Several years back, when my children were in their early teenage years, they had the opportunity to be part of an outdoor living drama about the life of Christ. My youngest son Brad was chosen to play Jesus in his younger years especially a scene of him preaching at the temple. My oldest son Brent was chosen to be one of the guards and my daughter Jessica one of the many who followed Jesus. It was a wonderful presentation and made to be as realistic as possible, but it was hard on my son being one of the guards.
On opening night my Brother and his family came to see the play. My nephew Colton, who was four at the time, quietly watched as each scene unfolded never saying a word. When it was time for the guards to beat Jesus, they loudly went through the motions and actions of the beating and then there was a moment of quiet, for all to absorb what had just taken place. It was then, in that stillness Colton said “Daddy why is Brent being mean to Jesus?” Everyone around us had tears streaming down their face. Even a four year old knew this was wrong.
Today, many would have you believe this is a fable, a story from years ago. I did not witness these horrible people and what they did. I wasn’t born; it was many years ago, even older than my grandparents. I didn’t hear the angry crowds curse and spit on him, but I know it is the truth of what happened and I believe He died for me. As a compassionate person, and a Mother I cannot bear this part of the story without my heart breaking even as I write this. How could they not see He was not guilty? This happened because of things we do, choices we make instead of following God’s word. It was God’s plan. He loves us enough to have His son die for our sake.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, today is the day you need to make the decision to change your life.
Daddy, Mom, Tracy, Michael & Tina
Daddy, Momma, Tracy, Michael, Tina
Friday, April 20, 2012
Richard Bates ~ Celebrate me home!
This past week we at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church said goodbye to a beloved member of our church family, Richard Bates. One of the things that I loved most about Richard is that firm handshake he would always give. He was happy to see us come toward him, and he would put just that little bit of extra squeeze in his handshake and pull me all over the place! He volunteered to be a usher, even though he was handicapped, and I promise you if you knew him at all, if there was a will, he would find the way to take on a task. This little act of service was so simple yet so much like the person he was, a giving, kind and loving man. He had a faithful trust in the Lord and he served Him with joy. He worried about his children and their walks with God and prayed for them. He prayed for you and me, this was the type of man he was.
When Richard lost his arm years back, I thought surely his world would be over. He wouldn’t be able to function as he always had. He showed us what a true and trustworthy man he was though. He remained the strength Aunt Sandra needed, he continued to repair things at home and found ways to do so independently. He believed God had a purpose for his life, and he set the example for us all to see. He made jokes about his arm to put us all at ease, especially the kids. He knew it was difficult for them to understand and wanted them to see he was still, Daddy, Papaw and Uncle Richard. All of us stepped up to help him, and he stepped faster to help us. If anyone ever had an excuse to sit down and give up Richard had one with the loss of his arm. But he taught us to be strong in the Lord.
I know he is walking the streets of gold, and I celebrate his love of the Lord and that his trip is complete. I thank him for setting an example before us all, and showing even in times of trial, God will see you through.
Our Father who is in heaven is waiting for us at the end of our days to say “Well done good and faithful servant . . . enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:21)
Those are the words we would indeed love to hear from our God and Father on the day we stand before him after we have lived but a short time this side of heaven and eternity. May your heart find fulfillment in serving him. May God’s grace fall upon you. May you know the joy of the Lord in your life and in all your days. May you bring joy to the Lord with your service and love in the short time you have to do so.
When Richard lost his arm years back, I thought surely his world would be over. He wouldn’t be able to function as he always had. He showed us what a true and trustworthy man he was though. He remained the strength Aunt Sandra needed, he continued to repair things at home and found ways to do so independently. He believed God had a purpose for his life, and he set the example for us all to see. He made jokes about his arm to put us all at ease, especially the kids. He knew it was difficult for them to understand and wanted them to see he was still, Daddy, Papaw and Uncle Richard. All of us stepped up to help him, and he stepped faster to help us. If anyone ever had an excuse to sit down and give up Richard had one with the loss of his arm. But he taught us to be strong in the Lord.
I know he is walking the streets of gold, and I celebrate his love of the Lord and that his trip is complete. I thank him for setting an example before us all, and showing even in times of trial, God will see you through.
Our Father who is in heaven is waiting for us at the end of our days to say “Well done good and faithful servant . . . enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:21)
Those are the words we would indeed love to hear from our God and Father on the day we stand before him after we have lived but a short time this side of heaven and eternity. May your heart find fulfillment in serving him. May God’s grace fall upon you. May you know the joy of the Lord in your life and in all your days. May you bring joy to the Lord with your service and love in the short time you have to do so.
The Path
When I walked the isle to be saved at this church it was like a burden was lifted from me. I was just a few months shy of being twelve years old. My cousins Martha Jo, Kathy and I had discussed in length that we were saved and would be walking the isle the next Sunday. I told Momma and Daddy, and they had Bro Noel Harris discuss salvation with me and he agreed I was ready. The invitation started, and right away Martha walked the isle, and I remember being nervous. Then Kathy went. It was me next in line and I moved to the end of the pew. I felt pressure, like something holding me back. After Bro Harris indicated for Kathy to stand by Martha Jo, he raised his arm and said “Are there others?” I stepped into the isle with feet of lead.
I remember thinking, why was that step so hard because the next step I took it was as if Angel wings lifted me and I floated on air right up to Bro. Harris. I made the decision to walk away from a life of sin and each step I took became easier as I walked with God. He lifted me, and the Angels carried me. The decision I made was based on the love my family had for me to see that I was taught about Jesus and could make the decision to accept His free pardon from sin. He loved me enough to inspire me to walk with Him.
I know many of you might not have been young when you were saved and walked the isle. In fact, some older people now think they are too old to walk the isle; “it’s something you do when you are a child”. I promise you, as you look into your heart, you are never too old to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. I also know, for those of you who were saved in later years of your life, you have a lesson to teach, a story to tell that could inspire someone to know it is never too late in life to repent of your sins and be saved.
Everyone did not have the happy family who goes to church together life and had to rise from family adversity to make the decision to follow Christ. Sis. Zula tells me she had to hide her salvation from her Mother, Sis. Laura says she never went to church until she moved to Arkansas and vaguely remembers her Grandmother attending church. Both of these women found it in their hearts to be saved and turn their family destiny in to one of teaching about the Lord.
It is never too late to turn your path in life around and be saved and to change your families walk in life. Jesus welcomes you with open arms. What are you waiting for?
I remember thinking, why was that step so hard because the next step I took it was as if Angel wings lifted me and I floated on air right up to Bro. Harris. I made the decision to walk away from a life of sin and each step I took became easier as I walked with God. He lifted me, and the Angels carried me. The decision I made was based on the love my family had for me to see that I was taught about Jesus and could make the decision to accept His free pardon from sin. He loved me enough to inspire me to walk with Him.
I know many of you might not have been young when you were saved and walked the isle. In fact, some older people now think they are too old to walk the isle; “it’s something you do when you are a child”. I promise you, as you look into your heart, you are never too old to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. I also know, for those of you who were saved in later years of your life, you have a lesson to teach, a story to tell that could inspire someone to know it is never too late in life to repent of your sins and be saved.
Everyone did not have the happy family who goes to church together life and had to rise from family adversity to make the decision to follow Christ. Sis. Zula tells me she had to hide her salvation from her Mother, Sis. Laura says she never went to church until she moved to Arkansas and vaguely remembers her Grandmother attending church. Both of these women found it in their hearts to be saved and turn their family destiny in to one of teaching about the Lord.
It is never too late to turn your path in life around and be saved and to change your families walk in life. Jesus welcomes you with open arms. What are you waiting for?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)