I just received a call from a wonderful pastor...

[Phil Hoover]

who has been a friend of mine for more than 20 years....

The first words out of his mouth were:

"Buddy, I need you to pray for me, because I am LOSING my mind. I can't stop crying, and I feel like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown."

This same friend sent me a text message on Sunday morning, early...and I prayed for him then....

But this is what I felt the LORD wanted me to tell him:

1) Be careful what you eat (He has added MANY pounds over the years)

2) Start exercising slowly, but regularly....(ZERO exercise in his routine right now)

3) Cut out the coffee binging, and the soda-guzzling....(reduces sugar levels, and stops the "highs" and "lows")

Please pray for my friend. He is a great guy...a wonderful father, a wonderful husband, and a great preacher....but he needs the LORD's help, and he needs to pay attention to his "own life" as well.

[Jennifer Smith]

Phil, it is wonderful that he has a friend like yourself to pray for him and speak the truth in love. Pastoring can be hard because there is so much "give" involved, but you are right, he needs to take time to care for himself as well. Praying he will find the balance and the wisdom that he needs.

[Phil Hoover]

we have to be willing to "love the LORD" enough to honor HIM with OUR life as well as honoring HIM with serving others.

Proper exercise
Proper nutrition
Proper rest..

Saying "no"....


That honors God also.

[paul]

[b]But this is what I felt the LORD wanted me to tell him: 1) Be careful what you eat (He has added MANY pounds over the years)

2) Start exercising slowly, but regularly....(ZERO exercise in his routine right now)

3) Cut out the coffee binging, and the soda-guzzling....(reduces sugar levels, and stops the "highs" and "lows") [/b]

Phil, did you tell him what you felt the Lord had instructed you to say?

[Phil Hoover]

I did...I told him EXACTLY what I felt the Lord impressing upon me...

No need to "sugar coat it" or to "hold back."

I just hope that the LORD got through to him...I really, really do.