Chris' Christian Blog

May 25, 2019

"May 25, 2019" 

"Prompt: Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. – Chief Seattle, Duwamish
Let this quote from Chief Seattle inspire your blog post."

Although I disagree with Native American beliefs in general, I have to say that I agree with this one. All of life is interconnected. All life depends on all other life. Whatever actions we take have a ripple effect. Everything we do effects everything else. Just like a spider's web, an injury to one part affects the performance of every other part. Well spoken!

I just want to share this passage of Scripture that gives hope and comfort to each of us who believe in the life hereafter through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Today, my heart is torn because of the passing of my dearest life partner and soulmate, my husband of forty-five years. Actually, our marriage is a month short of forty-six years with our anniversary falling on July 3. I am a firm Christian believer and this passage of Scripture is my comfort and consolation. I am sad but not in despair. I am encouraged and I cling to the spirit of Jesus Christ that fills my heart with joy knowing today is not the end: It is only a prelude to what we can look forward to in the sweet by and by.

So here is the passage that gives us the assurance and reassurance of God's abiding love for us.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
‭‭(1 Thes.‬ ‭4:13-18‬) KJV‬‬

Very comforting words indeed! I find all of God's word comforting, even the more difficult passages. I just had the opportunity yesterday to lay hands on several ministers and pray for their ministries. As an elder for the organization that ordained me I have the privilege of doing this. Now to let you in on a secret I have doubts about myself. You see I can hide my sin from others but I cannot hide it from God and I. I know me so I did not feel worthy of praying for these ministers though it is part of being an elder. So I prayed and asked God why I was being given such a humbling honor. Immediately I was led to read Isaiah 6: 1-10. In this passage Isaiah sees God and is certain he is going to die. A seraph cleanses him so that he can live. God asks "Who can I send?"
Isaiah responds "Here am I. Send me."
I pondered on that for a few minutes and it hit me. God does not use people who are worthy. He uses people who are willing. I challenge everybody to be willing to be used of Jesus Christ where you are. You will be surprised where He may lead you!

Pick a topic to discuss from this day in history on May 25th... or something that has happened in your world on May 25th.

https://www.onthisday.com/events/may/25

As a history buff I will definitely go look at this link. I was bitten by the history bug on Christmas Day 2018 when I turned on the television and a show called Mysteries of the Abandoned" began informing me of the histories of various castles around the world. I was enthralled and watched episode after episode for 13 hours straight. I have taken three history classes in college and will be taking a fourth this fall. I thought about becoming a historian but felt led to pursue a social work degree. Therefore upon graduation I will be applying to an MSW program but I still love history. I made history yesterday by leading the first ever West Virginia Gathering of the National Association of Christian Ministers in Huntington West Virginia. It was a humbling experience for me. See my Christian Blog Forum entry above for details.