Is God's Word Abideing In Your Heart?

Christian folks leaving the House of God unchanged, unconfessed, unclean, happens probably every Lord's day across this land.  Over the years I have preached, to the best of my ability, to the need for hearts to be right with God, if there is to be any fellowship with God, and joy in the soul. I'm sure tens of thousands of pastor's have preached that same message, yet hardly a week goes by that the average pastor isn't exposed to negative comments from a disgruntled member.

  I once asked a seasoned old pastor how he coped with it over the years. His answer surprized me when he said, "Son, God didn't promise you a Rose Garden? No Sir Ree Bob! He didn't promise there would not be thorns and thistles to contend with. However, God did promise He would go through the Garden of Life with you. He put them thorns and thistles in Adam's garden and you inherited them. Why them thorns and thistles are going to humble you, and what's more, keep you close to Him. When you realize that, then you're on your way to learning what it is to be one that is long suffering."

  So in my ministry, I have worked hard at being long suffering, but I have to say, it still is no substitute for seeing God's tender word at work in men's hearts. Paul encouraged us to love the brethren, and pray for the church. David encouraged us to sing songs unto the Lord. When I get depressed I love to sing the songs that glorify our Jesus. My encouragement to you today, is when negativity abounds, let the Grace of God much more abound. Keep On Keeping On For Christ. 

                         Walk in a manner worthy of

                    the calling with which you have been called,

                      with all humility and gentleness.   Ephesians 4:1,2