Come on over. The coffee is hot. Well, it will be when you get here. My Keurig bit the dust a couple of days ago but, I have a 10 cup maker.

We can talk and enjoy the fellowship.

We had a great Thanksgiving. We enjoyed the girls being home. Joe and I still pray that in God’s timing, He will send them a sold out Man of God to fall in love with and have a happy and blessed life. As parents we want our children happy.
I guess I know that one day Joe and I will not be here. (Well, that is 50+ years from now) and we just do not want them to be alone. But, again, all in God’s timing.

Remember, what and whom the CHRISTmas season is all about, as you are out shopping.

Jesus, the most important gift of all.

Take the time to smile and wish all a Merry Christmas. Let everyone see the true meaning of Christmas in you.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:8-14)

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat

Author: Pastor Pat Aman
Nov. 30, 2015
©1996/2015
CWPM1996/2015

Revelations 2: 2 – 5

2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.

Isaiah 40:

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Are You Eeyore?
Can you be thankful while trying to find your tail…
Author: Pat Aman
November 21,2003
Pastor Pat Aman/©1996/2015
CWPM1996/2015

Have you ever felt like Eeyore. You know the little gray patched up donkey in the Winnie the Pooh series. They lived in a beautiful 100 acre woods Eeyore use to say, “Is my tail still on?” Then he would say, “let’s have a look, and he turned slowly round to the place where his tail had been a little while ago, and then, finding that he couldn’t catch it up, he turned round the other way, until he came back to where he was at first, and then he put his head down and looked between his front legs, and at last he said, with a long, sad sigh, “I believe you’re right, Pooh, it is still there.”

Sometimes I feel the same way, I feel I have lost my tail, and cannot find it. I think that we sometimes go to that 100 acre woods, a beautiful place, but it becomes our gloomy place just like Eeyore.

When you are in that gloomy place it is hard to give praise and thanks when we feel like Eeyore that we have lost our tail.

Even though Eeyore had great compassion for others, and was always trying to help people, he still at times felt, Oh, poor me. See, he lost his love for life. He some how lost the sense of a positive attitude. His fire had gone out.

In our lives we all at times may think, I am burned out, woe is me. We still truck along trying to do our best, but we have to continually put patches on our lives just to hold us together.

See, God speaks of this very thing in Revelation chapter two. He tells the church at Ephesus, that He knows all their good deeds, but He is getting a little disappointed in them, because they have lost their first love. “Him.”

Again, I myself sometimes feel tired, even though I keep getting up from being knock down, that my first love is getting depleted from my life. I need to get that fire back, the fire that helps build my faith up. Yes, that is when I need to get down on my knees and look up to God and find my tail.

God promises to give strength to the weary, and I tell you now, I have to stand on that promise.

So, if today, you are feeling like Eeyore, and you have lost your tail, and are sitting in your gloomy place look up to the Heavenly Father.

Yes, get back on your knees, and look up to God and say, “I think you are right God, I still have it together.” And then begin singing, praising and thanking God and see your life turn around, as we become Thankful instead of woe is me.

In others words, you may have to be like Eeyore, turn around, check things out, and see if you may have to let some things go that maybe clouding up your way. The way God wants you to go. You may as Eeyore, have to get in a downward position on your knees, so God can show you that your tail is still on and your headed in just the way He wants you to go.

You just need to turn around and follow God with Thankfulness and Praise.

Between now and Thanksgiving, I will be posting devotions that I have written through the years on being thankful and what is thankfulness.

I hope you enjoy.
Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat.

Stop Grumbling
Author: Pat Aman
November 16, 2001
Pastor Pat Aman/©1996/2015
CWPM1996/2015

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. (Psalm 130:3)

What should inform the thankfulness of a Christian? What should be its motive? The common remedy against grumbling for many is the “it could be worse” attitude. The mother says to her ungrateful eater, there are starving children who don’t get to eat. The unhappy employee sees the rising unemployment rates and complains a little less. Reader’s Digest recently gave 10 Reasons to be Thankful, which included larger homes compared to forty years ago, rising literacy among young people, and hundreds of television channels to watch anything we want, anytime we want.

