baby. Of course, she’ll get better and I’ll forget all about the frustration of having to care for her whiny needs. In the meantime, I can choose to cry out to God all day, complaining to him about how unfair it is that she’s sick and our family plans are not going to work out according to our plan. Or I can choose to see the treasure he’s left for me in it. I can enjoy a cozy day with this piece of my heart, just she and I. I can revel in the opportunity to care for just her. Isn’t that why he put us here together, to care deeply for one another?

Thank you Lord for this opportunity. For gently teaching us through your word. For encouraging us to cry out to you when we are angry or frustrated. For gently molding and shaping us to be more like you. Thank you for precious times that are not our plan but yours. We love you and we are open to your plan.

Amen

Dragonfly

In the faint light of a cool and certain world, three nymphs in a pond clung to a reed. In somber tones they discussed the departure of a friend. Why did he leave us? The young one asked. Seems strange to leave the world we know for one we don’t. I can’t imagine a better life than ours. Why don’t they ever come back?

The elder spoke. No one has ever returned from above, so we don’t know what it’s like. When you look up, all you see is a distant light, a bluish haze at the edge of the void.

As his friends descended back to the mud, the elder remained. The urge drawing him to the surface grew stronger. He began to ascend the reed, slowly towards the light. Eventually he broke the surface into the blinding sun. Groggy from the climb he stopped near the top of the reed and fell into a deep sleep.

When he awakened he felt he couldn’t breathe. The shell that had protected him for so long had become too small. Then just as it was squeezing the life from him, unexpectedly the center of his back cracked open and four wet gossamer wings emerged, unfolding majestically into the warmth of the sun. Then his body, with unforeseen skill climbed free from its shell, out into a new world. Soon the wings dried off as his eyes adjusted to a new world, unimagined — a world of dazzling colors and strange new shapes.

Then, as if he had always done it; his wings began to move at an incredible speed, alive with power, effortlessly lifting off the reed he flew. He hovered and darted back and forth across the surface of the pond, wondering about his friends below. This was what he was meant to be. To soar in the light above and begin his true life.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. -2 Corinthians 3:18

The life of a Christ follower, if it is anything, is a life of transformation through faith in action. Spiritual formation is the process of Christ’s likeness forming in us — His attributes of unconditional love, sacrifice and righteousness becoming ours. This is the miraculous transformation that we are called to and made for; practical as it is mysterious.

A few years ago I was at the funeral of my brother’s wife’s grandmother, Freda. She had lived the life of a Christ follower. Her funeral was a celebration of her as a beloved child, a young woman, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, now passing into the next realm.

This realm, Christians believe, is an incredible place, found in the fullness of the presence and glory of the living God — for all eternity. Though finer details are subject to speculation, by faith we look forward to an eternity with no tears, in a place filled with the brightest light of truth and love. A realm beyond our wildest imagination.

At the funeral, many of Freda’s family shared fond memories and stories about her abundant love and other-centeredness. Then the Pastor shared a story about the metamorphosis of a Dragonfly. I loved his metaphor and its revelation about the mystery and splendor of eternal life. About an existence we are destined for — one we never fully appreciate in the here-and-now.

When I looked further into this illustration, I found other versions, stories and poems. Perhaps this analogy has been used for centuries to tenderly explain death and offer hope to grieving survivors. For me it was a tale about spiritual transformation and a reference to the great divide between this life and the next.

I find it remarkable that nature offers an abundance of great metaphors amidst the splendor and complexity of God’s creation.  We are so blessed with this revelation. God speaks without words.

The coolest thing about spiritual transformation is that as we grow in Christ, He grows in us. We don’t have to wait for the next life to experience or understand His power. As we change, becoming citizens of another kingdom, we are increasingly given eyes to see and ears to hear. Enabled to understand the truth.

Ours is not a blind faith, it is a faith realized in our daily transformation, as we follow Christ. Eternal life beyond our wildest hope waits for us, but it is only by faith that we truly see beyond the pale.

