Good to Wait

12/14- Matthew 25:1-13- The bridegroom was a long time coming and some of them fell asleep…Therefore keep watch for you do not know the day or the hour that He comes.

Thoughts: This is a great story reminding us to wait with expectation- looking and listening for God to come to us.  True listening to God is not just a five minute or even a thirty minute thing.  It is an attitude.  It is always being on the ready to respond.  The great story of the Minute Men of the American Revolution was that they could be ready in a minute if there was danger.  Or firefighters can be eating or sleeping but they are always listening for that call or alarm.  The police may be eating or riding but when someone dials 911- they respond.  The soldiers in an outpost must be at the ready when the signal goes out to go to their post. We must be ready.  A pregnant woman in her last trimester must be ready- bags packed, plans made- for they cannot fully plan the hour.  It is a lifestyle.  For the Christian this means having a willingness to let go of whatever minor thing we are doing to respond to God’s call upon our lives whatever that call involves and wherever that call leads.  Frankly it is an exciting life compared to those who think they will never get this call upon them.  

Prayer: Let me not be asleep at the switch, Lord.  Give me a listening ear- always ready to respond to you.    

5/16/14- Pat Griffin

21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Mt. 25:21)

Thoughts: One of my friends and colleagues in ministry died and his funeral was tonight- Rev. Dr. Pat Griffin.  He was an extraordinary pastor.  He loved to visit people.  Pat overcame tremendous problems to live his life well and in a productive way.  He encouraged people and there was not a more faithful person that I know of.  He was loyal and compassionate- and in that sense a great pastor.  I will miss my friend Pat.  Saints are not just those in pictures or those enshrined by the church.  Some people set good examples for us in different ways.  I am sure he is hearing the words of Christ in his ear: "Well done good and faithful servant." 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saints in this life who overcome problems and mistakes to live their lives well.  Raise up other laborers for your kingdom, Lord.