REMOVING TATTOOS: What in the world does tattoo removal have to do with the stimulus package? How can this create jobs and get people back to work? Congressional leaders and their followers all need to have their heads examined, especially the one who added this to the list of perks in the stimulus package. You have to know our government passes bills without reading them, something they all admitted to when things like this show up. God have mercy on us. Just think, our children and grandchildren are going to have to pay the taxes on this stimulus bill that this generation has foisted on them.
NO BEAUTY OR MANLINESS HERE: It goes beyond my comprehension why anyone would so mark the bodies with tattoos. I have seen women parading themselves with their bodies being covered with tattoos exposed in their skimpy summer apparel. God created women beautiful and only pagans could think that tattoos add to their appearance as an improvement. Nor do tattoos add to the manliness of men. Many a man, once he matured and particularly having become Christians, have bemoaned the tattoos of their youth.
THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD: The various books of the Bible repeats the historical events of Israel. Psalm 100 is an example of this. In verses 6 & 7 we are reminded of their repeating the sins of their fathers. Then we read verse 8, “Nevertheless He saved them, for His name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” Israel was unworthy of God’s grace and we are unworthy of God grace, yet for the sake of his covenant with Israel and his promise of eternal life to believers, He still bestows His grace upon us. Praise His holy name, we don’t thank Him enough for His grace.
LOOKING BACK TO WARMER DAYS: Cold wintery days with the snow, wind and cold rains turns the heart back to warmer spring and summer days. I did many different things to meet the needs of the family and to make it possible to minister to a little church that couldn’t afford to adequately provide for the pastor. One of the ladies who attended our church had a husband who worked for the city to maintain its parks. Through that connection I was able to get the job of mowing the several city parks. I spent many a day mowing around trees, shrubs and picnic tables and sharpening the mowers blades. Actually, it was a good job because I could enjoy the outdoors and it gave me plenty of time to think about the lessons and sermons I had to prepare. Mowing didn’t require a lot of thinking, so often thoughts relating to the sermon were dwelt upon. Being out in Gods creation and enjoying the warmth of His sun was time well spent and though I wasn’t at my desk studying the task was eventually accomplished. Looking back on that special time warms my heart. I often wonder if the people ever appreciated the many things I had to do in order to minister to their spiritual needs. God knows, it was to His glory. Pastors who are able to give their full time to minister are fortunate and no doubt able to put more into their pastorates than I was able to do. Still, the small churches and the development of new churches is an important work too. He knew I was not equipped to minister to larger churches and He had me where He knew I fit best.
THE ODD JOBS; In that same local I did a lot of odd jobs besides mowing. Here is the list: (1) I hauled manure from the fee lots to the fields to fertilize them; (2) I used a shovel digging ditches; (3) I worked in a drug store setting up new counters and shelving; (4) mowing; (5) we had the distribution of a couple different newspapers; (6) I was a substitute mail carrier; and (7) I worked in a variety store. I think I am missing something but it gives you an idea of the things I did for the privilege of pastoring one small church. This of course was before I was with a mission agency and had raised support to do the church-planting ministry. I hope this wasn’t repetitive, I don’t recall whether I shared this before or not.
ILLUSTRATIONS: As difficult as the variety of jobs was while ministering, there was an advantage. I know of some pastors who struggled with finding illustrations for their sermons and lessons. The variety of jobs did provide ample materials for illustrations. When I was less experienced I remember buying a book of illustrations and it was always difficult trying to find an illustration that would fit. It didn’t take me long to learn that the best illustrations come from personal experiences and dealing with people and the circumstances of life. You really don’t need to look any further than that. The sooner a young pastor, evangelist or missionary learns that lesson the easier his task will become. There is no better way to relate to the congregation than out of the pool of life experiences.
NEXT MUSINGS: Parents teaching children to steal.
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