Which Example?
When you think of ministry, which example do you think of?
Example 1:
A young pastor, fresh out of seminary, marries his college sweetheart. They are sent off to start their own church with their current church's blessing. He has been serving under the pastor of their current church. She has been leading the choir. Both were paid positions, because the church recognized their gifts and their calling.
Soon, their new church flourishes. They are able to have a new house built. The coming years will find them saving for retirement and a college fund for the daughter and son that will, in the near future, join their family. He is a well-loved pastor. She still leads the choir.
Example 2:
An aging televangelist retires to his multi-million dollar home. His son has taken the reins on his billion dollar ministry. Throughout the years, there has been controversy, but his viewers have faithfully paid what they felt God telling them to pay.
As he relaxes in his indoor pool with a glass of homemade lemonade and sandwiches prepared by his favorite cook, he counts his blessings.
Example 3.
It's not easy being kicked out of the center of religion and society. But it happened, just as He warned it would. On top of that, this minister is not trusted by some because of his past, which is understandable. There are some days, he feels he can't forgive himself for the things he's done. He did commit murder. If he were them, he can't say he'd welcome himself with open arms.
Being in and out of jail and on house arrest because of this ministry gives one lots of time to think. Then there's the pain. It's a messenger of Satan, that's what it is. He's prayed for God to take it away. Three times, in fact. But each time, God says just to trust in His grace. That's what he has to do. What else can he do? He knows this is the life he has to lead. He'll just keep forgetting what is behind and pressing forward - right on to the highest ruler of the land.
Chances are, he'll be executed when he finally makes it there. So many others have been. But then he knows that he will spend his eternity in perfect peace. It makes it all worthwhile.
Example 1:
A young pastor, fresh out of seminary, marries his college sweetheart. They are sent off to start their own church with their current church's blessing. He has been serving under the pastor of their current church. She has been leading the choir. Both were paid positions, because the church recognized their gifts and their calling.
Soon, their new church flourishes. They are able to have a new house built. The coming years will find them saving for retirement and a college fund for the daughter and son that will, in the near future, join their family. He is a well-loved pastor. She still leads the choir.
Example 2:
An aging televangelist retires to his multi-million dollar home. His son has taken the reins on his billion dollar ministry. Throughout the years, there has been controversy, but his viewers have faithfully paid what they felt God telling them to pay.
As he relaxes in his indoor pool with a glass of homemade lemonade and sandwiches prepared by his favorite cook, he counts his blessings.
Example 3.
It's not easy being kicked out of the center of religion and society. But it happened, just as He warned it would. On top of that, this minister is not trusted by some because of his past, which is understandable. There are some days, he feels he can't forgive himself for the things he's done. He did commit murder. If he were them, he can't say he'd welcome himself with open arms.
Being in and out of jail and on house arrest because of this ministry gives one lots of time to think. Then there's the pain. It's a messenger of Satan, that's what it is. He's prayed for God to take it away. Three times, in fact. But each time, God says just to trust in His grace. That's what he has to do. What else can he do? He knows this is the life he has to lead. He'll just keep forgetting what is behind and pressing forward - right on to the highest ruler of the land.
Chances are, he'll be executed when he finally makes it there. So many others have been. But then he knows that he will spend his eternity in perfect peace. It makes it all worthwhile.
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