The New Minister Teaches Me A Lesson
I was watching TV a few minutes ago, as an established minister introduced his son, who was about to give us one of his early sermons. It crossed my mind to change channels to one of the ministers I listen to almost daily. And I'm here to admit that the Lord gave me a whipping.
He had me put myself in that young minister's new place in front of a congregation, including TV. What if it were me, standing there. I had to admit that I would stutter and stammer and folks would be wanting to get up and leave.
How good was God, to give me something else to do! I immediately thought of the apostle Paul, as he wrote to the Philippians. In chapter two, he tells them, "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you…but ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me, in the gospel…him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me." He spoke of Timothy at other times, too, when young Timothy was new to them.
The greatest of ministers pass with time, and God prepares us by Calling young men and women to take their places. Have patience with them, and remember that they may be giving up good jobs to answer God's Call. Be sure your tithes and offerings don't dwindle. Just do as I did; put yourself in their place and you'll love them for being obedient.
Believe me; I'd rather have an uneducated, obedient minister, than a college graduate who's there for the easy living he things it is. Meanwhile, you Believers grow with him, and you who haven't given your hearts to the Lord, do it right now. A new minister and a new convert is a wonderful combination!
166 www.billthorntonconquests.com
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