The Death of my Dad

Posted on by

I got a phone call early this morning from my sister. She told me that my Dad had died in his sleep last night. He was 86 years old and as the Scottish say, “A well saved man!” I will be offline for a few days at least while my brother and sister and our families take care what has to be done. Your prayers will be much appreciated. – Mike Ratliff

25 thoughts on “The Death of my Dad”

  1. I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, but I rejoice as I know you do, knowing that he is with the Lord Jesus! May the Lord comfort you and your family, knowing that this life is “but a vapor” (James 4:14) and that soon, we will be in new, glorified bodies forever with the Lord:

    “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. ” 1 Thes. 4:17, 18

    Like

  3. Thanks Denise, I was simply stunned after expositing that passage in 1 Thessalonians last night to get “that call” today about my Dad. It really struck home and yes, it is encouraging and comforting. I hurt right now, but I am being comforted in the Lord and I do appreciate your comforting and encouraging words my sister.

    Like

  9. Mike,
    You and your family are in my prayers. I know what a difficult time this is, but the assurance of your dad being in the presence of Christ is very comforting.

    May the Lord comfort you at this time

    lyn

    Like

  13. Hi Mike,
    Grieving with you in the loss of your dad. I lost mine in 2001 and still do miss him.
    But, what a great comfort this scripture is:
    Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw
    near to God through Him, since He always lives to make
    intercession for them.
    We rejoice in those words–forever and always– and how glorious it must be for your dad to be in the Savior’s presence. Praying for you.

    Like

  17. Dear Mike & family,
    You have my prayers.
    “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24
    Our Lord’s prayer for one of His own was answered.

    SDG
    Angie Burnham

    Like

  18. Dear Mike, These portions of scripture reflect the sentiments of many of the readers of Possessing the Treasure toward you, especially in this time of loss. Change the word “I” to “we” and singularize the audience to you. May you experience much nearness to Him in these days ahead.

    Ephesians 1:15-23 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

    Ephesians 3:14-21 … I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

    20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

    Like

  19. Thinking of you Mike. May our Lord bless you with even deeper understanding of His glory and grace through this.
    Fiona

    Like

  20. Mike:
    I, too, am sorry for your loss but praise God your Dad is in the presence of Christ and away from the presence of sin. What a blessing that he finished well and is safe in the arms of God.

    Like

  21. Mike: Praying for God’s comforting presence for you and your family. Praise God, this is just a temporary separation for you! It won’t be long until we’re all rejoicing in His presence!

    Thank you again for encouraging believers and standing for the Truth.

    Like

  22. Dear Mike,
    I am praying that you and your family will have peace in the arms of the Great Comforter as you mourn the loss of your father. I know your sadness and I also know the peace that passes understanding. In the lovingkindness of Christ, Charisse

    Like

  25. Hi Mike. I too, am sorry for your loss. I lost my mum 6 months ago. It is such a blessing for you to know that your father loved and served the Lord. I don’t know for sure if my mother was able to give her heart to the Lord in her final moments (heart attack).
    But our amazing Lord gives us His supernatural peace that the world cannot understand at times like these.
    Much love to you and your family,

    Like

Comments are closed.