My Testimony (part 5)

There is someone from Curt's life, whose deception directly affected my life after Curt's death.

What, then, shall I say in response to these things? If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)

The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty. Proud men end in shame, but the meek become wise. A good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty. Your riches won't help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then. (Proverbs 11:1-4)

Do not take advantage of the widow ... If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. (Exodus 22:22-23)

Matthew 16:26

BUT, my testimony is not about that one ...

and I give thanks to God, that ...

He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

He rescued me from my own self-righteousness only eight years ago. Though undeserving, God had mercy on me, plucking me from the precipice of the fiery pit. He opened my mind and heart to the truth, and made me a new creation in Jesus Christ. He continues to direct me from the broad road and guides my steps on the narrow path. I pray His forgiveness for my sins daily - that I remain in Him ...

I pray His mercy and grace over your life too!

Psalm 40:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Matthew 7:13-14; John 8:31-32

(see below for referenced scripture)

This is a testament to God's love, protection & provision.

He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely His goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:5-6)

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In his twenty fourth month battling pancreatic cancer, Curt suffered a stroke. God delivered him on his bed of pain, by drawing Curt near. He spoke to Curt in his affliction, and Curt's eyes were opened to the truth. Curt became a new creation in Christ, and because he believed, he received the gift of eternal life. And, his name could be found in the book of life.

Job 33:19-24; 36:15; Ezekiel 36:26; Rom 6:23; Zechariah 3:1-4; Rev 20:12-15

On December 30, 2019, twenty five months after his diagnosis, Curt took his last breath on earth. God allowed me to view a glimpse of heaven's glory reflected in Curt's eyes. He then appeared to me in the wonder of the cloud throughout that night. The LORD IS my strength and my shield. Praise Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine ... All thanksgiving and glory to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ forever and ever!

Psalm 28:7; Ephesians 3:20-21

(see Curt’s testimony, and Curt's entry into Heaven, links provided below)

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By God's mercy and grace ...

My daughter came to Christ as a result of Curt’s death. This alone is a blessing beyond measure! She has been my rock, both physically and emotionally, throughout this difficult time of loss and heartache.

While I may not be a widow in the traditional sense, the Social Security Administration recognizes me as such.

On top of that, I received three art jobs the beginning of 2020, and completed all of the work before the Corona virus dictated our lives in proximity to others.

This income would prove beneficial in the days to come.

I have, since, received two more jobs.

Anne, Curt’s financial advisor, provided her services to me free of charge. She called me most days, blessing me many times over these last few months with her expertise and loving guidance. She truly is a friend indeed!

Michele and Tom, quickly became close friends and were ever present throughout Curt’s ordeal. In a heartfelt invitation, they opened their home to me "as family" after hearing of my sudden, unexpected, grim situation. They are in Christ, and their love and generous nature gave me hope in a desperate time. Their friendship never ceases to bring me great joy.

Audrey, a dear friend, offered to lend me a considerable amount of money to renovate Curt's house early on, in the event I would be able to purchase it. Her love is woven into the fabric of my heart. I am forever blessed with her friendship.

Mary, another dear friend, continues to overwhelm me with her kindness and generosity. By God's grace and with her help as a realtor, I purchased a brand new home, in my preferred location, on the first day we ventured out. Mary not only waived her commission, but insisted on lending me the large downpayment as I awaited a promised gift from Curt's estate. Mary's obedience to Christ’s greatest commandment is a testimony to the power of love and compassion. I am grateful she is in my life and will forever cherish her friendship.

These beautiful people mentioned above, along with countless others, continue to grace me with their love and compassion and friendship ...

What great wealth I have accumulated in such a brief time!

Luke 10:27; also in the gospel of Matthew 22:36-40 and Mark 12:28-31, as "The greatest commandment ..."

Since that amazing moment the blinders of this world fell from my eyes, I was able to see the reality of Jesus ...

I trust My Father,

who knows my needs & always provides!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In my blog, dated October 30, 2019, I shared my dire situation. I did this, knowing that God would meet my needs, and I would be able to testify to His goodness.

I trust His perfect ways and timing!

(see Weakness, a Self-Portrait, link and further explanation provided below)

I fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith!

Hebrews 12:2

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. (Romans 8:28-29)

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:2-3)

1 Corinthians 13:4, 6-7

We cannot hide our true feelings or intentions from God. He knows our thoughts and our motives. So, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart …" (Psalm 91:1-7)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life … Your heavenly Father knows what you need. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25, 32-33)

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I also began formal Bible studies in January of this year ...

For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; He puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth — He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:4-22)

I do not love Him for what He can do for me,

but for who He is!

