Keep On!

Yesterday I attended the funeral of Wayne.

Friends and family received words of comfort and encouragement

as we reflected on a man, not perfect, but committed humbly

to honor God, though his lot in life was not what anyone would choose,

he desired above all to;

'fight a good fight, to run the course and to keep the faith, 

The service opened with the reminder that Wayne has done what still awaits all of us! 

He has met his Maker, but His Maker was/is also his Savior. 

We were challenged that the same may be true of us;

that when we meet God we will meet Him not only as our Maker 

but, as our Savior too!

The second speaker reminded family and friends 

that our God is a God of promises; 

He promises peace, 

He promises rest 

and He promises never to leave or forsake us. 

Sweet words of comfort esp. for Wayne's wife, children, Dad, siblings, etc.

...so, reflecting on a funeral at Christmas is not morbid

but in reality, is what the joy of Christmas is; Jesus, the hope of mankind

come to earth to be our Saviour

not for this brief life only, but to all who believe,

 forever and ever! Amen!

This reality makes our Christmas reflections more precious than ever!!

And rekindles faith's fervor to keep on till we too can say,

'I have fought the good fight, 

I have finished the race,

 I have kept the faith. 

8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day,

 and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Tim.4:7-8

Keep on, we, not yet victorious

Upon Jesus fix faith’s eyes

For the joy still set before us

Keep on pressing to the prize

Keep on praying to keep seeking

God’s kingdom and righteousness

Keep on trusting, wholly leaning

Of His steadfast promises

Keep on looking to the Saviour

To imbue our walk and talk

To correct rebel behaviour

Lest we leave a stumbling block

Keep on casting cares on Jesus

Praise Him with each thought and breath

Until His last mercy frees us

From these bodies doomed to death

Keep on hoping, keep on loving

Every sin, humbly confess

Until the day of faith’s proving

Wins a crown of righteousness

Keep on with fixed dedication

To fight dark forces of sin

Until faith’s last invitation

Hears these blessed words ‘enter in’

© Janet Martin