Larry Martin Long

Larry Martin Long

August 17, 1954 -- August 22, 2017

Larry Martin Long, age 63 of Boardman, Ohio and formerly of Columbus County, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

He was the son of the late James Martin Long. He is survived by a companion, Theresa Zouck of Boardman, OH; a daughter Angelia Michelle Tremaine (Scott) of Whiteville; his mother, Elsie Rae Barnes Spivey of Whiteville; a sister, Karen Jernigan of Hallsboro; one grandson, Caleb Tremaine.

OPENING REMARKS

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 11:28 NRSV

28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Psalm 90

Title: The Lord Provides

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 23 NKJV

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Introduction

Over the years, has brought comfort to those in grief. When human minds are clouded with an emotional disturbance such as grief, they turn to the beautiful and familiar. This psalm fills both requirements. Understanding the psalm’s background will enable us to draw even greater comfort from it. The psalmist was experiencing unrest, hostility, weariness, danger, and perplexing problems.

Vince Lombardi said – “Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence. I am not remotely interested in just being good.”

Vince Lombardi: Excellence must be pursued - it must be wooed with all of one's might and every effort that we have. Each day there is a new encounter. Each week there is a new challenge. In all of the display and in all of the noise and all of the glamour and all of the color and all of the excitement and all of the rings and all of the money, these are the things that only linger in the memory. But the spirit - the will to excel; the will to win, these are the things that endure.

He Loved Tarheels, Harley Davidson and Nascar

I. The first verse recognizes God as the one who supplies all needs.

“The Lord is my shepherd.” The personal pronoun “my” makes God personal. He is claimed as one’s own. Even though a statement of this nature seems audacious, it is true. In the time of grief, such a realization is of much comfort.

Because he is the Shepherd, there is no want. When the heart seems to be breaking because of grief, one may wonder where the truthfulness of this statement is. But the Lord is good to his word, and his promise applies to every need of mind and body.

II. The second verse promises rest and refreshment.

“Green pastures” and “still waters” are symbols of sustenance and nourishment. David’s circumstances as a fugitive dictated the value of such needs being supplied. Grief is a similar circumstance, and the promise is good here too.

Helplessness is what makes one realize the need. So long as all people can go in their own strength, they do not recognize the need for help. But when a loved one is taken in death, there is a crying need for strength that comes only from God.

III. The third verse speaks of restoration.

David had been guilty of gross sin. During the time of carrying his guilt around, he felt that the hand of God was heavy on him (). When he confessed his sin, he found the guilt gone, the shame removed, and the burden lifted.

David’s experience with sin has a parallel with each person who is sorrowing because of the death of a loved one. The soul becomes burdened with emotional disturbance, the heart grows weary with sorrow, and the Lord restores.

IV. Verses 3 and 4 tell about God guiding, protecting, and leading.

To be a guide, one must be out in front. Prior to anyone’s death, the Lord Jesus has already been there. He is able to lead through it. He also is out in front of those in sorrow, ever ready to comfort.

The “paths of righteousness” denote right living. God leads us away from evil. He also leads us away from sorrow beyond which we can bear. He leads to wholesome thoughts and actions of faith. Only through faith and dependability on God can we bear the burden of grief gracefully.

“Thou art with me.” No person or word is able to supply the deep need of the innermost being like the presence of God.

V. Verses 5 and 6 picture a loving host welcoming the guest.

This is a change from the shepherd scene. It is a beautiful picture of an elaborate banquet.

Caleb made the most perfect statement about his grandfather's death. Michelle was talking about Larry being alone when he passed away and Caleb looked to his mom and said, :He was not alone, Jesus was there."

“Preparest a table before me.” All through life we experience hunger of one sort or another. In the presence of the Lord, our needs are totally supplied.

“Anointest my head with oil.” This is a picture of someone welcoming a loved one home. As we read this passage, we can almost hear the voice of God welcoming by name his child who has passed on. The remaining loved ones find comfort here.

VI. “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

This is a picture of the end of the journey and home at last.

Conclusion

Beautiful literature is of much help to many. Divinely inspired literature is even more helpful. Combine the two, and help is at its best. is both.

Larry has lived his life and by doing so, preached his own funeral. we can do nothing more for him, but we can learn a few things from him.

FROM WENDY’S FACEBOOK PAGE:

Today after I dropped Caleb off for his very first day of school, I stopped by the Ford Place to thank Mr. Hamp Avant for sharing salvation's story with Daddy in November of 1982. (34 years ago) Everyday I become more grateful for Heaven.