GOD IS WITH US…December 10th

As I write this to you my heart breaks.  I was unable to send a devotional yesterday.  I was in a Methodist Conference meeting all day.  However,  this morning I was told that a dear friend of mine, Oliver, had passed away last night.  We knew it would not be long.  He had struggled for so long.  He put up a courageous fight and he faced death with courage and dignity.  He never wanted anyone to do for him, because he thought it to be an imposition.  He just didn’t want to be a bother.  That was just the kind of man he was.

In the midst of all of this I reminded of Jesus’ words on the cross,  “This day you will be with me in paradise.”  He said this to a man who was being crucified with him.   A man who, as he said, deserved what he was getting for his crimes.  The man asked Him simply, “Remember me when you get into your Kingdom.”  While others mocked Him and spat upon him and dared Him to save Himself, the sinner saw who Jesus really was.

Christmas is a time to see who Jesus really is.  He is the One proclaimed by all the prophets.  He is the One born into poverty.  He is the One who as a boy taught in the temple.  He is the One who grew into an adult and was baptized by John.  He was tempted in the desert, he healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, preached good news to the poor, helped the lame to walk and the blind to see and raised people from the dead.  He showed us who God really is and how much God really loves us and in showing us He spread Himself lovingly and willingly on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  Most of all, most of all, Jesus is our EMMANUEL…God is with us!

So today remember that God is with you.  Jesus proves it.  Jesus made it so and in making it so God wants your life to be an exciting adventure.  He wants you to LIVE!  Abraham Lincoln said this,  “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”  What kind of life is in your years?  What are you doing to make the most of it now?

So Oliver we love you.  You left us too soon, but what look at the life you shared.   The life in your years was seen and felt by all and will truly last for generations to come.  Thank you for loving my family.  Thank you for sharing the love of God with your church and the world.   This day you are in paradise.  We will see you soon!

My friends live your life today!  Cherish every moment and most of all live it to the fullest!

Love you all,
Rev. Jim