Honor is Due

The Bible instructs us to give honor to whom honor is due. I would like to take this opportunity to do that to a man who certainly deserves it. His name is James Cole, and I have had the privilege of attending church with him for many years and have watched his life. He is probably one of the best portrayals of Christ likeness I have ever known.

Truly a man of integrity, he has influenced many lives with his honesty and his impeccable character. He has truly blessed God by setting a Godly example as husband, father, grandfather, friend and church leader.. He has also set a Godly example for sinners and stumbling Christians with his patience and longsuffering. He has spoken the truth in love.

He truly believes that his body is the temple of God’s Holy Spirit, and he has treated it likewise; refraining from any habits that would harm his body and consuming only what is good for him nutritionally. His family has eaten what they grew, fresh vegetables and fruit. That is why it was such a shock to find out recently that he had colon cancer.

In spite of this he continues to bless God and trust him for healing. He has been such an encouragement to me (and others too, I am sure) with his strong faith that God WOULD heal him. He has been an icon of faith for those in our church who are sick, and I am sure to many others I don’t even know about.

This church leader and family friend (church family), has set an unwavering example for his family of God’s order in our lives: God first; family next; then others. He has the wisdom to instruct, compassion to forgive, and the faith to believe when there is NO evidence that God is a work. After all, isn’t that what faith is?

I thank God for this man and his WONDERFUL family , for the contributions they have made to my life personally and to the body of Christ.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” I believe that James Cole has succeeded.!

Please pray for this wonderful family as they face the biggest challenge in their life.

This email is from James’ Son.




"Annalie,

I'm humbled by your words and know that we share your feelings about Dad. I'm proud to be his son, and can only pray that some of it rubs off on me... :-) He has truly led our family in the "ways of righteousness" and helped to establish a foundation for so many people that only will be fully known when we all are in heaven. He's always been my best friend.

I know the Lord is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" and that includes healing both him and you!

Please hold Mom up in your prayers - she's really tired and doesn't want to leave his side.

Dad had a really good day today. He was awake and alert. He had several visitors and phone calls - he enjoyed his time with everyone.

Thank you for honoring Dad in this way. We love you and your family as well - know that we are bombarding heaven for you as well!

Love,

Mike, Renee, Hannah and Emma"