My Younger Sister Died Today

Common Sense Commentary:

The benefits to her far exceed her lose. Alta was ... and still is a true, born again, believer in Jesus Christ as Lord of her life. Of all the hundreds of people I have seen in the dying process, her death was the most desirable. As the Apostle Paul said, "I .... having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better ...." Phil. 1:23. Her death was quick, almost painless and allowed her just enough time to say good-by to those she loved. Just three weeks ago, at 81, she drove the 150 miles, from her home, to visit our older sister Betty and my wife, Bettie, her best school-girl friend, and me. Alta was her usual vibrant, healthy self, and we had a happy time remembering. Back at home, she felt a little sick and saw her doctor two weeks ago. Within hours she was told she had a very fast developing cancer. Her three daughters rushed to her side  Our son Ron drove me, sister Betty and Betty's daughter to see Alta. We wanted to pray with her and comfort her and her girls ... but they were already comforted by our Great Comforter. Alta was weak and sleeping most of the time, but painless and looking forward to seeing our Lord, and her husband Ed, our Mom and Dad, and all her other friends and kin who preceded us to glory. Our brother Tommy joined us around Alta's bed. We four siblings, and everyone there, joined hands in prayer and praise to our wonderful, merciful Lord for the blessed hope we have in Christ. We left knowing we would not see our sister again, in this life, but would soon join her in God's glory. Alta died in perfect peace early this morning and was caught up into the glorious presence of Him who is "the way, the truth and the life". See you soon Sis. RB

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:13-18.

"We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor. 4:13-18.