On Tuesday, Frances and I began our twelfth year of ministry at one of the retirement communities where we conduct services. The occasion brought to mind so many memories of so many people who have blessed us with what I like to call "moments of Christ."
I've shared with you some of these blessings. You may recall mention of times we had with Jim Kelly, the young man who happened to dwell in a 101 year old body, and who daily testified in all sincerity - "This is the best day of my life! - and gave the Lord Jesus Christ all glory for such vibrant abundance. Or Bonnie Williams, a dear lady challenged by cerebral palsy throughout her lifetime. Through Christ, Bonnie decisively won the challenge, trampling the affliction under her God-enabled feet by living a vital and joyful life to the end. Or Mrs. Massey, the retired (not really!) missionary who frequently reminded me at the end of a service that we'd reconvene again "if the Lord will." Or Donald, for whom the old hymns we sing always took him to another and better place and time (I can still see the look on his face, nearly a decade after he departed to be with the Lord). Or Patricia, who traversed the halls of the nursing facility on her walker, seeking to encourage people to attend the services. Or Miss Martha, who attended literally hundreds of our services, and who we never heard utter a syllable of complaint despite many health issues. "Fiinnnne!" Her response to my "How are you, Miss Martha?" ring in my mind and heart, and always will. Or Mrs. Windom. Or Mr. Whitey. Or Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Or Mrs. Ann. Or so many, many others whom I'd love to name if space permitted. I'd be remiss also if I fail to include those who presently grace us with ongoing moments of Christ that encourage us to trust in a faithful and present Lord who commits Himself for the entirety of this life's journey.
So many moments, filled with so much grace, the grace of the Lord Jesus. We've come to expect them now, and we're never disappointed. Of course, this applies to the entirety of our lives. Moments of Christ await all of God's trusting children who believe in a living, vitally active Savior. He dwells within us, He journeys with us wherever we may venture, and He waits for us at every destination. As we frequently reference, King David expressed such holy anticipation. "My expectation is from Him" (Psalm 62:5). Our lives teem with the living God - "In Him we live and move and have our being" - and it really doesn't take a great deal of faith to often realize the fulfillment of His promise and presence (Acts 17:28). Yes, moments of Christ await us in this day. Frances and I know this much better than we knew it twelve years ago because the glory of the Lord Jesus has glimmered in the faces, the words, and the lives of those dear ones who have served as lamps of His holy light. Their legacy reminds us to expect such moments, and to rejoice as our blessed Savior meets us along the way of life, and all the way.
"I will look for Him."
(Isaiah 8:17)
Weekly Memory Verse
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2).
I've shared with you some of these blessings. You may recall mention of times we had with Jim Kelly, the young man who happened to dwell in a 101 year old body, and who daily testified in all sincerity - "This is the best day of my life! - and gave the Lord Jesus Christ all glory for such vibrant abundance. Or Bonnie Williams, a dear lady challenged by cerebral palsy throughout her lifetime. Through Christ, Bonnie decisively won the challenge, trampling the affliction under her God-enabled feet by living a vital and joyful life to the end. Or Mrs. Massey, the retired (not really!) missionary who frequently reminded me at the end of a service that we'd reconvene again "if the Lord will." Or Donald, for whom the old hymns we sing always took him to another and better place and time (I can still see the look on his face, nearly a decade after he departed to be with the Lord). Or Patricia, who traversed the halls of the nursing facility on her walker, seeking to encourage people to attend the services. Or Miss Martha, who attended literally hundreds of our services, and who we never heard utter a syllable of complaint despite many health issues. "Fiinnnne!" Her response to my "How are you, Miss Martha?" ring in my mind and heart, and always will. Or Mrs. Windom. Or Mr. Whitey. Or Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Or Mrs. Ann. Or so many, many others whom I'd love to name if space permitted. I'd be remiss also if I fail to include those who presently grace us with ongoing moments of Christ that encourage us to trust in a faithful and present Lord who commits Himself for the entirety of this life's journey.
So many moments, filled with so much grace, the grace of the Lord Jesus. We've come to expect them now, and we're never disappointed. Of course, this applies to the entirety of our lives. Moments of Christ await all of God's trusting children who believe in a living, vitally active Savior. He dwells within us, He journeys with us wherever we may venture, and He waits for us at every destination. As we frequently reference, King David expressed such holy anticipation. "My expectation is from Him" (Psalm 62:5). Our lives teem with the living God - "In Him we live and move and have our being" - and it really doesn't take a great deal of faith to often realize the fulfillment of His promise and presence (Acts 17:28). Yes, moments of Christ await us in this day. Frances and I know this much better than we knew it twelve years ago because the glory of the Lord Jesus has glimmered in the faces, the words, and the lives of those dear ones who have served as lamps of His holy light. Their legacy reminds us to expect such moments, and to rejoice as our blessed Savior meets us along the way of life, and all the way.
"I will look for Him."
(Isaiah 8:17)
Weekly Memory Verse
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2).
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