My dad and God’s grace
Please excuse me reminiscing a little.
I’m convinced that God doesn’t want us to be caught in a time-warp. And that he wants us to move forward with the eyes of faith fixed on him. Nevertheless, there are past memories that are precious and instructive, helping us in our walk with Christ at the present time.
My dad loved listening to these two old men singing. YouTube didn’t exist then. Dad listened via videotapes. Cutting-edge technology in those days! Here’s the link for you to listen: https://youtu.be/K2J0IOIEqyM … You’ll find the lyrics in the description included with the film clip.
The lyrics speak of what God has done through Christ his Son, when he took our place and suffered for our sins, before he rose again. So that through faith we can be forgiven, cleansed and increasingly transformed through God’s amazing love and mercy towards us. Saved from sin by his grace.
The older my dad got, I saw him becoming stronger and stronger in our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of God shone through him more and more. His trust was in Jesus. And it continued to transform him.
When dad was lying on his hospital bed, in a coma, I was with him. He sneezed twice and came out of the coma. Those were precious moments for my dad and me as we hugged and talked together. Not long after this he went home to be with his Saviour.
I’m grateful to God that dad is with Jesus.
I’m also grateful for contemporary songwriters who have grasped and been deeply moved by what the Bible says about salvation, composing music for this generation. Songs that express our worship to God, with thankful hearts, as the Holy Spirit strengthens our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ as we sing.
Check this out
1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV
Sent by Paul to Timothy, his co-worker in the gospel:
[12] I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Ephesians 5:1-20 NIV
Sent by Paul to christian communities in Ephesus and probably throughout the Roman province of Asia:
[1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [3] But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a person is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. [14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It's wonderful Phil that you had such an amazing role model in your father and have such great memories of him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these words Phil - both your testimony and God's Word. Sandra
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