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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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

10 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

Well said. Sorry for your loss.

Sandee said...

I'm so sorry honey. What a wonderful tribute to your friend. Big hug. :)

Travis Cody said...

I'm very sorry for this loss.

Robin said...

Beautiful...absolutely beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am thankful that he is rejoicing with the Lord! May God bring you comfort!

I also wanted to say thank you for contributing to Ponderings this week!

DoubleDeckerBusGuy said...

Excellent memorial... and my sincere condolences for your loss... and our warmest thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

My heart pains for his family and friends...wonderful words you have written...prayers for you all

Amy, aka ABB said...

So sorry for your loss, Driller, but happy for your friend. He's finally home.

Amazing Gracie said...

Thanks for the beautiful post. I am so sorry for the temporary separation between you and your friend. Losing those we love is so difficult at best. I have lost so many close to me and as I age, I know there will be many more. I give thanks to the Lord that he saw fit to give us the faith we need in times like this...
Grace to you.
~~~Blessings~~~

orneryswife said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Good friends are few and far between, and I know you will feel the lack in his absence. What a comfort we have, though, in the hope that comes from knowing our Savior will be keeping him company, and that they are having a good time together. The separation is only temporary, and one day you will be reunited.
Blessings
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