Marriage: Partners for Life

Partners for Life

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
this one shall be called Woman,
    for out of Man this one was taken.”

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:18-24

 

Someone gave my husband the photo above not long ago. It was taken a very long time ago. We had been married for about ten years when it was taken. We will celebrate forty-four years together this winter. So, we've been together for awhile. The photo reminded me of all the up and downs of married life. Living and serving in Rota was one of our periods together when we had way more ups than downs. It was a very good time, indeed. 

 

We have not always worked like partners. Marriage can be very hard work as two individuals attempt to live out their individual and mutual callings together. We have, at times, definitely worked against each other rather than with each other. But, no matter what struggles we have gone through; no matter how many times we may have thought that maybe the partnership should end; we have always gone back to the fact that it was God who joined us together. He gave us each other to help and support one another even to the end of our days on earth. 

 

Our days are getting shorter. We are both too old to spend too much time working against each other. But, it does still happen. Even while we are one in Christ, we still have different gifts; different calls and we find ourselves going in different directions. At times like that, we've found it's best to give each other a little space to grow and serve God in the direction He calls us as individuals. We give a little space even while we continue to help and support one another. 

 

Marriage can be very difficult; but, it is also a very great blessing. God has given you a partner for life in your husband or wife. May God help us to make the most of this great gift of marriage.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Prayers: Curses and Blessings

"He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!”  When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys." 2 King 2:23-24 NRSV

Listening to people curse usually causes me to get one of those little knots in my stomach. Hearing God's name used recklessly makes me a little more than anxious. I hear words come out of people's mouths and I wonder if they realize that God is listening. When we desire that someone be harmed and we think or speak it; they are not just harmless words. Every word, whether it is a blessing or a curse, is like a prayer before God.

The story of Elisha cursing the boys and the bears coming to retaliate against them for disrespecting and bullying God's prophet is fascinating. It can even make one a bit uncomfortable to think that God would answer this prayer (curse) in such a devastating fashion. It causes me to wonder if Elisha had any clue that God would respond in such a dramatic fashion or did the curse simply slip from his lips in a moment of anger or fear?

God doesn't normally send bears to protect His prophets. But, there is no doubt that He is with all who serve Him and He listens to their pleas. Be careful then of what words slip through your teeth. It is up to you whether they be the words of a bully, a curse in God's name, or if they be the words of a blessing; God hears it all. Be careful of what you pray for.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 13 A Threat and A Blessing

2 Corinthians 13 NIV
Paul closes his letter with a warning to the Corinthians that he will not deal lightly with those who have not heeded his warning when he sees them again. Paul's intent; however, is not to tear anyone down, but that they might be built up by putting aside the sin that dwells within them. His hope that they would all choose to live lives that would glorify God.

Apparently, he had a lot more authority than most Lutheran pastors. I was just imagining the response I would get if I wrote a letter like this and then closed with a threat for them to look out if they don't quit sinning. The church has definitely changed over the years. May God have mercy. God help us all to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship  of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - Pr. J

1 Corinthinians 16:19-24 Blessings or Curses

1 Corinthians 16:19-24 NIV
So much for being sweet... St. Paul can be quite tough. He sends warm greetings to the church in Corinth. He sends his love to them. He blesses them saying, "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you." He also curses those who do not love the Lord. "If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed!

St. Paul's a bit tough. Not sure if I'd go there. Not that it hasn't crossed my mind. My mind, on a few occasions, has considered how the prophet Elisha cursed the boys that called him baldy and God's response to the curse. (2 Kings 2:23-25)  Now, that was a serious curse! Those bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the boys and not because they did not love the Lord; simply because they were disrespectful to his prophet.

St. Paul cursed those who did not love the Lord. But, I'd rather ask God to soften their hearts to Him; to open their minds; to help them receive their salvation. I'd much prefer to ask for a blessing so that I might live in peace. Yes, I know. That's a little selfish. But, I can get real weary living among a cursed people. Blessed people are much easier to live with.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 11:19-30 Evangelism Follows Persecution

Acts 11:19-30 NIV
God can use even the worst things that happen for the good of all people. Stephen's death would definitely not come under the category as a good thing. Yet, even as he was being stoned he testified to the kingdom of God. Just before he was stoned; "Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" (Acts 7:55-56)

Here in our reading today we find that all those people who had scattered by persecution after Stephen was killed traveled far and wide spreading the Good News to both Jew and Gentile. The stoning of Stephen initiated a wide-spread persecution of the Christians; yet, it also initiated a wide spread evangelism movement.

