Church Guides
       (A Devotional)

Church Guides

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church:
the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the
pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip
God’s people to do his work and build up the church,
the body of Christ."
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT)

+ + +


There is nothing like having a delightful guide help you
through unfamiliar territory.

I am visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota. I've been here
before, but this time I decided to take a bus tour of the Mount
Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument areas, and slowly ride along
the 'Needles' Highway. The bus driver is acting as my tourguide,
and shows me points of interest, explains their meaning and
historical significance.

He keeps me at ease, and has me laughing most of the trip.

Even when the bus broke down just a little while ago, the bus
driver faced the challenge with a positive attitude, and quickly
resolved the issue.

In a similar way, we have guides in the church.

When a God-inspired guide in the church delightfully helps me
through the unfamiliar territory in God's Word, I am being equipped
to help build up the church. As my church guide teaches me, I see
points of interest and he explains their meaning and historical
significance. With God's help I apply it to my life as I take the
Word of God to heart.

When I face a trial in my life, a God-inspired guide inspires me
to face the challenge with a positive attitude, leaning on God.

As God guides me, ultimately He is training me to become a guide
to show others the way--back to Him.

And always, I'm learning to laugh in every situation, because the
joy of the Lord is my strength!

"Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we
give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we
have everything." 2 Corinthians 6:10 (NLT)

Always, I am being guided by God, if I'll listen. Some day,
after enough training, I will become a God-inspired guide and
help someone else--

For now, I have a bus to catch!

+ + +

Prayer: Father, please help me listen to and heed the
Holy Spirit-filled guides You placed in my life, always
beginning and ending with Your Word. Lead me Lord in
Your perfect will for my life, every day.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

-- tim pickl
Sunday February 3, 2008 A.D.

Return to Tim Pickl's Poetry Page