day twenty of the fast

Day twenty of the fast

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Today we pray for our central office and district staff (that the Lord will continue to strengthen, lead and fill with His Spirit).

It is hard to be a leader in the church and to have people look up to you. So many want it but they want it for the prestige and not for the work. It has long been my contention that I look askance on anyone who campaigns for a leadership position in a church.

That is not to say that I do not welcome volunteers and people who desire to lead. 1 Timothy 3:1 has the apostle Paul writing: Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. In other words, it is good to want to be a leader. But it is when that desire is  overwhelming and you can tell it is for the wrong reasons that it becomes bad.

Leadership is a delicately balanced thing. There is the responsibility that so many do not see, and the knowledge that you have to be careful in your leading.

I have been pastoring for 37 years, an astonishingly long time to me. It seems just yesterday that I began. During that time, I have learned so much and yet, at the same time, feel I have so much to learn.

If I had it to do again, I would be a pastor again. There would be things I would do differently than before, but that life situation and marrying my wife again I would do.

Thank God for leaders.

One more day to go. This morning I put on my clothes for morning services, and I look amazingly thin. This was not the reason I went on the fast, but the side effects were definitely from the Lord.

I have been larger than I have ever been before in my life, but, as I said, since the beginning of this fast, I have lost 50 pounds.

The weight loss has really been too fast. But I truly needed to lose it. I intend to keep on with the weight loss.

But the time in fasting and prayer has really been interesting. So far, and I do still have today and tomorrow, there have been no fantastic moves or words from God. Like last time, I did not know what to expect.

What I have gotten is a feeling of closeness to the Lord. He has brought me through this and I praise him for it.

Today is church. I am always glad to go. I always feel better afterwards than I did before. Even if it is not the great worshipfest I want it to be, I am still glad I go.

Father God, I ask for strength for our leaders and for us who lead. Bless them and give them wisdom and discernment in what they do. Bless also the church they lead and make us grow. I wait for you. Hear me, my Lord and my Savior. I praise you. Amen.