This evening, I took the liberty to attend my congregation's choir rehearsal...
...which is held for its members every Friday evening from 6:15 to 9:45. While I am not a member of the choir itself (I cannot sing to save my soul), I am permitted to attend rehearsals whenever I want because I'm listed as an elder in the fellowship.
Therefore, I am allowed to go to the practice, which is conducted in a large classroom about 50 feet down the hallway from the chapel area itself. And whenever I do decide to attend the rehearsal, it is usually to join with the choir's members in a time of prayer and to talk with them about spiritual matters. I also make myself useful by helping them to set up and then break down their equipment.
Tonight, however, I went with the intention of having a private talk with my friend, Philip. I wanted to find out what was troubling him (see my previous journal entry). Frankly, I have always viewed Philip as a stronger Christian than me. Philip has been a powerhouse for the Lord, so to speak. So seeing him going through a person struggle aroused my concern.
Thankfully, Philip and I had an honest and open conversation. He shared with me the burdens and issues that were in his heart and on his mind. As a general rule, men often find it difficult to be so open with each other, and to expose their problems, fears, inner struggles, and concerns. So tonight was nothing short of a miracle. It was a sweet victory, too.
Altogether, Philip and I were able to speak for maybe twenty minutes. We got together during the choir's coffee breaks as Philip is also a member of the choir, and he had to practice with the others. But it was more than enough time.
Fortunately, Philip is not going to remove himself as the church's assistant pastor. Unfortunately for me, however, he is not going to step into my current position as pastor, either. This is what I had hoped. But at least he is going to stay where he is, and for now this is good enough.
To me, Philip is a spiritual warrior who loves the Lord. Like me, his case was at one time, many years ago, plastered all over the news. As a gang member on the run, he was even featured on the television program called America's Most Wanted. And by the grace of God, Philip and I have come a long way.
I guess that this past Monday, he was merely venting some frustrations. He's doing much better now, and I thank God for this. The Lord gave him a change of heart.
D.B.
Therefore, I am allowed to go to the practice, which is conducted in a large classroom about 50 feet down the hallway from the chapel area itself. And whenever I do decide to attend the rehearsal, it is usually to join with the choir's members in a time of prayer and to talk with them about spiritual matters. I also make myself useful by helping them to set up and then break down their equipment.
Tonight, however, I went with the intention of having a private talk with my friend, Philip. I wanted to find out what was troubling him (see my previous journal entry). Frankly, I have always viewed Philip as a stronger Christian than me. Philip has been a powerhouse for the Lord, so to speak. So seeing him going through a person struggle aroused my concern.
Thankfully, Philip and I had an honest and open conversation. He shared with me the burdens and issues that were in his heart and on his mind. As a general rule, men often find it difficult to be so open with each other, and to expose their problems, fears, inner struggles, and concerns. So tonight was nothing short of a miracle. It was a sweet victory, too.
Altogether, Philip and I were able to speak for maybe twenty minutes. We got together during the choir's coffee breaks as Philip is also a member of the choir, and he had to practice with the others. But it was more than enough time.
Fortunately, Philip is not going to remove himself as the church's assistant pastor. Unfortunately for me, however, he is not going to step into my current position as pastor, either. This is what I had hoped. But at least he is going to stay where he is, and for now this is good enough.
To me, Philip is a spiritual warrior who loves the Lord. Like me, his case was at one time, many years ago, plastered all over the news. As a gang member on the run, he was even featured on the television program called America's Most Wanted. And by the grace of God, Philip and I have come a long way.
I guess that this past Monday, he was merely venting some frustrations. He's doing much better now, and I thank God for this. The Lord gave him a change of heart.
D.B.