Jesus promised that persecutions will come to those who follow him. But, with persecution; much blessing not just for the one; but for those who witness the persecution and those who hear about it. Persecutions do come; but, blessings comes with it. For, "blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:10)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 24:50-53 Ascend

Luke 24:50-53 NIV
We come to the end of the Gospel of St. Luke. The Good News culminates with Jesus blessing his followers and ascending into heaven in full view of the disciples. What did they do after Jesus disappears from their sight? They rejoiced. They worshipped him. They went to the temple praising God. What a fit way to respond to the end of yet another chapter in the story. What a marvelous way to respond to the end of yet another leg of their journey. But, even as one leg of the journey may be over, another begins. Every journey has it's ups and downs. The disciples will encounter much persecution as they continue their journey following in the footsteps of Jesus; proclaiming the Good News. But, they will be prepared. They know that God has a good plan and a good purpose. After all, they have seen the resurrected Jesus rise into the Kingdom of God. He has taken his place as King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and we can all know that this Prince of Peace is with us, no matter what happens, even to the end of the age. In this we rejoice and give thanks to God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 17:11-19 - Whole?

Luke 17:11-19 NIV
God answers prayer and he answers it abundantly. In the story of Jesus cleansing the ten lepers only one was made only. His faith made him whole.

What have you been asking for? What have you been receiving? When God heals you or when you get exactly what you want; ask yourself this:  Have you actually received the whole blessing that God gave you or only that little portion that you wanted and asked for? Sometimes, I think, we truly don't want to be made whole in His sight. We only want what we want and we get it we go about our merry way satisfied with less than God would have us receive.

Give thanks to the LORD and receive and live in His abundant grace!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 5:33-39 Fast or Celebrate?

Luke 5:33-39 NIV
Sometimes, change is okay. Sometimes, change is required. Not everyone in Jesus' time on earth was happy about the fact that his disciples spent more time eating and drinking than fasting and praying. Now, this is not to say that they were gluttons or drunkards; but, in those few years that they followed Jesus, they were busy learning from him. They were busy teaching as well as healing with him. There are appropriate times for things and while Jesus was with them; there were more important things to do than focus on fasting.

Today, we still fast from time to time. They might be fasts of total abstinence from something for long periods of time or they could be something as simple as leaving Facebook during Lent. As a church, we must be open to where and what God is calling others to.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is always an interesting array of joy and sorrow. In some, I see the sober eyes that come with fasting and/or repentance. I see their sorrow at times and it is difficult not to have tears well up in my own eyes. In others I might see joy in that Jesus has welcomed them to His Table. When our little children come to the table, I mostly see joy and celebration. It is very difficult not to smile "big" with them. They come to the table for a blessing or to receive the living Lord into themselves. They are most always joyous. Years ago, children never went to the Table until they were confirmed. But, change has come and I for one welcome these faces full of joy and thanksgiving. Like those first disciples, they don't fast too often (most never), but they celebrate that the bridegroom is with us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 27:1-26 - Cursing The Children

So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. (Matt 27:24-26 NRSV)

“His blood be on us and on our children!”  These are some of the hardest words I ever speak aloud. It brings tears to my eyes every time I speak them. Pilate tried to get around crucifying Jesus; but, the people were adamant. They wanted Jesus dead and would riot if he were not found guilty. They were willing to accept the guilt of killing an innocent man. They were willing to place the guilt not only on their own heads, but on the heads of their children, their own children who played no part in this murder. Who would do that? Who would curse and condemn their children like that? The thought of such a crowd; not only willing to kill an innocent man; but, to curse their children in such a manner tears at my heart. They do not have a clue that their words are a curse to the very children that Jesus is willing to die for - their children. This man, whom their children probably do not know, will die for them; while the parents curse their children. Absolutely amazing!

His blood is on us and on our children. He died for us. God has turned this curse into a blessing. It is by his blood that our sins our washed away. Let us not curse our children, any longer; but, help them to understand the great love God has for us through Jesus Christ, our LORD.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 4 - Grief For Those Who Have Deserted The LORD

Nebuchadnezzar is coming. The LORD is sending him and his army to bring terror upon God's people. They have lost His blessing. But, yet, He tells them:

“If you, Israel, will return,
    then return to me,”
declares the Lord.
“If you put your detestable idols out of my sight
    and no longer go astray,
and if in a truthful, just and righteous way
    you swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’
then the nations will invoke blessings by him 
   and in him they will boast.” (Jer 4:1-2 NIV)

God warns His children to return to Him - to return to His ways. But, they do not listen. Do our own children listen? Do they listen to us? Do they listen to the Word of the LORD? Do we?

