“I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?”
-- Psalm 121:1

Kyle Butts was always one on whom I knew I could call for help.  He was strong, kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Kyle helped me and so many others in ways that he probably didn’t even realize.  He helped by listening to people when they needed to talk.  He helped by being a constant friend.  He helped by sharing good times and tough times with those he loved.  He helped with his funny one-liners that brought many smiles and laughter.  He helped carry the burdens – both physical and emotional - of many.  He helped by being a loyal and dependable teammate.  He helped by sending a meaningful text or a Facebook message.  He helped by being there whenever you needed him.  He helped by sharing deep conversations or humorous stories on the front porch, out by the lake, or in his truck.  He helped by being present in the lives of those he loved.

The psalmist answers his own question in Psalm 121.

“I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?”
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.”
-- Psalm 121:1-2

One way God helps us is through people.  For example, the Apostle Paul wrote about some difficult times in one of his journeys and how he found help:  “For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts on the outside, fears inside.  But God, who comforts the discouraged, comforted us by the arrival of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:5-6).

I am one among many that is blessed to have received help from God through Kyle Butts.  Kyle was a willing servant, always ready to help.  And he did, in many, many ways.  Thank you, God, and thank you, Kyle.

“Help” indicates need.  God is One Who helps us in time of need.  He wants us to look to Him for our help.  He loves us and cares for us, and sometimes He extends help through people.

Our greatest need is salvation from sin, and God sent His help in a Person: Jesus Christ (John 3:16).  Jesus gave His life for us on the cross to pay the price for our redemption (Ephesians 1:7).  He “gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:4).

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.”
-- Psalm 46:1

Thank You, God, for helping us.  Thank You, God, for the help that You have extended to us through people like Kyle Butts.  Thank You for the eternal help that you extend to us through Jesus.

-- David A. Sargent

P.S. In loving memory of Kyle M. Butts, 1980 – 2021.  Thank you, Kyle.  Until we meet again.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

Archived issues of Living Water can be viewed and accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org