[Funeral] Creations Glory Interrupted

(1) Welcome (10 AM)

Good morning, Ladies and Gentleman,

I am Chaplain Nathan Sehi.

On behalf of the Whited Family I want to thank everyone for coming this morning, as we honor the life and service of Tim Whited.

MSgt Whited’s life exemplifies both services others and carrying out the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

(2) Prayer

Let us pray

Heavenly Father,

This morning we gather to celebrate the life of Master Sergeant Tim Whited. As we gather, I ask that you would comfort us during this grieving process. Help us to remember the life that you created. We ask that your comfort and love would encompass those gathered this morning.

In Jesus Name we Pray, Amen.

(3) Message:

Master Sergeant Whited was a man who experienced the breath of God’s creation.

How do I know that?

I didn’t know him personally, but I know he spent 30 years in the Marine Corp.

- Joining the Corp just a few years before the First gulf war - 1987.

- And retiring in 2017, having served during the Global War on Terrorism.

You don’t spend 30 years in the Marine Corp and not experience the expanse of God’s creation.

From the many moves he made to various assignments.

To the training and deployments he was apart of.

I am sure his wife and kids this morning,

are recalling all the places they lived, the road trips made, and the plane flights they took.

I know he got to see the expanse of God’s creation.

But I also know he enjoyed the expanse of God’s creation.

- Because you don’t become a motorcycle mechanic unless you love the open road.

- You don’t ride in a Leatherneck Motorcycle club … unless you love riding a motorcycle under God’s great creation.

Psalm 19:1 ESV

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

We know that creation is wonderfully made,

But then we are faced with the hard reality of death.

And we are forced to reconsider that idea!

I am comforted in this … we are not the first.

How do we relate God’s greatness to, the harsh reality of death?

Romans 8 address this same struggle.

(1) Christians acknowledged their struggle with death.

Romans 8:22 (ESV)

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together

Perhaps you feel that way today.

You hurt, as you miss the one you love.

Christians acknowledged their struggle, but they also were comforted with the hope of Christ.

(2) When faced with death - Christians remembered the promise that they will again rise.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

And Thus, Paul Challenges those hurting over the loss of a loved one …

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We come here in part in grieve.

And we come here in part to remember.

But I hope you also leave here comforted in the promises of God.

Christians take hope that death is not forever, and not even my death can separate me from the love of God.

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father,

I ask that you would surround us with your love. I ask that you would comfort and give us strength as we grieve. And I ask that you would comfort us, with the knowledge that one day death will no longer be apart of our lives.

Amen

(4) Family Remembrances

Now, there are three close friends of the Whited family who will help us remember the life of Master Sergeant Whited.

I ask first - If Mr. Cox would come up.

Mr. Cox

.

.

(5) Video (8 Minutes)

Next, we will pause and watch a video of the life of Master Sergeant Tim Whited.

(6) Open To All (Remembrances)

At this time, the family would like to open it up for anyone who would like to share a testimony about Master Sergeant Whited.

(7) SCRIPTURE READING (Psalm 23): NLT 1045 AM

As we come to close, I would like to share a Psalm of comfort.

A reminder that God is the shepherd of Master Sergeant Whited, and God can lead us through this time as well.

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

(8) Final Prayer

Let us conclude in prayer:

Almighty Father,

We have taken time to remember our loved one. We have sought your comfort and love. I ask that you would give us peace that surpasses all understanding. May we remember that your are our shepherd, and you are always there for us and guiding us. We thank you for blessing us with the life of Master Sergeant Tim Whited. Please be with us as we depart for the National Cemetary.

In the Name of Christ, Amen.

(9) Dismissal: (1055 AM)

That will conclude the service for Master Sergeant Whited. On behalf of the family, I thank you for attending today.