It is absolutely heartbreaking that we cannot hear or want to receive the blessings of the LORD. Instead, we, like little children, think we have to experiment with other gods. Those other gods will inevitably fail us. Jeremiah grieved for the disaster that was about to befall God's people. How can anyone not grieve for the church today? So many have fallen away... yet, these same who have taken up false gods bear the name Christian and it is there witness that others are hearing. It is a tragedy that worshipping false idols (so many things have taken precedence over loving God with your whole heart, and mind and soul) within the church on earth has taken on epidemic proportions. And... since we have left the LORD to live for our own egos and false gods, we are left to our own devices and their consequences. It is enough to make one grieve for what is about to come.

Return to the LORD and be blessed.

God's Peace - Pr.J

Isaiah 60 - Arise and Shine!

Here, in Isaiah 60, we find a chapter full of hope. It is the promise that God gives to His people. It is part of a larger covenant that God makes with the church.

He will bless the church with the light of His glory. He promises growth. He promises peace. He promises...  The most extraordinary thing about God making promises it is that He will fulfill those promises. None of these blessing of the church on earth or in heaven is accomplished by what you or I do. It is all a work of God.

He has promised and the fulfillment of those promises is found in our LORD, Jesus the Christ. Arise and shine for our light has come (Isa 60:1) Jesus is the light that, as promised, has come into the world. What God has promised, He has fulfilled.

The church on earth has a tendency to delude itself into thinking that somehow through lobbying and politicking, through doing the right things, it will fulfill the promises of God. Peace will come, growth will come, edification will come by the works of our hands. It is just not so. These things are gifts from God. We will not know peace, our neighbors will not know peace, unless we know Jesus the Christ, who is our peace. (Eph 2:14) Peace come from him. It is a gift, as he stated on more than one occasion "My peace I give you." (John 14:27)  Then, of course, most of the world is looking for another kind of peace than the one that Jesus offers.

As I began reading the lesson for today, I immediately taught of two things. First, a memory of my father that had been buried way back in my memories. When I was a child, my father would generally wake us up by hollering up the stairs: "Rise and Shine." I wonder if he knew that morning wake up call may have originated from Isaiah 60. The first also put that popular children's song into my head and so I close with its refrain this morning:

Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Children of the Lord
           (Author and copyright unknown - happy to credit it if someone would email or fb it to me)

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Isaiah 19 - Brother Betray Brother or Peace?

Assyria had been warned and so today it is time to read the warning the LORD gave to Egypt, as well. The LORD is coming to Egypt. "See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear. 'I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian— brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom.'" (Isa 19:1-2 NIV)

The Egyptians have turned their backs on God and against God's people. He, apparently, has determined to save some of them. Trouble is coming. Ultimately, five cities come to swear their allegiance to God, while others continue in their descent as they consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.

It is not uncommon that people who serve different gods come to have differences, even disputes. They will, even within families, betray one another in order to hide their own guilt, to justify worshipping their false gods. When Jesus entered the scene, was he not hated by the "religious" people of the day - the people who lifted the law and their own righteousness before God? Jesus' own people turned against him.

And... so it will be with those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death." (Matt 10:21) We will not be loved by all. We will, in fact, be hated by many. Our presence is a reminder that Jesus is LORD and not everyone is willing to accept that. They prefer to be their own gods, masters of their own destinies. There are many, even within our own families, who would betray us in order to try to hide or destroy the truth that Jesus Christ is our LORD and Saviour. He is the LORD of all the earth.

There is good news to be heard regarding the prophecy against Egypt. Egypt, Assyria and Judah, together will be blessesd.

"In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.'" (Isa 19:23-25)

May the LORD bless and keep you all in the unity found in Jesus Christ, our LORD.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

P.S. Yes,things like unity and reconciliation with one another is a gift from God. It is not something that can be conjured up by man. That kind of peace will not last. No matter how hard we try our own attempts at peace seem to only bring more division and dissenion. We are only truly united through the blood of Christ, an everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 1 - Get It Together!

