Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

“What Is The Best Way To Serve Christ?”

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“There are some dear people whom I must encourage to be a little more bold. We have some friends, here and there, to whom I could hint, only very gently, that they are quite forward enough, but there are many good people who always keep in the background. They might do so much for Christ if only they had a little courage! Do, dear Friends, break through the ice this year! If you have felt that you ought to do something for your Lord, and yet have never begun to do it, begin at once!

Do you ask, ‘What is the best way to try to serve Christ?’ Well, I think the best way is to do it! ‘But how should I begin?’ Well, I would begin by beginning! ‘When shall I begin?’ Begin now! This very hour. ‘But in what way?’ In the first way that comes to hand—‘whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,’ for our text says, ‘Arise, shine.’ If you have the light, emit it, distribute it, scatter it somehow or other!

Have pluck—that is a plain English word, but I do not know how to put my meaning better. Have pluck enough to come out and be a Christian—do not always be like a rat behind the wall, but come out and acknowledge yourself on Jesus’ Christ’s side and promote the everlasting Gospel wherever you have the opportunity!”

(C.H. Spurgeon, Sermon #2617, Volume 45—Shining Christians)

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