Paul McKenzie

Memory Verse, Sunday, December 14, 2 Corinthians 5:4a

"For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—"

Busy day for me today! Church, a quick practice with the church choir, performing in a concert, and then doing a silly act with my pretty wife for our church's annual Christmas dinner. I've been fighting bronchitis all week long, beginning the week with no voice. Still not 100%, but thankful that the Lord has still helped me get through it all.

And, I can honestly say that I've been groaning, especially during the coughing fits that have kept me up every night. It seems like I have a new 3 am wake-up time, where I must do something to alleviate the symptoms and get back to bed to get at least a few hours more sleep. So, here I am at three, working on my devotional.

I can't think of a better passage to work on, and believe me, I didn't expect to have to get this brief foretaste of the frailty of my body as an object lesson. The big concern has been not to break into a cough during the concert, and so far, so good.

We did have one of the singers pass out in the middle of the Friday concert, right behind me. Fortunately, he was okay, and when talking to him later he said that he had no idea what caused him to pass out, and woke up perfectly fine, staring up in the eyes of a bunch of concerned people!

So, while on most Sundays I just review the past week, since this is so pertinent to my situation now, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dwell on verse 4a during this long day ahead.

I'm groaning about the body, but looking forward to the passages that are coming after. For we rest in a sure hope. Other than that nagging mid-night cough, I have felt pretty good, and am finishing the last of my meds. I look forward for a week of serving Jesus in the short time I may have on this earth.

Of course, when I see my dad, alive and kicking at 94 and still beating me at pool most weeks, I think that if the Lord tarries I may have more than just a few more years to go if I'm following in his footsteps. And if I do, I pray that I am a true reflection of Christ, however threadbare this tent gets.

For when all is said and done, my future is bright indeed. How about yours?

Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

*ESV used unless noted*

Memory Helps:

"For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—"

No offense, but I'm just too tired to think. I'm just going to groan in this tent, visualizing a big burden on top of it.