Amen! Praise God!

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Referenced Scripture:

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2) ... Jesus is my rock and firm foundation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: he old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) ... Jesus is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6)

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, an only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) ... Jesus is the gate

... Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Than you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

“Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright, and he is gracious to that person and says to God, ‘Spare them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them (Job 33:19-24)

But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. (Job 36:15)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.(Ezekiel 36:26)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a]Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” (Zechariah 3:1-4)

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12-15)

Reference Links:

Curt's brokenness and God's glory

Weakness: A Self-Portrait (My Testimony, part 4)

In my testimony (part 4), I spoke of loved ones with cancer. Curt was one of those whose cancer returned, but in his weakness and pain, he devoted his last days to Christ, assuring him a home in God's eternal kingdom. My friend, Lori, who years ago invited me to a meeting that forever changed my life, also passed away from cancer (days after Curt). I look forward to seeing them when The LORD calls me home. There is another, my Step-Father, who God has since healed of cancer. He continues to love and care for my Mom, whose dementia is in no way improved, but there is a peace that is evident most days.

Curt's dream (posted 2 days before his death)

Curt's entry into Heaven

My salvation

My walk on the narrow path

God hears my prayers

Recommended Reading:

Psalm 91

Matthew 6

Weakness: A Self-Portrait

My Testimony (part 4)

"If dependence is the objective, then weakness is the advantage" — Alistair Begg

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27)

I am currently plagued with worry. Cancer in loved ones and my Mom’s dementia are exacerbated by my own financial and personal hardships. Insomnia and hypertension caused by anxiety and stress weigh me down. (Proverbs 12:25) I must pray faithfully, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14) But, as I wait, I find myself busy considering back-up plans, or a ‘Plan B’ in my unbelief ...

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

I am overwhelmed and alone ...

… except — I am not alone!

God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

“God is going to see if, when under stress, are you going to turn to Him, or are you going to turn to other things?” — Rick Warren

Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Salvation from the Lord does not save us from trouble or pain in this world — on the contrary ...

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

"God’s purpose in us as his children is that we might be dependent upon Him completely." — Alistair Begg

I based this painting on my emotions' itch to work out a ‘Plan B’ in adversity (living in the flesh — not in the spirit). The way I used to live when I followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air. (Ephesians 2:2) But now I follow Jesus. His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are my ways His ways. (Isaiah 55:8) We are to live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“When God does something, it will change the logic of everything else . . . God wants us to stay focused (on Him)… Remove the old way of thinking . . . Blessings are not always upgrading — Blessings can be downsizing too . . . Because before God can move you, He will break you . . . The Bible says, 'they that know their God will do great exploits.' (Daniel 11:32 KJV) . . . David did not win on his own strength (1 Samuel 17) . . . It was the place of Gilgal. It’s a place of removing all the pride. It’s a place of becoming empty, vulnerable. It is a place of surrender! . . . In transition, lay down logic. (Joshua 6) . . . When you come to a rock and a hard place, you can’t move forward and you can’t move back . . . Expect an encounter from God . . . Whatever you are holding on to in the flesh, it’s going to get cut off in the Jordan . . . That’s why doors are shutting on you . . . Before God can do something through you, He has to do something in you . . . God calls Elijah to Bethel. Elisha says to Elijah, “I am going with you.” They go from Gilgal to Bethel. I love Bethel, it is a place of Open Heaven . . . In Bethel, Jacob said, “God was in this place and I did not know it.” How marvelous are the ways of God. Just when I think everything is lost … He says, “I’m not giving up on you.” (Genesis 31:13) (Genesis 35:1-15) . . . Trust God! Job, with all of his problems says, "God I know you are great and able ..." (Job 1-42) . . . What is your plan B? Don’t doubt God! . . . God has a plan, the devil has a plot.” — Edith Prakash

"Gilgal (meaning rolled away) symbolically stands for ‘separation’ – being separated from the past and being separated unto God." — Iain Gordon

“The Jordan as a type shows that the promised land could not be entered without crossing the Jordan.” (Deuteronomy 11:31, 12:10, 27:2). “The Jordan, (translates as) the 'Descender,' bringing down one’s strength, in connection with “emptying” (Jabbok translates ‘to empty’ and refers to the fact that the Jabbock empties into the Jordan from the east) and “cutting” (Chertih, which translates to ‘cut off, to cut down," is another perennial stream east of the Jordan) we can see very clearly that experiences surrounding the crossing of the Jordan are specifically typical, with a view of one day realizing, the salvation of the soul.” — Roel Velema

The Battle of Jericho defied logic - it required absolute obedience to God. (Joshua 6)

