By Pastor Tim White
I love the story of Deborah - Judge of Israel. Her words are inspiring. At one point she says, “Get Ready Today is the Day!” She is referring about throwing off bondage for the nation of Israel; but wouldn’t it be nice if we could throw off the bondage that holds us back? It is going to happen someday. When we go to heaven the old Christian saints used to call it “being glorified”. We become everything we were meant to be. I look forward to that day. I will look something like “He Man” if you remember the cartoons from years ago. And I will be such a nice guy without even trying; something like Mr. Rogers if you remember that old favorite. I will be as much fun as Big Bird with a sense of humor like Ernie with Bert. That is just my imagination but someday it’s going to be the day. The day when strongholds come down. Strongholds which hold us back from being everything we are meant to be and want to be.
In Philippians 1:6 the Apostle Paul writes, “Be assured of this that he who began a good work in you will see it to completion.” The other day Jackie and I had the privilege of attending Randy Halvorson’s 60th birthday party. He teased his family members and friends as they teased him, and he always had the last word. He gave honor to Rod, his twin brother and my friend, who is waiting in heaven. Randy is a very classy guy. The family showed a video of Randy’s life with a picture of him as a boy walking by a pool with such athleticism it reminded me of his nephew Cody. But he looked like he was up to some prank which reminded me of his brother Kent. The video brought tears to all our eyes. Randy is the longest living person with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; but that is just a footnote in the great person that Randy has become. During the tearful, funny video of Randy’s life I leaned over to Jackie and said, “I want to be just like Randy when I grow up.” Well this weekend’s message just might be the day to take a giant stride into becoming the person God wants us to be - so get ready.
Your friend for the rest of my life
Pastor Tim