“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org
The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor” @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com
Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/10/04/loss-or-is-it-gain/
LOSS! OR IS IT GAIN?
Posted on October 4, 2023 by Pastor Randy
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians Chapter 1, Verse 21 (from the New Living Translation)
I still remember over 9 years ago when I suggested to Debbie that we would open our home to her sister, Sandy. It must have been a momentary lapse in judgment on my part. But when I saw the joy of Debbie and Sister (that’s what Debbie calls her) living under the same roof–there was no doubt it was a God-Thing. And Sandy has been a part of our everyday life. And I wouldn’t take a gazillion dollars for a single moment of it. Yes, things changed–but for the better.
And last night, things changed again for me and Debbie. Sister/Sandy took her last breath here on earth–and then took her first breath in Heaven. She was surrounded by her family whom she loves so much. And now? It feels like–nay, strike that–It Is a Great Loss that we now feel. All day yesterday I was thinking–about May 2018 when my Mother died; about August 2021 when my own sister died; about January 2022 when Daddy died; a cousin who was more like a sister. And interposed between these, was the loss of good friends and other family members, and those who were more like sisters and brothers to us rather than friends.
And it was either Saturday or Sunday (time is still a blur to me), Sandy said she wanted me to hold her funeral. Now, I’ve got to find some words. But when dealing with loss, it’s hard–very hard. It’s not the first time to do a service for a family member. So, it should be a piece of cake. But can I be honest with you? Well, I’m going to! The words are not coming–it’s just that overwhelming sense of loss! No Sister to talk to this morning. Her space is empty–and there’s a void in our hearts.
But then. . .I am reminded of those words of Paul: “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” For you who do not know her–this is Her story. Just a little over 30 years ago, Sandy should have already been dead. She was literally drinking herself to death. But in that hospital bed, she will tell you, Jesus came to her and delivered her. She really didn’t care about her biological birthday–but her Sober Birthday? Now that was a Very Big Deal–to her and their family and friends.
And last night, she celebrated another birthday–and it is even bigger than her Sober Birthday. Her birth into eternal life! Her instructions to me were very clear–and firm–her service was to be a Celebration! And though we are suffering a deep loss–she is now Celebrating! And the best–and most loving thing–I can do for Sandy, is to make sure we Celebrate! Not just her–but Jesus who saved and delivered her! Know what? She told me many times, that since her Sober Birthday, she has never wanted another drink! And if God can do that–and He did–then we know we can count on God! Especially in our feelings of loss! When a child of God dies–we feel loss–but for them, it’s Gain! And since it’s Gain to them–then it’s time to celebrate!
Not long ago I wrote that the church should be more like Hospice. (Read the post here) Someone said it should be more like a hospital. But I kindly disagreed. Hospitals wait for people to come to them. Hospice goes to where the people are! And my heartfelt and utmost gratitude goes out to the entire staff of Hospice of Northwest Alabama! Each one of you has helped us in ways that cannot be put into words. And thank you for being right here in our home–to the very end of–and the New Beginning for Sandy.
**********************************
P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
God's group 