Just got a call this afternoon.
Tim is headed home next Sunday. It will probably be late in the evening when he arrives in Saskatoon. He’s here for two months.
Now that we have a date, I’m excited that he will be back with us soon.
Tonight was a story of release from drug addiction.
Teen Challenge is a faith based international drug addiction rehabilitation program. A high result rate – in the 80% range. Six men were there who have been in or through the program. The regional director, Serge LeClerc, also came.
My impression, as I write this a 11:00 in the evening?
There is a youth and even adult culture which too easily succumbs to drugs. And it’s not the "down and outs". How do we prevent this — from both a governmental and a church base? Certainly we as the church need to actively seek out youth. As a government we need to allow faith based programs to function with our blessing, if not our dollars.
I’m sure there is more to consider, but right now I’m off to bed!!
This morning I’m opening the brown sugar container.
There is a label on the outside. Two containers look exactly the same so I always look for the label.
As I’m opening the container, I’m still looking to see the label. Finally, I’m staring at the contents. My mind is still asking — "Is this brown sugar?". My head is swivelling, twisting to see the label on the other side.
And right in front of my eyes? Brown sugar inside the container. Right in plain sight!
I guess we think a label is better than the real thing!!
Pastors do not live in a perfect world.
This past week alone, talking face to face and across the wires (and probably wireless for some), I’ve spoken to a few of "us". This morning was another of those encounters.
The complaints are not so much acrimonious. In fact, the talk has been more heart heavy than bitter.
You see, a pastor has a flock.
In current day, that is an unheard term. Who, in North America, tends a flock. Percentage wise the number is miniscule. And of those who tend flocks, technology can pinpoint those needing care — it can even trace where a lost sheep goes so that a sheep is never technically lost!.
The biblical picture of the shepherd can be lost on us. But now, picture someone who is given care of people. Not of numbers. But of people. They care with their heart — not through their computer sofware management programs.
A computer does not feel, does not truly sense loss and longing — longing for growth and nourishment for each one in their care.
In a perfect world growth and nourishment would be constantly increasing.
In a perfect world the shepherd would never be wounded or disparaged by the flock. Both would work together in harmony and fulfilment.
In a perfect world we wouldn’t need prayer. All would be as it should be, and intercession would be unnecessary.
Pastors prize prayers. Prayers sit on our "encouragement" shelf. We love to watch as God answers. People grow and are nourished. We sing and dance!
I’ve "seen" some of that singing and dancing this week as well — so please, keep those prayers rolling!!