Recently we attended the Home Going Celebration of one of our faithful Volunteers of Shiloh Ministries. Ruby Horn and her husband N.L. invested much into our lives at Shiloh, with Ms. Ruby gifted in the area of teaching in the classroom and N.L. and Daughter Sandra Davis serving with meal preparation in the Kitchen.
 
 Ms. Ruby taught on many topics that Holy Spirit gave her from The Word of God, as she faithfully and skillfully constructed 150 Banners that served to illustrate each Topic teaching in vivid Technicolor, and usher in the presence of God. These Banners have served in Church’s, Christian Conference settings, as well as here at Shiloh. One Son in law stated, he would find himself given to prayer when he entered the building that housed all those banners, as they did indeed usher in the presence of God.
 
A favorite teaching of Ms. Ruby’s was on the Crown’s that are recorded in The Bible and will be rewarded to those who have been faithful in specific areas. This is very significant as Ms. Ruby took hold of something, she knew that she did not want to stand before The Lord Jesus empty handed, she desired to have gained “Crowns” for the sole purpose to lay them at Jesus’ feet at the Judgment Seat of Christ, for she was truly thankful unto HIM.
 
The “Crowns” mentioned in God’s Word that those IN Christ may receive are, “The Incorruptible Crown” given for diligently dying to self, and self-control with mastery over sin, 1 Corinthians 9:23-27. The “Crown of Rejoicing” given for those who win lost souls to Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:19, “The Crown of Righteousness” given to those waiting and watching, and anticipating Christ’s soon return, 2 Timothy 4: 8. “The Crown of Glory” given for those Shepherds who faithfully Preach, and teach the Word of God and Shepherd God’s People, 1 Peter 5:4. The “Crown of Life” given to those who are persecuted unto death whom refused to deny Christ, Revelation 2:10, James 1:12. These “Crowns” will signify one’s position and or rank in Eternity as we come back with Jesus to set up HIS Kingdom upon this earth.
 
Ms. Ruby & N.L. lived as salt and light before us as their testimony of love and forgiveness manifested over and over. One striking testimony of their overcoming after a very deep tragedy was the forgiveness they gave to a Drunk Driver that hit their 15 year old daughter who was killed upon impact in 1973. Ruby and N.L. were given God’s Gift of Grace to go the Prison and visit with this man face to face, delivering a Bible to him and telling him that they forgave him and God would too if he would ask Him. This Man wrote Ruby and N.L. later and the last they heard he was out of Prison and preaching The Gospel. No little wonder that Ruby and N.L. Horn would come to Shiloh faithfully, weekly to volunteer and impart God’s love to these men who come in and are addicted to drugs and or alcohol. They could have very easily chosen a path of un-forgiveness, bitterness, and hatred which would have resulted in their own inner prison, but yet they called out to God and HE delivered them and turned their test into a mighty testimony. Ruby and N.L. Horn invested their time, talents, and finance into the advancement of God’s Kingdom for many years, and they taught us much about servant hood, forgiveness, and love. N.L. Horn went home to be with The Lord several years ago and Ruby his beloved wife last month.
 
The questions in closing are for personal reflection. Will you spend Eternity with Jesus and will you have any Crowns to lay at HIS Feet? What are you doing with your time, talents, and treasures that HE has given to you to steward for HIM, Are you investing into His Kingdom purposes or sowing into temporal things that are fleeting and will pass away? HE has given this exhortation HIMSELF, “Behold I am coming quickly, let no one steal your Crown” (Revelation 3:11).