OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
The prophet Jeremiah spoke on the Lord’s behalf against those prophets in Judah who were promising peace and safety when the Lord was warning against coming judgment. Here it took the form of a rhetorical question that begs a negative response. “No,” none of them have been in the Lord’s presence to hear the Lord speaking. They spoke only what the people wanted to hear. For the people were like those that the apostle Paul warned would be present again during the last days, saying, “For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts” (2 Tim. 4:3).
The Lord is looking for preachers that will get in His presence and study His Word to know and understand what He is really saying. He is looking for pastors who after praying and studying, they are willing to boldly declare exactly what God tells them to say. And He is looking for a people that will be drawn to Bible-preaching that honors God’s Word and is anointed by God’s Spirit, people who will support such preaching and offer a resounding, “Amen!”
October is pastor appreciation month. One of the best ways to show appreciation is to make sure your pastor(s) have the time and resources to study and pray. There is no shortcut. Powerful preaching and spiritual leadership comes from time spent alone in the presence of God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we only want that Word that comes from those who have been in Your presence. When we hear it, the Spirit within us exults. We love Your Word and love to hear it preached. As the Day approaches, help us to support those who preach and teach as those who have been in Your presence all the more. In Jesus’ name, amen.