October has for as long as I can remember “Pastor Appreciation” month, and I am first of all so grateful for our church, leaders and attenders, for their kindness and love. Yet this month goes way further for me. Let me try to explain.
Romans 13:7 CSB
Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.
That first and last part stick out. Pay your obligations and honor those who you owe honor … there are so many of those people and many are pastors and ministry friends who have poured in to my life. I will miss some people, and please forgive me for that. But some of those that have blessed, encouraged, taught, strengthened and made my life better are worthy of honor.
The remainder of this e-devotion is intended to list a few in various times of my life that I would like to honor.
Dan Korver my middle school Bible teacher challenged, taught and gave me an example. Pastor Robert Bales taught me as a kid and started much of my pastoral library. Danny Stockton was my Sunday teacher (and there were others) that helped shape me as a young boy. Harry Thompson helped me learn to pray and love people (simply a man in our church that means much to me to this day). Pastors Michael Claunch and James Robinson gave me example and encouragement. Pastors Jerry Amstutz and Bill Collins gave me my first chances to preach and serve a church.
Phil Dietz was my youth pastor, and this man discipled, mentored and showed me what life as a minister, husband, dad and Jesus follower looked like. There are many men in ministry today because of Phil’s influence. I am grateful, and I honor Phil!
Through the years several men have been my pastor or pastored me. Great men like Grady Roan, Bill Branch, Calvin Durrence, Ed Norton, David Lanier, Roger Marsh, GH Vaughn, Johnny Hunt, JT Clark, Phil Campbell, Michael Hendricks, John and Kasim Adams, Drew Landry, David Palmer, Roberto Texidor, and so many more.
In the last few years there have been some specific men who have become very important to my walk with the Lord. My brother Steve Harrison is one of the most important as we talk often and read Scripture together (he is for many more than a few years). He is an encourager who stepped in where my dad stood for much of my life. Most recently Dan Bausum that I will be traveling with to Israel in June. Don Cockes is one who speaks truth and encourages me each week. Andy Bowersox has become like a brother and I long for those days and conversations where I grow.
There are others. But I will stop here because my mind is reeling from thinking about all these people and others that I owe honor to.
May we be people who honor our pastors and those who have made such a difference in our lives. And I am grateful that I have been able to do this for others.
Psalm 112:9 NLT
They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
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