As Pastor Scott said during the graveside service at Tahoma National Cemetery, the body we laid to rest today was "merely a tent".Folded away to be replaced by an eternal building.
God-made, not man-made!
To quote a bit of the scripture Scott read from:
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (The Message)
That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet!
Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going.
Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.
Dad was ready for that homecoming!
To continuing using Scott's words (I don't think he'll mind), "Buddy is no longer here. He Has departed. He fought a good fight. He finished the course. "
"He kept the faith. He has received his crown of righteousness. He has entered his rest. So, that leads me to ask this question, What about you and me?"
This post wasn't intended (okay, so maybe it was) to be a soap-box sermonette. As many of you that know me well could attest; my life has not always been much of a testament to the Lord. I am striving, with God's help and grace, to make a changes in my personal relationship with Christ.
You can too!
If you're not a Christian, you can have that glow that Dad had... you can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer.
God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, I invite you to pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.
If you are already a Christian, then live each day of your life letting your light shine for all to see, giving glory to your Father in heaven, and knowing that no matter what life brings...
The Best is Yet to Be!
You're right Scott, I bet Dad is up there leaping & shouting, "It's true, it's true!"
God Bless you all!
Johnny:)