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My Grandpa Auxier

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This morning is the Memorial Service for my Grandpa, Gene Auxier.  He’s one of the most faithful men I had the privilege of knowing in my life.  Since my father was a pastor and I pastor, I didn’t get to hear him preach that often, but can still remember his fervency in the pulpit in those times I did.

The best I can piece together his story, God called him out of working on the railroad to preach and minister.  In my conversations with him, he remembered a simpler time.  He didn’t grow up with a lot of luxury.  His parents were farmers (at least Grandpa could remember slaughtering the pig and putting it up for the winter).  Even growing up, I can remember being intrigued by his simple way of living.

In these last few years, he was diagnosed and battled leukemia.  I had the opportunity to visit with him a little over a week ago and his faith was firm to the end.  He would often remind me that God was in control and the best was yet to come.

I’m grateful that now his faith is sight.  The fight is over and in Christ, He knows the firstfruits of eternal life.  I hope today is a day that brings glory to the Savior who made all of this possible.

Rick Auxier – Bday 4/30

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Today is the day that was my father’s birthday; he would have been 59. For those who don’t know, my father passed away on 1/28/98. While in seminary, my good friend, Brad Russell, wrote a poem to remember my father’s passing on to glory. It is loaded with excellent theology and a fitting thing to remember today. It’s entitled “To The Glory of God.”

To the glory of God, his life was created,
In the providence of God, living a grace unfading,
In the love of God, husband, father, son and friend,
In the word of God, each step firmly waiting,
In the sovereignty of God, always hoping,
In the power of God, touching hearts with compassion,
In the holiness of God, always rejoicing,
In the mercy of God, each moment a vapor passing,
To the glory of God, with Him now reigning,
To the glory of God, we hope in the blood unchanging.

We now and forever worship; in Spirit and Truth
In praise of the providence
love
word
sovereignty
power
holiness
and mercy of God.
Praising God for you…
Living and living forever…
To the Glory of God!

My father was not a perfect man nor a perfect pastor (he pastored churches as long as I can remember, but before he married my mother traveled as a full time evangelist). But I can see him now in my mind’s eye, rejoicing in his Savior’s presence to God’s glory. Thanks Brad for this piece that directs me heavenward. And, I’m thankful to God for the heritage of a father who loved God’s Word, loved people and lived in a way that made the Gospel attractive.

Lot’s Wife…

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I came across Luke 17:32 in my devotions this morning and really benefited from Mark Altrogge’s post on “Remembering Lot’s Wife” when it came up in my feed reader this AM.

Here’s the final two paragraphs:

Remember her love of the world, her attachment to things. Her failure to wholeheartedly follow the Lord. These things cost her her life.

Jesus is returning. Invest yourself in heaven. Give your life away serving others. Give to the kingdom and the poor. Follow Jesus with all your heart, and you’ll be ready when he comes.

Remember Lot’s wife and I’m sure you will see why these conclusions are reached. Enjoy.