As Christians, we should be thankful for God’s common grace. Our Lord cares for us and provides for our needs and we should increase in our thankfulness for his provision. John Calvin wrote that “thankfulness is the soil to which pride does not easily grow.” For Christians, there is a more fundamental level to our thankfulness: We no longer stand in God’s judgment. Our sins are forgiven. Someone else bore the wrath for our unrighteousness. The forgiveness of sins should make our hearts swell in thankfulness more than the two cars we have in our garage.

In fact, if our thankfulness is only informed by our material increase, then it is difficult to be thankful in times of great suffering. Yet, if our thankfulness is informed by the Gospel, then we can endure much poverty or affliction, awaiting our blessed hope.

Also, if the Gospel does not inform our thankfulness, it is difficult to forgive others when they sin against us. However, if our hearts are adorned with thankfulness for God’s saving work on our behalf, we will be quick to forgive. It is only with a Gospel-thankful heart that we can obey Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

“God’s Promises to Protect His Children”

Devotional Author: Pastor Pat Aman/November 2, 2015,  © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

Nahum, whose name means, “Comforter” or “Full of Comfort,” is unknow except the brief caption that opens his prophecy. His identification an “Elkoshite” does not greatly, since the location of Elkosh is uncertain. Capernaum, the city in Galilee so prominent in the ministry of Jesus, means “Village of Nahum,” and some have speculated, but without solid proof, that its name derives from the prophet. He prophesied to Judah during the reigns of Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah. His comtemporaries  were Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah.

In Nahum 3: 8-10, the prophet recounts the fate of the Egyuptian city of Thebes destroyed in 663B.C. and other cities such as Nineveh’s. So the following is a prophecy of what God will do it His people do not repent and come back to Him.

`A key test of faith for God’s people comes when God judges the nations around them. For Christians, this can mean that God may judge the nation in which they live. He is able to protect and spare His people from judgement that fall even on their neighbors.

Nahum chapter one shows us how God will save a repented people, destroy an unrepented people

In verse 7, shows us that we should trust that God is good! He is a place of safety for us when we are in trouble. He is faithful to care for those who trust Him to do so.

In verses 12-13, We need to believe that God is willing and able to deliver us from any bondage. Know that He will eventually stop any attack upon us.

And in verse 18, we must hear and believe the good news of deliverance from our soul’s enemy through Jesus Christ.

1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The Lord’s Anger Against Nineveh

¹² This is what the Lord says:

Job is a job

Job 1:1

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Job 42 1:13

42 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

7 And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job.

10 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

12 So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.

14 And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.

15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.

16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations.

17 So Job died, being old and full of days.

Trying to have the patience of Job is a job for sure. I am learning this right now, but a good friend of mine told me this week something I have forgotten. She said, “There is always a test before the testimony.

Well, it hit me that my daughter will have a heck of a testimony to give honor to God for the great thing He has done in her life. She has gone through several surgeries on her eye, and now we are trusting God and believing.

In reading Job, I saw that God trusted Job enough to know that his servant would never fall away from Him.

When satan asked God to let him test the trueness of Job, God allowed him to test Job. But, God said you cannot take his life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face. The LORD said to Satan, Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life (Job 2:5-6).

As we all know the story, Job lost everything he had, all but a big mouth wife and three good for nothing friends.

And in the end if Job had not prayed for his friends, blessing his friends, God would have taken wrath against them. But Job still have compassion on them, and pleaded to God for them.

God told Job’s friends, “8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.”

Job’s friends talk bad against Job and against God. But, Job was a Godly man and did not want harm to come to his friends.

Job said,”But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold,” JOB 23:10.

Job was saying, My faith will be tried. How? Will I obey under extreme circumstances? Will I show love to my brethren even though they do not show love to me? The Lord allows that trial to try our faith so we have proof of the obedience of faith.

I will tell you now, sometimes my faith is not where is should be, but that does not stop me from seeking God, for I know He is the finisher of my faith.

I can hear you know, Pastor Pat you pray for people, do you not have the faith to know God will heal them?

Hey, I do what God tells me to do. I Pray. It is not my faith that makes a person hold, it is their faith and the grace of God above. I just must be faithful to what God has call me to do. And yes, I know God heals and will continue to do miracles in our lives.

God sent His Son Jesus to died on the cross for us. He died so we might live.

Jesus told us in John chapter 14 great promises and rules to follow.

John 14: 10 – 21

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Jesus told us that He was leaving but He was leaving us a comforter, the Holy Spirit. He was adamant when He said, “you shall do the same things I shall do, but greater things shall you do in my name, so my Father in heaven will be glorified.”

