Arrival in Heaven

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.                   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks put the circumstances of our lives, both good and bad into God’s hands and help us see them through His eyes. Last night our beloved daughter-in-law Melinda slipped from this world into the presence of Jesus. And while we are overwhelmed with grief and shock, these words are promises to which we cling. Melinda has finished her race. Her battle with cancer is finished. And while that pernicious disease claimed her physical life, it could not touch her soul. That remained fully and exclusively in the hands of Jesus with whom she now lives. Nancy and I didn’t know how to process the news that came in three words. “She is gone.” Yet as sadness rolls over my heart I sense the message echo back from Heaven, ” She has arrived!”

Rock of Ages

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Ironically this hymn, which could be called our declaration of independence from sin and death was first published in England in 1776, the year we in America declared our independence from Great Britain. Also, noteworthy, “Rock of Ages” was the last and greatest work of August Toplady, who died just two years later at the age of thirty-eight. Last Sunday, the residents at Discovery Villages. joined in quite heartedly. Though they come from a variety of denominations, as we sing these words, we are united by our faith in Jesus Christ, who is the rock of our salvation and our hope for eternal life. I pray you might be blessed as you listen and even better as you join in.

God’s Heavenly Hotline

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 KJV

When the people of Israel left Egypt, they were terrified as they faced the Red Sea in front of them with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit behind. So, they ran to Moses demanding answers and blaming Him for the situation. On his part, Moses knew that they were partly right: he didn’t know what to do either, so he dialed God’s heavenly hot line. When Moses called, God answered in spectacular fashion and parted the water of the sea. Now, you might think that when the Israelites saw God’s power that allowed them to escape, Pharoah’s army while drowning their enemies, that they would trust God from then on.

But just like us, every time another emergency arose, they repeated the same complain and blame game over and over again. No matter how many times God delivered them they didn’t trust Him the next time, and things aren’t that much different today. Instead of chariots, and a dead end at the seashore, we face political divisions, environmental disasters, and economic crises. Just like the people of Israel we feel as if our world is about to end, but the good news is that God still answers His heavenly hotline. Just as it was back then, God is the only one with the answers. So, before turning on the news today, remind yourself that He who protected the Israelites so long ago will guard our homes and hearts if we trust in Him. Even when mountains fall into the sea, He promises to walk with us and be our refuge and strength. So, when problems, fears, or catastrophes strike, why not do what Moses did? Fall on your knees and call God’s Heavenly Hotline today!

Photo by Constantin Adelina on Pexels.com

Laughing and Singing at Nursing Home

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I used to make videos explaining how to get started in nursing home ministry, how to help them prepare for holidays and other important subjects. But over the last three years, I thought it might be far more helpful to simply show what we do. This week, I delved into my memory banks and pulled out a fun, yet entirely scriptural Sunday school song. Residents at long-term care facilities do love the old hymns, but they also love to laugh, and this song provided both as much Biblical content as any hymn along with an easy to sing, happy and joyful melody. I hope you will be blessed and that you sing Silver and Gold along with my Life Care friends. Have a blessed Saturday everybody and why not try walking, leaping and praising God today?