Jesus "In Me" Appreciation Day!

Today I will be honored in a "Pastor Appreciation". There will be cards, gifts, special words and dinner. We will also be Baptizing some new converts. These special days are in October of each year and I am in many ways conflicted. My calling is to Shepard people into the kingdom of God, keeping the focus on Jesus and their relationship with him. Like most people I do appreciate being appreciated and this special "thank you". I am conflicted because of my pride. I have been the Pastor of this congregation for more than thirty years, built many additions to the facility, seen countless numbers of converts, weddings, baptisms, baby dedications and funerals and I still battle with the idea that "I" have done this. Truth is, I have accomplished nothing. All these things came from the hand of God and Bill was only the delivery boy on duty. Yes, I have been faithful and consistent. Yes I have worked sick, tired, and weary from the load of being bi-vocational. Yes I have confessed my failures and my victories. All this and more. I still know that none of my deeds were accomplish in and of my own strength. Jesus has washed me with his Grace, filled me with his Spirit, and lead me through each day. I am calling this day. Jesus in me Appreciation Day!

10-25-2015    Luke 16:19-31

S.       19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

O.      The eternal end of a rich man and a beggar.

A.      I must share my blessings with those in need. My actions will decide my eternity. Above all, I must be righteous and holy.

  
   P.       Father; cleans me of sin and lead me by your Holy Spirit as         to how to share my blessings. Amen.