Another birthday.  I’m holding on to 49! I will embrace another decade next year. For now, I’m “40 something”.  On this birthday, I’m reminded of it’s antithesis–death.  Who celebrates death?  Oh precious believer!  Jesus talked a lot about death!  We don’t rush it or hasten it, but it is a time forthcoming, eventually….

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  I Thessalonians 4:13

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

Sitting in service at a local church, the pastor shared these verses, and discussed the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment for healing, and shortly after this miracle, the healing of the 12 year old girl. (Mark Chapter 5).

He reminded us, as those who wait to be with the Lord for eternity, we grieve with hope.  Oh, yes!  We grieve but we have a Hope.  We’ve all been there.  Running to Jesus and falling at His feet for healing, endurance, and answers. The woman who touched the hem of Jesus for healing was sick for 12 years.  The daddy of the little girl was distraught beyond his mind could handle.

Can death be gain?  Precious?

I just received a text from a friend whose loved one is struggling with a life-threatening illness.

“This has been hard on all of us, and it could’ve made us question our faith, but instead we are all stronger for it.  He is definitely with us.”

The pastor shared that Jesus walked up to death and gently whispered.  Jesus is so gentle.  I love Him so….

He whispered to the little girl….

“Talitha Koum” which means “Little girl get-up!”

Did you know “Talitha” was a term of endearment of that time?  Like words we use today…sweet girl, sweet heart, my joy, lady bug, doodle bug, precious one……etc….

The daughter’s father was filled with doubt and confusion.  Jesus said to this daddy, “Don’t be afraid, trust me”  or in my Message Bible, “Don’t listen to them, just trust me.”

I celebrate my birthday today by honoring the most precious gift I’ve ever received –Jesus.  One day, I will close my eyes and awaken to Him.  I will fall on my knees, and He will say to me “Talitha Koum”–Sweet child, little girl, get up! Welcome home!

As I close this post, “I’ll Fly Away” –an old hymn is on Pandora. I’m crying tears of joy and filled with His love.

“When I die, hallelujah by and by…I’ll fly away!”

And, I just have to tell you, there is a banjo, a harmonica, and some knee slapping going on in that song!

Let us live each day in the glory that our eternal home is awaiting!  We have a hope!

I encourage you to watch the sermon from October 19, 2014, Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Pastor Randy Hahn.

http://theheightsonline.com/

What a glorious day worshiping in song with my friend and encouraging a sister-in-the Lord on her journey!  Thank you Jesus for all these things…..

I’ll close with this song playing on Pandora now…. (a song I love to sing, just ask my girls…)

Enjoy!  Swing Low Sweet Chariot!