Two thoughts: 1. Being a person is tough. In life, we see painful days (sometimes up close and sometimes from afar). These are difficult times, but thankfully God Graces us through the storms and into sun-shiny-er days. These times remind us of the preciousness of life and its fragility. They remind us not to take people and relationships nor even one single day for granted. For many of us, we so often live so boldly and in such self-strength as though we dont need God. Tough times snap us out of that deception. We do need Him. All of us. And not only in tough times, but daily. This, sadly, is common human knowledge. If it is not yet learned, it will be one day. God will meet all men there. Its an Expression of His Unconditional Love and Grace to do so. He has never asked a person to be a believer as a prerequisite to His soul-healing power to operate. For all people. For all places. He is The God of All Comfort, The Father of Mercies. 2. I want to add to this common knowledge that it is also tough to be a pastor/in ministry. This week, we have had members and former members who have been in the hospital (some serious, some routine), who have had family members who have passed, and even members who have passed. All of them are precious to their families who are hurting as they walk through these storms. They are also precious to us as their leaders. It is tough for us to watch people hurt, to stand by them and cover them in prayer, to cry with them, etc. Also, its tough to try to help when we know (by observation and experience) that there are some places of pain that can only be helped by Gods Touch. My bottom line for this is to ask you to pray for those that are hurting that you know of. Also, pray for your church leaders, not only pastors, but all the FAITHFUL ministers, deacons, and leaders that serve in care ministry of any kind. And finally, MAKE SURE you are enjoying your life in God and His Goodness with those He has placed in your life. Connie and I love you dearly. As my dad has told me since he came into my life more than 30 years ago, MAKE it a great day! -pmts- @mtsmith @connielovesmike
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 19:20:00 +0000