2103 Southwest Florida Conference on Evangelism and Soul Winning

Heartbreak

Last Friday, Matthew Warren, son of mega-church pastor, Rick Warren committed suicide. Our concern and prayers are expressed for the Warren family and the Saddleback Church. Among the griefs of life the death of a child is possibly the most difficult with which to grapple.

As I contemplate this tragedy I am reminded that the parsonage is not exempt from the griefs and sorrows of life. Sorrow invades every life. In a day when mega-church pastors are almost deified  we must be reminded that they and their families are still human beings with the same frailness and phobias we all possess. Being successful and spiritual does not exempt you from the difficulties and heartaches of life. I fear critics will lambaste the faith that pastor Warren proclaims. Their cynicism will show their callousness that so identifies our culture.

Vance Havner said at the death of his beloved wife, "Something is not lost when you know where it is." Havner knew his beloved wife was with Jesus. Matthew is alive with Jesus today, he is not lost, we know where he is.

Pray for Rick Warren and his wife Kay that God might provide them with peace that passes all understanding through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...

Wayne

Justice or Grace

There are days when it seems like the weight of the world comes across my desk. Big problems, small problems, important problems, insignificant problems, decisions, hurts, joys, etc... are all apart of a pastors daily experience. Midst theses moments I am often asked (or more often required) to come to a decision that will, at times, have a significant impact on the lives of people I minister to and love.

The burden of these decisions is one of the heavier burdens any pastor carries. When these moments come I find myself totally dependent upon the wisdom of God. James tells us:

James 1:4-5⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.⁵ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Sadly, these decisions often come to a determination between Justice, that is doing what a policy or standard requires, and Grace, doing that which will be redemptive or merciful.

Because God has shown me Grace, for which I am eternally grateful, through Christ Jesus, I do my best to side with Grace. At times this spirit is mistaken as weakness. However, I have decided that if I am to err it will be on the side of Grace.

The next time you have a difficult decision to make go to God and ask Him for His wisdom and if God will allow come down on the side of Grace. When he looked at your sin problem He showed Grace, so can you.

Attempting to Connect the Dots...

Wayne