With a Grateful Heart
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Note from Caroline: Each October many church congregations observe Clergy Appreciation Month. While I would hope pastors are appreciated all year long, October has become a time when that appreciation is especially expressed in various ways.
As I thought about what to write this week, I decided to approach this annual observance from a different angle. So I asked my favorite brown-eyed pastor what he appreciates as he looks back (and ahead) on the ministry opportunities God has given him.
<> <> <> I appreciate so much that I could spend so many years in ministry. Many pastors have left the ministry because they became discouraged. There were times I thought I really bombed out on a message, and someone would come up to me afterwards and say, 'Pastor, that's just what I needed to hear this morning.' That made me feel like I needed to push even harder to study and read and visit my parishioners and pray in order to reach my people for the Lord.
Many times, I preached what is referred to as an expository sermon, looking at a scripture passage verse by verse. I still recall someone saying it was the first time in his life he had heard such preaching. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend several Banner of Truth conferences over the years. Banner of Truth is a publisher of Christian literature from a Reformed perspective. Speakers reflected on how God had worked in hearts in years past, and challenged those of us present to keep on preaching the gospel. Over the years I have had many opportunities to work with young people—both in California under the guidance of my mentor, Brother Webb, and in Nebraska. What a blessing it has been to see many young people I met through the years grow up to influence others for Christ through missions, their local churches, and workplaces.
One of my favorite memories happened several years ago. At that time, I was meeting twice a week with a dear pastor friend to pray for revival. We also prayed for one of his sons—a young husband and father who was living a destructive lifestyle. One day while my pastor friend and I were praying together, this son stopped by. I felt led to offer him a tract about how God had worked in the hearts of others. Such a simple gesture on my part. But God used that little piece of paper to speak to him. Today that son and his wife preach the gospel here in our country, as well as abroad.
These days I am no longer able to pastor a church. Instead, I sense God giving me the opportunity to reach others for Him in a setting I certainly would not have chosen on my own—the nursing home where I now reside. I'm so grateful that God can continue to use me to encourage others and to pray for and with them.
I will close with these words from a song written by Bill Gaither—“He Touched Me.” Since I met this blessed Savior Since He's cleansed and made me whole Oh I will never cease t o praise Him I'll shout it while eternity rolls Giving credit where credit is due: https://genius.com/ Gaither-vocal-band-he-touchedme- lyrics Note: Ron and I love to hear from our readers! You are welcome to email us at gracenotes2you@ gmail.com or write us at P.O. Box 666; Humboldt, NE 68376