Isaiah 40:31 - "Fear Is A Liar"

Today is a day that will be so hurtful as my friends go through the funeral of their loved one. I believe today will be when the Knox family lay their precious Mark to rest. This morning my dear friends will be going through the funeral of their wife, mother, sister, aunt, etc. as Connie is laid to rest. They have been down this road many times before. I've been with them through tragic accidents and through long times of illnesses to the point of their loved ones death. No matter what the circumstances, death is hard. It is hard to let go of your loved one but it lessens the hurt when one knows their loved one is with Jesus. It also helps when we know we are living for Him ourselves so we have the hope of eternal life with our loved one. 

I said these words at the revealing of Laura's headstone. "And even though she has left our midst, we know she will never leave our hearts where her memory will endure as a blessing forever." We must hang onto the memories we have of our loved ones. We also need to not only have them to reflect upon but we need to share them with future generations so they will 'know' them too. One of Laura's favorite Bible verses is on her headstone. It is one we all need to hang onto during the tough days we go through on this earth.

As we wait for our time to leave this earth, we must make sure we are not only in relationship with Him but we must be walking the road of obedience with Him. He must be our Lord of Lords and King of Kings if we want to see our loved ones again who are with Him. We must live in His presence as we seek the desires of His heart to be what we desire. There will be new memories made by my friends today. Most will be hurtful memories but during these days we must remember our loved one would not want us to just have 'bad' memories of this day. They would want us to be celebrating their life. We do not have to fear the days ahead when the Lord is in control. Only when we allow the enemy a foothold should fear be a part of our life.

Fear he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
Cause fear he is a liar

The enemy puts lies in our path to tear us down. He makes us question the spiritual life of our loved one who has left this earth and our own spiritual life. God is the only One who knows these things. He is the only One who can knock the enemy down. We must allow Him to love on us and strengthen us through days such as when we lose a loved one. He will be our strength as we allow Him to work in and through us.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the empowerment over the enemy You give. Thank You for the way You work in and through us. Thank You for Your strength to get us through tough days. Father, I pray today for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for my friends who will be dealing with the funeral of their loved one today. Touch them with Your healing touch. Be their strength. I also continue to pray for Paula, Nancy, Ben, Nada, and Doc who need a physical healing. I pray for You to be greater than their pains and diseases. Thank You Jesus for the way You continue to be My Strength. Amen.