The Pen of Pastor

Today, October 31, is for some a day of evil and for others a day of community building. The truth is this, Halloween was established by the Celts many years ago. To them it was a day where the line between death and life became blurred and so they would gather to corporately attempt to ward off evil spirits through the dark months of winter. For them it was a day of separation. The abundant harvest they had seen had now become withered and was dying, due to the cold months approaching. However, as Christians, we too have attempted to manipulate this day into something that perhaps we could use to advance our agenda. Scripture, though, tells us that we have been brought out of darkness into His (Jesus) marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9.) I see no problem with us gathering together and enjoying the cooler season that God has blessed us with, around campfires and enjoying a hot dog together. Though there is a line where perhaps even protestants have began to cross. You, I nor any potion or ...

Paul, the apostle, said; Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18.) This past Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 was a day to remember. Our wonderful church family (LaFayette Church of God) honored us with a Pastor Appreciation Day. As I have sat and reflected on the days events, I was reminded of this simple, elementary principle. Frankly, it's easy to be thankful when you receive countless gifts, hear numerous words of affirmation and are given an opportunity to see and hug so many familiar faces that you hold dear. But, what about the days that seem so rough, you don't know if you can bear them. What about the disappointing report from the doctor; or the final notice from the bank? How do you give thanks when your family is falling apart? How do you celebrate days that you simply want to forget ever existed? Often I am asked these and at times I think I have all the answers :). Then there are times I find myself posing ...

The past two weeks, during our Morning Encounter services at LaFayette Church of God, we have been discovering the importance of our story. The part of the story we play in advancing His kingdom, and literally being the hands and feet of Jesus, through the story of our life. I love it when every piece of the puzzle seems to fit just perfectly. Today, Oct. 17, 2017, my daily Bible verse is found in Colossians 3:17. It's the words of the Apostle Paul, speaking to the church at Colossae.  The English Standard Version reads like this, Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. The New Living Translation reads like this, And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  Wow, what an incredibly humbling thought that I get to be a representative of Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, the second person of the triune Go...

Many years ago I read, Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald. Even now, in the hustle of every day life, I find myself having to be reminded of nuggets of truth he reveals. On page 92, he quotes Elton Trueblood's, While It Is Day:  A public man, though he is necessarily available at many times, must learn to hide. If he is always available, he is not worth enough when he is available.  What a sobering thought. Truthfully, we all have agendas that seem busier and busier as each day passes. We find ourselves quickly approaching the holiday season, already scheduling dates for multiple fall festivals, football parties, thanksgiving meals and yes, for some, planning their Christmas seasonal events. However, as we approach this overwhelming, somewhat enveloping, ridiculously busy time of year; let's make the decision now to hide. Yes, some events of these seasons are required and expected. Others are enjoyable and traditional. Though, I am afraid, at time...

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 Paul, the apostle, speaking to the church at Philippi, penned these words; Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, ESV)  Today, our nation and world is mourning after another senseless attack upon innocent bystanders in Las Vegas, Nevada; yesterday, Monday, October 2, 2017. We are believing for those injured. We stand with families that are grieving over the loss of loved ones. We send our love to first responders and the countless individuals who are giving their all to provide help. However, as I reflect over this event, I seem to find myself in a position that longs for the coming of my Lord, Jesus. A sense of desperation, seems almost overwhelming. I can only imagine the pain that many families ...