In Memory of Cheri Risch

I write today in memory and honor of Cheri Risch our sister in the Lord and dear friend who has battled faithfully against cancer.

David, in his wonderful psalm powerfully presents the victory of our lives with the Lord as our Shepherd. Cheri walked in that victory daily and we witnessed her faithfulness. She knew our Lord as the Shepherd, the One who leads us, if we are willing to follow. She seldom took her eyes off Him. She had no “want” for riches of this world because she had all her desires met in her Shepherd. Her continuing posture of soul told us she was at peace lying down with her Master in green pastures where her soul was continually being restored. She followed His path, not one built by men, a path of righteousness not for her glory but for the glory of the Shepherd who led her onward. Often, especially in these last days, she walked through the valley shaded by the marks of death, but she never failed to catch the eye of the Shepherd and reject all fears of his evil. She knew that He was with her with His rod and staff that could ward off the enemy or gently pull her back to His side. She often sensed the presence of that enemy who sought to turn her aside but she kept her eyes on the spiritual table of heavenly riches set for her by the Shepherd. He anointed her head with the oil of the Holy Spirit a foretaste of future glory and filled her cup of grace to overflowing. Goodness and mercy followed her all her days and is with her now dwelling in the Shepherd’s house forever.

We love you Cheri and will see you in glory. Say hello to our Shepherd.

The body of Christ

The Twenty-Third Psalm

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.