UPDATE: Here is a prayer Shane posted that would be good to pray for our pastors. Click here.
Today I found much encouragement from my pastor’s message. He did a good job of stepping on toes (mine included) as well as encouraging us for faithful service. Today was not a “let’s come to church because it’s Easter and hear a feel good sermon”. It was much better than that. You would almost think this guy believes what he preaches. (and for the record, I would bet my life on it)
Speaking of “this guy” it has been a privilege working alongside Roy Porter over the years as part of his staff. I am now looking forward to again being simply part of his flock. I know I have been even as my time as Youth Minister, but there is a difference that is kind of hard to explain.
On top of that, I have been getting excited as I hear Porter getting excited and passionate about his desire to lead Oakdale faithfully. I have also seen his heart break for those he loves dearly. I don’t know if it is just me and where I am at in my life or if it is really something different going on in his life, but his passion seems to come through more and more. I mean not only from his messages behind the pulpit but even over cups of coffee.
For those who may be reading this who are members of Oakdale, please know that our pastor loves us dearly. Many times we are the ones who make it hard for others to show their love for us. So don’t make it hard for him to show his love. I know this is personal and I did not run it by him to post so much about him…but…it needs to be said. So there.
6 Comments
March 23, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Jason,
I heard abbut Porter’s sermon. I am truly sorry we missed it. We were with my family today. I too have noticed a change in Porter – even though we have been away for awhile. I know he does love all of our church family and he takes everything to heart with all of us. He hurts when we hurt and he rejoices when we rejoice. He truly wants what God wants for us. He wants to see us receive God’s blessings and he wants to see us grow in His word. You are right about making it hard for people to love us. In the end, we and our weakness to sin, are our own worst enemy.
March 24, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Porter was really on fire in the pulpit Sunday. My toes were stepped on a bit too but sometimes we need to be called out and be reminded that we serve an awesome God. We need to open our hearts to receive the blessings that He offers us no matter how undeserving we are. We also need to open our hearts to each other. Everyone needs to be encouraged and know that they are loved. Porter truly loves each of us and doesn’t want to see us hurt. He rejoices along with us in the good times and hurts with us when we are hurting. He wants to know that we are growing in the Word. We need to make sure that we encourage him and his family. We need to pray daily for him and his leadership of our Church family.
March 24, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I totally agree. I really enjoyed the sermon yesterday, even though by toes were also stepped on.
I love my Oakdale family!
March 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Also, is that my kid’s foot in that picture. It looks an alot like Pierce’s shoe and ragged pants leg…..
ha-ha
;o)
March 24, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Well, you may find a picture very similar to this one on your digital camera.
March 25, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hey folks,
I wish Porter wouldn’t be so apologetic with his apologetics, if you know what I mean. Our congregation deserves an apology for preaching the truth about as much as the Pharisees deserved an apology from John for calling them a brood of vipers. If our pastor loves us, which I couldn’t be more sure of, he can’t help but preach the truth to us, or else be burdened greatly by the Holy Spirit for not so doing. We are all guilty of wanting to be “buttered up” from time to time, but lack of conviction of our sin makes an easier target for Satan! Just my two cents…..