"Looking to Journeys end".

Philippians 1:6

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ".

This week has found me attending yet another funeral; the third this year out of our faith family. All these beloved were somehow linked, directly or indirectly to our worship team. They were prophets, elders, choir directors, - innovators, accountability partners, friends. Those who undeniably had more of their lives to pour out, more to give, full spirits to say the least. They were candles snuffed out before their time. And to add insult to injury; I have to make an appointment to see my spiritual father - soon; he has cancer.

As a side note: "they" gave him six months to live; .... eight months ago! (praise God for going beyond the "expiration date")!

All these losses and looming tragedies have me unusually focused on death, the afterlife more specifically. I've realized that it's not death itself I fear; not that I want to die mind you, but my fear lies in what comes after death; that being judgement.

For the believer this is not an issue of salvation or condemnation for our hope and standing are in Christ. No; my fear is having to answer for a life not lived. A destiny aborted, my divine purpose wasted. I find the idea of meeting The creator carrying that which He assigned me to give away, a buried talent as it were.

Given the average american lifespan I am nearing the halfway-mark. And I've yet to achieve so much more both personally and spiritually. I know there is more for me to be and to do - in this life, and if I fail to reach that pinnacle, there just might be "hell" to pay.

For now I must have faith that the one who began the work will see it finished. and that He will soothe the heartache from losing our beloved ones along the way.

Luther.