Beacon2Light

I want to start off by saying this is NOT a large church bashing post. The purpose for me writing this is NOT to beat upon mega-church pastors. However, it is not oriented toward them since I am a small church pastor and don't have the experience to speak to the unique challenges and concerns of a mega-ministry. Having said that, I believe that there are a LOT of pastors who serve small to moderate size congregations. These individuals also work hard and stick it out through some difficult circumstances. Their pay isn't great and their savings toward retirement is mediocre at best. They may have as many critics as they have fans. More than likely, they are the pastor, the secretary, perhaps even the janitor or security guard.  In other words, they wear many hats. A good number of them are bi-vocational.   And they love their churches and they love their people.  God has called them and they have answered.  These shepherds had dreams, and if they have bee...

Acts 16:6-10 (NKJV) 6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them . Disappointments, setbacks and detours abound in this life. We make plans and see them through. Working hard, praying hard, preparing and moving forward is met with the harsh reality of no, not here, not now. Emotions well up within us and we wonder what we have done wrong. We ask why? Is it some sin that I haven't dealt with?  Have I not prayed or prepared enough? Why do others seem to see thei...

“Do not be afraid; only believe.”   Simple words in a short sentence by Jesus.  Easy to say but hard to do.     In the context, Jesus was approached by Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue.  His daughter was very sick to the point of death and the synagogue leader desperately clung to hope that she could be healed. Though her health had seriously deteriorated and nothing up to this point had worked, Jairus had faith that Jesus could and would heal her.  So, Jesus followed him home.     Along the way, a multitude crowded Jesus and a seriously ill woman sought to get through the throng.  Despite the fact she suffered at the hands of many doctors and though she remained sick over twelve years with no relief, she continued to push her way through the masses, believing that Jesus could heal her.   The woman didn't demand Jesus' undivided attention.  She didn't expect that Jesus would have to stop what He was doing, turn to her...