I want to take a moment today and honor the memory of my dear friend, Steve Lambert, who for the past 18 years has been the Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God in Clearwater, FL. Last Friday (August 26), Steve received a graduation from earth to heaven. And for that, we rejoice for him. He and his partner of many years, Ruth, have served the Lord faithfully for many years.
On the church's web site, Steve tells a little about his ministry background:
"In 1993 my wife Ruth and I came to Clearwater First Assembly of God as the senior pastor. Together, we share a long history in the church. Our parents have served many years as pastors as well as denominational leaders.
Ruth is a graduate of Southeastern College. As a gifted pianist, she serves as a member of the worship band. We have been blessed with three children: Crystal, our oldest child, is married to Steve Mason, Youth Director, Alabama District. They have three children which have made us grateful grandparents. Our son Steven lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Our son Taylor lives and works in St. Petersburg, Florida.
After college, I served a number of churches as an associate pastor in music. In 1979 I was assigned my first church as senior pastor at Bagdad Assembly of God, Bagdad, Florida. Subsequent assignments as senior pastor include Grayson Valley Assembly of God, Birmingham, Alabama; Assembly of God Tabernacle, Gadsden, Alabama; and Queensway Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As a graduate of Southeastern University, I hold a masters degree in church leadership and have co-authored Connecting Points and most recently The Joy of Connecting."
Today, September 1, 2011, Steve's body will be laid to rest in his home town, Montgomery, AL. The church family in Clearwater will miss their pastor. The Lambert family will miss Steve as husband, father, grandpa, brother, and son. Our prayers are with all the family today.
Steve "fought a good fight, and kept the faith" -- He now wears the "crown of righteousness" !
He cannot come back to us -- but we can join him soon, because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. If you die today, are you ready to stand before God? If you die today, who will miss you?
If you don't know that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior -- meet HIM now! Pray (simply talk to God), Repent (turn from your sin), and Believe (trust Jesus Christ to save you now).
At the "Celebration of Life" for Steve this past week in Clearwater, the church sang one of Steve's favorite songs, "Won't It Be Wonderful There"
"having no burdens to bear.....joyously singing, with heartbells all ringing.....won't it be wonderful there!"
I can almost hear Steve singing now! He's having the time of his life!!!
1 comment:
Well stated.
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