The Bible refers to all believers in Jesus Christ as saints.
In this special edition daily devotional, we invite you to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and cultivate a heart overflowing with gratitude towards the Lord.
As stated in Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
November 1, 2023 By Dr. George Bing
Today's Daily Devotional will focus on expressing gratitude to our loved ones who have passed away and are now in Heaven. In the Catholic faith, people worldwide observe "All Saints Day," a special day dedicated to honoring all the saints recognized by the Church who have attained Heaven. However, I believe that one does not need to be officially recognized as a saint by humans to be considered a saint. This is because the Bible refers to all believers in Jesus Christ as saints. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Believers in the Church of Corinth, addresses them as “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's”(I Corinthians 1:2).
Therefore, any believer who passes away in Jesus Christ is considered a saint. It is likely that each of us knows someone who has lived a life of dedication and exemplified the character of Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly, their influence has played a significant role in our personal relationship with the Lord. Today, we have the privilege to celebrate their achievements and express our gratitude for their impact on our lives.
I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for Bishop Richard Norris, who served as the Presiding Bishop in the Eastern District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years and was also my Pastor at Macedonia AME Church in Flushing, New York. Bishop Norris was a shining example of exceptional spiritual leadership, with a life that truly reflected his faith. Today, we give thanks to the Lord for blessing us with the presence of such a remarkable Man of God, who shared the Word of God with us here on earth through his ministry.
I am personally grateful for the words of encouragement that Bishop Norris shared with me during a challenging period in my life. It is important to remember that one does not need to be a public figure or a preacher to have a profound impact on someone's life. Our lives serve as a testament to the message of the Bible, and people will read the "67th Book" through the way we live and interact with others. While the Bible officially consists of 66 books, the way we live our lives can be a powerful testimony that others will undoubtedly read and be influenced by.
Brothers and sisters, indeed, we all desire that someone will one day express gratitude to the Lord for our lives and the example we have set. As stated in Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” What are your thoughts?
コメント