After his dentist told him of the necessary extraction, he said, “Do you know that the tooth has a gold crown on it?” I have heard that, “Every cloud has a silver lining”, but… Life can wear us down if we let it. Often we don’t see the gold at the end of, or in the midst of the trial. God says that there is, and that we should find joy in it. Really!? Perhaps you have heard the term, “What doesn’t kill me, will only make me stronger.” This is the world’s version of what God says in James chapter 1 verses 2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
We all face trials. Do we learn and grow from them as well as find joy in the knowledge that God is growing us in the process? Are you getting more mature and complete, or just worn down? More importantly, do you know the way to a gold crown when you get extracted from this world? Jesus is the, “bridge” and when you cross over into God’s Kingdom, you will see the gold waiting for you in Heaven. My friend has already crossed the bridge; the gold here on Earth is just a bonus. How about you? Do you have gold waiting? Something to think about…
An old man is lying on his deathbed with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all around, teary-eyed at the approaching finale of a very long and productive life. The old man in is a coma, and the doctors have confirmed that the waiting will be over within the next twenty-four hours. Suddenly, the old man opens his eyes and croaks: “I must be dreaming of heaven! I smell your grandmother’s strudel!”
“No, grandfather, you are not dreaming. Grandmother is baking strudel now.” “ Could you please go down and get me a piece?”, the old man begs with what is left of his breath. One of the grandchildren is immediately dispatched to honor the old man’s last request. After a long time, he returns empty-handed. “Did you bring me one last piece of your grandmother’s delicious strudel?” the old man plaintively queries. “I’m very sorry, grandfather, but she says it’s for the funeral.”
Admit it, you laughed. Did you know that you can laugh at church? Lighthouse of Faith, 141 E. main St. in Canton (Across from Acorn Mkt.) Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.lighthousecanton.com Until next time, look up and smile!