What a roller-coaster weekend this was...
funeral, wedding, wonderful worship service, family thanksgiving dinner/ celebrations
where hearts grief-tender sought and found comfort
in the unfailing kindness of fellow believers and God's Word.
The verse below was shared yesterday morning at our worship service
by a mother whose daughter donated one of her kidneys to a little boy this week.
Ron Seabrooke (whose funeral was on Saturday) was also a dear friend of their family...
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--
how will
he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
...and then this verse by our dear brother Richard Haverkamp
who reminded us we did not lose 'our pastor'!
We lost 'one of our dear pastors'.
We thankfully have a team who will by God's direction and grace carry on!
Someone shared this verse of comfort and exhortation;
Heb.13:7-8
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
...and then this verse by our dear brother Richard Haverkamp
who reminded us we did not lose 'our pastor'!
We lost 'one of our dear pastors'.
We thankfully have a team who will by God's direction and grace carry on!
Someone shared this verse of comfort and exhortation;
Heb.13:7-8
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
What glorious reminders to give thanks in spite of all we do not understand.
Yes, you know how it is…the ups and downs of love and
life
Can lead us into temptation to live in doubt or
fear
The could and might of Possibility that wields its knife
Would be too hard to bear without God’s promises to cheer
How could we face tomorrow and the sorrow that yet waits
Without the Hope of He who was, is and ever will be
The faithfulness of God who swings wide morning’s
gleaming gates
Will not leave or forsake we who need Him so desperately
…then we press on, though reason leaves our answers full
of holes
In the how-why of He whose thoughts and ways test mortal
trust
Still, we know He who gave His only Son to save our souls
Will never leave us comfortless in come what may and must
…and we are filled with humble, hopeful, joyful gratitude
Although we cannot see the way, His mercies never cease
Where we would fall prey to despair our courage is
renewed
As surrender’s great mystery bestows strength, hope and
peace
Yes, you know how it is …the highs and lows, high-fives
and blows
Unfurls a roller-coaster ride of both pleasure and pain
Where heart-broken farewells are hinged to handshakes and
hellos
To fill us with hope’s thankfulness that words cannot
explain
© Janet Martin
