Welcome to the Pastor's Table

I'm glad you stopped by. As the description implies... This is where you will find reflections, stories, and thoughts from my life to yours that I hope will be an encouragement for you to "keep the faith" -- "not grow weary in well doing" -- "fight the good fight" -- "run the race set before you" -- You get the idea... There are not too many "first rodeos" that I come across anymore. However, this is one. I'm an old dog learning new tricks, so I thank you for your patience. The name "Pastor's Table" is purposeful and comes from a couple different scriptures that have meant a lot to me; both in my ministry and in my personal walk with our Lord. There is a section in John 21 where Jesus is speaking with Peter. The Apostle Peter was perhaps in "recovery mode" from an absolute blunder in his faith. Not long before this conversation in John 21... Peter had denied our Lord 3 times, and now Jesus was asking if Peter loved him. The Greek in this passage adds much more depth to the conversation; specifically in terms of "love". However, that is for another day. Jesus gave simple instruction to Peter in this passage. "Feed my Sheep". Peter was navigating probably the darkest and most trying moments of his faith. I have no doubt he was thinking... "I've messed up, and now I'm done". Yet, Jesus speaks into Peter's life and gives him an amazing assignment. Peter would ultimately become one of the pillars of the first church. This scripture has served to remind me that even though I have errored, Jesus has never thrown me away. I can keep trying because He is good. My calling in life is to "feed sheep"... Meaning to teach the word of God to the people of God. That my friend is my purpose and calling as a Pastor of the New Testament Church (Ephesians 4:11-13 -- emphasis 12). The other section of scripture comes from the 23rd Psalm, which says: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies". The word translated "table" is from the Hebrew "sulhan" which means...... (drum roll)..... Table. The biblical usage in this text implies not just any table, but the King's table, a table for private use, for sacred use. In this Psalm, King David is describing a moment in his life where things could be much worse, but the presence of the Almighty kept him secure. He was very aware of the presence of enemies. However, the LORD speaks to the heart even in midst of trouble and despair. This reminds me to not worry, nor focus on the things of this world. The enemies of the church, my past failures, the fear of my future failures, times of trial, times of trouble, times where I am pressed on all sides... because God looks through all of that and sees me. The LORD says: "forget all that surrounds you, and be surrounded by me". He says "come over here son... I've prepared a table for you". I am tempted to tell the LORD, I can't because I have so many things to do and so many things to take care of and in all of my strife, He says don't worry about all that, lets eat. Friend, don't forget to hit the pause button in life and spend time with the giver of life - Jesus - In closing, welcome to the Pastor's table. This will never be as good as the LORD'S table, but I hope you are able to find some encouragement and maybe even a laugh to get you through the day. God Bless you and yours