Last Sunday, I was accepted as the new pastor at Bartimaeus Baptist Temple.  I am full of joy because that which God spoke to me as a little child has come to pass at last.  Despite my mistakes and all the reasons that it could not or should not be, here I am.  I am full of sorrow, because a much beloved man of God has passed away, creating the vacancy that I will attempt to fill.  I thought that at some time in the future this might be the church that I would lead, but I expected many years more learning from Pastor David Whitmore before that day came, or God called me elsewhere.  I especially wanted to learn, if such a thing can be learned, to have the love and compassion that he displayed.  He exhibited this quality, which I believe to be  most important in a pastor.  Paul taught us that without love, our best efforts mean nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3.)

I am heartened by the unanimous acceptance of the congregation and the enthusiasm with which the membership has embraced the life of the church.  I am humbled as I consider my own shortcomings and wonder how I can ever do this job.  To that I can only answer that God put me here and He will make a way.  I pray daily for wisdom, knowing how much of what really matters I still have to learn.

I thought when I sat down to write this that it would take on epic proportions, but I an reminded of what we read in our prayer group this morning, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Prov. 10:19)  So I shall curb my tendency toward literary loquacity and say only this last word, Thank You, Lord! I know that You will continue to be my guide on this amazing journey that You have appointed for me.”