Facing the end

I spent the morning visiting some of our church family in hospital. It's always a time of prayer for me as I go into the hospital. Today was a difficult day. Both of the dear people I visited are facing the possible end of their time here on earth. Both are sweet Christians and my time with them was wonderful, but both have been told that "this may be it." Those visits are always hard. There are always tears, both theirs and mine. One dear one told me, "they tell me I'm terminal..." and I responded, "I'm terminal too." Their reply was funny for the situation, "Oh, I'm so sorry, what's wrong?" I simply said, "We are all terminal. The only difference between us is that you know more clearly when you might be leaving." And this dear one smiled at me, understanding.

I know that if the Lord doesn't come back before "my time" I too will face "my day." It's great to have hope. A hope based on the risen Christ. A hope that's sure. It makes what would have been bitter visits today almost a joy as we talk together about the hope ahead. The day when death will be swallowed up by LIFE.

1Co 15:20. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming,24. then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
26. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

Acts 2 for today

Here is an interesting rewrite of Acts 2 from "the sacred sandwich" web site. Enjoy:

"AC 2:42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' new bestsellers and to small group meetings, to the eating of Krispy Kreme donuts in the church foyer and to contemplative spirituality. AC 2:43 And everyone kept feeling the bass from the praise and worship rock band; and many video clips and light shows were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together at three different services, and had casual attire in common; 45 and they began selling their stocks and bonds, and were giving the proceeds to the building campaign, as the church might have need. 46 And day by day continuing with one vision in the new million-dollar sanctuary, and sending church mailers from house to house, they were having celebration dinners together with gladness and self-esteem in the heart, 47 praising God, and finding favor with all the people‘s felt needs. And the Lord (along with Peter, the original inventor of perpetual revival) was adding to their number day by day those who were finding purpose."

-- http://sacredsandwich.com/

A reason to live

This is my first blog. Let me begin this blog site with a quote that has haunted me since I first read it. It is never far from my thoughts-

“"It takes a lifetime to just begin to understand the truth. It's a long journey, and one that is filled with adventure. To not go is to become mostly bored, and resigned to finding entertainment as stimulus to ease the soul ache."
-- D.J. Chuang

I am a Christian pastor in Texas in my mid 50's. I have fewer years left that I have already used up. I want to finish well. I have no desire to retire. My goal is to use every day to make a difference in the world where God has placed me.

I invite you to join me in this quest- to live well, for the glory of God.