FINALLY .....

Monday, October 31, 2011

It's early morning in Scottsdale. The sun is shining brightly as it does most mornings in this part of Arizona. In a few hours Charlotte and I will drive a few minutes to our son's home, pick him up and then drive down through Scottsdale to Green Acres Cemetery to attend the memorial service for our friend Ruth Noland.

About two or three years ago I was contacted to be ready to deliver the message at Ruth's service. She wasn't expected to live but just a few days. "Ok, we were planning to do some traveling out of town but I will postpone that and stand by." After several months I asked the family to release me from my obligation. They graciously agreed to do so and we all went on waiting for God to call Ruth home.

For some reason, I don't know why, maybe it's because we live in uneasy times---I have been reading a lot of books along with the Bible about the end times. Also, as I grow older I find I have a greater interest in the life hereafter. Especially heaven, but also hell.

The Scriptures teach that we all have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27). So the end for all of us will come---someday. It may be soon. It may be later. But it will come!

Ruth got ready "to go." She was ready had the Lord summoned her a few years ago when I was first contacted. She was ready a few days ago when He did wink at her and say, "Ok, Ruth come on home." 

I won't be speaking at Ruth's service today. The family needed to have someone prepared, ready and the important thing--standing by. I am happy that I am in town and able to attend her service today. I will be there to honor the great Christian lady that she was.

As I think about Ruth today, here is what is on my mind: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Someday, for all of us, the last word will be FINALLY!