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Thoughts on the Christian life in a fallen world

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Mondays With My Old Pastor - Jose Luis Navajo

Sometimes, all we need is a reminder from someone who has walked before us.  I enjoyed reading this book, even though I was expecting something similar to Tuesdays with Morrie.  This book has much more substance and depth.  The author does not state whether this is a true encounter, but perhaps a compilation of advice from others who have gone before.  Burned out and discouraged, his wife suggests going to visit his old pastor.  "Old" not used as a description of age, but of maturity and lessons learned.   Jose describes the weekly visits with vivid detail, including his arrival and departure which are just as important.  Through stories and personal experience the pastor helps Jose work through disappointment, bitterness, and insecurity.
 Through 15 chapters the theme is Everything is By Grace.  We would be good to remember that daily.
Perhaps the most moving section is where the pastor is speaking about the modern church:
"What happens at times is that what should be a service of worship to God becomes a service to worship emotions.   They transform the simple and powerful act of worship into a spectacle to show off abilities and stir up feelings."
I would recommend this book to anyone feeling the same way that Jose did.  Those that have gone before us have much to teach us.
This made me want to look up some of my "old pastors" for they may have something to teach us all.
I would encourage you to do the same.

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