Angela’s Thoughts

While packing for various trips coming up… my mind starts reflecting on who I am, where I stand, and what others will think when I am gone.

Will I be a person who has gathered much for myself?  In money, prestige, and listening to the comments/compliments of man.  Or, will I have shown the light of the one I worship?    I know that we can become so caught up in how God uses others to lift us up.  But I don’t want to get to the place where I think it is “Me”.  God is my savior, in whom I breathe and live.  I fail.. but He never will.

I feel so emotional… with the passing of Bro. Cory McCool.  The loss seems so great some times I find it hard to dwell on it.  But I force myself to, because there is so much to learn from him and his family.  They have stood strong.  Even in the midst of the trial, Cory was preaching to have Faith in God.  Now, reflecting on his life… there are so many others that he ministered to, that is what they remember.  His special bond with His God.  He reflected the love of God and living by Faith.  He placed his life in the Masters hands.  He allowed himself to rest there, and walk in life knowing that His God was able, but also that it was His God’s choice.  I know there are questions.  Why?  But really, we need not ask.  Cory didn’t.  He trusted.

What do you see in your reflection?

I want my life to cause others to reflect.  I see so many who walk away, deciding to leave their roots.  For what?  For what?  My life is a sacrifice unto God.  I don’t always get my way.  I won’t always understand.  I may hurt and my flesh may not always like the requests of God… but He is my God.  I am his servant.  I will trust and obey Him.

Please Lord, make my life pliable in Your hands.  Help me to draw closer to You instead of looking at what others would expect of me.  Help to see You and to allow You to work in my life.  I pray that You protect my mind and my heart against the lies of this world.  I pray that others see You in me.  What greater joy should I have than to reflect You?  That someone may turn to you because of my walk with You (Your leading me, guiding me and filling me with Your peace and wisdom – not of my own.) Be the savior of my life, Be the Master of my life… expect of me what You need to and help me to meet Your expectations.  I love You and want to live for You the rest of my days.  You are worthy of all honor and praise.  You are excellent in all Your ways.  Although at times we don’t understand.  We rest in You!  Thank you for the peace in knowing, You are in control!  In Jesus Name. Amen.

On Monday, July 27th, Rev. Billy Cole went on to be with the Lord.  On Tuesday, July 28th, Rev. Cory McCool went on to be with the Lord.

I look at my previous post and see the stark difference in the feelings that I have on these days.  I see two awesome men of God.  Men of Faith!  That have lived their lives to the fullest, and sacrificed much in order to see God work in their lives. Although one was able to live life to a decent amount of years, another seemed to have gone too soon – at least in our eyes.

Bro. Cole watched many received God’s spirit, all over the world!  He watched miraculous healings and shared with us many of those experiences to help lift our faith.  He was a visionary… he believed and God worked.  Whenever you heard the name Billy Cole, you expected to hear a praise report following.  A praise report of souls experiencing the infilling of the Holy Ghost for first time – by the thousands.  I will never forget the video’s of these events or  of the woman with the withered hand… being healed and seeing her hand stretch forth.  Bro. Cole has gone on to be with his maker, he is probably rejoicing around the throne, and now seeing the full picture of his ministry.

Bro. Cory McCool, just typing his name in this post doesn’t seem quite right.  I am still expecting God to raise him.  I’m am still expecting.  I know regardless, if it is a revival of Cory, or if it is a revival of those that have been dead while alive… there will be a revival!  This young man of God was closer to home.  He was a pastor of one of our churches in Michigan.  God gave him a gift of singing.  An amazing voice, that now God is hearing in his own throne room.  I am overwhelmed at the faith he had as he battled cancer.  It was never about him, it was always about giving God the glory.  He never used his sickness to hold back from living for God, it was always about giving more, and more, and more.  This week is our Michigan District Campmeeting (family camp), for years Cory has led our services with worship.  For this to be the week that he goes on to his reward… is bittersweet.  We are joyful, yet so sad.  Happy for him, sad for those of us feeling his loss.

Please keep his beautiful family in your prayers.  Jina and their 2 children.  Remember her in days, and months to come.  I pray that God fill her with peace that passes all understanding.  I can’t imagine the feelings she is experiencing.  To know that her husband was loved, and looked up to by many is comforting, but yet… he is no longer here with her.

Take time to be with your family.  Show them how much you love them and care about them.  Let them see how special they are to you.  For… we don’t know what tomorrow holds.

These are two men of faith, that have touched my life.  They have influenced me, with their wisdom, faithfulness, and dedication to the ONE they served.

A couple weeks ago, the world lost two of theirs… this week, we have lost two of ours.

The comparison… make up your own mind on that.