Category Archives: Death

“Facing the Music” When I Don’t Like the Song

        Sorrow.Sunset

(Note: This post was the sixth most read of 2013)

David Cawston, in a sermon entitled “Ready to Face the Music,” began with this riddle. Can you guess the answer?

“There is a preacher of the old school, but he speaks as boldly as ever. He is not popular though the world is his parish, and he travels every part of the globe and speaks in every language. He visits the poor, calls upon the rich, preaches to people of every religion and no religion, and the subject of his sermon is always the same. He is an eloquent preacher, often stirring feelings which no other preacher could in bringing tears to eyes that never weep. His arguments none are able to refute, nor is there any heart that has remained unmoved by the force of his appeals. He shatters life with his message. Most people hate him; everyone fears him.”

“His name?” Continue reading

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Filed under 2013 Top Posts, Death, Eulogy

“I WILL GO TO HIM ONE DAY”: In Memory of Baby Azaiah DeGarmo

AzaiahDeGarmo

(This post received the third most views of 2013)

There is a sad story in the Old Testament about the death of King David’s infant son. When the baby became ill, David fasted, prayed and wept for six days. On the seventh day, David’s servants came with the anguished news, “He is dead.” David’s response is remarkable. Continue reading

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Filed under 2013 Top Posts, Death, Eulogy

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Two “Friday’s” To Remember.

jesus-and-childrenFriday.  A day we anticipate.  The end of a work week for many.  The last day of school.  The beginning of a “week-end’ to have fun.  Friday is a time for High School football in the fall.  And basketball in the winter.  Emails are sent saying “Happy Friday.”  Friday is synonymous with good times. Continue reading

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Filed under Children, Death, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!

What Would Be Your Advice?

          What if you were told you only had six months to live?  What would you do?  What would you tell your wife?  Your children? Your friends? What advice would you offer?  If the elders gave you an opportunity to speak to the church, what would be your  final words?

Randy  Pausch, a terminally ill computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, was given that opportunity.  On Continue reading

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Filed under Death, Life

It Beats the Alternative

This morning I am in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Later I will drive over to Morgantown and preach the funeral for my Uncle, James O. Gabbard.  He died last Thursday at 91. He lived a full and exciting life.  He was a Christian. But finally my Uncle Oval met his appointment with death.

Death.  It is a sobering word.  A cold word.  A frightening word.  We don’t even Continue reading

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Filed under Death, Uncategorized