In this time of remembrance of Sister Ann Winkles, we must focus ultimately on the Power of Almighty God and the Peace that his Word provides us in such a time as this.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, the writings of Solomon state:
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
For each person that fills this chapel today, until the Lord comes back, we will all face this moment, the moment of death – the ending of life. What’s important however is not death itself, but what prepares you to die.
Recently, I heard an elderly gentlemen make this statement – “I try to live each day as if it were my last on earth.” He continued on by saying that his philosophy was radically changed when he met Jesus Christ. At times like these, we really need a Savior.
Sister Winkles trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior many years ago. She was a loving, caring individual who deeply loved her family. Until Alzheimer’s crippled her mind, she was a vibrant individual. However – she made the Lord her shepherd. We begin with this point.
I. The Lord Was and Is her shepherd. (Psalms 23:1)
a. God was and is her true love
b. God was and is in control of her life
c. God was and is who she followed in life
d. She believed and on Sunday PM, her faith was realized
It is amazing when we think about the vast reality of Almighty God
1. He knows us because He made us
2. He knows us because He knows all things
3. Jeremiah 29:11
a. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, ad not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Why not put our trust in God? Mrs. Winkles did – she could say that The Lord Was her shepherd.
II. God’s Love comforts you and I in times like these.
a. Psalm 46:1
i. God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble”
b. He leads us and guides us
c. He provides for us and sustains us
God’s love was shown to us when He sacrificed His own Son for our sins on the cross at Calvary. When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God – that He died on the cross for our sins – that He rose from the grave on the third day – and 40 days later ascended into Heaven, that love is realized – when we fully accept Jesus to be our Savior and Lord.
His love is demonstrated in John 14:1-6
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way you know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
I. HEAVEN IS A PROMISED PLACE for the Believer in Jesus Christ
II. HEAVEN IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE for the Believer in Jesus Christ
III. On Sunday night – Mrs. Winkles experienced this promise and this beauty.
The beauty and power of Psalm 23 captures all of us at some time or the other. For many of us – this was one of our first passages that we were taught as children. The beauty comes as we realize The Lord that is being described.
We began with “The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want” – This afternoon, we close with the realization of a life lived for Christ. Notice verse 6:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
One final thought:
HEAVEN IS AN ETERNAL PLACE
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe on Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Friends and Family – have you believed in Jesus, do you believe in Jesus? Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven!
For a believer – death is not final, it is only the beginning.
May God richly bless you and your family – if there is anything that we can do as church to help and assist you – feel free to call.