Get it together, already!  Isaiah is the most often prophet quoted in the New Testament. He brings a warning. Get it together, already! Quit worshipping false idols, foreign gods. Turn to the LORD. This message from Isaiah is not just for the people of that day. It needs to heard today, as well. And... this word is for those who profess to be children of God!

For those of you who are not actually reading the Bible as you should, here are verses 2-4 out of the 31 verses in chapter 1:

 

"Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”

Woe to the sinful nation,
a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the Lord;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him."

Woe, indeed! God is not addressing pagans through Isaiah. He is addressing His children. He is addressing those who claim to be His, but refuse to follow in the way that He sets before them, those who think only of themselves.

There are times when I really get truly exasperated hearing that this country is a Christian nation, founded on Christian principles. I won't disagree with that. But, I will ask you that if you really believe it, start acting like it! Please, don't tell me that you are a Christian if you believe that you don't have to worship God or that you worship in your own way. Please, don't tell me that you worship him on the golf course. You are lieing to yourself as well as me. On the golf course you are pleasing only yourself. Please, don't tell me that you are a Christian and believe that there are many ways (gods) to heaven. There is only one way. And... that way is through Jesus Christ. He is the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

One of my greatest pet peeves is hearing complaints from Christians in this country (U.S.) that we are persecuted. Want to talk about persecuted...? There are plenty of people in this world who are truly persecuted, even die, for their faith in Jesus Christ. But, here in this country, it is barely more than a whisper in comparison to the persecution others endure for the sake of the name of Jesus the Christ. There are people the world over who are actually following in the footsteps of Jesus, even to their deaths, for their faith in Him. I often hear that atheists and/or the government entities are trying to take away our rights as Christians. Every Advent, I hear complaints about how we can't put up nativity scenes in front of public buildings. But, what is it that "Christians" put up in front of their own homes? Do you see nativity scenes? Or, do you see blow up Santa Claus's, reindeer, and Christmas trees? I have no doubt that Christianity is under attack in this country, but it is not so much because of those who outright deny Christ. It is not because of those who are not Christian. It is and will be because Christians failed to live like children of God, worshipping only Him, doing His will.

Get it together! There is only one God, the Father, the Creator, the Redeemer of all. Heed the warnings given to us through Isaiah. Repent - that is turn around and worship God, the Father who created you, the Son who died to save you, and the Spirit that empowers you to follow in His footsteps.

Get it together and receive the blessings of the LORD - live in peace - the peace that only God can give.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. If you're thinking I'm being mean or angry, read Isaiah... and you will understand better where this is coming from...

Proverbs 11 - Be Nice!

Be nice!  That seems to be the gist of Proverb 11. Being "nice," being honest, being fair, is not only a blessing to those whom you are being nice to, in the end you will feel blessed. "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves." (vs 17 NIV)

So much wisdom found in Proverbs; both blessings and warnings. Warnings not to what is wicked, but to do good. Warnings to not place your trust in possessions of even man. There is good advice found in Proverbs 11. Read it and remember it. Worship the LORD your God and follow in the path that He has set before you, doing what is right an avoiding what is wrong.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Psalm 109 - Vengeance is God's

^"He loved to pronounce a curse—
may it come back on him.
He found no pleasure in blessing—
may it be far from him.
He wore cursing as his garment;
it entered into his body like water,
into his bones like oil.
May it be like a cloak wrapped about him,
like a belt tied forever around him.
May this be the Lord’s payment to my accusers,
to those who speak evil of me. (Psalm109:17-20 NIV)

Vengeance is the LORD's.  I have learned over the years that it is not my place to take vengeance on those who accuse me.  God will take care of me. He will take care of those who are falsely accused or accosted. He will take care of those who falsely accuse or unjustly attack others. No, I am not a pacifist. I definitely will defend others when they are attacked. There are times when we need to defend ourselves. There are times when we need to seek assistance from the law. However, there are also times, I think, that we should step back when it is we who are being attacked and let go and let God, as the saying goes.

Years ago when I was very young, I was selling insurance door to door.  At one home, a man, arrogant and full of deceit attempted to assault me.  I was pretty shaken, but I got away unharmed.  I wanted to press charges.  A co-worker, an older Christian man, talked me into not doing that. The man who had attempted to harm me was pretty well known and liked in the community.  I was a stranger.  He was a local politician. I was an insurance salesman. "Do nothing, he said. Who are the authorities going to believe? Let us pray together and leave the vengeance to God.  Let us pray that the evil he intended upon you return to him." So we did.

