Jym Shorts

Jym Shorts - December 30, 2015

by Jym Gregory on December 30, 2015

We have a wonderful assortment of gifted and godly volunteers at LifePoint who help shepherd, teach, lead, and carry on the work and ministry of the church.  Even with our paid ministry staff, we could not function as an effective part of the body of Christ without them.  Some of our members are no longer able to minister in the same ways that they once enjoyed, however.  There are multiple members of our church family who served in valuable and visible ways in the past who now, due to advanced age or ill health, are no longer able to do so.  Although most of us would never know it, they continue their ministry in vital ways through prayer.  We need them as much as they need to know that they are still a vital part of our community and ministry. 

Mary Ann Spicer is one of those people.  Mary Ann and her husband, Phil, are long-time members of LifePoint.  Phil went to be with the Lord six years ago, just after my arrival at LifePoint.  For the past five years or so, Mary Ann has only been able to worship with us intermittently due to health issues of her own.  However, she keeps watch over us through prayer and remains active in her faith both through her own devotions and a bible study that she hosts in her home each week.  Mary Ann and I share a love of poetry, and both of us take a crack at writing it occasionally as well.  I thought I’d share this poem of hers with you (with her permission) as a fitting conclusion to my Jym Shorts articles for 2015.

A common link with our fellow man, all created from above, is the sinful things that are within our souls that we are capable of…

There behind a smiling face is a thought that is completely out of place.  When we look with scorn at the poor or perhaps another race… Prejudice lurks within our souls.

Hiding behind our sharing of joy when a friend excels or is richly blessed, is a soul that can’t rejoice and we look away in great distress… Envy lurks within our souls.

A will is read, a gift received, but unrest fills our minds.  When we look at those with a greater share, our thoughts are most unkind… Greed lurks within our souls.

Behind many walls lay the old and sick who long for a friendly face to see, but we often pass by without a glance, we only have time for me… Selfishness lurks within our souls.

Also in the heart of man is a yearning for peace and release from earthly cares.  A peace that cannot be purchased at any price but is a matter of faith and prayer… Yearning for God fills our souls.

When we put our trust in a God unseen and desire in our hearts to abide, and make a commitment to live as He lived and to walk with Him side by side… Faith in God fills our souls.

When we give our hearts to that personal God and with Him truly live, He will cleanse us with His redeeming grace, and through prayer He will forgive… Peace and joy fill our souls.

Joining with Mary Ann to wish you all a very happy New Year!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jym

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