September 2019
Text Box: Pastor’s Thoughts The past couple of months have been difficult for me to say the least as I have endeavored to serve the church locally, state wide and nationally. I am reminded of the words of my first adult Sunday school teacher as she spoke on the subject, “This too Shall Come to Pass”. I am glad that several of these responsibilities have come to pass. I’m not sure why but my thoughts over the last few days have been focused on my attitudes, demeanor, and character as I have addressed the difficulties in this phase of my life journey. Things like; have I been a good representative of the Lord, has the pressure caused me to compromise my spiritual values, or have I allowed my personal views to interfere with God’s will? It is these moments spent in reflection and self-evaluation that I address in this article. Is not true Christian character best evaluated during times of crises? I mean when everything is going smoothly and the pressure value is locked in the open position, anyone and everyone can have a pleasant and non combative spirit. When the sky is clear and the cool breeze blows, it is not very difficult to be pleasant and kind to those around us. But what happens during the storm? Think of what Jesus faced, he experienced fame and popularity as well as hatred and rejection. He knew the joy of His Father’s approval and the cry of an angry mob as they desired that he be crucified. His journey was constantly interrupted by those who were diseased, maimed, demon possessed, or morning someone who had died. His teaching was always been criticized, His mission opposed, and His walk misrepresented and yet in all of this Jesus set an example of self control. His will and purpose didn’t waver as He stayed within His Father’s plan. It’s easy to judge others not even knowing what they are dealing with when they fly off the handle so to speak. Often we see a single blow-up and think, “how can they be a Christian and act like that?” Well if you have ever thought that-a-way don’t you think others who have their eyes on you come to the same conclusions? My point, rather than worry about how others react to the difficulties they encounter, just maybe I need to evaluate my own faith and spiritual journey based on my character when the heat is turned up. When the storm is raging and the pressure is on at its highest level, how am I doing?  Here is my conclusion. My response to any given situation will be directly proportionate to my ability to lean on those everlasting arms of my Savior. I speak not of His grace to forgive, but this presence to guide and sustain if I seek His face. Father help me to always, no matter what, to be surrendered to your will! Brother Danny