Hello ,

I have a good friend in ministry who has often written articles throughout his time as a Pastor.  

David Moench curently serves congregations in South Dakota, has thoughtful approaches to life and to his relationship with our Creator. 

I thought I'd share one of his articles with you this morning:

Shortly after moving to Mitchell my wife and I were awakened by a bird hitting our window. When I looked I saw that it was unconscious, on its back and breathing hard. I watched helplessly waiting for the inevitable to happen. But in a few moments it stood up and weakly called out. Right away several other black birds were by the house answering its call. For a moment I thought it might have a chance - but it didn't. However, while sorry for the bird, I was happy it had not died alone.

     Returning from a run later that morning I noticed an SUV pulled off the road, running, with no occupant. I ran a few steps further and saw a bike lying partially in the street. While removing the bike from the road I heard a woman behind me calling. I stopped. She caught up to me and told me what had happened. Seeing a boy fall off his bike she had stopped to help. Too badly hurt to walk his bike home she helped him to his house and was back for the bike. Again, I was happy, happy that this little fella was not left to suffer alone.

     The compassion I witnessed that day not only by a stranger for a young boy, but also by birds for an injured member of their little flock, spoke to me of the Creator's loving presence. When He walked among us, exhausted by an intense day's labor, Jesus continued ministering to the people, "[For] when He saw the crowds [He] had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless..." (Matt. 9:36; Mk. 6:34).

     In our homes, churches and community there are those among us who serve as barometers. That is, our response to these individuals is a measure of our level of kindness and compassion. How we treat the harassed and sometimes helpless - those limited by disease, age, poverty, a protracted illness or some other affliction - reflects on us; is a measure of our connection or lack of connection with God. When we offer our time, words of encouragement, or a helping hand it lets these struggling ones know they're not alone. And this makes our compassionate Savior very happy. --Matthew 25:37-40. - 

Pastor David Moench

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word