Did God answer our prayers?  You tell me.  The following week, while the man was at work, his  wife left him. With his new convertible filled with his precious electronics in the trunk, she and her boyfriend sped away from the house and wrecked his vehicle. It hit the newspapers. The car and the contents were totalled. His wife and her boyfriend were unharmed, but his ego was definitely done in. He was no longer the prideful man he had been the week before.

Sure, there are days, still, when I would like to take vengeance.  But, I learned that day, almost forty years ago, to leave vengeance to God. He will take care of me. He always has. Why would He not continue?

Remember, your curses against others are prayers. Prayers that just might return and turn upon you. Watch what comes out of your lips - prefer blessings to curses - as what you do to others may be done to you.

"He loved to pronounce a curse—may it come back on him." (vs 17)
God's blessings and peace - Pr. J
 

Psalm 84

I am reading from the CEV this morning because it is the only Bible  at the hunting shack. I am blogging from a smart phone. It is not working real well:-)

Some things can be a challenge - like learrning how to use a smart phone. But, whether the challenge is in this world or the Kingdom, those who live in the house of the LORD thank God and sing His praises for all that He his done, through the challenges that He has provided us with.

And... may the LORD God All-Powerful continue to bless all who trust in Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 37 - The Meek Share!

More blessings and curses...

Those who demand of others will see their own end.  "But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity." (vs 11 NIV)

I have been considering something that I witnessed quite often lately.  Greed and selfishness abound and for no reason that I can quite put a finger on, except maybe a lack of empathy or compassion for others.  It has to do with table manners.  It is most recongizable in children, although I see this example in adults, from time to time, as well.  I first started recognizing this behavior in a few of our past foster children and I've seen it in some of our adult foster childen from time to time.  With them, I usually recognize it as a symptom of mental illness or previous abuse or neglect.  Some of them had so little to eat in their previous homes, they are afraid if they don't fill up now they may not get another meal for some time.  However, I don't know what to think about people who are mentally healthy (or at least appear so) and don't have a history with childhood neglect who do this. 

You've probably seen it.  It's the habit of some who have to have the biggest portions and then while others do without, they decide that they weren't that hungry and throw it out.  You see, some people (at least I was) taught that you take no more than you can eat and if there is not that much on the table to go around, you take less so that those whom you love will have more. Maybe, that's it.  Maybe, we don't know how to really love these days. 

I just don't get this concept of having to have the best and the most and leaving the crumbs to those whom we claim to love.  What was it that Jesus told Peter?  "If you love me, feed my sheep."  (JOhn 21:17) Consider the plight of those whom you love - consider the plight of those whom God loves - give generously - share generously. 

By the way, taking from the rich to give to the poor is not exactly the way those who will inherit the kingdom do it.  Scripture tells us:  "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)  A gift given under compulsion is a tax, not a gift.  It was the meek widow who put her last penny into the offering, because of her love and faithfulness, that Jesus commended.  (Mark 12:41-43 and Luke 21:1-4)

"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed." (vs 21-22)

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Chronicles 34 - Death as a Blessing

Now this is an interesting blessing:  "Now I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here."  (34:28 NIV)

Death is the blessing; death before Josiah has to see the devastation that the sin of others will bring upon the people whom he loves and serves.  To see those whom we love, suffer, is a horrible burden.  It is something most of us would prefer not to witness or endure.  It is especially painful when it is your children or grandchildren who suffer.  And for faithful Josiah, his blessing from God is that he will not live long enough to witness the consequences of Judah's sins.

Death is something most of us really want to avoid.  But, not all.  I've heard it said that everyone is afraid of death.  I do not believe that.  We love life here in this world.  But, there are some of us who look forward to the peace that will come in the kingdom of God.  We are tired of seeing the pain and suffering of loved ones, of the world.  Death does not have victory over us.  However, we will continue with an intent not unlike that of St. Paul as he wrote to the Phillipians (1:20-26): 
     "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.   For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."

Paul too counted death as a blessing.  But, he also knew that it was all up to the will of God.  There was still the gospel to proclaim to a suffering world and he could not/would not depart his body just because he was tired and wanted to live in Christ's eternal presence.  He would not choose what was for his benefit, but rather that which would benefit the whole Body of Christ.