Country Preacher Gone South
We were called here to Grace Bible over five years ago to become Pastor. A place I had dreamed about but never really believed it was possible of ministering in "Paradise", Florida. Especially growing up in the north where we had four seasons, "Frosty, Cold, Bitter Cold and Extreme Cold."
My wife, Robin, and I have been married for thirty years and in the ministry, thirty years. Those early years serving as Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor from Michigan to Wyoming to Pennsylvania back to Michigan and now here in Florida. We have one daughter, Richelle, who is finishing up her college degree in Journalism.
The ministry here at Grace Bible is a wonderful delight each day for the people are loving, caring and willing to serve together. They truly have "Discovered the Joy of the Lord."
Each month, if not sooner, we will be giving an excerpt of our ministry over the past thirty years. A country boy becoming a preacher that has gone south. As the bumper sticker on my jeep says, "I wasn't raised in the south but got here as soon as I could."
Pastor Ray Herriman
The other day I was in a Christian Bookstore, just looking as my wife was listening to background tapes, I came across a book with the title, "They Smell Like Sheep". Growing up on a farm, I remembered we had sheep. My favorite was the buck sheep that I had named "Buckie". I rode him whenever I had the chance. I also remember the sheep having a distinct smell and characteristics. My Dad said they would walk across a forty acre hay field to find a hole in the fence.
The Word of God refers to us (Christians) as sheep and Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. We are a lot like sheep, for we too go out of our way to find a hole in the fence. Many times Jesus has to come and get us, chastise out of love (Hebrews 12:5-7) to draw us back to Him.
Read the passage in John 10:7-16, you'll realize just how important you are to Jesus Christ.
Pastor Ray Herriman
"JOY"
"JOY" is the flag flown from the castle of your heart when the King is in residence.
"JOY" for our family is spending time in Mackinaw Island, Michigan. The clip-clop of horses, buzzing of 10-speed bikes, the lapping of Lake Huron, and the gusting winds fill the air (along with the distinct smell of the horses, which I'm not sure is pure joy!) The sights of the Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinaw, and the fudge shops are all magnificent.
But, one of the best finds on the island is at the Governor's Mansion. Besides immaculate and standing atop a high hill overlooking the lake there stands a flag pole. After touring and visiting over the years we learned that if the flag is being flown - the governor is staying on the island.
This little story really stuck in my mind and heart this week when I heard this saying, "JOY is the flag flown from the castle of your heart when the King is in residence." This should also be true in our lives in relation to our Lord and Savior, the King of our lives.
Carry on the Heritage
Like most kids growing up in northern Michigan, I grew up on a farm in an old farm house. Well, sort of ... When I was about 4, my parents decided that they would build a new house and move the old farm house across the road for my Uncle Franklin. This was very exciting to me because I was going to have my own room! Also, I got to watch the whole process - from foundation to roof.
As that house needed a good foundation to last through the years, a new Christian needs a good foundation on which to build his Christian life.
One way of building that firm foundation is to study the Word of God. In doing so, you learn the truth of your salvation experience, what is needed for spiritual growth, the privileges and duties of being a child of God, as well as the important truths God speaks of. This is such a wonderful heritage that has been passed on to us from our heavenly father. However, that comes with a responsibility of carrying it on to the next generation.
Just as a runner passes on the torch to the next in the Olympic Games, you must pass on the torch of God's truth, which you have received. It's up to you to take this heritage and carry on. (2 Timothy 2:1, 2)
Pastor Ray Herriman