April 2009

(Note:  Pastor's Pen is published on a monthly basis)

 

Matthew 28:20

Today the words of a minister reached through many miles of air waves, were received by a friend of Ann’s, then transferred to Ann by phone and ultimately to my heart through Ann.  I saw it as a line of communication from God and I didn’t have the DVD on but the message translated through 3 people and here is the message:  When Satan is casting care and sorrow upon people he holds a cord that is very heavy, the cord of discouragement.  He slips it in such a way to let it weigh heavily on your heart.  Discouragement takes joy and faith out of our lives and tries to substitute doubt and fear.  If we only look with our natural eyes at situations that come our way we can become discouraged and overwhelmed.  But Jesus is always there to help us—pull us out, lift us up, and encourage us—through the Word, a friend, a song, a heart feeling, a devotion, or any other means the Holy Spirit chooses.

Peter and John were privileged to go with Jesus to the Mount of Transfiguration.  They saw Him in “His glory.”  This glorious mountain-top experience was never forgotten and we read of it today.  However, Peter met with discouragement after Jesus went to the cross; he went back to fishing after being with the Master of the sea for three and a half years.  But Jesus didn’t leave him out at sea in a boat of discouragement but found him, fed them and renewed his dreams by appearing and ministering to him (God always knows where you are).  Jesus reminded Peter after the meal (which he had prepared for all of them) what his mission was on earth:  “Feed my sheep.”  Jesus was calling him from fishing for fish to fishing for men, women, boys and girls, catching them and raising them up to do the work of the Father.  The greatest encouragement we can have is found in Matthew 28:20.  “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  …Our Lord is present with us no matter what each day brings, no matter the discouragement, the fall -out of life, or circumstances that seem to control our very existence—God is with us!  Let His presence banish or chase away discouragement from life.  Victory started in the Garden and became present in an empty tomb!  In all circumstances Jesus wants you to stay encouraged!!

Love and prayers,

~ Pastor Roberts

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