17 May 2019

OUR TIMES ARE IN HIS HAND

By John Ollis

Someone jokingly has said, a sign of old age is the regular attendance at friends funerals. I have had to attend two recently, of two dear Christian brothers. Part of me is sad because they were dear friends, and I am going to sorely miss them, part of me is also envious, as they are now in the Father’s presence forever. I am reminded of a song written and sung by Don Moen IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW.

Our prayers have been answered I finally arrived, the healing that had been delayed is now realised. No one’s in a hurry, there’s no schedule to keep, we’re all enjoying Jesus just sitting at His feet.

If you could see me now, I’m walking streets of gold, if you could see me now I’m standing tall and whole, if you could see me now you’d know I have seen His face.

If you could see me now, you’d know the pain’s erased, you wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place, if only you could see me now.

My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good to know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood, though we have had our sorrows they can never compare to what Jesus has in store for us no language can share.

Both my dear brothers are truly in a “better place”, both having suffered much the last few months of debilitating sickness and pain.

One brother came to Christ probably in his 40’s after living a typical sinner’s life, but then got such a hunger for the Word of God and living a holy life. The other brother was brought up in a Christian home and came to Christ at an early age, and discovered his inheritance in Christ, and lived in the victory of that for so many years. The greatest thing we can have when we respond to the drawing and conviction of Holy Spirit, and have the grace to respond to His call, is that we receive ASSURANCE OF SINS FORGIVEN. The Apostle John in 1 John 5:13 NKJV tells us These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

When you are young, you think you are invincible and that you will never die, but as you get older death and HEAVEN comes into focus, I thank God today afresh for the sweet assurance that my destiny is confirmed, I have my passport because Paul tells me in Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Jesus tells us in John 14:2 NKJV In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” I have a home prepared.

We don’t have to hope we are going to heaven, WE KNOW BECAUSE WE KNOW BECAUSE WE KNOW. We may not initially know much else, but having this knowledge is awesome. What an awesome God we love and serve.

Our youngest son turns 48 today, he is married to a fine Christian lady, and they have 2 children, who are also both going on with the Lord, our granddaughter is currently studying in Bible College. There are no three easy ways to raise children, we just thank God for Hid grace and blessing upon them, I want to echo Joseph’s words to Benjamin today to David (our son) found in Genesis 42: 29 NKJV And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son”.

So I thank God today for my 2 departed brothers, and pray for their wives who are now alone. and I thank God for my family and especially my younger son today. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY.