Have you noticed it seems everyone is being shaken in some way…financially, physically, relationally, and/or spiritually? When we are being tested it’s easy to focus on the obvious pain instead of the not so obvious victory. Not so obvious because the enemy we face (in whatever area) will not reveal to us what the Bible tells us—their triumph is short-lived and more than that the grief they are causing us is only revealing a GREATER GLORY FOR US THAT OUTSHINES THEM ALL (check out 2 Cor. 4:17).
Faith, in the midst of the storm, is seeing that which is true but easily missed… that God is greater…that God is in you…and “Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). What if we saw all the trials simply as a way for God to “show off” as being “greater in you” than all your enemies? Another way to look at it is like this—Satan is defeated…and in the meantime…until he is thrown in the lake of fire…we are the daily object lessons (remember Job) showing all heaven and hell that God is greater in us…and that we will not curse God…that we will stand…and in the end we will know our God in a way we’ve never known Him before. Satan, who was trying to steal, kill and destroy us—becomes the tool leading us into deeper fellowship, intimacy, faith, love and joy in God. That dummy!
It’s all working for our good…hope is here…His name is Jesus…and He’s inside you to bring hope up right now!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A Torch Has Passed by Erin Kleinecke
A light has left our world after burning brightly for 73 years. The passing of Eileen Jacobson Kent may not be covered 24/7 by CNN or splashed across the headlines. For her accomplishments are not given the recognition they deserve in this day and time. But fame or fortune was never important to Eileen.
She epitomized the definition of a lady. She was soft-spoken, cheerful, optimistic and always interested in how "you" were doing--no matter who you were. She made you feel as though you were the most important person in her life. Hers was a sincere interest in your well-being, not a disingenuous affectation flaunted for show. You walked away from any conversation with her feeling just a little bit better about yourself.
Eileen was married for 50+ years to the highly successful tennis coach, David Kent. His accolades are re-counted in numerous ways and his name forever in the history books of American collegiate tennis. He would be the first to say that he couldn't have done it without Eileen. She was his rock and anchor through the storms of coaching; an incredible role model for coaches' wives everywhere.
She mentored many of those wives through her coaches wives' bible study group. She could empathize with the challenges of the lifestyle without ever demeaning or degrading the coaches themselves. She lifted everyone up with her positive outlook.
She was a person of great faith in God. She didn't just tell you what she believed, she demonstrated her beliefs with action. She fed the hungry, clothed the naked, housed the homeless and ministered to the sick. She truly saw Jesus in everyone she met.
Eileen was faithful in matters big and small. Her family came first, nurturing three children, seven grandchildren and boasting a great granddaughter. But she was never too tired or too busy for a friend in need.
Recognition in this life was not her aim. Her only goal was to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy."
Those who were blessed by the light of her life can take comfort in knowing she achieved the only recognition that lasts. Her torch can light the way for all who choose to follow.
She epitomized the definition of a lady. She was soft-spoken, cheerful, optimistic and always interested in how "you" were doing--no matter who you were. She made you feel as though you were the most important person in her life. Hers was a sincere interest in your well-being, not a disingenuous affectation flaunted for show. You walked away from any conversation with her feeling just a little bit better about yourself.
Eileen was married for 50+ years to the highly successful tennis coach, David Kent. His accolades are re-counted in numerous ways and his name forever in the history books of American collegiate tennis. He would be the first to say that he couldn't have done it without Eileen. She was his rock and anchor through the storms of coaching; an incredible role model for coaches' wives everywhere.
She mentored many of those wives through her coaches wives' bible study group. She could empathize with the challenges of the lifestyle without ever demeaning or degrading the coaches themselves. She lifted everyone up with her positive outlook.
She was a person of great faith in God. She didn't just tell you what she believed, she demonstrated her beliefs with action. She fed the hungry, clothed the naked, housed the homeless and ministered to the sick. She truly saw Jesus in everyone she met.
Eileen was faithful in matters big and small. Her family came first, nurturing three children, seven grandchildren and boasting a great granddaughter. But she was never too tired or too busy for a friend in need.
Recognition in this life was not her aim. Her only goal was to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy."
Those who were blessed by the light of her life can take comfort in knowing she achieved the only recognition that lasts. Her torch can light the way for all who choose to follow.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Few Die So Well...A Tribute To My Mom
An amazing passage that I’d never seen in action till now is found in the stark words of Christ to Peter, “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" John 21:18-19
Did you catch that…"the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God!" Since January of this year I had the rare privilege of walking with and watching my Mom stare death in the face with unflinching faith. She lived out the promise found in Hebrews 2:14-15…“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
We talked about heaven (she was studying the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn) and we shared about the attributes of God (as we prayed the Scriptures together from Praying The Attributes of God). But most of all I stood amazed as did my brother Todd and sister Tanya as Mom moved steadily and firmly toward her eternal home in Heaven with the strength and focus of a highly skilled athlete…all I can say is few die so well. Few leave a legacy in life of love, prayer and amazing peace-filled compassion in so many generations…she served the rich, the poor, the old, the young and God produced amazing fruit in every field He sent mom.
Her greatest legacy must be how well she loved Dad. Nothing stands out more to me than that. Her faith was best lived out at home and being right by Dad's side. She modeled prayer, faith and love for God’s Word. In that she was a beautiful shining picture of Christ’s church in response and joyful submission to Christ's leadership (see Eph. 5 for this beautiful picture of marriage). She was and is the bride. She reflected and now even more reflects the beauty of the bride without spot or wrinkle! Her radiance in life and victory in death leaves a legacy for me and my family. Few live so well. Few die so well.
You are invited to join our family in a celebration of Mom’s life on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 1pm at Grace Bible Church in College Station, Texas (Grace Bible Church…Anderson Campus… 700 Anderson Street College Station, TX 77840… Phone: 979.693.2911)
Did you catch that…"the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God!" Since January of this year I had the rare privilege of walking with and watching my Mom stare death in the face with unflinching faith. She lived out the promise found in Hebrews 2:14-15…“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
We talked about heaven (she was studying the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn) and we shared about the attributes of God (as we prayed the Scriptures together from Praying The Attributes of God). But most of all I stood amazed as did my brother Todd and sister Tanya as Mom moved steadily and firmly toward her eternal home in Heaven with the strength and focus of a highly skilled athlete…all I can say is few die so well. Few leave a legacy in life of love, prayer and amazing peace-filled compassion in so many generations…she served the rich, the poor, the old, the young and God produced amazing fruit in every field He sent mom.
Her greatest legacy must be how well she loved Dad. Nothing stands out more to me than that. Her faith was best lived out at home and being right by Dad's side. She modeled prayer, faith and love for God’s Word. In that she was a beautiful shining picture of Christ’s church in response and joyful submission to Christ's leadership (see Eph. 5 for this beautiful picture of marriage). She was and is the bride. She reflected and now even more reflects the beauty of the bride without spot or wrinkle! Her radiance in life and victory in death leaves a legacy for me and my family. Few live so well. Few die so well.
You are invited to join our family in a celebration of Mom’s life on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 1pm at Grace Bible Church in College Station, Texas (Grace Bible Church…Anderson Campus… 700 Anderson Street College Station, TX 77840… Phone: 979.693.2911)
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