Events occur that challenge our call from God to be a pastor/leader/shepherd to His people in His Church. Pastors quit the ministry because of negative circumstances in their lives, i.e. being asked to leave the church they are pastoring. Others because of the stress of finances or their family because of being a pastor. During this time of pandemic, pastors are stressed out, even nearing burnout because of the strains and pressures of ministry and its unknown future. With this as a back drop, let’s review our call we have received from God, renew our commitment to that call and be encouraged. Larry Kreider depicts God’s call in his book, “21 Tests of Effective Leadership,” as His “Sweet Spo
Recently as I was teaching an Old Testament Survey class I was reminded that more than 1/3 of the Psalms were classified as lament. Lament psalms are full of complaints, questions, petitions and telling it like it is to his enemies. Often the writer is telling God that he has a problem and wondering why God has not already come to his aid because the writer doesn’t think he has done anything wrong. Laments are our groanings and crying out to God in our pain as we worship Him. Psalm 22:4 tells me to worship God with a pure heart. As I do this I am an open book before Him. I can express my deep wailings, sorrow and grief in His Holy presence. God has said He would never forsake me nor leave me
