We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of John, and we are committed to lifting up Barbara and all those who are grieving during this difficult time. We praise God for the hope we have in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Let us remember Barbara and remind her of hope we find in Jesus. This might be a time when Barbara's faith could be shaken, but scripture reminds us to remain strong in faith hoping for our own resurrection. "But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In this time we pray for the friends Oren, Peggy, Jonathan, Dodie, BooBoo, JB, Glenda, Mike, Scott, Scott, Lynda, Jo, Yvonne, Josh, Rob, Sean, Hank, Kit, Mike, and Miles.
We pray for their families and all our families can be beacons of hope during this time as well. Let us continue our outreach to all we know and in our relationships be "Be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse at your good manner of life in Christ." 1 Peter 3:15-16.
By continuing in hope we can give an answer to our loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and enemies. We are trusting God to give opportunities to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Him even if they currently curse us.
It is by Jesus Christ alone that we are saved. Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. There is no one who comes to the Father, except through me." John 14:6. And the apostles said there is "no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
Let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, our kin and our Creator. We lift up Barbara and leave her in Your care asking You to show her Your hope and healing. We pray for Oren, Peggy, Jonathan, Dodie, BooBoo, JB, Glenda, Mike, Scott, Scott, Lynda, Jo, Yvonne, Josh, Rob, Sean, Hank, Kit, Mike, and Miles. Watch over and help heal their hearts of grief. We pray that Your love surrounds them as a tangible reminder of Your goodness and mercy.
Lord, we also lift up all our families and all the people in our lives. We pray that You use us to spread Your love and hope to them. Open doors for us to share the gospel and be examples of Your love and hope over our lives. Together may we share the hope of Christ and lead others to salvation in Jesus Christ alone.
We ask this all in Jesus' name. Amen.