We live by faith not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:7

Daily reading: 2 Kings 11–12; 2 Timothy 2; Hosea 3–4; Psalm 119:121–144

Thanksgiving

Time to give thanks message Some fall leaves and black and white alarm clock and beige gift tag with text A Time to give thanks

Today’s Reading:  2 Kings 10; 2 Timothy 1; Hosea 2; Psalm 119:97–120

Happy to be a guest writer again for my good friend Jennifer! When I read the passages for today, I knew right away I did not want to write about Ahab’s family being killed.  I was not sure what to pluck out of Hosea 2 either.  Something more uplifting was needed after a long week!  As we are approaching November, the “Thanksgiving” headline in 2 Timothy caught my attention as we always have lots to be thankful for each day.  November gives us the opportunity to reflect on all we have been given in our daily lives, not in terms of the usual Thanksgiving Day prayer of family, friends, health, happiness, freedom….more in terms of what God has given to us to help us live our daily lives.  In the readings related to Thanksgiving, three separate verses jumped out at me.

2 Timothy 1:

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

From time to time through this year of our Bible Journal journey, I send one of the daily write ups to one of my boys (ages, 17, 15, and 13) if I think it speaks to something they are experiencing. This week, I took a different tact and asked them to read these three verses.  What do they mean to them?  Are they able to be thankful for what they have been given from God?  Are they taking on the responsibility each day?  Here were their short answer responses:

  • When I read these verses together, they make me think of being modest and content. I think this because of what the Spirit God gave us, makes us. In the first verse it talks about the Spirit God making us powerful and able to love, but it also mentions self-discipline. Power and love are two very important things/traits that if used wrongly, can do major harm. By adding self-discipline into our making, the Lord provides us with not just having these two strong powers, but he provides us with a third trait that is a very important: self-discipline. Self-discipline provides us with being able to stay content in times of despair and it provides us with being modest in times of great achievement. Self-discipline helps us not go over the edge when given the traits of power and love.
  • To me, this means that God gave us the ability to have power, love, and self-discipline. He has also saved us and called us to an eternal and holy life in heaven, and there is nothing we can do to make God hate us, for he is loving. It also says to me that there is a little bit of the Holy Spirit inside of us all, and that should mean the world to us.
  • These verses all talk about the amazing spirit God has given us. We should take this blessing and spread/show it to others in the world. God has given us this gift, and we are meant to use it to follow him and to love him. We are meant to hold onto this gift as well because it defines us and keeps us close to God.

Interesting to read how teenagers translate God’s word in their lives. To me, I hear God giving us Power, Love, and Self-Discipline. He gives us these traits to use wisely. I hear him reminding us that we need to focus on listening to the Holy Spirit within ourselves to help us lead a Christian life.  Even when we don’t, we can be saved through his Grace. What a wonderful gift!

Do we think about using the power of the Holy Spirit each day? Are we thankful that God leads us through in thought, word and deed?  As we enter the month of thankfulness, let us recognize God’s power, love and self-discipline he has given us along with his Eternal Grace.

Lighten Up

Yes, the featured image is a coffeemaker in the trash can.

It all started this summer with a garage sale. Going through possessions we no longer want or need left me confused. Why did we get these things in the first place? Why don’t I want them anymore? Would someone else find value in my old driver that hits the golf ball about twenty yards less than my newer one? Why would anyone want the stuff that we don’t want?

A pile of goods remained after the sale that we couldn’t even sell for 1/20 of their original cost; many we couldn’t even give away. Clothing, books, housewares, toys, etc. So I piled it all into the car and made it someone else’s problem (or opportunity). The items went to a local thrift store, and when leaving I thought, “suckers!”… and I’m sure they thought the same of me. I looked at the back of the car and it was empty. No boxes, no vases piled up, just empty space with no passengers. The load was lightened. Hey that actually felt pretty good!

Arriving home, it was refreshing to see the front yard as it had been the day prior. It looked like a yard again, not a marketplace. Same with the garage and basement; no junk piled up. My closet was less cluttered, in fact all of our closets were less cluttered. I instantly felt lighter, as if a heavy burden had been removed and it was a very good feeling.

In the months since the garage sale, quite a few more items have made their way out of this house. More clothes, and even as I type I’m recalling a broken coffeemaker in the basement next to some sushi plates and some old games that we no longer use. The coffeemaker was broken but I thought someday I might fix it. Nope, I will never fix this thing so it is going into the trash right now. As a result, there’s an empty space. vacantspaceThe sushi plates on the left were a wedding gift, and we HAD to have them. We dreamed of making sushi all the time, being fancy and hip with our outrageously cool plates. They were expensive, and they are beautiful, but we don’t use them anymore; they just sit in the basement waiting for their next move. There’s more stuff piled up to the left of the plates, I don’t even know what that stuff is, how we got it, or if we ever used it. Looking at it stresses me out. It is baggage; symbolic of waste in my life.

The yard sale theme came to me today as I as reading 1 Timothy 6 and thinking about the term “content”.  I think sometimes I’ve shunned this term with the thought that it is better to get more, to do more, to never be satisfied. While sometimes we should strive for more, there are other times when we should just be content. Content (adjective): pleased and satisfied : not needing more (Merriam-Webster)

But godliness with contentment is great gain, (1 Timothy 6:6)

But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6:8)

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:10)

We live these lives desiring more, sometimes thinking that contentment is for the weak, but then we’re usually left with a pile of unused stuff in the basement, garage, and closets. Each day presents a new opportunity to say goodbye to something, to say no to selfish needs and to God’s will. The yard sale relates to physical items but over the last few months my heart and soul have longed to rid some of the other waste in my life that leave me empty inside.

  1. What “future yard sale” items do you have in your life? Asking this metaphorically of course, but it never hurts to get rid of things you don’t need.
  2. What good things can and should we start saying no to so we can start saying YES to great things and leave room for us to see the many miracles God has given us? #eccmiracles
  3. From our first morning thought, what is our heart’s desire? Doesn’t that symbolize where we are in our daily walk? Let your first waking thought tomorrow and every day you are blessed with from here on be, “thank you God for another day to serve you, to know you better, and to be loved by you”.

2 Kings 9; 1 Timothy 6; Hosea 1; Psalm 119:73–96

Counting Sheep

Sheep on the landscape taken in Somerset England

2 Kings 8; 1 Timothy 5; Daniel 12; Psalm 119:49–72

Sometimes I don’t sleep well.  I’m thinking that the writer of Psalm 119 didn’t either.  He says, “At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.”  (Psalm 119:62) Now, he may very well wake up at midnight to praise God.  Hat’s off to him if he does.  On the other hand, maybe he just wakes up and can’t get back to sleep.  That’s what happens to me.  Rather than read a book, or click on the TV, I have learned to do something like the Psalmist.  In verse 55, He adds, “I remember your name in the night, O Lord.”  My goal is the same.  Remember his name in order to praise, honor and glorify Him.  If you know the alphabet, you can do it too.  Simply assign an attribute of God to each letter in the alphabet.  It goes something like this:

Almighty – Revelation 11:17
Bountiful – Deuteronomy 28:11
Consuming fire – Hebrews 12:29
Divine – Romans 1:20
Eternal – Revelation 1:8
Father – 2 John 1:3
Glory- 2 Peter 1:17
Holy – Isaiah 6:3
Immaculate – 2 Samuel 22:31
Just – John 5:30
King of kings – 1 Timothy 6:15
Lord of lords – 1 Timothy 6:15
Marvelous light – 1 Peter 2:9
Near – James 4:8
One – 1 Corinthians 12:13
Prince of peace – Isaiah 9:6
Quiet – 1 Kings 19:12
Refuge – Psalm 46:1
Slow to anger – Numbers 14:18
Teacher – John 3:2
Unchangeable – Hebrews 6:18
Victorious – 1 Corinthians 15:7
Wonderful – Psalm 139:14
eXtreme – Ok I cheated here. Read Hebrews 11 to see what I mean about God being extreme
Yahweh – 2 Chronicles 14:11
Zenith – Luke 2:14 & Mark 11:10.  Yes, I cheated here too.   “Zenith” isn’t in the Bible, but it sounds a lot like Luke 2:14 and Mark 11:10.

I find several benefits of this simple exercise.  First, I rarely make it to the end before the Lord gives me sleep.  Second, I find bigger and better descriptions for him.  Finally, I have placed his name above all others, just as he asks.  I Worship.

End Times

When the disciples asked Jesus when the end times would come He responded, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” (Matthew 24:3-4) We see from Jesus’ response that deception is something that the Christian needs to be on guard against. It was the first thing He said on the topic of the end times. The first instruction He gave His followers.

