Life and Death

I've been thinking about life and death for about the past three weeks due to some accidents that I heard of that took lives that were young and vibrant. I first heard about a well known Contemporary Christian Artist who lost a very young daughter in a vehicle accident. I then was told of the death of a father and son in a plane crash. The fatter, 44 years old, was a well known and respected pastor in well known church, his son was 13 years old. They left behind a wife and mother and 5 children and siblings. I would occasionally listen to this man's messages online. Just this past weekend an accident occurred in the area in which my family lives. Two teenage girls lost their lives in a car accident. My son new one of the girls pretty well. People in the church I serve new both families and girls pretty well. One leader in Sunrise in neighbors to both families and has been profoundly impacted by this loss and yet has been ministering to the families in a powerful way. Life and death. I seek to dwell on the life part and as a pastor/leader seek to help people dwell on the life part and live while alive. A man, who lived years ago, by the name of David wrote, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:23. Another man by the name of Moses wrote, "The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:10 and 12. A wise king by the name of Solomon recorded, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1. Life is a wonderful gift that we often take for granted. God, the author of life, wants us to live. Live today in love, forgiveness, newness and goodness. Live today as a learner, encourager, and difference maker. Live today in honesty and consideration of others. Live.