In life and in death we belong to God!

That's what's been in my mind all day long today. There have been deaths of church members'loved ones the last few days. Father,mother, brother, uncle, son of my church members have died at different places within the last few days. I feel very inadequate to be their pastor (in Steve's absent that's what I am). I prayed and prayed, and I was with some of them in person. There have not been much I can think of that will help them feel better. All I know is that God is with them. Their loved ones have gone on to be with God, there they are safe and healthy and whole now in the presence of God. The death of a loved one is the most awful experience any one can experience. I know. I buried my mother only 6 months ago. How do people of no faith deal with death? Thank God I know and believe that "in life and in death we belong to God". People I came to know and care about a great deal have also been suffering from cancer and other diseases lately. It tears my heart in pieces. I, who do not much 'feel' am feeling very helpless and frustrated that I cannot do any thing for them. But again in life we belong to God. God can take care of them. I am reminding myself that every day, a few times each day. In the midst of business and Texas heat, I am grateful that I have the privillege of being here. And I preached once and will be preaching again this coming weekend. The story is from 2 Samuel in which King David goes "into double reverse" in life. I mean he lusted after Bathsheba and had her husband killed. How does one preach on that? God has a great sense of humour and gave this to me to preach on. I say "Good luck" to me. What good is life if it is so smooth sailing all the time. I am happy to be here.