Victory lap

The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.  -1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (NIV)

So thankful today for the promise we have through Christ that death does not have the final word. Jesus became the answer for our two biggest problems: sin and death.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  -John 11:25-26 (NIV)

What will we leave behind? If you were writing your own eulogy today, what would it say?

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.  -Psalm 116:15-16 (NIV)

Think three generations ahead. Your great grandchildren will not remember a lot about you, but make no mistake - the shadow you cast will affect their lives. What heritage are you leaving them? 

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.  -Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)

Finish strong!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.  -2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Death remains something of a mystery. Very few of us know when we will go or how we will go. Even so, we have confidence because we know Who waits for us on the other side.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  -1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (NIV)

My mother left this life and went home to her reward this week. She went peacefully. She went confidently. She sang the day before she left. She was a good mama.