“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre (“not for dishonest gain,” NKJV) “but of a ready mind” (1 Peter 5:2).
I shared with you about Pastor Kenward looking up during the special music in the morning service. There stretched out before him were many, many people and every single one of them had a need, a struggle, a regret, and many of the church family had shared these privately with their pastor. That Sunday the older pastor’s heart just felt like it was going to break as he thought about all the needs. How could he shepherd these dear folks? As the special music continued, five-year-old Caleb broke away from the foster family who was seated about five rows back on the right. Before H., the foster mother, even noticed that Caleb was gone, he was already at the front of the church. The special music continued, and he came right up and spoke to Pastor Kenward. “You looked lonely up here. I just wanted to tell you that I am getting adopted and will come every Sunday. I like you. I guess I better get going.” And with that he was off to his pew. Yes, parents had chats with their children that they had to wait until Pastor and Mrs. Kenward were at the door greeting. But it was a grand day of encouragement from a little child. “He likes me,” Pastor Kenward thought. “He likes me.” With that the pastor whispered to the Lord, “And I love this church family and You, Lord.”
For today: You probably will never know the emotions, drama, heartbreak and heart-stirring blessings that take place in your pastor’s life. Please pray for your Pastor and wife. Encourage them!