Funeral

A little boy was impressed by the stars. He had many questions to ask concerning them Are the stars there all the time? Why don’t you see them during the day? His father answered You can only see them at night. Darkness is always more beautiful if we will look up at the stars rather than into the corners of blackness.

That is my desire for you today—To go stargazing. We come together today in the shadow of a black night of sorrow and grief, and yet we realize the glorious light ,the greatest hope ,that the world has ever known. The promise of an eternal life for the faithful Christian. There are many wonderful memories that shine out this day like the stars in the night sky. Let us fasten our minds upon them instead upon the darkness, for it is our memories that give us comfort and are carried with us through our lifetime

There are many occasions that draw people together , But none affect us more than the loss of a Loving ,Husband, Father, a grandfather, a brother ,an uncle a friend and a faithful Godly Christian man. We gather today to remember ------ and the treasured times that we drew from his love, strength ,his joy and encouragement. In this, all gathered here today to extend to, -------and to and the rest of the family , our love, sympathy and compassion.We weep together in our grief.

In reality, no one can preach our funeral, we preach our own funerals while we live.

------ will always be a part of those lives he touched, you are a different person as a Result of this loved ones life. --------- life will continue to speak to those he touched as long as they live.

In Times like this we turn to the only place that we can find genuine comfort, The Word of God. I believe that Jamie would echo the words of Paul as he wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7-8-

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

It is a fact that all of us will suffer death. Every child and adult that is here today, Unless the Lord comes, will someday come face to face with death. What we do with our lives here while living here on earth will determine that state of eternal destination at the judgement.

It is the goal of every true Christian to keep the faith and finish the course they have begun. It is my goal and the goal of many in this room, and I can tell you with complete confidence that it was -------- goal and Now he has accomplished it.

2 Corinthians 5:10-

10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Today we are not here to mourn the loss of a loved one but to rejoice that he has run his race and his reward awaits him. Let us gain comfort from the blessed truth that to the Christian, death can be a precious thing. Psalms 116:15-“ Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of his Godly ones”.

The Bible teaches that we must have sober thoughts about life and death. Ecclesiastes 7:1-5

Ecclesiastes 7

Wisdom

1 A good name is better than fine perfume,

and the day of death better than the day of birth.

2 It is better to go to a house of mourning

than to go to a house of feasting,

for death is the destiny of everyone;

the living should take this to heart.

3 Frustration is better than laughter,

because a sad face is good for the heart.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

5 It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person

than to listen to the song of fools

I know we all miss him today. His absence is felt sharply. I remind you from the perspective of a minister that he has attained what we all are striving for—an eternal life with his God. This is not available for all only those who are faithful unto death. Now he is reunited with his parents eternity stretches out before him.

O Lord you are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Look with compassion we pray upon all gathered here now. That our minds and hearts shall be at your command. We ask Father that this service of comfort, which we now hold in your name, may bring to all a sense of heavenly nearness and great trust in you, and may the peace that passeth all understanding abide with us and rest upon these dear ones In Jesus name Amen