Encourage and Exhort
Yesterday I attended a Pastor’s Seminar in Bardstown sponsored by the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Hershael York was the featured speaker and shared the principles he learned over the many years he has served as a pastor. It was a huge encouragement to all there and I especially appreciated his emphasis on depending on the Holy Spirit, focusing on faithfully teaching God’s Word, and loving people well. He was there not to show off or talk about how great a pastor he was, but he was genuinely burdened to help a bunch of other pastors grow and be the best they can be to serve churches all across Kentucky.
His example reminds me of the verse in Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Dr. York has a way of exhorting others to flee from sin, but doing it in a way that lets you know he really cares.
Sunday, I think we experienced a similar balance when Isaac Sanchez shared his story. If you missed it, watch it here. The way God worked in his life and opened the door for his family to come here from Cuba when he was twelve years old put my life challenges in perspective. I can’t imagine leaving EVERYTHING behind (except for the old guitar he carried on the plane) at such a young age. The things I often find difficult are pretty minor compared to what he faced. Isaac wasn’t trying to one-up anyone or the problems we might face. He simply shared about God’s faithfulness in his life, and it was a message I needed to hear.
I love how Valley View is an encouraging church, seeking to build up others and declare the truth of the Gospel. Isaac’s message reminded me of the importance of praying for our neighbors, as you never know what God has done to bring that person to your neighborhood. Pray for an open door to invite them to church and talk about the hope you have in Jesus!