"How was Israel going to win this battle (of Jericho)? The answer is - they weren't ... the Lord was! . . . They had to walk and they had to walk in faith ... quite literally . . . So, the Jordan speaks to us of baptism - death and resurrection ... Gilgal speaks of being separate (unto God) ... Bethel speaks of the presence of God and Jericho teaches about the walk of faith." — Iain Gordon

God is a refuge for the poor and the needy, a shelter from the storm. (Isaiah 25:4) He will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6) He is my strong tower. (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 62:8) He is my stronghold in time of trouble. (Psalm 37:39)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25) “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing ... he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake … (Psalm 23)

God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you ... Resist the devil, standing firm in the faith ... And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To God be the power for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:5-11)

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Abraham, walked in Faith in Genesis 15. He walked in the flesh and implemented 'Plan B' in Genesis 16 …

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

(Romans 3:23)

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith." (1 John 5:4)

So, if you think you are standing firm (in faith), be careful that you do not fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)

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“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you — you of little faith!”

(Luke 12:28, Matthew 6:30)

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

(Matthew 14:31)

"You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?” (Matthew 16:8)

"So often we think and act as if God was not even alive. We act like He doesn’t even know about the situation that we are going through. We need to be reminded that God is a living God and that He acts on behalf of His people." — Iain Gordon

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

"Whenever you are tempted to think God has forsaken you, remember Hagar. Remember that she called Him 'the God who sees me.' (Genesis 16:13) He is the God who sees you as well. He knows your hurts, your needs, your guilt, your longings. He knows you better than you know yourself." — Michael Youssef

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Ask God for miracles that seems impossible in your life, because He specializes in making the impossible possible. You need a dream so big that it takes God to make it happen.” — Edith Prakash

Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

(Matthew 17:20)

“With man this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.”

(Matthew 19:26)

"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

"When a problem is so big that only God can solve it, applying merely human logic will only make matters worse. We need God's perspective. He is greater than all our circumstances, and He has limitless power to solve all of our crises." — Michael Youssef

The bible and the principles therein are as relevant today as they were when they were penned. All Scripture is God-breathed and useful ... (2 Timothy 3:16) because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) He was in the beginning, He was with God, and He was God. (John 1:1)

I raise a hallelujah, louder than my unbelief ...

I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me

I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar ...

— Bethel Music

Way Maker

Miracle Worker

Promise Keeper

Light in the Darkness

MY GOD

THAT IS WHO YOU ARE!

THAT IS WHO YOU ARE!

THAT IS WHO YOU ARE!

THAT IS WHO YOU ARE!

— Bethel Music

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Listen to Edith Prakash’s sermon in full on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/larry.reece.982/videos/2424410674278954/

Recommended Reading:

Joshua 6

2 Kings 2

Genesis 28:10-22

Other Sources:

Truth For Life, "Casting All Your Cares"

Jesus Plus Nothing, "Elisha's Journey"

Biblical Meaning of the Jordan River

Leading the Way, "Fearlessness: Walking with the Shield of Faith"

Pastor Rick Warren, "Weakness Can Be a Good Thing"

Mom's Testimony

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor: it is attained in the way of righteousness.

(Proverbs 16:31)

My Mom suffers from dementia.[1]

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Even though Mom cannot remember anything she, or anyone, just said or did, her husband of 35 years is ever faithful, loving and patient.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

(Isaiah 40:29)

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:10-12, 28-30)

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Conversations with Mom have been replaced with repetitive, streaming cycles of eroding memories and thoughts ...

But, here's the thing;

Confusion occupies Mom's days in all areas but one...

our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bring up His name, she praises Him,

“Jesus is Lord!”

Express a concern, she offers instruction,

“Give it to God.”

Mom continues to pray, and prays for others, daily.

She recites the prayers of her youth, as well as prayers during Mass, without faltering and without assistance.

“My mouth is filled with Your praise, declaring Your splendor all day long.” (Psalm 71:8)

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree … planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” (Psalm 92:12-14)

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12)

“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32)

Psalm 34:18 “ The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.” ― St. Francis de Sales

I cherish every moment I am able to share with my Mom … I treasure every embrace, every kiss, the sound of her voice, and when she laughs - what a joyful sound!

Even though this cruel disorder is slowly snatching more and more of who she once was, I will selfishly weep at my loss when she finally goes home to Jesus –

but in my heart, I will rejoice …

For “our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands … Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

... as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight … So we make it our goal to please Him ... For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

We know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others … For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view … Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them … We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5)

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“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

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[1] Dementia is severe impairment or loss of intellectual capacity and personality integration, due to the loss of or damage to neurons in the brain.