Sunday, September 09, 2007

September 9, 2007

Good morning. Another of the great ministers for Christ has been called home. This week Pastor D. James Kennedy has been freed from this life and joined our Lord in Heaven. It seems just a short time ago that Pastor Rogers was called home. Is there a pattern we should worry about? Some sinister plot by the prince of this earth perhaps? No, I don't think so, both men were in their 70's and that is certainly a full life. While we mourn their passing, we also celebrate their life in Jesus. We will meet our brothers and sisters in Christ again on the blessed shores of a land without pain and suffering. A land where we can rejoice in Jesus every moment and rejoice in our freedom from the life that was here on earth.

Celebrate a ministry of 48 years at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. During that time Pastor Kennedy reached out to all who would believe, including politicians in Washington. His Evangelism Explosion has changed much about the ministry each of us have in Christ. Would he have us to celebrate his accomplishments as a man? No, like every true minister of the Word, he would point to God and His saving grace. Worship only God, but celebrate the live of one true warrior for Christ.

As I write this, I move from sadness at his passing, to joy that one of our own has completed his journey in this life and now enjoys his reward in Christ. We cannot keep our Christian friends in this life when their time has arrived, and none of us would be so selfish. However, part of the sadness comes from wanting to be where they are ...with Jesus. Yes, we want to be there too, but must wait patiently on the Lord's timing. Like Dr. Kennedy, I want to write these devotionals right up to the end of my life on earth, however long that may take.

Praise God for the wonderful life and ministry of Dr. D. James Kennedy!

Bucky

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