Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Colossians 3:17)
This missive is being composed on the day after we celebrated “Pastor Appreciation Day.” This is always a spiritual lift and I am appreciative of everything done. One of the things that touch my heart and soul are the personal notes in the cards I receive. Your kind and encouraging words are a great support for myself and my family in this ministry. Each year a couple of these are saved and put into a notebook. Periodically I will get the notebook out, read previous notes and be moved by the gracious hand of our Lord.
I recently did this one evening while sitting at my desk at home. It was a note from several years ago that said they appreciated that God’s Word is brought “every” Sunday. That warmed my heart. In my vocation, the Lord has led me to know that God’s people deserve the best effort “every” time the Word is preached. I have preached to as few as 4 (Circuit Pastor’s Conference). I have also spoken in front of 14,000 (Synodical Convocation). In between I have served a small, rural church; a large, suburban church; and one in between those two here at Good Shepherd. You never know who is listening that day so through the Holy Spirit, I strive to do my best.
One of the blessings in over 24 years of ministry is to have never missed a Sunday of work. I remember in Texas being up all night but the Lord allowed me to perform my duties on Sunday morning. I think I slept the rest of the day! A lot of my thinking came as a result of my athletic background. The Lord gave me the talent and the ability and through the Holy Spirit it was my responsibility to use it to the fullest. Whether at a nursing home or a hospital bedside, you never know who is listening; the Lord wants my best because He gives the best.
What is your vocation? Are you encouraged by our Lord to see that you are working for Him no matter where He has placed you? People are watching and listening and the Lord is using your witness. Our work is the same in the eyes of the Lord no matter what we are doing. May He lead you in honest and hard work knowing that your labor for the Lord is not in vain. In all things we serve Christ our Lord and Savior.
You are all a blessing and I thank God for you!
In Christ,
Pastor