Reeva,
Thanks for that. It reminds me of the first pastor I could reemember
because he came started pastoring our church when I was two. His name was
Arthur Jones, and he spend over fifty years of his life preaching. Even
after he retired he went right on preaching whenever God asked him to.
Pastor Jones died about five years ago. Even though few remember his name,
I know his reward in Heaven is great. By the way, one of his favorite songs
is "Jesus Loves Me."
JulieMelton
visit me at
www.heart-and-music.com
or subscribe to my podcast at
http://feed.feedburner.com/hmradio
Keep smiling!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Reeva Parry" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 8:32 PM
Subject: A RETIRED PASTOR'S SERMON
> RETIRED PASTOR'S SERMON
>
>
> A Pastor once stated
>
>
> While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I
> watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who
> had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered
> why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that
> age.
>
> After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the
> applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked
> slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a
> note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on
> the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to
> speak ...
>
> 'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor
> asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my
> 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a fewdays and
> boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my
> life and sustained me through all my trials.
>
> The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break
> and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would
> comfort was this verse .........
>
> Jesus loves me this I know.
> For the Bible tells me so.
> Little ones to Him belong,
> We are weak but He is strong ......
> Yes, Jesus loves me ...
> The Bible tells me so.'
>
> I EVEN SANG WITH THIS ONE
>
> When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his
> foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will
> ever forget it. A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was
> the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me'(for the
> children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who
> sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.'
>
> Senior version of Jesus Loves Me
>
>
> Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at
> all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all
> you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.
>
>
> JESUS LOVES ME
>
>
> Jesus loves me, this I know,
> Though my hair is white as snow
> Though my sight is growing dim,
> Still He bids me trust in Him.
> (CHORUS)
> YES, JESUS LOVES ME ...
> YES, JESUS LOVES ME ...
> YES, JESUS LOVES ME
> FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
>
> Though my steps are oh, so slow,
> With my hand in His I'll go
> On through life, let come what may,
> He'll be there to lead the way.
> (CHORUS)
>
> When the nights are dark and long,
> In my heart He puts a song.
> Telling me in words so clear,
> 'Have no fear, for I am near.'
> (CHORUS)
>
> When my work on earth is done,
> And life's victories have been won.
> He will take me home above,
> Then I'll understand His love.
> (CHORUS)
>
> I love Jesus, does He know?
> Have I ever told Him so?
> Jesus loves to hear me say,
> That I love Him every day.
>
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