“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” For many years these words from Psalm 103 have been my mantra and they came to mind as I remembered my 65 years as an ordained pastor.
The first benefit is the blessing that is the foundation of all the others – the gospel of God revealed to us as Creator, Redeemer,and Sanctifier. What a privilege to proclaim the good news of God’s love, forgiveness, peace and life.
Another treasured benefit is the people who helped me along the way, beginning with my parents who brought me to be baptized, taught me the faith and believed in my call to ministry. There was my confirmation pastor who challenged me to become a pastor. There were the rest of my family – especially Shirley and the children – who were with me every step of the way. And there were the faithful church members who served wherever they were needed and prayed with me and for me to support our shared ministry.
When I whined to God that I could accomplish more if I had better members to work with, I received the benefit of being told, “You’re not perfect either, but I’m using you.”
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Every benefit was and is undeserved and every benefit was and is treasured.
In honor of his 65th anniversary of ordination, Pastor Harlan Heier will be preaching the sermon for our online worship service on Sunday, June 14.
