2 Corinthians 5:8-9

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Over the years I have officiated at numerous funeral services. The age of the deceased has ranged from over 100 years of age to a premature infant. There have been politicians, ministers, policemen, firemen, military members, students and teachers. The one common element is that they have left this world and are now in eternity.

There is a poem by C.T. Studd that has eight or nine verses. The end of each verse is the same but has such truth that many believe it is a quote from the Bible: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” If that is true, and it is, the purpose of our life should be to follow close to our Lord.

Just about a year ago I was having digestive problems. Medical tests all indicated that there was no problem with my heart. But a treadmill test showed that there was something amiss. The long and short of it was that I had a three way heart by-pass. The cardiologist said that it was luck that I did not have a heart attack and die. I do not believe it was luck, but the Lord showing me that there is still work to do.

Paul was eager to be with the Lord, but that did not matter. His prime objective was to please the Jesus he met on the road to Damascus. Those of us who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior have a wonderful eternity waiting for us. But there are many who face a sinner’s hell if they are not given the opportunity to make their decision. I pledge to do everything I can to please the Lord I met as a young boy some 70 years ago. I want to live life with a purpose!

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Live with a purpose and be a blessing!

—Pastor Cecil