I learned something new at church this weekend. I learned the meaning of Palm Sunday and how it originated. I also learned that Palm Sunday kicks off what is termed by some as "Holy Week." I've never heard the term "Holy Week" before in conjunction with Easter.
We are very blessed to have a wonderful Sr. Pastor at our church (Mecklenburg Community Church). He explains things from the bible and gives the background of that moment so that you can understand the circumstances surrounding the passage. As I was thinking about what to write about this morning I wanted to look up some definitions.
Preacher is defined as someone who gives earnest advice as on religious or moral subjects or the like. A Pastor is defined as a person having spiritual care of a number of persons. Teacher is defined as a person who imparts knowledge or skill.
What's my point? To be an effective Pastor or Preacher (whichever you want to call it) you have to incorporate elements of all three words effectively. In my experience too many times you find those on the pulpit with only part of the tools needed. I've sat in on sermons at various churches where the "preacher" advocated yelling at his spouse. I've sat in on sermons where "pastors" talked the talk but didn't walk the walk in terms of what they were preaching to the church. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to be negative or take shots at other places. I'm merely saying when I decided to explore religion again, I did so with my eyes wide open. I was previously one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I learned my basis of the bible from them. From there I compared other religions, churches, and preachers. I always entered as a skeptic. It wasn't until I started going to "Meck" that I became a "listener."
I believe everyone should have something to believe in. Having true faith and love of God in your life is something immeasurable. Pay attention to what you listen to. When I told my dad about my new found faith he warned me "follow the Word, not the man." In other words, make sure it's God's message that you're listening to and not just following the Pastor. Why? Because we're ALL imperfect and we all sin--Pastors included. Sometimes we forget that but that's one of the things that our Sr. Pastor (Jim) preaches. He includes himself when he talks about the stumbles and challenges we face on our journey to Christendom. Refreshing to hear. He preaches about God's love and His forgiveness and how much He wants to have a relationship with us. When your view of God is one who is loving and just and gracious and merciful it gives you a sense of hope. It makes you want to learn more.
I had a chance to do an interview for my church. They asked me about my spiritual journey and my decision to get baptized. It played at the church last week and I've gotten some really nice comments about it. Jim came up to me Saturday and said 'thank you for sharing such a powerful testimony.' I was speechless. Here it is the Sr. Pastor who (to me) was responsible for getting me back into a relationship with God was thanking me. I wish I would have told him, 'no, thank you. Your words spoke to me. God's blessing is clearly on you and because of that it had enabled me to enter into a relationship with God, I honestly never knew existed."
God puts people in our lives for a reason. It rarely clear up front why they're there, but if you reflect, you can pull out the reason why they're in your life. My wife found this church "on an accident." It took me 2 years before I decided to even come. It took me another year before I went all in. Along the way, I recognize moments and people who helped me on my spiritual journey--for them and for God I am eternally grateful. For some they consider me a "goody too-shoes". I wear that as a badge of honor. For those who knew me, know that I am differnt. For those that know me know, please know that I'm sincere in my words and deeds. I feel the need to share my spiritual journey with any and everybody who will listen. Mainly because I got the Word because my wife found a church while looking for the post office. She guilted me into going to Easter service. Jim gave me biblical knowledge that I could understand and God touched my heart to attend my first service at Meck in August 2010 then getting baptized June 11, 2011 and joining the church as an official member December 2011. I love the Lord and the relationship I have with Him. I SO want that for everybody I know and meet. So if you talk to me, just know I'll share some of the joy He's given me with you. You never know who you affect with a word or deed in this life. God puts people in your path for a reason.
God bless--reflect on Holy Week
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