Greetings everyone,
I have not written you since May 25th. I have experienced quite a few events since the last message. I pray that you and your families are doing well and that many of you have made the choice to make Jesus Christ your personal Savior.
Over the last serval weeks I have been studying 2 Chronicles, the book of John,Nehemiah, Ezra, and Acts. I admit that it has been difficult to understand where God wanted me to go when preparing this message. However, I believe that for these past few weeks the message I have gotten from 2 Chronicles was two fold. The first explained the lineage of the people of Israel and the promise of Christ descending from King David as it was written in the scriptures. The second was the repetitive sinful behavior of the people of Judah and the surrounding territories. It never seemed to fail that once a particular king took over, he would either "do evil in the eyes of the Lord", or in 2 Chronicles 20:32 ... "did what was right in the sight of the Lord. "
The questions that continued to repeat in my mind dealt with the times we are in today regarding family and how a secular world is against family and the positive effects it has on any given society. How many generations will pass before we recognize that we are repeating what the Israelites did in time past. At the same time another question was, what will it take for people to see that we are living in an uncertain time.
While preparing this message I allowed procrastination and other issues to prohibit me from my responsibility of preparing a message. Well God has a way of getting your attention and putting you back on track. On June 16, 2015, my mom and dearest friend passed away. She was and is an amazing woman, mother and wife. As I have been battling the roller coaster of emotions, I have tried my best to speak to the Lord every few minutes requesting strength, clarity, and wisdom. My mother was mother to many, she had her own style of tough love, she was stubborn, but in my eyes never hesitated to help those in need she cared for.
I looked back and contemplated the words from the scriptures above and questioned where my mom would fit and how did she and my dad raised four children, while supporting thier parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, relatives, and the local North Chicago neighborhood. Although, I was keenly aware of the impact they both had on everyone, it was not until their 50th wedding anniversary, that I think they were aware of it. Secondly, when my mom took ill earlier this year, once again she was inundated with love from those she affected. As mother's heart began to change, I never pictured that God was putting his plan into action to bring her home. If you knew my mom, not only could you see the change in her, but you could feel it. God's work was in place. Again, it was not until prayer with my family and discussion with my wife, did we receive this. My prayers were that she got better, take time to see the world and increase her relationships with the people who cared about her.
Having said all this, I am sure many of you are asking did I question God for calling her home at the young age of 72, or you may wonder if I was angry for her home going. Honestly, my issues did not deal with either question. My initial thoughts were of bewilderment, first because I spoke to her on Sunday and spoke to my dad on Monday night, in both cases I received great news of her health increasing. I told them both how my family and I were looking forward to seeing them in June and July. Although, my mom requested we wait until July.
Secondly, although struck and struggling with pain, here is what came to mind;
Phillipians 1:19-23
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
Colossians 3:1-3
Put on a New Heart
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Luke 21:10-19
Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution:
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
John 5:24 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 8:51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
Revelations 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Normally, I would have provided the appropriate Commentary to these scriptures to ensure you fully received the information derived from God's word. However, in this time I request your forgiveness and ask that you consider searching Matthew Henry's Commentary or one of your choosing to find the information. However, I do hope and pray that you chose Christ today. Tomorrow is not promised to you. Let folks laugh, call you names, etc. Christ has your back.
