He Didn't Wake Up This Morning

“If I Don’t Get Up in the Morning, Everything is Alright"

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT): "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord."

Psalm 116:15 (NLT): "The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die."

Good morning Ekklesia Family! 

Last night, Rev. Dr. Charles Edward Kirby, a mighty servant of God transitioned from this earthly life to eternal glory. My father, a man of faith, a preacher, pastor, husband, father, and grandfather, at 96 years old, completed his race. Throughout his life, he lived the words of the Apostle Paul, desiring to be at home with the Lord, and last night, he received that ultimate reward. He often sang, "If I don't get up in the morning, everything is alright," and today, we find comfort in those words. Though he didn’t wake up here, he awoke in the presence of Jesus, where everything is more than alright—it is perfect.

In times of loss, it’s easy to focus on the grief, the void left behind. But today, we are reminded that death for the believer is not the end but a glorious beginning. My father, who served the Lord with all his heart, has now entered into his eternal rest. As believers, this truth should anchor us: death is merely a doorway to eternal life with Jesus. We must hold fast to this hope, for it gives us the strength to carry on, knowing that one day, we too will be in the presence of our Savior.

For those who have not yet come to know Christ, today is a reminder of the urgency to make that decision. My father’s legacy isn’t just in the words he preached or the songs he sang but in the lives he touched with the message of Jesus. If you haven’t made the decision to follow Christ, I encourage you to do so today. Let my father’s life and testimony be a beacon guiding you to the love and salvation found only in Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts both heavy and grateful. Heavy because we miss our loved one, but grateful because we know he is with You. Thank You for the life he lived, for the love he showed, and for the legacy he leaves behind. Comfort our hearts as we mourn, and strengthen us with the hope of eternal life. We thank You that everything is alright because he is in Your presence, where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, only joy everlasting.

For those who haven’t yet accepted Jesus, I pray they would open their hearts today, receiving the gift of salvation and the assurance of eternal life. We trust in You, Lord, knowing that just as You have made a way for him, You will make a way for us all.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’re ready to make that decision today, to ensure that everything will be alright when your time comes, I invite you to pray and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Join us in this journey of faith, and let’s walk together as disciples of Christ, growing in His love and grace every day. Reach out to us at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries; we’re here to walk this path with you. 

Let us not just be hearers of the Word but doers also. As we remember the life of a faithful servant, let us commit to living lives that honor God, serving others, and spreading the message of Christ wherever we go. Let’s disciple one another, lifting each other up in faith, hope, and love, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

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LoveUmorethanUknow Pastor Stephän Kirby