The List by Phil

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," where the writer lists a number of historical figures whose lives showed examples of faith in God. Hebrews 12 refers to those named and many others when it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." - Hebrews 12:1-2a

A while back I heard a suggestion that really makes this passage personal. In the margin of Hebrews 12, make your own list of people who you've watched live faithful lives and have now gone on to join that heavenly "cloud of witnesses." What better time than Memorial Day to start your own Hall of Faith.

I have a new name to add to my list. My buddy Jerry finally finished his battle with MS and went home to Jesus last month. Jerry and his wife Frances have been followers of our ministry and personal friends for over 20 years. Jerry was a bear of a man, standing at least four inches taller than me with a flowing white beard and huge smile. He was also one of the most gentle spirits I have known. Jerry loved the outdoors. When we built our home, he would show up with his tractor to help smooth the land and help me get our lawn going. He brought large, flat rocks from his property we used to landscape our front trees. When folks bought the woods behind our house and started making a clearing for a house, Jerry dug up twenty small cedar trees from his place and together we planted them in a row on our back property line. I still remember Jerry resting his arm on a shovel and sharing the picture in his mind's eye how they would one day grow to make a wall of green across our yard. Today I don't have to imagine, I can look out my window and see exactly what Jerry pictured.

Jerry struggled with MS as long as I knew him, which required him to take regular rest breaks. Those are my favorite memories, as Jerry and I would pull up lawn chairs and visit. We shared stories from our lives and usually ended up talking about Jesus. Many times I'd share challenges or uncertainties about the direction God was leading us. Jerry would carefully listen, and then in his warm, soft voice would impart wisdom, often with a twinkle in his eye and a small chuckle. He showed me that faithfully following God was not as much about grand plans as daily obedience, one moment at a time. The older I get, the more I see how true that is. Thank you, Jerry. I'll miss our talks, and I look forward to seeing you again. Maybe there will be three lawn chairs in heaven where you and me and Jesus can rest, take in the beauty of nature, and swap stories. Probably some chuckles, too.

Why not open your Bible to Hebrews 12 and write a name to start your Hall of Faith list. Who knows, maybe someday someone will add our names to their list. What a great way to be remembered.
​

Faithfully,
Phil and Pam

​Click Here to Check our Concert Schedule!​

​Check us out on Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/PhilandPamMorgan​