Pastor's Devotions by Tim Harris

This past Monday evening, my father’s brother (i.e. my uncle), George passed away at the age of 92.   He was the uncle who was always a bit of a mystery, a bit eccentric, and at times even a little intimidating.   Since his death, I learned that he served in the army just after the close of WWII.   Previously, I had heard that he couldn’t serve during the war because of a disability.   I did not know, that he was sent to Europe after the war.   As I was going through his papers and cards, I found his discharge paper, better called his, discharge card.   Apparently, back then the army would take the discharge paper, shrink it down, and laminate it so that the veteran had it as a card to carry in his wallet.   A the top of the card it says, “Army of the United States Honorable Discharge.”   On the back I found out all kinds of details—e.g. he trained in Aberdeen, MD, was an army truck driver, was “separated” at Fort Dix, served from September 2...

This week one of our local Christian radio stations switched to playing all Christmas music.   I was a little surprised that they didn’t wait until the day after Thanksgiving—or at least the week of Thanksgiving.   It seemed a bit too early for me.   After all, I’m still raking leaves, getting used to the cooler weather, and trying to get to Thanksgiving.   I’m not quite sure I’m ready to step into the Christmas mode by playing a radio station that’s all Christmas music.   On the other hand, when I think about it, I’ve spent a good part of the past few weeks preparing for the Christmas season here at the church. We’ve been working on the decorating schedule and ordering poinsettias. I’ve been preparing a Christmas sermon series for the month of December. And, yes I will admit I’ve been listening to a ton of Christmas music in preparation for our Christmas services! Maybe it’s not too early for Christmas music?     If you think about it, it...

I don’t usually like to use this devotional blog as a forum to reiterate the latest news. That would make these Pastor’s Devotions less than encouraging—even a bit depressing.   However, as a pastor it’s only natural that throughout this week my mind has been on the terrible massacre that took place at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.   As I read the accounts of what took place, especially the methodical way in which the shooter sought to kill every person in the church from the youngest to the oldest, my mind couldn’t help but see the events taking place in the church that I pastor.   I have envisioned what it would have been like to be in the pulpit leading a service with a congregation in worship, when suddenly terror erupts.   I have wondered how I would respond, if I had any time at all to do so.   If I did survive, I have thought what it would be like to be left with a congregation that has been decimated. How would I minister to the...

Last week I was back in Leon, Nicaragua.   It had been ten months since I had been down there—the longest gap between visits in six years.   During the week, I visited the children of Promise Kids Foundation in the three rural communities outside of Leon where the program meets. When I got out of our vehicle at the first community, a 16 year-old, Erick, came immediately to me, gave me a hug, and said, “Where have you been, Pastor Tim? I thought I’d never see you again!”   The same thing happened a couple of days later. Carlos who is now 18 years old and studying at the university came to me and said, “Pastor Tim, where have you been? I think about you and your family every day!”   In each case, I was somewhat speechless and left holding back my tears.   Where have I been? Well, I’ve been busy with the church here in New Jersey. I’ve been taking care of my family. I’ve been living life here in the U.S.   I’ve been going about the regular and some of the...