"For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the Lord." - Jeremiah 29:11

There comes a time when REAL life begins.

And it’s coming soon for a group of 7 teenagers attending our church.

We call it “Graduation Day.”

Tonight we recognized the 7 graduating high school seniors who are members of our church.  In just a few more days they will be donning their caps and gowns to receive that coveted diploma.

As that day approaches, they are filled with both excitement and anticipation, almost bursting with eagerness for the time to arrive.  Life as they know it now will end...

...but a new, even better life awaits.

We watched a video presentation of pictures of each of the seniors taken throughout their lives.  These photos showed their lives from babies to young men and women about to enter adulthood.

It was over in just a moment.   One minute their past lives were on display.  And the next their future lives were ready to begin.  There are more pictures to be taken.

Soon that day will arrive.  “Graduation Day.”   They’ll wake up that morning just like they always do.  And in a blink of an eye it will be done.  The day will be gone and a new life will have begun as they head off to college and careers and families.

You know, all of this reminds me that every one of us will face a “Graduation Day.”  That day when we pqww from this life into the next.

Like I said, there comes a time when REAL life begins.  Eternal life with Jesus.

Call it “Graduation Day” if you will.

In just a few more days each of us will make our way to that day.  And, I don’t know about you, but I am filled with both excitement and anticipation! Life as we know it now will end...

...but a new, even better life awaits!

If we could watch a video presentation of pictures of our lives we’d find one thing in common.  Our lives all pass within just a moment.  James says they are like a “vapor” -- here one minute and gone the next.

One minute our lives are on display.  And the next our future lives are ready to begin.  Praise God there are more “pictures” to be taken in heaven!

Soon that day will arrive for each of us.  We’ll wake up that morning just like we always do.  And in the blink of an eye it will be done.   This life will be gone and a new life will have begun as we head off to be with the One who gave His own life for us.

Christian, as we recognize the graduating class of 2002, let us remember that it’s not an ending, but a new beginning for each of these young men and women.

And let us likewise remember that each of us has but a moment.  And then we too will arrive at “Graduation Day.”

It’s not an ending, but a new beginning.

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God." - 1 John 5:13

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!