shepherding the shepherd
from PreachingToday.com
Pastors Appreciating Month
‘Tis Pastor Appreciation season, which should not go unnoticed, least of all by pastors, because we have much to appreciate. So during this time where pastors are appreciated, I’d like to remind pastors to be appreciating.
What I Appreciate
I love pastors. In recognition of Pastor Appreciation Month (which your people may forget), I want to tell you what I admire most about my fellow Wordworkers.
The Night Before
Two friends were dying. Both in their 40s. Kids at home. Leaders. Wonderful Christians. And too, too young. I grieved and thought of a night long ago.
Satisfied Souls
Souls age in ways not measured by years. Sometimes a rare young person is described as an “old soul,” suggesting they have an aged sage’s sensibilities, belying their youth. But often, old souls are more likely to simply be tired, lonely, and disappointed.
Garlands of Grace
When some people put their trust in Christ, they gladly believe that he forgives all their sins and redeems their lives from death and hell, but don’t grasp the wonder of their other blessings. They believe that God loves them in a kind of global way, but they cannot imagine God celebrating them personally and delighting specifically in what they are becoming. They don’t realize how safe they are or just how far and deep God’s grace reaches into their stories.
Redeemed from the Pit
Some of the saints in your church trusted Jesus when they were so young that they only know the threat of the pit because the Bible tells us so. Others well remember living among the tombs. They testify to the isolation, hopelessness, and bondage, but also arouse our worship for Christ’s astonishing ransom.