Spiritual Fathers 4-3-05

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be high and exalted throughout the earth and here in my heart. ... Pope John Paul II passed through the gates of death into the presence of Life yesterday. He sees You face to face in the glory of eternity as he takes his place among the great cloud of witnesses who have run their race and finished their course on earth (Hebrews 12.1-2). Though all do not agree with all of his teachings and interpretations of Your Word as the leader of the stream of Christianity known as the Roman Catholic Church, all may agree that he sought to be an "ambassador of Christ" with humility, integrity, and faith. Not being from that stream, I have been reflecting on the idea of the Catholic office of Pope. As I understand it, the title of "Pope" comes from the Latin word for "papa," meaning a term of affection for "father." As in our journey of life in the natural realm, it is true that we are to grow in maturity in the spiritual realm as well. You spoke of these levels of spiritual maturity through the apostle John: "I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of His name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him Who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know Him Who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one" (1 John 2.12-14). As the church moves forward at Your command, those who have grown from children in the faith to young men and women of the faith, are now being called to take their places as spiritual fathers and mothers in the Lord. Father, give them grace to lead with humility, integrity, and faith. When Moses passed on to be with You, Joshua was ready to take his place of leadership and to move forward in the advance of Your kingdom. Though You are our Father, You also bless us with spiritual fathers to help us grow in maturity. Though You are our Teacher, You also bless us with spiritual teachers to help us understand Your Word and Your ways. Help us grow in grace so that we will each be ready to take our place in our generation, as You fulfill Your purposes in us and through us to Your glory. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. Be encouraged this day! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays To subscribe/unsubscribe/reply please send a note to me at Messiah Ministries -- "preparing the way of the Lord" -- MessiahMin@aol.com Our mailing address: 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502. God bless you!