And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
(Matthew 19:16-30 ESV)
One of the great saints in the family of God was called home to receive her reward last week.
Deborah Hawes Godwin McAnulty lived everyday loving Jesus, loving her family and loving her friends. If you met her, she loved you. If you were related to someone she met, she loved you And she made sure you knew it. Her love for Jesus, for what He had done for her, filled her up with so much joy that it spilled out in a continous flow to everyone. She knew that knowing Jesus and sharing His gift of eternal life, grace and peace was the only thing that really mattered. Debbie lived the Gospel out loud. The Lord gave her many opportunities to share His Love all around the world. He gifted her with a very special way to encourage and comfort, always pointing back to the One who suffered the wrath of God in our place. She leaves an inspiring legacy. Post after post on her Facebook page shows how far and wide her impact for the Kingdom on God reaches.
Although this world is a little less bright as we who remain adjust to her departure, I know without a doubt she is Home where she belongs. Receiving her crown of glory, casting it at the feet of Jesus; hearing the words all the saints long to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant.....you have fought the good fight. You have finished the race...." I know Debbie is safe in the arms of Jesus, praising and worshipping Him face to face, resting in His perfect peace.
As radiant as her smile was here on earth, I can just imagine how glorious it is now that her faith has become her sight?
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