The following are exerts from Family Life Today Devotionals for December 29 & December 30, 2011
They both really ministered to me and it is my prayer that it will minister to you or someone you love.
All You Really Need
The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27
I want you to think for a moment of what you'd say to your spouse if you knew you were going to die. What words of comfort would you bring? Where would you point him or her for hope? What counsel would you give that would most certainly be true and not disappoint?
Think. What would you say? How would you pray?
Over 300 years ago, Obadiah Holmes must have grappled with questions like those. Evidently, Obadiah Holmes built his house upon the rock of Jesus Christ. And in a love letter he wrote to his wife before he died, it was only natural to gently remind her to trust Him:
When I am removed, consider the Lord as your husband, as your father, as your Lord and Savior, who has said that whom He loves, He loves to the end. And He will not leave you nor forsake you, but will carry you through all until He brings you to glory. Therefore, lift up your head and be not discouraged. Say to your soul, "Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God and trust in His name," and you shall not be disappointed.
And now, my dear wife, whom I love as my own soul, I commit you to the Lord, who has been a gracious, merciful God to us all our days, not once doubting that He will be gracious to you in life--or death. He will carry you through the valley of tears with His own supporting hand. To Him I commit you for counsel, wisdom, and strength, and to keep you blameless till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, honor, and praise.
What would you say to your spouse if you knew your time was up?
Cheering Them On
Comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:17
Evidently Obadiah Holmes, who lived in the 1600s, understood the power of a good word, as evidenced by the following words to his lifelong bride:
Sorrow not at my departure, but rejoice in the Lord. In nothing be anxious, but make your request to Him who alone is able to supply your necessities and to help you in time of need. Let your love to me culminate in this: that it is better for me to be out of the body and to be with the Lord. Consider the fears you had concerning me every day, for the pains and weaknesses and dangers, now freed from sin and Satan and all enemies and doubts. At the resurrection, this weak, corrupt, mortal body shall be raised immortal and glorious.
And now, my dear wife, it will be but a little while before your day will end and your time comes to sleep with me in rest... . Be cheerful and rejoice in God continually. Care not for the things of this world. Say not, "What shall I eat, and with what shall I be clothed," for your Father knows what you have need of. And He has given you much more of these things than you and I ever could expect or have deserved, and you have enough and to spare if His good pleasure be to let you enjoy the same. If not, He alone is a sufficient portion.
Amen. Fare thee well.
