John Michaels. What a man. A Man with a great Commission. The few weeks before he passed. When his cancer had worsened. All I could do was sit back. And look at the man he was. The life he lived. His heart. And how full of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness it was. It overflowed with the love of Christ. You saw the radiance of Jesus in his life. Gods presence shined so bright from his life you could see it just by sitting down and having a general conversation with him. He trusted so strongly in the Lord. Every step he took, every conversation, every teaching, every mission, was all ordained by God. He lived a life sold out for Christ. When he would smile, you could see the joy. It came from deep within. He had so much joy no matter what he was doing. Because he was doing all for the Lord. When the Lord said go. There pastor John went. Everyday of his life. He would say Lord send me. And he lived that way every minute every second. He was obedient. He was a faithful bondservant. He had a spirit of humility, putting people before himself. He loved seeing people smile. He loved helping people. He loved sharing with people the love that he knew. That he experienced daily. The love of Christ. He was a man of wisdom. God used him to speak to many. God reached so many people through this man. All because one man said. ‘Send me.’Psalm 21:1-7
The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord;
And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire,
And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness;
You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
Length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great in Your salvation;
Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
6 For You have made him most blessed forever;
You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord,
And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
As I read the scripture above in those weeks, of praying for pastor John. Tears nothing but overflowed my eyes and rushed down my cheeks. Pastor John was a perfect reflection of this scripture. He rejoiced in the presence of his Savior daily. He was all the Lord created him to be. Fulfilling the upward call of Christ. Daily. Always seeking after God’s guidance. Glad in His goodness. Full in His mercy. I admire John Michaels. The person He was in Christ. The drive he had to share Jesus. Going from country to country. State to state. Teaching the Word of God. No matter where he was. What language. Nothing held him back from sharing the love of Christ. He was a man of his word. A man of Gods word. He longed to hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant.” He longed to see the face of his Lord. And on Wednesday, July 31st 2013. He saw the face of God. Where he no longer had to struggle through his cancer. The smile of joy an excitement he shared with everyone here on earth. He finally shared with the glorious face of God. Now he is serving the Lord. Worshiping the Lord. In His Kingdom. Forevermore. He left a legacy here with people everywhere. And here we will continue the legacy that was left here from Pastor John Michaels. We will continue in the example of trust. Faith. Love. Kindness. Compassion. And carry on what John Michaels started. What Christ started. Yesterday I had the privilege and honor to attending his memorial service. What a beautiful evening . The love just came pouring out of every soul there. Hearing the stories from loved ones. Gathered with thousands of people, worldwide. Celebrating the life of Pastor John. Passing down tissue boxes from all around. From sharing tears of sadness. to the joy of laughter. Giving all glory to God for this man. He touched lives everywhere. And to see the multitude of people come together. All the joy on each face. The presence of God overflowing. The voices rising in each song. Gave you a small glimpse of Heaven. All because one man said. ‘Lord…send me.’
We will miss you John. We will see you again. And we will sing Holy Holy, is the Lord God Almighty. For eternity. Together with Christ.
After all these years of him hearing God say ‘Go.’ He finally said ‘Come.’ and invited his servant Home.
May 19th 1942 - July 31st 2013
Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 - 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing
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