April 5, 2015

The Shepherd's Corner

Friday before noon Our Loving Shepherd welcomed Tante Lolita into His Eternal Dwelling.  Up till the night before, she was still alert and still able to communicate with her family members.  But, on Friday morning she slipped into a coma and remained in that condition until—in the word of the late Pastor Chuck Smith— she “moved.”  Yes, Tante Lolita has moved from earth to heaven, where she will maintain her permanent address forever.Friday before noon Our Loving Shepherd welcomed Tante Lolita into His Eternal Dwelling.  Up till the night before, she was still alert and still able to communicate with her family members.  But, on Friday morning she slipped into a coma and remained in that condition until—in the word of the late Pastor Chuck Smith— she “moved.”  Yes, Tante Lolita has moved from earth to heaven, where she will maintain her permanent address forever.

As I shared with the Bible Study Group before, Tante Lolita had been ready to go home to be with Our Heavenly Father.  So, when she broke the news a little over a month ago that the doctor had given her up to three months to live, she felt just fine.  She had nothing to complain about and had everything to thank God for.

An old English preacher once said, “A grateful mind is a great mind.”  I cannot agree more and I see it vividly exemplified in the life of Tante Lolita.  She had a great mind—receptive, teachable, broad, and positive.  Apparently it stemmed from a grateful mind she had.  She always remembered and appreciated what God and others had done for her.  She made it a point to express her appreciation—be it to God or to others.  No wonder she was blessed with a great mind!

Now she is gone but one day we will meet again.  Jesus Our Lord said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in Me will live even though they die and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.”  As you might recall, Jesus Our Lord made this statement to Martha, right before He raised Lazarus from the dead.  Not only could He resurrect us from the dead, Jesus Himself is the resurrection and the life.  No wonder death has no power over Him!  On Easter Day, He proved it.  The tomb is empty because He’s risen.

Pastor Paul

As I shared with the Bible Study Group before, Tante Lolita had been ready to go home to be with Our Heavenly Father.  So, when she broke the news a little over a month ago that the doctor had given her up to three months to live, she felt just fine.  She had nothing to complain about and had everything to thank God for.

An old English preacher once said, “A grateful mind is a great mind.”  I cannot agree more and I see it vividly exemplified in the life of Tante Lolita.  She had a great mind—receptive, teachable, broad, and positive.  Apparently it stemmed from a grateful mind she had.  She always remembered and appreciated what God and others had done for her.  She made it a point to express her appreciation—be it to God or to others.  No wonder she was blessed with a great mind!

Now she is gone but one day we will meet again.  Jesus Our Lord said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in Me will live even though they die and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.”  As you might recall, Jesus Our Lord made this statement to Martha, right before He raised Lazarus from the dead.  Not only could He resurrect us from the dead, Jesus Himself is the resurrection and the life.  No wonder death has no power over Him!  On Easter Day, He proved it.  The tomb is empty because He’s risen.

Pastor Paul

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