From today’s reading we learn that being deceived can lead to departing from the faith. (1Timothy 4:1-3) We also learn that His word is a means of protection from being deceived. Praise God that He provides us with full protection.  Psalms 119 is often known for its length. I have come to know Psalms 119 for its awe of God’s Word. The psalmist is in love with God’s law, His statues, His testimonies, His commandments. God’s word protects the Christian from being deceived. It is our sword in the spiritual battle for our souls. (Ephesians 6:17)

Today’s reading: 2 Kings 7; 1 Timothy 4; Daniel 11; Psalm 119:25–48

Suggestions for prayer: Ask God to place on you a love for His Word. Thank God for His promise to give you perfect remembrance of it to discern the truth from lies (John 14:26).

For further study: Read Matthew 23: 1-14 and consider what verse 13 means in light of the previous verses.

 

Counting Steps

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6; 1 Timothy 3; Daniel 10; Psalm 119:1–24

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119:1

Good Morning Everyone, let’s put on our Fitbit for God and look at our daily steps.  These devices can count our steps and can also check our heart-rate.  It can tell us where we have gone and guide us to where we want to go.  With the touch of a button this information is shared with you and others if you would like.  As Christians, having God’s word available is like a press of a button allowing you to navigate every step towards an eternity with Him.  This Fitbit helps us stay on track with our faith and training for growth.  So let’s push the button in the start of Psalm 119 and see where we are at as we count our steps.

Step: Psalm 119:1 Blameless and Walking in the Law of the Lord – stay righteous Proverbs 11:20

Step: Psalm 119:2  Keep His testimonies – love and serve Deuteronomy 11:13

Step:  Seek with a Whole Heart – 100% all the time Psalm 139:23

Step: Psalm 119:4 Precepts keep diligently – focus and be intentional about his commandments Deuteronomy 4:13

Step: Psalm 119:6 Eyes fixed on Commandments – Ephesians 1:18

Step: Psalm 119:7 Praise Him – He deserves it all for all he has done and will do Psalm 33:1

So as you take steps today push the button to take a pulse on each step, each interaction, each hour spent, each conversation, each thought, each prayer. Allow God through His word guard you, teach you, focus your heart, and open your eyes to all that he has in store for us. Go ahead take the next step. God is with you always!

Go to Him

 

 

Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 5, 1 Timothy 2, Daniel 9, Psalms 117-118

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” (2 Timothy 2:8-10)

I must admit, I left writing to the last minute this week! Of course our Heavenly Father is always looking for ways to draw us nearer to him, and he’s got me tonight. I spent the majority of the last 3 days driving our van with our very spicy two year old in the back. She was a flower girl in a family wedding so she and I went on a very long journey to Topeka, KS to be a part of a very special day. Many miles later, I’m sitting down with my Bible and cup of water to connect with you and His word. This was my first read through, and what did I find? The very words I heard and prayed on at the wedding this weekend! This Bible Journal project has been such a blessing to me. Even on a night like this one, when I’m tired and not sure what to write about, God takes up the pen and sends a message.

I love that God gently nudged me to see this passage again. When I heard it during the wedding, I immediately thought about the surface level implications. God wants us to come to him as ourselves with modesty and with raised hands. He wants us to show him that our love for him is genuine. I heard the thread that reminded us all that a marriage is about bringing one another closer to God through good works, not just putting on fancy dresses and jewelry. Today, I’m hearing another deeper level of communication from my Father. He begins this passage by asking us to come and pray without anger or quarreling. I considered this even more tonight in the context of our first reading from 2 Kings 5. Naaman is suffering from leprosy but is hesitant to dip in the Jordan 7 times as God commands in order to be healed.

How many of us come to the alter carrying anger? How many of us are desperate for healing but aren’t quite ready to follow God’s path to get there? When families get together, there is always a Naaman. There is quarreling and old anger that wells up. God gives us an opportunity in 2 Timothy to come to Him with our hands raised, without the distraction of braids and golden rings. This weekend I witnessed some healing that I know was initiated by His love. Our family was broken many years ago by some infidelity, some lies and subsequent divorce. This event brought those people face to face for the first time in a decade, in a church. And in that church, we heard those words from 2 Timothy! And after that ceremony, there were some handshakes and even some hugs! Like Naaman, our family has carried this burden for years. When we come to the alter to pray and to give ourselves to Him, He heals us. At the end of the night, I said my goodbyes. Without fear or hesitation I opened my arms to the one that began this hurt so many years ago. Within that hug, I heard the words, “I love you.”

