I started blogging several years ago. The definition of a blog is a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
When I first began to do these, they were in the form of a vlog which is simply a video of what would be presented in a written form, as this is today. I have begun to use my YouTube channel, Elbert Nasworthy, to promote this blog. Hope you will check it out and even subscribe As we look to do more there in the future.
Now that I have bored you, let me say that there are a lot of things I would like to blog about today. There are some very serious spiritual issues along with a great deal of issues in our society and in the world to talk about. The reason is that this year, possibly like no other one in our life time, has been to put it mildly, a mess.
The theme for most people and especially churches coming into the year 2020 was about a clear vision leading into the future. Well, by the middle of March that ship had sailed. On March 1, I officially retired. ‘repurposed” as I was reminded by a dear brother. It was my last Sunday as the Senior Pastor of a church. The next Sunday we would be in another city preaching to a church which would become my first position as an Intentional Interim Pastor. The second weekend on our way to preach I tripped (my own fault BTW) and dislocated my left shoulder. I still preached on Sunday and by the next week Covid-19 was shutting things down. For 9 weeks I did messages from my home. Those messages were broadcast in online services the church offered.
Once we were able to return to “in person” worship we began to travel each weekend. It would be the end of August when that dear church had their new Senior Pastor. We were then through and took some time off to refocus and see what God has planned for us. Sweet time for us to spend together and get away. I filled the pulpit throughout the state and awaiting God’s clear direction as to where He wants us to serve He and His people next.
Every one of us saw this year going differently. There is always hope and expectation of great things when a new year begins. However, in the back of our minds we know that there are going to be some bumps in the road. Things will not go as planned. The house or some of its elements will need repair, the tires on the car will need to be replaced or a nail hole patched. The job situation may change but come on, a pandemic? We are surprised but God is not. He knew and He knows how this will work out.
In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul told us-
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
What do we learn from this? There are things that will occur in this life that can cause anxiety but that anxiety is not to be our response. Rather, we are to pray, ask the Lord to guide us, thank Him for what He has, is and will do. The reason is this brings us a peace which cannot even be understood. Here is great part, it is Jesus Himself who will guard or hearts and minds. Wow, it just doesn’t get any better than that, my friend.
So today, what is this? A guy sharing his thoughts and life with others with a hope to encourage you with a thought to ponder.
Merry Christmas and look forward to sharing with you again next week.
A thought to ponder,
Elbert Nasworthy
