At the close of the summer, five people passed away in six weeks. Four were from our local church community, and one was a close family friend. It was a lot for us personally, but each passing was even more immense for each family who lost a loved one. As a pastor, I’m often asked to officiate services for people who have passed away. Never in my entire ministry career have I officiated so many in such a short span of time. It has left a powerful mark on my life.
Each person who passed away, two elderly matriarchs in our local church, a middle-aged man who valiantly fought cancer, a lady who lived with more long-term physical suffering than anyone I’ve met, and an older gentleman whose body finally grew tired—had different stories and struggles. All of them were followers of Christ. Each left behind a different legacy shaped by the choices they made along the way, but all stepped across the finish line through the finished work of Christ. None of them were perfect. Some lived with earthly consequences. But all were received into the presence of the Lord because of their faith in Christ.
“I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 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 116:14-16
The word “precious” means God values the lives of His children and cares for them even in the transition from life through death into eternity. What glorious comfort this should bring us! But it should also cause us to be intentional in our choices as we live this life.
Our earthly life is short and fragile. Our eternal life in Christ is unshakeable and forever. This truth should frame how we live in the here and now. To not live for temporary pleasures and fading glory, but to “fulfill our vows to the Lord in the presence of people.”
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Philippians 1:27
This season of grief has deeply stirred my heart. I want to live in light of eternity. To live on mission. I want my life to participate in the legacy of Christ, leaving behind a testimony of His grace, mercy, goodness, and truth. We pray that Higher Place Ministries is doing just that: helping to stir your heart to live in light of eternity and become ambassadors for Christ!
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Ministry Update
We were incredibly busy in the office this month! Scott started recording the audiobook for Welcome Home. Prayerfully, it will be finished in the coming weeks, and it should be available by the end of the year. The workbook is well underway and on track to publish by the end of October! We’re also in the planning process for a podcast companion for Welcome Home, plus a limited-run series for our book The More Excellent Way! We can’t wait to get these resources into your hands, phones, and e-readers.
We had the wonderful opportunity to attend Kenny Davis’ annual retreat in Red Oak, NC. His minsitry has a retreat center there called Yeshua’s Vineyard and they were dedicating a new building in honor of my dad. They’re calling it the “Hobknob.” It will serve as a meeting space for retreats and events. It was a powerful time of worship, testimonies, ministry, and tears. My mom, brother and his wife, and my sister were all there. My dad would have absolutely loved it!
On the family front, Lisa and I are doing great and figuring out this new season with all adult children. We had a wonderful time visiting Olivia during parents’ weekend at ECU. Joseph is doing well, and we’re looking forward to seeing Victoria and her husband Viktor in December!
We are so excited for all the Lord has in store as the ministry continues to grow! We’re so grateful for all the testimonies and encouragement many of you have shared about Welcome Home. None of this would be possible without your prayers and partnership! Thank you so much!
Would you consider partnering with us?
As we are in the launch phase of Higher Place Ministries, your prayers and support mean the world to us! Each month, we’re hard at work serving our local church while also building Higher Place Ministries. Writing, recording, publishing, and traveling all require time and resources. Would you pray and ask the Lord how He’s calling you to journey with us?
You can get involved in three powerful ways: Pray, Recommend, and Give.
We need all the prayer we can get as we seek the Lord for guidance, direction, and creativity. Subscribing to our monthly newsletter is a great way to stay updated on how to pray for us!
It is such a blessing every time someone purchases or passes along our books and resources. We believe God has given us a calling to write content that will encourage and equip the Body of Christ to become devoted to Word, Worship, Fellowship, and Prayer. You can help us accomplish this by purchasing, reading, and recommending our resources!
Would you prayerfully consider becoming a financial partner? Your donations help cover the costs of recording, writing, publishing, and our ministry engagements. You can give a one-time gift or become a monthly partner through recurring giving. All giving is completely secure, and Higher Place Ministries is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible non-profit ministry.
Scott serves as the full time Senior Pastor of Liberty Christian Fellowship in the Outer Banks of NC. Be sure and check out all that God is doing in and through liberty at www.libertyobx.com.
Visit www.higherplaceministries.com for more information in Scott and Lisa’s personal ministry. Higher Place Ministries exists to help people become devoted to Word, Worship, Fellowship and Prayer through training, ministry, books, and resources.
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