“And let us consider how we may stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
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In June I received a card in the mail from Charley Clay, Pastor of the Blue Mound Federated Church. He was writing to say he appreciated the Seeking Higher Ground articles I had written in the Linn County News and to “keep up the good work.” Needless to say it meant a lot to me for an older, more experienced Pastor to take the time out of his day and write a card of encouragement. I decided to write him back and express my gratitude, when I got the chance. About a week later I came across the card again and decided to sit down and write him back before I forgot. I’m so glad I did. As most of you know, Pastor Clay passed away unexpectedly on July 1. His work on Earth was done and the Lord called him home. Now, other Linn County Pastors and I must continue laboring for the Lord in the same way Pastor Clay did for so many years. In the last month of his life, Pastor Clay unknowingly taught me one more lesson. “Don’t procrastinate!”
Has the Lord laid something on your heart to do? Do it! Tomorrow might be too late. God laid it on Pastor Clay’s heart to write me a note of encouragement. I’m so glad he was faithful in doing that. The Lord laid it on my heart to write him back. I’m so glad I did. It only took a couple of minutes out of our day to write a card. But the lasting effect of that encouragement continues on. Has God laid someone on your heart? Do you need to write someone a card, or make a phone call, or go knock on a neighbor’s door? Is God leading you to do something? Maybe you haven’t been to church in a while and He’s leading you to go. Maybe you know someone who needs to hear the gospel and He’s leading you to share. Maybe you know someone who needs encouraged and you’re the only one who knows it. Will you be obedient to God’s promptings? Maybe He’s leading you to stop fooling around and turn to Christ as Lord of your life. Will you do it? Don’t forget your eternity hinges upon what you do with Jesus.
God has appointed a day in which every one of us will die. Only he knows when that day is, but for you it could be tomorrow. Or it could be sooner. Follow God’s promptings. Don’t put off for tomorrow what needs to be done today. You might do something that seems small to you, but means the world to someone else. I’m glad I had the opportunity to thank Pastor Clay before God called him home. His card meant a lot. Now that he’s gone, I’ll cherish it even more. Is God calling you to do something today? Then do it, today. Today is all we have and as we all know, tomorrow may never come.
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(NOTE: This article is one that I decided to post on the blog and have printed as a Seeking Higher Ground article in the Linn County News. You should see it there sometime in the next month. If you would like to see a copy of Pastor Clay's card, I've posted it on the bulletin board in the stairwell at the church.)
Oh Yea! First again. I was kind of sweatin it there for a minute. It is pretty late and I thought I wouldn't be the first. Whew!
That is a very good lesson to learn. I am a terrible procrastinator when it comes to SOME things. I hate it. Probably a trait from my beloved father....Who knew?
Posted by: Alex | July 19, 2006 at 02:22 AM
Wow Alex! Not only are you the first to comment, you're also the ONLY. Maybe the rest of them are procrastinating :)
Posted by: Shane | July 21, 2006 at 11:45 AM