Rejoicing in Heaven

Brian has been rejoicing with the Father for 9 years!

Nine years again today, my big brother, Brian was called home by His Creator. I miss him very much! He gave his heart to Jesus in his mid 20's and changed dramatically over the next 6 years. I remember how He craved spending time in God's word, how he studied diligently to know truth, his boldness, and how he had a huge burden for lost souls, especially Muslims.

I remember him even taking a class on the Koran so that he could know better how to share his faith in Christ with the Muslims. I remember his holding Bible studies in his home. I can remember him pulling out his Bible while visiting any chance he had and how he wanted to talk and wrestle through theology. I remember the man who stood up at his funeral and shared how my brother pursued him and pursued him and eventually led him to Christ. I remember others sharing how he loved to talk about his Jesus.

Today as I remember the blessing of his time with us here on earth, I am challenged as well. I am thankful for his example. I am challenged in how my heart lacks that burden for lost souls at times. I am a missionary, yes. I am also a sinner. Yes, missionaries do sin :) But even in doing missionary work one can become so focused on the 'serving others' that one day you realize that your heart is losing that burden for others salvation. And in turn, not sharing the Gospel with boldness. Words from Paul, in Romans 9:2-5, " I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could [a]wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren..." Wow....in such sorrow for the lost he would be willing to trade his salvation in order for them to be saved. convicted? Uh, a little! (a lot).

My brother was remembered by many for his heart for Jesus and his heart for the lost. I'm challenged! Are you? Won't you join me in praying for our hearts to desire what God desires... That none should perish. I don't want to be complacent in just serving the body (though a good thing and called too), I want to crave to see Jesus change hearts. And due to my sin, I naturally won't crave this, so " Lord, change my hearts desires to what yours desires! Let my heart burden for the lost, to see with Your eyes, and help me to love souls the way You love them...the way Paul loved them."
- Jen