On Being A Pastor

The pastor's life can at times be quite enriching. I mean we are placed at times in a position where we can help a person in some very trying times. But can I be frank, sometimes being a pastor is very discouraging. At times I feel and for the most part no fault of our own, but I feel we cause hurt at times. And WE hurt at times, maybe if we think about it, we hurt a lot. Today I saw someone who was certainly a good friend at one time, and due to a lot of misunderstanding and some selfishness, and lack of wisdom and good direction, our friendship took a major turn for the worst. And can I call it pain, and a lot of it, for it has been a very difficult ordeal to go through. A pastor just wants to help I believe. But at times the help we give turns and stabs us in the back, in the front, and causes so many wounds it is hard to count. I just want peace and healing and friendship and love. And what I get in return at times is the very opposite of what I desire. I'm glad God is not like that, His promises are sure, He is faithful when we are not. And His love endures the pain we caused Him to go through.

On being a pastor

What a day in the life of Ministry. I mean not much went on. I have discovered a long time ago, I can for the most part create a good day, a bad day, a busy day, a relaxing day, just by the decisions I make along the way. A few visits to some Inpatient hospice individuals. And there was a terrible storm this afternoon as I was coming home from work, and of course it is the first day of December and the Temp outside read 71 degrees. Now that is impressive for these north parts of the State of Pennsylvania. And then the Storm Passed Over, and the lightning flashed and the rains came all in the manner of minutes and then it was all gone.

On being a pastor

I sure many people have had the opportunity to testify in court, but how does one give testimony concerning a dear saint who passed away this past March. What can one said, certainly not enough. So I thought I would fill in some of which I missed. Victor was a Man that clearly knew how to live. He drove truck, saw the country, saw the beauty of our great nation and for the last couple of years knew he was dying. He knew how to live, and then learned how to die. And I had the reward of spending time with him, teaching him the spiritual, teaching him the scriptures. And really teaching him how to die, relying on the strength and the power and the promises of God. He would say the most profound things at times. Life he said was not in the number of breaths that one can take, but in the times that it leaves you breathless. He was a man of great divine strength. He would come to Bible study when he could. And now we have a dear lady that comes, that like Victor she struggles and is trying to fight the good fight against her cancer. How does she do it? I asked, it is because a year ago, she saw Victor fight the good fight and he has become her inspiration to keep going and not to give up. Did Victor lose the fight? or did he win? as he passed into eternity last March.

On being a pastor

I suppose one of the greatest rewards of being a pastor is to help another along the journey of life. To see someone being opened to God's love and then to enter in. I happened to see this many times. And currently I am experiencing it with a individual. One that had his eyes on this world only for strength, and is now discovering the the world changes and people change, and to have our hope and trust in worldly things will eventually lead to frustration and unfulfillment. God ought to be where our trust is placed. He never changes. Jesus is the one that we ought to believe, for He is the "same yesterday, today and forever." The world's relationships change, people change, we change, the world's situations change, Jesus never changes, His constant love and forgiveness is always there, His strength and power is for us to enter into. And though the world lets us down at times, He never does. So I pray for those that God is moving to enter into a relationship with Himself. It is fulfilling, it never changes, and it never ends. And one of my joys as a pastor, is to be part of this, in the life of many.

On being a pastor

We at the church have a Tuesday evening prayer service. It is usally a small group of us believers going before the Lord in prayer. This evening we also has some Scripture reading and a good discussion concerning our world affairs. Our desire is to see many people come out to our prayer service, for we see it as an essential part of our church and an important element in the life of each believer.

My Thoughts

I never thought I would be writing, but I believe it is very important to share. To share victories as well as pain. I for see this as a place to express. And that is what I will attempt to do. I want to write about the church, especially what I see as its future, and the ways it will attempt to reach the world for our Savior.