I’ve discovered that during difficult days It helps to defeat discouragement by thinking about the things for which I’m thankful. I was recently thinking about God’s blessing on our church when something came to mind that you might not have ever thought about. The word balance comes to my mind.
I’m familiar with a lot of churches, and as you might expect, they are all different some are made up almost entirely of old folks and few of any other age group. Others are just the opposite. They consist mostly of young families with few seniors, and no ministries for that age group. This list could go on and on but I’ll stop and tell you what is on my mind.
When I consider our church I think about the blessing of balance. We have a lot of older folks who are pillars in the church. Having faithfully provided a firm foundation for it, others in the church have the benefit of their godly example to follow.
We also have a core group of faithful members between 30 and 60 who have taken up the banner and doing the work that others can’t do. They are the kind of people you can count on, giving assurance that the church is in good hands.
In addition to them we have many young adults who not only have remarkable potential but are presently involved in ministries right now.
Then we have a good group of teens and younger children who love the Lord and are helping out in various ministries already. Watching them grow is a great blessing.
Lastly we have a good number of children and ministries designed for them led by dedicated teachers and leaders working with them.
Along with all this God has moved us from a back street that was hard to find to a prime location with beautiful facilities, all paid for.
Here is one more thing I want to mention. I have always hoped that when I have to step down that the new pastor would be someone from within our church, sparing the church of going through the process of trying to find a new pastor. God has answered my prayer. Although it is the church’s decision, I believe Bro. Preston has proven himself to be that man. Please read Phil.2:20-22 if you want to know how I feel about him.
When I think of all of this, it makes me thankful for what God has done, is doing and will do. This is a dream come true for an old pastor, who knows when he is gone the church will carry on better than ever. Although we are far from perfect, the same God who brought us thus far will be with us during the most trying of times. He who has never failed will not fail.
In this day, when so few churches are standing true to God’s word, and so many are dwindling and dying we are should be exceedingly thankful for God‘s blessings on us. I don’t expect everyone to appreciate what I’m talking about as much as some others. That’s because this church is the only reference point they have. Not being familiar with other churches they assume it’s like this everywhere, but they’re wrong. Some churches are barely holding on , trying to keep the doors open and others are departing from the faith, and some are divided by contention. So when we think about the faith of those who have brought us thus far, the faithfulness of those who are involved in our ministries, the financial security we enjoy, and the focus of our vision minded members, our future looks bright.
It is my firm belief that one reason that God has blessed this church so much is the fact that I don’t know of any church that has taken better care of its pastors than this one. Hebrews 13:17 says,” “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” That is exactly what this church has done. For 37 years I have joyfully pastored this precious church.
But let us never forget that all these blessings are due to the grace of God. He alone deserves the praise! Let us then never cease to worship him in spirit, and in truth. “ As Paul said, “unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21. THINK ABOUT IT!
Your grateful servant in Christ,
Bro. Stone
