We love the new and improved. The latest model. The updated technology. The latest and greatest. Sometimes this happens with people. As they age, corporate America looks for the newest hot shot. The up and comer.
A person can live and be effective well into their senior adult years. Senior adults still have a lot to offer. Wisdom, leadership, love, prayer and even pastoral ministry.
I was surprised to learn the ages of some very prominent pastors. Charles Stanley is 87 and still preaching at FBC Atlanta, GA. Church Swindoll is still going strong as a pastor at 85 in Frisco, TX. John MacArthur is still faithfully expositing the word of God at 81. David Jeremiah still serves faithfully at Shadow Mountain Community Church at 79. John Piper still writes books and travels adn preaches at 74. Tony Evans still serves as Senior Pastor at Oakcliff Bible Fellowship at the age of 70.
Just because a person ages does not mean they are no longer useful. Who said just because a person gets older they do not have a great deal to offer. I watch when some men retire. They are bored to death. One of my neighbors often drives around the community to waste time. He plays golf daily, but that does not seem satisfying. He has no purpose.
The aforementioned pastors still have purpose. They still contribute. They still have a reason to get up every morning. I have always admired those who are active and productive in their twilight years. My pastor, who retired from my home church after 34 years, is now pastoring a smaller church. He has had knee replacements and battled other ailments. He still faithfully proclaims God's word in his middle seventies. That inspires me. Another friend of mine who just turned 60 went out and ran two miles the other day just to see if he could do it. Our chairman of deacons is 67 and still hauls and stacks hay by himself.
I am pushing 54 and have no plans for retirement. I want to serve Jesus as long as I am physically and mentally able to do so. I feel like I am just hitting my stride. Growing older has challenges. Aches and pains. Health issues. The mind does not recall like it used to be able to do. There is still service that can be done. There is still ministry for Jesus to be done. There is wisdom to impart.
Don't use your age as an excuse not to be active and productive. I am betting you still have a lot to offer.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
Spring Creek Revival Day Eight Part Two
We gathered for the evening service last night. I met with people in the prayer room like we have done previously. The crowd was like a normal Sunday night crowd. It seemed to me it was different than previous nights. Some of the excitement seemed missing. It felt like a normal Sunday night which we did not pray for.
In the middle of worship, led by Damon, I felt a prompting to change the message again from the one I planned. Three times I had no peace about preaching that message. Three times I shelved it in favor of God's direction. A lady named Kelly Peel gave a powerful testimony. I felt stunned listening to it. I had no idea how much hardship and pain she has overcome. She has so much joy I would never have known her background. She testified through tears. Very powerful and moving.
When she stepped down from the stage, people met her in the aisle hugging and comforting her. So much for social distancing. It was a tender moment.
I did not preach last night. I taught from Acts 2:42-47. In the end, I challenged people to go around the room and love on each other. What a beautiful sight for a pastor. I truly saw the love of a family of God expressed. I saw the tender work of God. People were loved, affirmed, and built up.
In a meeting earlier that afternoon, the deacons did not feel we should extend the meetings. I felt torn but saw no justification in doing so either really. I keep feeling this is not the appointed time. We took steps forward, but it is the not the appointed time for the real outpouring.
With that tender time in the Lord, the revival meetings faded into the pages of history softly without fanfare. It does not mean my heart for God is dampened. It means more prayer. A and the work of shepherding this flock resumes. Wednesday night we pick up in Ephesians 2:11 where we left off. On Sunday mornings we will either resume going through Revelation or move it to Sunday nights and follow God's guidance.
I received a report earlier today that 829 people viewed the Sunday morning service. That is both exciting and humbling. We will continue our online presence and continue our relentless pursuit of God.
I have to say in conclusion that, while we enjoyed some great times with God, this was not true revival. We enjoyed revival meetings where God touched hearts. For that we are grateful. Should you want to stay up with what God is doing here please visit the Spring Creek facebook page. You can find it on our homepage at www.myspringcreek.org. You can enjoy these blogs through our church webpage or by going to www.followhard638.blogspot.com. May the relentless pursuit of God continue for all of us.
In the middle of worship, led by Damon, I felt a prompting to change the message again from the one I planned. Three times I had no peace about preaching that message. Three times I shelved it in favor of God's direction. A lady named Kelly Peel gave a powerful testimony. I felt stunned listening to it. I had no idea how much hardship and pain she has overcome. She has so much joy I would never have known her background. She testified through tears. Very powerful and moving.
When she stepped down from the stage, people met her in the aisle hugging and comforting her. So much for social distancing. It was a tender moment.
I did not preach last night. I taught from Acts 2:42-47. In the end, I challenged people to go around the room and love on each other. What a beautiful sight for a pastor. I truly saw the love of a family of God expressed. I saw the tender work of God. People were loved, affirmed, and built up.
In a meeting earlier that afternoon, the deacons did not feel we should extend the meetings. I felt torn but saw no justification in doing so either really. I keep feeling this is not the appointed time. We took steps forward, but it is the not the appointed time for the real outpouring.
With that tender time in the Lord, the revival meetings faded into the pages of history softly without fanfare. It does not mean my heart for God is dampened. It means more prayer. A and the work of shepherding this flock resumes. Wednesday night we pick up in Ephesians 2:11 where we left off. On Sunday mornings we will either resume going through Revelation or move it to Sunday nights and follow God's guidance.
I received a report earlier today that 829 people viewed the Sunday morning service. That is both exciting and humbling. We will continue our online presence and continue our relentless pursuit of God.
I have to say in conclusion that, while we enjoyed some great times with God, this was not true revival. We enjoyed revival meetings where God touched hearts. For that we are grateful. Should you want to stay up with what God is doing here please visit the Spring Creek facebook page. You can find it on our homepage at www.myspringcreek.org. You can enjoy these blogs through our church webpage or by going to www.followhard638.blogspot.com. May the relentless pursuit of God continue for all of us.
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