Guest Author - Kathryn Free

This past week our country and the world has seen death. Death of a pop star, death of a sex symbol, death of a side kick and death of a pitchman. Each person who has passed away touched the world a little differently. You could not turn TV on without hearing about one of these deaths. We spend hours, days and weeks trying to understand, memorialize and remember each one who has died. We do not personally know those who have died, but many feel a close bond.

Those who say there is no God will stop and say a prayer. Who are they praying to? Those who do not want God interfering in their life will stop and say a faithful statement. Who are they being faithful to? Those who condemn God will stop and commend God. Who are they believing in?

We have seen moments of silence, memorials made, prayers spoken and written by the unbelieving and believing. We have heard angry words, words of unfairness, words of great tragedy, words of flattery and words of truth. We have seen one death overshadow another. We have seen natural causes to possible suicide or murder.

Death causes everyone to seek God. No matter what emotion you are seeking Him with, we are still seeking. If you are angry, you are seeking Him to blame. If you are sad, you are seeking Him for comfort. If you are confused, you are seeking Him for answers. The question each one of us has to ask is, ‘Which God am I seeking?’

Today, so many believe that all roads lead to heaven. It does not matter what or who you call god. Truth says, ‘...nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’ The name of Jesus, the Messiah. All roads do not lead to heaven!

This world has drifted so far away from the truth yet have kept many of the outward evidences of that truth. The moment of silence many believe is better than prayer because it does not cause one to back away. Yet, it does not bring one closer to God either. The memorials made many believe are honoring to the dead. Yet, they do not cause us to remember anything but the moment of our pain. All the comforting words bring peace. Yet, the comfort and peace they bring do not last, do not penetrate our heart to heal.

Stop this day and consider your walk. As a believer you have the power of the Living God inside you. Death has no power over your body or soul. Death has been defeated. But the world does not know this truth. Consider how lost your were before you accepted Jesus as your Savior.

My prayer for you this morning is boldness. Boldness to state the truth. Boldness to share the truth. Boldness to be blunt in the truth. So often when we try to comfort we use words that do not lead to the cross. I pray for your boldness is speaking God’s truth in love no matter what the circumstance.

Father, You are the Living God. You are the only God. You are mighty in strength and comfort. We thank You and praise you for Your grace and mercy. We thank You for defeating death so that we can be reconciled with You. This past week we have seen the death of Michael Jackson. Thank You for loving him like no one else could. So much has been reported about this family. So many reports trying to reveal secrets we will never know. I thank You that we can trust You to speak clearly to each member of his family with words that will draw them to Your throne of grace. Father, use this time to reprove and heal, comfort and love each member of the family. Cause Your love to break barriers and make reconciliation and healing possible.

Father, this past week we have seen the death of Farrah Fawcett. Her battle with cancer was courageous and she has a story to be shared. Stand with Ryan O’Neil and their son during this time. Cause their son to break free of the bonds of drugs. Thank You for the love witnessed from Ryan towards Farrah. Thank you for loving this family and grant them eyes to see so that they my gain the hope needed to move forward.

Father, this past week we have seen the death of Ed McMahon. In his life he had triumphs and struggles. He appeared to be a man with a great capacity for caring and living. I thank You for the laughter he gave many. Reminds us of Your laughter when we remember Ed McMahon.

Father, this past week we have seen the death of Billy Maes. A sudden death that causes us to realize how precious life is. One moment we are joking and the next we will stand before Your throne. I know nothing about this man except for the commercials and products he promoted. Yet, I am confident that sudden accidents do not escape Your notice and provision. Thank You for not being caught off guard. This truth gives me comfort in knowing that You are able to stand with his family in ways I could not imagine.

Father, the death of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Billy Maes each bring us to our knees. We know that You did NOT allow death to come to anyone of these without first giving them the opportunity to know Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for Your love and ability to speak to each of us individually, giving each of us the opportunity to know Your Son, Jesus. We look forward to fellowship will all those who know Your Name.

Amen

‘. . .but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.’
Galatians 5:22-23