Remembering Bruce

Today, a dear brother in our local church went to be with The Lord -- Bruce. He passed the line of worlds with His Loving Savior, Jesus Christ, this morning around 5:30 a.m.

I visited the family at the home place before preaching this morning. Just as sure as Bruce was absent from his body, I have assurance that he is present with our Lord.

About five years ago (after attending a Bible Study) Bruce shared his two favorite verses of Scripture with me:

1. 1 John 4:9 ... on True Love, and 

2. Matthew 5:6 ... on Holy Hunger.

As I post this blog, I am standing at Duck Run Natural Cemetery watching the hearse pull onto the property carrying Bruce's body. He is resting in a casket he built for himself. His cancer journey allowed him a few years to get ready and Bruce didn't miss one detail. 

Yes, Bruce passed this morning and his interment is this afternoon. He wanted a natural burial and he's getting it.

It could not be a more beautiful day. 

Grateful

Holiness Shall Whisper

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God’s approval.
They will be satisfied.
-- Matthew 5:6 (GWT)

Are you hungry for holiness today? More than just working for the kingdom are you worshipping the King? As we live in a right relationship with Holy God, let's be encouraged by this line from a great old hymn of the church:

Lead on, O King Eternal, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.
-- “Lead On, O King Eternal” by Ernest W. Shurtleff

Holiness unto The LORD!
Grateful

But He Intentionally Ignores...

In my reading and reflecting from the Old Testament Proverbs, the contrast in this verse stopped me in my tracks:

The Lord will not allow a righteous person to starve, but He intentionally ignores the desires of a wicked person.
-- Proverbs 10:3 (God's Word Translation)

If my thoughts had been sinful, He would have refused to hear me.
-- Psalm 66:18 (CEV)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
-- Words of Jesus in Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Click here: YouTube - Hungry w/lyrics by Kathryn Scott

Holiness Unto the LORD!
Grateful

A Right Now Relationship With God

We can't expect to rely on an in-the-past relationship with an I-Am-Present God.

My God, I want an up-to-date, here-and-now, right relationship with You. I want to know You in ever-increasing intimacy. Amen.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst desperately for a right now, yes, an up-to-date personal relationship with God, for they will be fulfilled. -- Kerry's Paraphrase of Matthew 5:6

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

"At One" or Aloof?

Lord, give me a desire to be always "at one" with You, and never aloof from You. Let me be aligned with Your blessed words recorded in Matthew 5:6, yes "hungry and thirsty" for a right relationship with You at all times. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Intensify My Hunger

Lord, intensify my hunger for You. Amen.
-- Dennis Kinlaw's prayer recorded in his book, The Mind of Christ

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
-- Words of Chrst recorded in His Sermon on the Mount

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful