Dear Church of the Open Bible,
This past Monday morning, a dear brother went home to be with the Lord. Bill Turner was eighty-three and, along with his wife, Lynda, attended COB for over sixty years. He served in various church leadership roles over that time, but by many, he will be most remembered for his musical skill with the violin and his cowboy poetry. We are planning to celebrate God’s faithfulness in his life, this coming Monday, June 30th, at 2:00pm, at the church, and we invite you to join us.
I only knew Bill for a fraction of his life (⅛ to be exact), but it was a privilege. Over that time, Bill was a prime example of someone James describes in 1:19, “...quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” I don’t pretend that Bill was never angry or spoke in haste, but rather that these did not characterize him. This is God’s grace, and, as we see in James, the evidence of the Word of God working in the soil of a humble heart, over a lifetime.
I am amazed at the patience and faithful love of God towards us in Christ. Can you recognize these in your own life? Are you extending these to others? If you are trusting in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and new life, God has begun a good work in you. And He will be faithful to complete it.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12