Posts Tagged ‘ Death ’
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8, ESV
The hope of Christ is that the long-awaited Messiah has come, that God Himself came to us to love like one of us to redeem us from death.
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:11, ESV
We give up our old life when we come to Christ, and we are given new life through the Holy Spirit because of faith in His death and resurrection.
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:10, ESV
God takes care of us, so that even if we are in dire situations or die, He can save us by His might right hand in the name of Jesus Christ.
I got to thinking this past week about my mom. She would have been 63 yesterday.
My brother’s 10th anniversary was on Tuesday. They got married in a large room down the hall from mom’s room in the hospital, because we knew, barring some super-amazing miracle, she was going home to Jesus. The hospital staff was amazing, clearing the room and helping with decorating and some of the food. (A celebration of love and life is probably very welcome in that ward!)
10 years later, my brother and his wife have a house, some pets, and two rambunctious and adorable boys (the oldest starting Kindergarten this month.)
I think about that mom got to see me start teaching in Special Education (self-contained autism classroom), but she missed my then going on to get a masters in education and teaching 7th Grade Algebra and later some courses at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
She missed that I not only grew to enjoy coffee but become a barista and business owner.
She missed when I entered paid ministry as a Youth Pastor (and eventually an elder for my congregation) . Add to that the apologetics speaking I routinely do, including a YouTube channel to go with this blog, and eventually achieving a dream of teaching at a college, specifically Christian Worldview at GCU.
There are many things I know she would have loved to see happen in my life that I wish I could share with her.
But I also remember all the conversations had 10 years ago with people who used to “hate God and religion” but had come to faith or at least became more friendly toward Christianity all because of her. That had been her just 14 years before that. (Take it from one who took a lot of her badgering and questions!)
I remember seeing a church filled to standing room only to celebrate her life and share more of those stories.
I like to think there was so much more she could have done in this world, but I’ve talked with hundreds of those lives God used her to change. I think the fact that I have been used to impact hundreds of lives, and I talk about the role she played in that with many of them.
Do I miss my mom?
Absolutely! Is it everyday? Not anymore. Some days are so busy that I barely have time to remember my own needs! (Youth Pastor/Elders, Worldview instructor, and back in seminary.) But most days she is remembered. Even by friends who barely met her or only talked to her on the phone.
Actually, more often than not, I think about the fun we could have in any moment, how she would have responded to a situation, and – most importantly – the fun we’ll have in eternity.
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, ESV
Her legacy definitely continues through many who still praise God because of her life and so many other reasons, and, if not for her, I wouldn’t be here. I thank God for her life and the glory of God that is spread because of her life.
Was she perfect? Absolutely not! But she drew near to God for the last 13 years of her life, and that has made her perfect in Christ’s righteousness.
I long for the day we can praise God together face to face.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
God has prepared a rest for us through Christ, the one who understands our life and all the problems and temptations we face yet overcame them, even death. Faith in His life, death, and resurrection brings us hope for resurrection and rest from the problems and temptations.
”He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”
Matthew 28:6, HCSB
Christ is risen from the grave! We have a risen Savior who has overcome death and the grave!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11, ESV
Our God has come to us. He became a weak baby to demonstrate His omnipotence over death and sin as well as life. Trust in and worship Him.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33, ESV
Jesus came to defeat death and overcome the ways of this world, and now He empowers us to share this truth with the world, bringing others along to believe this.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24, ESV
We praise God for making us, for saving us, for giving us life.
We can only praise if we believe Jesus – the perfect Son, truly God and truly man, the sinless substitute who died for our sin and physically rose again – has taken our penalty and led us into eternal life.
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
If we find our identity in anything other than God, we live in rebellion to Him, idolizing ourselves or whatever we base our identity on.
When we are sealed in the Holy Spirit, our identity is found in Christ, and our lives should revolve around Him.
a simple man of God 