Pastor to Pastor

My friend, Pastor Ray Mirly, is both teacher and preacher.  Now he serves as District President.  He is ready to encourage in each issue of his "Pastor to Pastor."  His encouragement is biblically based; his church worker experience is a rich resource deserving of a wider circulation to encourage church workers across our beloved LCMS.  To that end, we offer his messages to you for your encouragement as you serve the Lord and His Church.   (just scroll down)

PEACE!
L. Dean Hempelmann, S.T.M., Ph.D., D.D.
Director, What a Way 
Encouragement (based on Mt 10:32)
The words above are preceded by Jesus telling us to “fear not.” In the fear not statements He tells us that God knows so much about us and the world in which we live that he counts the number of hairs on our head and even knows when a sparrow falls to the ground. He watches over every little detail regarding things we do not pay much attention. For me, this is an important section of Holy Scripture, especially when I am struggling in my ministry, in my personal life or with all that is happening in the world. To think, God knows all about me and you!
In verse 31, Jesus tells us we are more valued than a sparrow. This is His way of encouraging us, strengthening us and pointing us to the only one who, as Luther says, “provides us with all that we need to support this body and life.”
Fellow pastors, we are never outside of God’s grace! We are always enveloped in His mercy! Through Christ we have His forgiveness for all of our sins of omission and commission.  Even when we are weak, He makes us strong.

PEACE!
L. Dean Hempelmann, S.T.M., Ph.D., D.D.
Director, What a Way

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thess. 5: 9-11 (ESV)

Encouragement –

A building is no stronger than its foundation. You and I are familiar with the parable of the wise and foolish builder. It is wise for us to take inventory of the foundation upon which we build our life, family and ministry.

The only firm, sure, lasting foundation for our life, family, and ministry is Jesus Christ. St. Paul, in 1 Thess. 5:9, tells us that God has “destined us. . . to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our Salvation through Christ is sure! Our life, family, and ministry, when based and anchored upon the Gospel’s promises, endures through all the storms that come our way.

The “therefore” of verse 11 connects our daily encouragement to our faith in Christ Jesus. It is what we have been given by God out of His grace to “build one another up.” This encouragement is not just for us. It is an encouragement for us to give to others.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, knowing that God has destined you to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ; I encourage you to keep your eyes on Him who is your Savior and unshakeable foundation. He alone is your encouragement for all you encounter in the-now yearning for the not-yet.