Bless The Words Of Our Lips...

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

I have been church shopping. Sounds bad to many of us, right? Hopping around from church to church without having a place to really settle in and becoming a part of a congregational family sounds like one might be avoiding becoming committed to serving.

As a retired pastor who did not move away from the area where the congregation I served is, it is inappropriate for me to stay in the congregation I retired from. A lot of people don't understand this. So, let me explain. It is simply because what often happens, unintentionally or intentionally, is that the retired pastor interferes with the relationship between the new pastor and the congregation. It seems to be human nature to want to control how things work.... People will ask for your advice as the former pastor and if you give advice that is contrary to how the new pastor serves then you are interfering. I would not do anything that might harm the congregations I have served. So, I find myself church shopping. 

This past Sunday I worshiped with a United Methodist Congregation and could not help but smile when the pastor began his sermon by praying pretty much the same prayer that I pray at the beginning of every sermon. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts and minds, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer. Amen" The prayer put me at ease and opened my heart and mind so that I would be willing and able to hear the Word proclaimed.

Prayer is an amazing thing! God answers even these prayers that might seem little to some. Jesus warned us about praying long vain laden prayers just before he instructed the disciples how to pray using the "Lord's Prayer" as an example. He said: "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." (Matt 6:7) 

You don't have to be long winded for God to hear and answer your prayer. I have often used this one word prayer: "Help!" God knows what's in your heart. Just talk to your Father in heaven. He hears you and He answers. 

May the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts and minds, be acceptable in thy sight, this day, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thankful That I Get To Stay Home On Black Friday!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5 NRSV)

Today, I am very thankful for a couple of things.

1. I am thankful for the internet. I did my Black Friday Christmas shopping online early yesterday morning so I do not feel compelled to go out shopping today! I do not feel compelled to get run over in any store today just to get a deal on something no one I know actually needs. I am thankful that I will not be in any store today feeling frustrated because it is so crowded that I cannot push a cart down the aisle.

2. I am very thankful that I am a pastor and not a clerk in a store today. I would probably have a very difficult time being nice for an eight hour shift. So, I am thankful that I will not be tempted to lose my temper with complete strangers today. My husband works in a home improvement store. He works eight hours today. I am very thankful that I am not him today.

We each have our limitations and our gifts. I have a pretty good idea of what both of mine are. Therefore; I can use my gifts for the good; and avoid the problems that would come with me overstepping the bounds of my limitations.

Let us give thanks and praise to God for giving to each of us specific gifts to serve others. Let us pray for all of those clerks who have to deal with people who are pushing their limits.

May your Black Friday be stress free.

God's Peace - Pr. J