1-11-21 THOUGHTS

Later this morning, some of us will bury one of the sweet founders of our congregation. She and her husband were a powerful, loving force for the Church here 43 years ago.  
1Cor 3:6   I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.  You and I labor together today, building on a foundation laid many years ago.  
I speak not of land and buildings, but of LOVE and FELLOWSHIP in SERVING the Lord.
Heb 11:13-16    All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles  on the earth.  14  For those who say such things make it clear  that they are seeking a country of their own. 15  And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Psalms 116:15  Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.
My mind flashes through history and the many who have passed from this earth, who have been a part of my life in PRESENTING GOD to this community!  
2Cor 5:6-9    Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord —  7  for we walk by faith, not by sight —  8  we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9  Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
2Tim 4:6-8   For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  7  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8  in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
We are part of a larger progression of life aren’t we.  We each take our time in our time...  let’s do our very best for the God who gave us salvation in Christ Jesus!

My Prayer:
Thank you Oh Lord for the fellowship of saints in the times of our lives.  Help us each day to love one another with sincere hearts, diligently.  Teach us as one, together,  to bear the fruit we ought to produce.  May we share you and your son Jesus will those around us.  
In the name of Jesus            Amen