Sunday, March 09, 2008

Hello my friends--I hope all of you had a wonderful Sunday. Mine was even better than usual, since I got the chance to talk to our youth group this morning. It was one of the best Sunday mornings--I love seeing all the faces and learning all the names--I love being with these kids and telling them how much God loves them. What an honor and a joy . . . .

If you stop and think about it, we're on this earth for so short a time--I want to make every moment count. And what better way to do that than to teach? What better way to live than to follow the example Jesus set and share the Word of God . . . His heart . . . with others.

I wrote a song years ago, and tonight, as I thought about this life and the things that really count, I remembered it:

I long to know you Lord,
the way I should,
the way I know I could
if I tried, really tried.

I long to love you Lord,
as much as you love me.
To laugh and cry with you,
to share in all I do,
the joy I found
loving you.

My Father, my friend,
how sad I feel inside.
I know
how many times I've hurt you,
how many tears you've cried.
And deep inside, I'm crying too . . .
Sometimes, who'd ever know, I love you?

I long to know you Lord,
just to glimpse your heart,
and step apart
from my own--
To risk being shown
your pain . . .
To never be the same
I ask in Jesus' precious name.



Have a great week!

5 Comments:

Blogger JohnD said...

Wow.

Did you put it to music?

11:51 PM  
Blogger Rebecca said...

Dear Jill,
I am a fellow daughter of a Soldier of the Cross. I just lost my dad very suddenly last year, and have been truly devastated! My dad LOVED Dr. Martin and has all of his tapes and CD's. My dad was a Daniel/Revelation teacher for 38 years and in addition used "Kingdom of the Cults" many times to witness to Jehovah Witnesses, Mormans, etc. Your dad's ministry was VITAL to my dad's ministry!

Over the past several years, we have been following the disturbing news about Hank Hanegraaff, and my dad was upset about it! Also, I recently got the debate DVD's from Dr. Ankerberg where Hank debates the Pre-trib position. Did you see that? He does not even answer the debate questions directly...reminds me of how your site said he did not answer the questions you and your family had for him either. Mr. Mark Hitchcock does an amazing job of charging him to answer, and to answer for accusing Mr. La Haye of being a "racist." You have to see the DVD's called "The Great Debate." Was just filmed in Dec. 2007.

Today, I watched Dr. Martin's memorial service. I am truly sorry that you lost your dad. When you were speaking, I resonate with every last word. As you reflect, do you notice that something does not appear right with Mr. Hanegraaff even at the memorial service back then? I felt he really expounded too much for what was appropriate for a funeral as if he loved to hear himself talk. I am sorry if that sounds mean. Where was his emotion and sadness at the loss of Dr. Martin? All of the compassion and genuinessness and love was in contrast evident in Dr. Ankerberg...and of course family and friends. But, there is a big contrast I thought. Don't meant to upset you...

I am certain that my dad is thanking your dad right now! I am grieving very deeply and am wondering if life was this terrible for you when you lost your dad. I would welcome a note from you if you could shed light on dealing with such a tremendous loss.

Currently, I am fighting for my dad in my own way. I have spent a great deal of time and effort to gather, copy and bind his precious notes and courses that he wrote, and to give them all to the school where he taught, Manna Bible Institute in Philadelphia, PA. I hope to take that batton and continue to "Fight the Good Fight of Faith."

In response, I am writing a grieving book about the Daddy's Little girl...losing an awesome Christian dad and would welcome any thoughts you might have as you were in my boat 19 years ago.

Jill, you and your husband are doing a tremendous job of fighting for the gospel and your dad! I am so sorry for the pain that you have endured as I a can certainly imagine the anger you must have had to work through. I would be doing the same if I were you to fight for the integrity of the vision God placed in your dad's heart! Keep it up, we LOVE Dr. Martin! There is truly no one like him...my dad always said that!

I can't wait till we see our dads again! It will be such joy to watch them wearing their many crowns because they were such great contenders for the faith! Amen!

In Calvary Bonds with warmth and love,
Rebecca

P.S. You are so blessed to have a cool husband,...I always hope my dad would walk me down the isle, but I can't find a "Soldier of the Cross" like our dads!

12:04 AM  
Blogger Jill Martin Rische said...

John--

Thank you so much. :) Yes, I did put it to music and as soon as I can find the tape (we're fixing some damage in our downstairs at the moment)I will post it.

11:36 AM  
Blogger Jill Martin Rische said...

Rebecca--

What a wonderful post. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your sweet Dad. I know how painful it is. At times like this, the Holy Spirit is truly the only Comforter.

God bless you, Rebecca, comfort you and hold you close to His heart.

In His Love, your sister,

Jill

(I will continue this in an email. :) )

11:42 AM  
Blogger Jill Martin Rische said...

Rebecca--

Can you email me? (jill@waltermartin.com)

I tried to reach you but it bounced back.

2:19 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home