A Time to Weep and to Laugh 11-18-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come lead me today closer to You. ... "For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; ... a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance ..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Over this past weekend, we have mourned the death and celebrated the life of my stepfather, Jim Butler. Family and friends came in from literally around the world. He was not a pretentious man and we didn't try to pretend he was a perfect saint. But he did know You. And in the assurance of that truth, we were able to cry hard but laugh harder at the audacity with which he lived life to its fullest. Lord, You came to forgive us and free us to live life abundantly. You don't want us to hold back, but to hold on for the adventure that each day brings. And You want us to hold on to You through every season, with our hearts always filled with anticipation for the next season to come -- whether on this side or that side of eternity. And at the end of our season on this side, we can look back and say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please keep my mom and all the Butler family and friends in your prayers during this season of life without someone dearly loved and deeply missed. And I pray the Lord's comfort and peace with you through those seasons of your life. God bless you. Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Please Click Here to Order our Ministry Resources On-Line Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com