Christian Funerals, Camp Friends and a Commitment to Serving the Lord
Christian funerals make the light of the gospel shine really bright.
Several families in the CCC body are walking through the loss of a loved one right now. All in a variety of seasons; for some it's unexpected, for others it's a moment they've been waiting on. Still for others, it's a re-opening of the moments they've grieved in days gone by. But as I attended and participated in multiple funerals this weekend, I was reminded by the preaching of leaders, both from the front and in conversations, of just how bright the light of the gospel shines against the dark backdrop of death.
I was reminded of how blessed each of us is recognizing that everything we have - including life - is a gift from God. And how we as humans are tasked like Abraham with being a blessing with all that God has blessed us with.
I was reminded of the hope of that moment when we are absent from flesh and present with God in glory. (2 Cor. 5:8) And how the angels usher us there (Luke 16:22).
I was reminded of how God sees us - through all the trials that come with living in a broken world. And how important grieving is - although as Christians we must do it with hope. (1 Thes. 4)
I was reminded that God intends us for to encourage one another with these words of hope in times of death. (1 Thes. 4:18)
And I was reminded time and time again that each of those truths are anchored to the truth that Jesus defeated death.
Let's continue to grieve together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, CCC.
Christian funerals make the light of the gospel shine really bright.
Pray for our kids at Camp - and all the friendships they make!
We sent over 40 people to a week of camp this week and I'm praying that it's a life changing experience for our kids!
Katelyn and I had to drop one of ours off late and when we went out to do that it felt like a family reunion! We saw multiple people from both our church and other churches that brought smiles to our face as we hugged, celebrated what was happening in life and ministry, and made plans to see each other soon.
Catching friends at camp feels like a glimpse of heaven.
Can you imagine what it's going to be like when around the throne we get to embrace brothers and sisters from previous generations that we've only heard stories of, or that we only spent a few days with serving overseas, or who we always longed to be more connected to but God had us serving in different places?!?! I know it's going to be incredible!!! And I think we got a taste seeing just a few friends at camp last night.
A Commitment to Serve
Yesterday was another incredible day of serving our community through Love Shelbyville Day! It was an awesome day to serve and so much got done!
Alex Hagan has done such an incredible job of leading that day these last several months. I especially appreciated his prayer that we would serve with grateful and joyous hearts. Amen!
When I thanked him again for his leadership, he said something that I believe to be true as well as one of our pastors: "The folks in our church have made it easy on me because of their desire to serve!"
Amen! Thank you Christ Community!
Speaking of a commitment to serve the Lord..
Another thing on my mind this Monday morning is my mom's birthday!
I won't share her age (I'm getting wiser!), but as I reflected on Mom and how grateful I am for her, I flashed back to multiple Sunday mornings where she was heading into church early to practice for leading worship or to copy papers to teach kids or to turn on a crockpot for a fellowship dinner. I'm sharing a directory photo of my family from when we were all still at home. Through those hectic years of raising 4 boys, her commitment to serving the local church didn't wane.
Looking back, her commitment to serving the Lord was one of the most impactful thing on my heart to serve the Lord. Her commitment to serving the Lord mattered. It was a priority in her life that modeled that for me.
Thank you Mom. And Happy Birthday!
