AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE

AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE

 Check yourself out.  You are still alive and breathing, aren’t you?  That means you are an unquestionable recipient of the wondrous grace, mercy and favor of God.  Do you need tangible evidence?  Is bona fide proof required in order for you to wrap your head around the reality that God’s love is fully extended toward you?

 Well, consider the true story of Robert Robinson, an English clergyman who lived in the 18th century.  Not only was he a gifted pastor and preacher, he was also an extraordinary poet and hymn writer.  However, after many years in the pastorate his faith began to drift.  He left the ministry and wound up in France, indulging himself in the very depths of sin.

 One night he was riding in a carriage with a Parisian socialite who had recently been converted to Christianity.  She was interested in his opinion on some poetry she was reading: “Come thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise.”

 Looking up from her reading, the French socialite noticed Robinson was sobbing.

 “What do I think of it?” he asked in a broken voice.  “I wrote it.  But now I’ve drifted far away from Him and can’t find my way back.”

 “But don’t you see?” the woman responded gently, “The way back is written right here in the third line of your poem: ‘Streams of mercy never ceasing.’  Those streams are flowing, even here in Paris tonight.”

 In that moment, Robinson recommitted his life to Christ.

 My friend, no matter what has transpired in and around your life, JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, THE LORD, IS THERE; and HE is absolutely capable of healing ALL YOUR DIS--EASES.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!