Funeral Sermon for Kenneth Moore
By Shannon Lewis
Living Springs Assembly of God
Bandera, Texas
www.lsagbandera.com
Ecclesiastes: 3:1-8
On behalf of the family of Kenneth Moore I want to welcome and thank you for coming and being part of this memorial service.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
This passage of scripture represents the proverbial ebb and flow of life. Like the seasons of weather change, the seasons of our lives change as well. This life that we live is enhanced by these rhythmic patterns that God has set in place.
Many times these seasonal changes would appear to be interruptions in our otherwise rhythmic lives. But to understand who controls the seasons of our lives is to have faith and confidence in the times of change and loss.
God in His sovereignty has decided it best to bring to an end the season of life of Kenneth Moore. Though one season has ended, it only ends that it might give way to a new season that will flourish for all eternity.
This new season that Kenneth is in is not a passing season as all others have been. It will not be a season of ups and downs, ills and temporal favors, highs and lows, happiness and sadness, strength and weakness, health and sickness and good times and bad times. No, this new season is one that will last for all eternity and the fruit of this season will not yield disease, heartache, hurt, pain, fear or sadness. Rather, this new season of life will blossom and yield only that which is good; peace, health, happiness, joy, and blessing.
Kenneth now abides where the temporal things of this earth do not exist. There is no access for which the things that troubled him on this earth can enter for the Lamb of God is the door keeper and the light of that city is found in Him.
There were so many good things about Kenneth and I think it’s only fitting that we celebrate in remembrance, those things.
Just two days ago, April 1st would have marked the 41st Wedding Anniversary of Kenneth and Linda Moore. This reminds us that Kenneth was:
1. Committed to his family. In a day and age when leaving is easy and convenient Kenneth and Linda stuck it out even when things were tough.
For those who knew Kenneth best know he was an avid NASCAR fan and was a proud supporter of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. It’s told that he would spend many Sundays watching the race at his sons, Robert’s, house. He watched the race over there as Robert’s T.V. was bigger.
Kenneth loved Bluegrass music and probably gained a love for the music from being in love with the state of West Virginia. He always considered West Virginia to be his “home state”.
His children cannot recall a time when their father wasn’t working. Even when he was laid off at one point, he had another job within 2 hours.
Kenneth grew into a loving man and a wonderful Grandfather.
Among his friends, he admired his friendship with Lupe Bernal and always spoke kindly of him. He considered Lupe a true friend.
Kenneth had not always been a spiritual man but shortly after his wife’s passing last year, he began coming to Living Springs. He expressed to me he loved it and wished he could come more often but his health would prevent that.
As the season of this life was beginning to close and it was apparent that God was introducing a new and fresh season, I visited with Kenneth in the hospital and though it was very difficult for him to speak with me because of the medical attachments on him, he told me he was tired and that he was ready to welcome this new season of life that he ad prepared his heart for. Leaving that hospital room that evening, I wasn’t sure if I would ever get to see him on this side of eternity or not. What I was sure of is that if God ushered in a new season, he was ready.
The next evening, we received a call that Kenneth had gone home to be with Jesus.
So we are gathered here tonight to remember, reflect and rejoice over the life that Kenneth represents to us all. You memories of Kenneth need to be settled in your heart. Remember those times when you laughed together. Remember those times when you simply talked. Remember the times when you didn’t say or do anything but just being near was enough.
Most of all be thankful for the new season of life that Kenneth has now entered into and do your part so that when the season of your life is ready to give way to the next, you’ll be prepared as he was.
Let us pray
Father, we thank you for the life that we knew in Kenneth. Our hearts will embrace those memories. It is to you God that we look for comfort and peace. We have not lost what was ours but you have taken what was yours. Grant us, O Lord, the ability of the Holy Spirit to find the good in your sovereignty and be thereby encouraged and strengthened. The seasons of our lives must change and always be ready to give way to new seasons. Lord we all find ourselves in a new season at this very moment. Some will go on without the presence of a father, grandfather, brother, friend; in this season of life that we find ourselves in we pray for your guidance and protection. Give us hearts that will search for you and you alone. It is in you we trust and have confidence both now and forever more.
Amen
