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The phone rang at seven in the morning in Pastor Randy’s office. He waited a second to answer the phone because he thought it might be bad news. “Hello, this is Pastor Randy.”
“This is John Hanson, do you remember me?”
Pastor paused for a second, "John Hanson, John Hanson, Hmmm,” after a moment Pastor said, “I remember you, how could I forget. I was just teasing you. Do you still live in Orlando?”
John laughed, “Yes, I do, by the way, you’re just as funny as I remembered.”
“Is there something I can do for you?” asked Randy.
John slowly said, “I wanted to tell you how much I loved your sermon on
Psalm 23 that you preached two weeks ago.”
Pastor Randy smiled as he said, “Why thank you, I didn't see you in church. If you were here, why didn’t you come up to me and say hi after the service?”
“I would have, if I was there, but I listened to your sermon on your website,” said John.
Pastor Randy got excited, “You listened to me on the Internet! I forget about the fact that someone outside of Minnesota could listen to me preach. It’s amazing that I can have a Florida listener in Minnesota.”
John smiled, “Isn't today’s technology amazing?”
Pastor gave a slight laugh, “Yes it is, how did I touch you?”
John paused for a second, as he gave what he wanted to say some thought. “Today, with what is going on in this country, there is so much anxiety, so much to worry about. The 23rd Psalm talks about resting in green pastures. I liked your illustration about being at your cabin near Lake Mille Lacs and how lush green it is. You said it is very peaceful and that Jesus is like a green pasture. If we asked Jesus into our life, we can rest in him.”
Pastor smiled as he said, “I am glad that it had such a powerful impact on you.”
John's voice sounded downtrodden, “Pastor, I am concerned about how all these new taxes will impact my family. Were just barely surviving. Your words gave me peace.”
Pastor sounded reassuring, "John, I can understand your situation, I feel led to pray for you. Would that be okay?”
John started to cry, “Pastor Randy, I would love it if you prayed for me.”
Pastor paused and closed his eyes, “Dear Lord, these seem to be hard times. My brother in John has some anxieties about his financial situation right now and in the future. You have said in your word that you will never leave us or forsake us. Father I pray that you will provide and that you would give John peace so that the green pastures can become a place of peace. Reassure him you that you are Lord of John’s life and you will never leave him. In Jesus name. Amen.”
John sounded happier, “Pastor, it is so good to hear your voice.”
You could hear the smile in Randy's voice, “John it is good to hear yours too.”
“Thank you for your prayer,” said John.
“Call any time, my door is always open even if when you a thousand miles away, bye.”
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