I am finding it hard to believe that I am writing this, but on Thursday evening the senior pastor of the church I attend suddenly was taken to be with Lord. The last thing I expected to do on a Friday was assist the church in digging a burial plot. One thing I was very impressed how the church united so well and organized the funeral. About 50 men were assisting the digging of the burial plot. You have to understand that the soil is like rock up top and thick clay lower down. In temps over 40 Dec, It was a real nightmare to dig. The women cleaned the church and provide water to all the men working. During the funeral service the CO pastor who was leading the procession nearly broke down and in a second there were 3 pastors around him and comforted him.
This pastor was only in his 40’s and it was a shock to the whole community. He has left 3 young children and a nephew that he took into his family after his father had died. This will be a huge burden on his family; there is no such thing as a single mum’s pension so please pray that God will meet all their needs. Also pray for the congregation and community as they come to grips with his passing.
Earlier this week just outside my house a car hit an elderly women. Although she was alive her body was a mess and I would be very surprised if she survives. We can so easily blame God in these situations but all the time forgetting that there is an enemy and he is the one that comes to steel, kill and destroy.
On Thursday during my devotions with the Lord, the Spirit spoke to me very clearly and I heard the words “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” I knew it was for this church. Jesus is coming soon and he is coming for his pure bride. My question is are we prepared for his return? As a church we should be longing and eagerly awaiting for that day to come? I am reminded life is short here on earth, but it has everything to do with our eternity. Lets live our lives with purpose. I will end with this Psalm of David as it explains so well my thoughts.
Psalm 39:4-7
4 “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
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at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Interlude
6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
Wow Jim, this brings tears to my eyes. Praying for the pastor’s family and community during this hard time. Loved the psalm- it is so true! Love you and missing you. You are continually in my prayers.
Life in Africa deals much more with death; maybe thats why so many are so much more connected with their own mortality, and the realisation of the truth of Ps 39. Be comforted by Him. Praying for you, for continued strength and enthusiasm. We love the blogs – keep them coming! Tess.
Hi James, this certain pulls us up to think of our own mortality. Praying for the Pastors wife and the children. You are regularly remembered in prayer by many people, we have just got home from a prayer meeting where you and your ministry were prayed for. Love the truth of Ps 39 and we continually need to remember that our hope is in Him. Yes, we also love the blogs, you are faraway but just one click away:)
Judy and Neil
Sending prayers to all! May the Lord keep you safe.
When oppression
cruelty and fear
are all that is known
and suffering the daily experience
When famine
hunger and thirst
greet every morning
denying basic sustenance
How easy to say
there is no God
to turn aside
and label you an irrelevance
You who are
living water
bread of life
the one who offers deliverance
Who suffered
died and rose
bringing hope
that there is more to life than this
Bless all those
who in despair
and dark places
look to you for assurance
Bring comfort
peace and where
there is neither
bring to them abundance
Read more at: http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_peace.htm#ixzz1nVs2lbS4
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