Monday, April 19, 2010
It started with a phone call Friday night. A man I baptized a couple of years ago had gone thru a difficult divorce and was calling to let me know he was trying to get his life together spiritually. He had not been truthful about some things with his family and with those of us trying to give spiritual counsel. He wanted to confess to me and to let me know he had confessed to his parents and to his ex. He is back in church and wants to become the man God wants him to be.
Found out one our neighbors has a Mom with lung cancer and a Dad undergoing heart procedure this week. Put them on church prayer list and Marsha's taking food to them.
An elder at a church in the Metroplex where I have preached a number of times had come to Abilene with his family to celebrate his in-law's anniversary. The in-laws are long-time members at Southern Hills and there are lots of conncections. On the way home, they were in a terrible car wreck. He and his daughter were careflighted back to Abilene. Lots of us at the hospital praying for them.
They both died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Lots of tears, lots of counsel, lots of affirmation that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Lots of affirmation that God is God and our hearts will choose to say "blessed be the name of the Lord". And that is what he would have said had he been in the waiting room.
One spiritual journey back to God. One opportunity to serve and open doors to share Jesus. One tearful tragedy. God's children home forever. Chances to be God's heart, hands, and voice in this world.
Maybe this is what we are all here for... till we go home.
Found out one our neighbors has a Mom with lung cancer and a Dad undergoing heart procedure this week. Put them on church prayer list and Marsha's taking food to them.
An elder at a church in the Metroplex where I have preached a number of times had come to Abilene with his family to celebrate his in-law's anniversary. The in-laws are long-time members at Southern Hills and there are lots of conncections. On the way home, they were in a terrible car wreck. He and his daughter were careflighted back to Abilene. Lots of us at the hospital praying for them.
They both died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Lots of tears, lots of counsel, lots of affirmation that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Lots of affirmation that God is God and our hearts will choose to say "blessed be the name of the Lord". And that is what he would have said had he been in the waiting room.
One spiritual journey back to God. One opportunity to serve and open doors to share Jesus. One tearful tragedy. God's children home forever. Chances to be God's heart, hands, and voice in this world.
Maybe this is what we are all here for... till we go home.
