In Memorium

Today at 3:00 AM my very good friend lost his battle with ALS. I am going to miss him dearly. However, I was able to put together a few thoughts and share them with him and his family yesterday evening.
My Dearest Friend;
During the course of this life God brings many people across our path. Many of them stay in our lives only a short time while others are there for a lifetime. Some of those who are in our lives for an extended period seem to have very little impact on us, while others, who are a part of our existence for a very short time, have a profound influence on us. When I think of our relationship, one scripture comes to mind, Philippians 1:3, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Your are one of those people that God has brought into my life that has had a profound influence on me. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for living a life that honors our Savior and is a testimony to all who know you and your family. Thank you for showing us that the husband can be the spiritual lead, even in the face of adversity. This past year you have taught me that trusting God for everything is essential to dispelling fear. You have done this be living fearlessly trusting God. 1 John 5:4-5 says, "For what ever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." If I have overcome this world by trusting Christ as my Lord and Savior, then I truly have nothing to fear.. Thank you for showing us how to live fearlessly trusting God. Psalm 34:19 tells us, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Deliverance may not come in the form of healing, but in the calm assurance that God is in control that nothing can separate us from His love. Your faithful attendance in Bible study these past few months is a testimony to everyone. Thank you for showing us that we can remain faithful and serve hour Lord by living a life that fearlessly trusts Him. There is no verse in all of scripture that is more appropriate at this time than the one your family has claimed, Psalm 73:26, "My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, He is mine forever." Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your faith. Thank you for your testimony and thank you for living a life that fearlessly trusts in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As I post this, my very dear friend is sitting at the feet of Jesus in a place that has been prepared for him by our Savior. John 14:2 says, "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." My friend is not in heaven because he was a good man, a good friend, a good father, or a good husband. He is there because at some point in his life he acknowledged his sin, was willing to repent, accepted Christ as his Savior, and invited Him into his heart. This morning when my friend stepped out into eternity, he stepped into the waiting arms of Jesus Christ. One day I will see him again.
Thank you Lord for salvation and the promise of eternal life.

Amazing Grace - LeAnn Rimes