For a number of months Friday has started early.
There is a 7:00 am men’s study group and then an 8:30 pastor’s group.
By noon my day is more than half over!
But I wouldn’t trade it. Not for a bit more sleep. Or for a delicious breakfast.
These times are sharing and support times. The men read and reflect on scripture in an open and unassuming way. The pastors reflect on their lives and ministries — often with such openness and honesty that we even surprise ourselves.
In the end, I am then prepared to meet the coming weekend. As final preparation for a sermon comes to a head, as a church service progresses and we seek to hear God’s voice, as the local church revolves around Jesus — these moments on Friday help me to prepare.
That was the particular prayer of the pastor’s group today — that we would be prepared for this weekend. And that is my prayer for you as you move towards this week-end. May you find God’s voice speaking to you in the hidden moments, the quiet concerns, the compassionate relationships, the tense deadlines, the unexpected compliments, and the painful interactions — so that you are tenderhearted, humble and open to His ministry to you this weekend.