Warm hellos to you dear brethren, co-workers, and spiritual family on the Coast of the Gulf of Mexico and scattered children of God, from our offices here in Spanish Fort.

Nothing seems to move as quickly as time, especially looking at things from our limited human perspective. It seems we just were observing the Eighth Day of the Feast, and now the upcoming Passover and Unleavened Bread is just a little over one month away.

I hope through our de-leavening process of our homes, and more importantly our self-examination, that we have come to see the greater need for Christ to live in us, (Gal 2:20) and removal of sin that so easily besets us all.

My wife and I have just returned home from our visit to Minnesota and North Dakota, and I’ve been reflecting on the many visits and aspects of our trip. Over this last couple of months many we have known within the body of Christ have died. There are many brethren, with serious illnesses, some in the hospital…some home now ambulating, but others continue to be challenged on a daily basis.

In the scattered areas and congregations my wife and I serve here in the U.S. it has been a time of challenges for many.

Over the years you and I have been asked to pray for several brethren with serious health problems.  We have read of their struggles with life threatening problems and then received the news they have died having come to the end of their lives and await the resurrection. It may seem that in spite of being anointed and having many prayers offered, many members end up dying from their cancers, heart problems and other afflictions. If you are like me, you may have several thoughts and reactions.

We could ask, “Why didn’t God heal them?” After all, they were anointed and many in the body of Christ were asked to pray for them. Did God forget them? Does God take notice of the struggles of His people? What about the promises in James chapter 5? Of course we know that our God is a loving and caring God and fully aware of the events in our lives. We are told, “Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.” (Ps 116:15)
Jesus spoke of His disciples having to face those who could “kill the body.” He told them to fear God and then made a comparison. “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Mt 10:29-31) We know that our heavenly Father is very much aware of the “fall” and death and placing in the ground His precious called out ones, His children.

Later in the chapter Jesus referred to the challenges and struggles of being His disciple. “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Mt 10:38-39)

We will all eventually die if time goes on long enough until the end of the age. But if we have made a spiritual investment in preparing for the Kingdom and receiving eternal life, that is far more important than how long we may live in this life.

Jesus made a strong statement, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25) It is a hyperbolic comparison similar to “hating father and mother” which meant loving less by comparison.

In His messages to the seven churches, Jesus mentioned the trials and persecutions faced by the “church in Smyrna.” (Rev 2:8-9) He told them, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev 2:10)

Hebrews 11 is called “the faith chapter” and reminds us of a number of men and women of faith who have preceded us in death and looked forward to receiving promises from God. But, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises.” (Heb 11:13)

Some of these experienced painful tests of faith and horrible events that took their lives. But they remained faithful and endured to the end. The apostle Peter talks of that faith that is refined by fiery trials. “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 1:7) For some, their “fiery trials” are health challenges or accidents that are life-threatening.

Jesus warns us of end time challenges and trying events in the Olivet prophecies. He admonishes those living then, “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Mt 24:11-13) God will allow these trying events to happen. But He will use them to strengthen the faith and commitment of His true disciples. James tells us, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (Jas 1:3-4)

Let us sincerely pray for those who are seriously ill, suffering, and pray for and share in the loss of those who have lost loved ones and try to encourage them, while rejoicing for the faithful endurance to the end of Gods’ saints who have come to the end of their lives.

And let us remain faithful to Him, knowing that a crown awaits all those who do…

Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.