LETTER 30 - DISCIPLES OF JESUS FINISH WELL
Dear Redeemer Family,
Disciples of Jesus never retire.
We never graduate from the School of Jesus this side of heaven.
Linda and I had parents who followed and served Jesus until the day they died. My parents' church had a large outdoor concert amphitheater that sat 3000 people. During the summer months famous Christian musicians came and did concerts. After the concerts were over the place was littered with waste paper. My parents, who were in their seventies, and other elderly couples, would stay and pick up all the trash. They were great servants!
Linda's father lived with us for seven years. He was in his eighties. Every Saturday morning I would drop him off at the local mall. He would stay in the food court, and approach people to tell them about Jesus. The mall managers heard of this, and asked him not to bother people any more. But Linda's dad was not to be stopped!
He had a t-shirt made, with the words on it: "Let's talk about Jesus." He kept going to the mall on Saturday mornings, wearing the new t-shirt. After he died we had it made into a pillow. Here it is.
When I enlisted in the Army National Guard, I signed up for six years. I kept my commitment. When I said my vows to Linda on our wedding day, we signed up for life, until death separates us. We have kept our vows.
When I was twenty years old and said "yes" to Jesus, I Told Him I would be His disciple for the rest of my life, and into eternity. This spring I will celebrate fifty years of discipleship.
The Bible presents life as a race, where people run to a finish line that has a prize. Linda and I not only plan on finishing, but finishing well.
Discipleship, like a marriage, is a life commitment. Disciples don't retire from the great race.
You are Jesus' disciples. May you run well, and finish strong!
Love,
PJ
DECLARATIONS
I am running with Jesus, stronger than ever!
I have placed the cross before me, and the world behind me.
I love You, Lord, and I'll never stop loving You.
I thank God that He has not asked me to retire from following and serving Him!
