FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART April 15, 2024

My wife and I enjoyed the celebration of our Golden Anniversary, with a weeklong trip to California. If you are a “Facebook Friend,” then you saw the barrage of posts and pictures that I shared. Even though the weather was cool and rainy the first part of our visit, we did get to take in the beauty of the beach and the mountains on the last few days, as we drove down the coastal highway with the top down on our rented convertible.

We followed our leisurely vacation on the west coast with a quick drive to Texas for the funeral of my brother-in-law, Danny Kelley. In spite of the circumstances, we had a wonderful time being with my family and friends from my childhood. I saw relatives, who I haven’t seen in years. It was fun to visit some of the familiar sites of my hometown of Rockdale, and to see the many changes taking place there. Yet, the sweetest parts of the trip for me were the hugs from my family and those who feel like family. It was a blessing to be able to minister to them.

Throughout our trips, God spoke to my heart in many ways. Yet, one of the most memorable messages I received was when we were returning the rental car in California. As we were driving into the building, we noted repeated signs, saying: “Do Not Back Up!” It was obvious what this message meant, because of the tire spikes on the road that were designed to fold forward as you drive over them. However, when we reached our drop off point, the employees were all gathered around an SUV with four flat tires. I guess those people did not get the message, but I certainly did!

God spoke to me through that experience. I was reminded of the words of Jesus found in Luke 9:62, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” I am more convinced than ever before that the Lord is not done with this pastor or this church family. He keeps telling us, “Do Not Back Up!” Even if we feel that we are drawing near to the end of our journey, God can still use us to be a blessing in someone else’s life. Jesus is our example in all things. It was not until His dying declaration from the cross, when He said: “It is finished!” May we serve Him faithfully to the end and “Do Not Back Up!”

Serving in love,

Bro. Jim