Excellent message from Kathy Branzell, President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. This is one of the best messages I have ever read in all my years about Pastors. I do not say this because I am a Pastor, I think of all the Pastors who have ‘grown me up’ in Jesus. From a little boy back in Windom, Minnesota in the late 50’s and into the early 70’s… to now. A Pastor who I met about 14 years ago, Pastor Don Kimbro, pictured above, Don has helped me tremendously in my growth. I do not have the words to explain it, except Pastor Don has preached Jesus into my heart and soul in love and kindness. I remember one day he came into KKIM Radio when I was manager and in love voiced his concern of a decision the owner of KKIM made, I learned much that day from Don on how to approach someone on a decision being made that you do not agree with. Sharon and I have learned much from Don and his precocious wife Dorothy over the years, so much Godly wisdom! They have prayed us through some tough times. We are so blessed by Pastor Don’s postings here at FGGAM! One final thought on Don is that he has taught me from day one the importance of prayer. That is the very first key component in our very first meeting. Don and Dorothy make such a loving and powerful team for JESUS! AMEN!
October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
I pray you have a Biblical Pastor in your life.
We must have around 25 Pastors that we have around us..(It takes more than a small village to keep an eye on me!!! Not Sharon! But, me!)…TEAM JESUS LOVE ON YOUR PASTOR, TREASURE YOUR PASTOR!
2 Timothy 2:2-4………
Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
You will see in the link below a recent poll shows that many do not feel Pastors are not relevant anymore in America.
I asked one of my Heroes of Faith, Pastor Leonard Navarre of Lubbock, Texas his thoughts on this poll…….
Just thinking this AM in my devotions. God is not just looking for me to read, study and memorize His Word. The ultimate purpose is for me to obey HIS Word. 1Sa 15:22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”
Do You beleive Clergy Are Irrelevant in America?
| Walk a Mile in Their Shoes: Continuing to Appreciate Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Friend — 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 – “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (NASB) In 1970 there was a popular song by Joe South and sung by several artists including Elvis Presley that challenged, “Just walk a mile in my shoes, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, then walk a mile in my shoes.” One of the greatest lessons God has taught me is that, “I don’t know what I don’t know.” In addition, God is often willing to teach us if we open our hearts, mind and mouth and humbly ask Him to show us. You may quickly learn that it may not be an easy lesson, in fact if you had realized the pain before the gain you might not have signed up for this class at all. Walking a mile or even a minute in someone else’s shoes gives you a new perspective and often appreciation for the life they live, the ways they serve and suffer, and the blessings you have. Most importantly, it shows us how God provides all we need in everything He calls us to do and go through. In the past days, weeks and months I seem to have found myself on an extended journey through struggle and sorrow both personally, and with friends and family I love dearly. It seems that every week has brought another phone call of breath-taking diagnosis, disaster, disappointment or death. As Christ-followers we “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) and often, that requires a commitment; a journey together to stand in the comfort and promises of Jesus, that He will manifest His surpassing greatness and power in our fragile earthly bodies. Jesus reminds us in John 16:13, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” As I reflected in deep sorrow the past few days, I paused to pray for all the Pastors who minister to people in pain every day. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave in a crisis. They minister in the most painful, unexplainable, catastrophic circumstances and not only maintain their faith but help others hold on to theirs as well. Pastors must hold many things confidential, not having anyone but God to talk to in some of the most difficult discussions and decisions. Pastors cannot judge, but must minister God’s Word; grace, mercy, encouragement, forgiveness, and truth even if their personal pain or preferences battle for a voice in their ministering moments. They weep, pray, sacrifice and reflect the love and lessons of Scripture to shine the light of hope in the darkest of days. We often think of Pastors as preaching, teaching, marrying people, meeting with deacons or elders, shaking hands at the front door, and performing the occasional funeral – but they do so much more! How has your Pastor ministered to a specific need in your life? How have they stepped into tough times or tragedy to encourage and strengthen you? Have you ever prayed for your Pastor when there was a crisis in your church or community? May I humbly ask you to pray for Pastors now? Pray for your Pastors, the Pastors in your community, across America and around the world. Let’s pray together now: Lord thank you for those who minister to Your Church. We thank You for those You have called to shepherd Your sheep; to bring words of comfort, strength, hope and peace to the hurting and the hopeless. We ask You now to bless them as only You can Lord; provide in Your abundant riches and lavishing love and meet their needs and the desires of their hearts. Holy Spirit fill them with fruitfulness and wrap them in Your courage and protection as they abide and trust in You. Serving Him with Gladness,
Kathy Branzell President National Day of Prayer Task Force P.S. We just recently made a few changes to our website, so if you’re having trouble logging on, try re-typing the address in your browser window or click this link – https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org
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