I Thank Christ...

Little fingers instinctively grasp onto my finger as the 2.5 lb baby girl struggled for life. Eyes sparkled as a man in his 50’s gazed into the eyes of his long awaited bride. Joyful little faces filled a room with enraptured attention as the puppet came to life telling a Bible story. Snapshots in my life as a pastor.

It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to step into the lives of others. To hold the hand of an elderly great-grandparent with concerned family all around and pray together as a family for God’s strength, peace and blessing, to make a toddler giggle while he's holding onto his father’s leg, to share the eternal Truth’s of God’s Word, to be invited into someone’s inner circle of tears, celebration, frustration, or victory. That is the privilege of being called pastor.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. – 1 Timothy 1:12

Thank you Jesus for giving me strength and considering me as faithful to appoint me to your service in WA, UT, CO and now presently in Damascus. This is my prayer today as I reflect upon your words of appreciation and thanks in my cards and gift given this past Sunday. Thank you for your thoughtfulness to me, the Pastoral Team and our wives. You are very special and your kind, generous words mean a lot to each one of us.

I also know that as a part of the family of God we can all share in being invited into someone’s inner circle of fears, frustrations, hopes and dreams. As we walk side-by-side in our Journey in Christ we can share one-another’s burdens, celebrate victories, encourage, strengthen and offer a cool, refreshing cup of companionship on a hot thirsty day. When you develop lifelong friendships with a brother or sister in the Lord, you open your life, become vulnerable, and allow a deeper relationship to take root. The roots of brotherhood in Christ grow deeper. When the drought comes or storms of life threaten, the intertwined roots of brotherhood hold secure in the firm, life-giving soil of Christ.

My hope for you is that you will open up your life to others, to allow your life roots to become intertwined with others in the family of Christ, and that as you reflect upon your snapshots of life with family and friends you will give thanks that Jesus gave you strength and considered you faithful to be appointed to serve.