Encourage your fellow Faith Friends!

 

I am excited about a couple events this week on my schedule. NUMBER ONE - Thursday at 11:30, a few of the Area Pastors are getting together for prayer at South Memorial. I am excited about this because while I was serving in Bluffton I had the privilege and honor to attend the AREA PASTORS monthly get-together. I loved this time of prayer, food, and fellowship. The men and women who serve the community of Bluffton, grew to mean a lot to me and I miss that time together. I cannot wait to begin that same journey here in New Castle. 

NUMBER TWO - Also, beginning on THURSDAY, Stephanie and I will be joining the THRIVE community at a retreat in Noblesville. I really have no idea what to expect, but this is a time to gather Indiana Ministry PASTORS to join together as one and take a short two day break from our normal ministry roles. I love it that the wives are included because ministry also belongs to the spouses. 

I thought about these two events as I was reading the second chapter of Galatians.

"Fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I war running the race for nothing." (Galatians 2:1-2, NLT)

Paul met with the leaders, he valued there opinions on the path of his ministry. He shared what he had been sharing and they affirmed his GOSPEL MESSAGE. That is what it means to be a CHURCH UNITED!

As a pastor, my peers are more than valuable to me. They know what I am experiencing. They know the challenges and the joys of serving the kingdom. I know many of us have varying THEOLOGY, but we are united under the power of THE HOLY SPIRIT. I do not know my area pastors very well, but I pray we can build a relationship that supports, motivates, inspires, and encourages each other. I also have gotten to know several COG pastors and value their input in daily ministry. MOST are seasoned veterans that have seen a lot of good ministry. The THRIVE RETREAT will be another great opportunity for us to connect. I praise God for every chance I have of growing as a PASTOR and FOLLOWER of JESUS.

Of course, this unity and fellowship is not just for pastors. The church is called to unite in the same way so that we might encourage each other as we walk in a sinful world. We need to encourage our fellow believers in a way they will be inspired, encouraged, and motivated to keep the faith and to fight the good fight.

"For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, NLT)

Heavenly Father, I praise you your presence in my life. You are worthy of all honor and praise and glory, than anyone can ever explain. I thank you for my pastor friends in Bluffton. I pray you will keep watch over them, keep them safe, and guide their path. Even though i am not there I know you are with them. I pray for this new group of pastors I will begin meeting with and pray we can all have a mutually edifying journey together. I also lift up the THRIVE retreat. Let it be a time of peace, relaxation, fun, fellowship, and joy. I pray your hand, JESUS, over all pastors and the burdens they carry. Thank you Lord for your love, and really, just who you are. Help me to rest in yoru presence today and each day. AMEN!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!