As I have sat here this morning, Father, my thoughts have been on a friend who from our perspective unexpectedly crossed the threshold into Your waiting arms this week. We just never know when our time here on this earth will be complete. My friend was ready to be called home; he was Your faithful follower. May we all be ready to do the same and may we all be diligent in bringing others to You so they may be ready as well.
1 Peter 3:13-17 (<<click here)
Lord, in reading this passage and the coinciding notes in my study Bible*, it brings to mind once more my friend. His name is Kerry Hooper. I met him almost 30 years ago. He printed just about everything for a Christian bookstore that I worked for. The whole time I knew him, he lived a life worthy of the calling You place upon his life – both professionally and privately. He truly worshiped “Christ as Lord of [his] life.”
He lived out his faith and if anyone asked about his life as a believer he was always ready to explain it. Even after going into business for himself, he was truly a Christian businessman. He was upright and a man of integrity. He shared his faith in a “gentle and respectful way” with a conscience that was clear.
Kerry was a humble man of God, and I’m sure he was far from perfect – for none of us are – but his faith was genuine and it was obvious that he was a man after God’s own heart.
Lord, may I live out my life as a beacon for you. Help me to live out my life as Kerry did – as so many of Your followers do – may Your kingdom be increased as Your will is made known through us. Amen.
Jan 15th, Sun, 6:50 am
