Wise Counsel

The Bible tells us in Proverbs that "battles are won with many advisors." I was taught early on in my walk with the Lord that no matter how old I get, or how many degrees I have hanging on my wall, or even how big FCOH ever grows in size, I WILL NEVER KNOW IT ALL! Though sometimes we may think we have it "all together" or we have it "all down", may we hold to the fact that we won't know everything until we see the Lord face to face. And still even then, we won't know everything; thus the reason we will spend an eternity with Him. Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting with my former New Testament Greek professor, Dr. David Allen. I was surprised that he even remembered me. I had the opportunity to meet with him for about an hour as I asked him questions about ministry, church, pastoring and school. What amazing wisdom that preceded from this man of God! Have you ever met someone that you know has spent time with the Lord? Well, that's how I felt yesterday as he gave me his time as well as his wisdom. Dr. Allen was a pastor for many years and thus was able to meet me at the "pastoral level" in the understanding of what pastors and pastors families go through. A congregation will never truly understand what a pastor will see, feel, or even go through. Yet the greatest thing a church can do for their leader is to pray for and support their pastor's family. As I have said before, the thing that motivates me to continue forward is when my wife and daughter are loved, prayed for and supported. The one thing that would "drain the life" out of any pastor is when these things are not put into action. May we realize that this sabbatical is far more than the Lord breaking and teaching the pastor, but it is also for the church to experience the same. For with many counselors, battles are won! I want to encourage you to surround yourselves with men and women of God who desire to be holy and speak righteousness. Surround yourselves with wise counsel of godly men and women who will speak into your life, for the battles in your lives will also soon come. Lift up my wife and daughter in your prayers, thoughts and actions. For it is this kind of support that keeps me moving forward!
Until next time- Pastor Sammy