March 27, 2011

3-27-11 Sunday, 6:07 am Springfield, 30 degrees.

Oh I am looking forward to the morning worship services! My theme is “the sharing choice” and I will use the concept of the “wounded healer” and the life of Henri Nouwen to illustrate. My scripture for the morning is:

II Cor 1:3-7

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Truly the apostle Paul endured many troubles, was comforted by God, and then was able to give others the same comfort that God had given him. I think of the troubles endured by John Wesley, Detrich Bonhoeffer, John Wycliffe, Isaiah, Jeremiah, David, etc. It was Paul who referred to his troubles as “this momentary slight affliction” even as he had been beaten and was under arrest awaiting execution. I must be constantly mindful that the goal of life is not ease and comfort, but obedience and spiritual fruitfulness.

Guide me today Lord as I serve you with joy, shepherding your people as we journey together in Your care.