If you are hurting GO to Him. If you think that the pain is too deep, if you think you have been suffering for too long GO to Him. Ask him for healing and then follow his commands. There is hope in our Heavenly Father’s love.

Autumn Blessing

What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? -Psalm 116:12

In the pale light of an October evening, I sat on my patio — under the yellow rain of the locust trees, crows cawing back and forth. The cool air was filled with the smell of distant smoke as I sat wondering: How could I be so blessed?

In this tranquil place I had broken bread with my family and friends, sharing stories of our lives that intertwined like vines in a vineyard, planted and grafted, pruned and picked. Not all bore the best fruit, but the ones that did were special.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. –John 15:1-2

Vineyards At Sunset

Why was I so fortunate? Honestly I couldn’t think of anything that I had done to deserve all that I had been given. A strong and healthy family. A beautiful, patient, loyal and loving wife. Three amazing boys, all so different. My businesses had been prosperous in ways that made it hard for me to take the credit.

It had also been a life that revealed the hand of God in the splendor of creation.

Scenery Of High Mountain With Lake And High Peak On A Clear Day

A litany of people offering hope and direction to a scrawny freckled faced boy, and then to an arrogant young man. People investing time in me along the way, wanting nothing in return. Now I worked with trusted partners in collaborations reaching farther than I ever could have imagined. Still, I had this feeling there was more to my life.

The feeling I had on this crisp Autumn day was more than abundant gratitude, recognizing God’s incredible grace. It was a sense of responsibility, but not burdensome — more like the anticipation of greater opportunities around the next bend. Yes I had been given much and there was a reason for this, a reason I wanted to understand.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. –John 15:5

Nothing that was given to me was really mine. I had been entrusted with knowledge and treasures beyond my wildest dreams; perhaps even wisdom. I had been the unworthy recipient of unconditional love; this was the greatest gift of all. Yet when I finally realized that I was only the steward of these gifts, now I had to decide how better to use them.

In the brightness of Autumn it became clear, by surrendering all to God, the fulfillment of my purpose was possible. This was now my greatest opportunity.

Today’s reading: 2 Kings 4; 1 Timothy 1; Daniel 8; Psalm 116

Not to Us

Funeral wreath with pink flower on a cross in a cemetary with a vintage filter.

Today’s reading:  2 Kings 3; 2 Thessalonians 3; Daniel 7; Psalms 114–115

It is 8pm on Wednesday night and I’m sitting down to write my post for this week. I just walked in the door from the third funeral visitation I’ve been to in the last ten days.  I still have one more to attend on Friday.  I don’t particularly like attending these events, as they tend to drain my emotions and make me really tired.  But I still try really hard not to miss them.  I believe God puts different people in our path for different reasons.  I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able come along side grieving family and friends, remember loved ones, and help provide comfort by speaking about the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, my friend Jane texted me for ideas on scriptures to use for her father’s funeral. One of the suggestions I gave her was Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven – a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

When we read through Ecclesiastes back in April, I wrote about this passage. I talked about how the poetic rhythm of Solomon’s journey through life’s different seasons is comforting.  More important than the rhythm, however, is the incredible hope found in the illustration of God’s sovereignty.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is a season or time for EVERYTHING.   As we journey through life, we experience a variety of different events, both good and bad.  Because God is sovereign, meaning he has supreme power and authority, he has the ability to weave ALL these events together to accomplish his purpose.  Aren’t you glad life isn’t just a series of random events?  To know a master architect is fitting the pieces together for me is the hope I need to keep going, especially when I’m facing something as traumatic as the death of a loved one.

Like most people, I consider death and the memorial services that follow, to be one of life’s bad events. The room is filled with sadness, lines are long, and it is always a challenge to find just the right words to say.  In reality, the words of comfort or encouragement I have to offer aren’t really mine.  If it wasn’t for the faithfulness and care of a holy and gracious God, who sent Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord, I’m not sure what I’d say.  Thank you God.

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory… (Psalm 115:1).

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