Dear Ones,
Hope you can stay cool today as it is supposed to be 91 degrees here.  Yesterday we enjoyed time in Duluth and it was windy and cool. Nearly everyone was in jackets and sweatshirts, but when we got home it was 90 degrees! Today I plan to go to Aldi’s, exercise class and Bible Study and I doubt very much if we will walk outside! 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
What is the pastor’s role in our world today? There are many expectations from people in the congregation who may each view the pastor differently. Even pastors are not sure who they are supposed to be, and many burn out and are criticized for not being everything to everyone! He is not primarily an expert at counseling, a CEO or a psychologist, but he is one who cares for the souls of his flock. God uses all kinds of pastors with different personalities and gifts and their chief role is to shepherd God’s sheep. Pretty simple when it all gets boiled down to just preaching the word and caring for the flock. They teach, preach, baptize, commune, and point others to the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit.                                                                                                      But they can’t do everything and are often blamed for youth that have gone astray, saying it is the fault of the church. But the church is only to be a supplement of what the parents are teaching and modeling at home. It is in the family that respect should be taught, obedience, faith, prayer, worship etc. Author, Victoria Riollano, writes about how many of the youth are leaving the church today and often because they don’t see their parents modeling the faith. Many parents show behavior that is quite different at home than what it is seen at church. They may neglect sharing about what it means to have a relationship with the Lord, and instead emphasize many rules.  Parents may talk negatively about the church and complain, and children may wonder then why go to that church.  Home should be a place where God’s love and care is reflected, a place to talk over tough issues and to encourage one another. The pastor may have our child for only one or two hours a week to teach confirmation or for them to listen to his sermon. We have all the other time and need to capitalize on the important things at home and to discuss what is happening in our culture, to pray over them and to point the way.                                                                                                                   Let us not expect our pastors to do what is primarily our job but to pray for them and their families and encourage them.
Challenge for today: Show appreciation for your pastor and encourage him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy