From the Pastors Desk

More Devotions and Dates!

From the Pastors Desk - September 28, 2025

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me,” Matthew 5:11.

George Whitefield, also known as George Whitfield was an English Anglican minister and preacher who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. As with John and Charles Wesley, George learned that it was more important to please God than men. With full confidence that he was honoring the Lord, Whitefield endured scathing letters accusing him of wrongdoing. There was one letter he felt warranted a response.

His reply was brief and courteous, “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worse things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.” George Whitefield wasn’t concerned about pleasing people or defending himself. He was unapologetically sold out to the cause of Christ and knew he would receive criticism for it.

My friend, serving our Lord wholeheartedly will often lead to criticism. One reason for this is that when people see God using others in a powerful way, they’ll often feel convicted, and perhaps even threatened, about their own relationship with God. This spirit of jealously causes many to react negatively.

So what’s the right reaction? It’s to respond in a loving way to any criticism you receive. Hear it out and be willing to admit it if you’re wrong. Handle criticism with a humble and gracious spirit and trust God to bring the truth to light.

The Activities Committee met on 09-21. The following are dates and events we are planning:

October 1st “The Road to Damascus” in Sugarcreek. We have 17 people signed up. The van will leave Good Shepherd at 10:30. Lunch is scheduled for 11:15 at the Dutch Valley Restaurant and the show begins at 1pm.

October 15th we are going to the Hillcrest Orchard in Walnut Creek for fresh fruit, produce and great apple cider. Lunch will be at either The Der Dutchman, or possibly, at Rebecca’s Bistro. We may need to take a vote to decide on which place. Departure from Good Shepherd will depend on where we will have lunch. We will car pool to Walnut Creek.

November 5th the Bible Walk in Mansfield. There we will enjoy a 1/2 hour “Heart of the Reformation” program. Lunch will be at the Pinetree Barn. We will car pool to these activities.

Beginning November 18th at 6:30pm, and each Tuesday evening through to December 16th, our Advent series is the book, “The Journey,” by Adam Hamilton. The DVD will take us to the Holy Land as we study the story of Jesus’ birth along with the places, the times and the characters of Christmas. Copies of the book, “The Journey” are available at Good Shepherd for $5.

Other possible events and trips yet to be determined are: a Movie night (or Day) with dinner, Spring Hill in Massillon, Kingwood Gardens in Mansfield. Please join us as often as you can.

Blessings,

Pastor Eli