He was giving us His Power of Attorney, yes, His POA to lay hands on one another and pray in Jesus Name, and whatever the need be would be accomplished in them.

Remember, not us doing it, we are just the vessel He is using to give honor and praise to His Father in Heaven. But we must be obedient.

I also know God is in control of our lives. That is why we have the book of Job, to show us that there are reasons for and purposes in these trials and sufferings that we do not see. Job could not see what was going on behind the scenes, and neither can we. And yet God knows. He has a purpose, and it is a proper and right purpose that will end up manifesting more fully the love and compassion of His heart. The test of every trial is always to this end.

And God will never leave or forsake you. He would not have allowed this path you are walking if He did not know you were strong enough to handle it. In other words He is kicking the old devil in the face and showing him that you are steadfast.

This should show you how important you are to God.

So, now I asked you this very important question?

Are you doing the job of Job?

It maybe hard, but the pay and benefits in the end will be worth it all. Just stand still and know God is God.

Job 42:12

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning:

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each of you every morning and evening.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 1996 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat.
Please do not take any of the graphics or written content without written permission.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭

Do you have a listening heart?

As a Certified Licensed Counselor, I learned fast to listen with my heart and not just my ears.

When you listen with just your ears, you hear what is being said and then your mind starts thinking of things you may have gone though, and you stop listening, because you cannot wait until the person pauses long enough so you can start talking and soon you are telling your life’s story, and not listening to the one that you are counseling.

First, the person talking needs to be heard. They need words of wisdom and spiritual advice.

They do not need to be beaten down and told that they are awful for having problems or sickness. And yes, they may NOT even need Bible Verses to slap them in the face. (Yes, the time for God’s word will come, in God’s timing.

And if they, for example, they tell you that they lost an eyelash, they do not need to hear that your boo boo is bigger, that you lost two eyelashes.

I have visited the sick in the hospitals and persons in Nursing Homes, and I will tell you now, they do not want to hear that you had the same thing or bigger happen to you. They want you to share hope, and faith with them.

If you are visiting in the hospital make your visits short. The patient does not feel like talking. And if they want to talk, you sit there and listen, because they are needing to share their concerns, not listen to yours.

They need a listening heart, compassion, love and sometimes tough love, but they do not need to hear that your problems are bigger then theirs.

They do not need to hear about your problems at all. Yes, sometimes you need to just listen with not only your ears, but, your heart.

I promise you that one day you will get to share your testimony and how you made it, when the time is right.

But, again, sometimes it is best to just listen. You will find out more, my just being a listener.

See, I do not know it all, and I never will. But, I have known people whom have an answer for everything.

If you asked my advice and God has given me wisdom and knowledge to share, I will share my thoughts with you.

If I do not have an answer, I will tell you, I do not know, but, give me a couple of days and I will see if I can find the answer to your question.

But, I will try my hardest to listen to a person or persons when because they have entrusted their thoughts, heart and soul with me.

I will listen not only with my ears, but, my heart, because,

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭

God Bless Each of You,
Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat

Devotion Written By: Pat Aman
October 1, 2015

Rights Reserved
Coffee With Pat Ministries
©1996-2015

All this week, I have awoken and gone to bed with the song, “In His Presence,” in my spirit.  The words are as follows:

In the Presence of Jehovah
God almighty, Prince of Peace,
Troubles vanish,
Hearts are mended,
In the presence of the King.

You may know this song, if so, then sing it, and listen to the words.  If you do not know it, just read the words and realize what it is saying.

When you are praising God, or even on your knees in prayer, when you are in His presence, everything will be alright. All your cares, brokenness, troubles and trials will disappear.

Why? Because when you are in the arms of God, you are not trying to deal with these circumstances yourself.  You are letting God do His job.

(Psalm 91:1) says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

This is the simple answer, God keeps ALL of His promises.  His word does not lie.  God is willing and ready to do His part.  And that is to take care of us.  Watch over us and as His children, mend our brokenness and make all of our troubles vanish.

So write now, jump into the arms of God.  Go into His presence, and let Him love and take care of you.
Love and Prayers
Pat.

Devotion Written By: Pat Aman​
September 10, 2004
Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

If You Cannot Serve, You Cannot Lead!

When two disciples of Jesus requested a place of prominence in Jesus’ kingdom, Jesus instructed the disciples on the true meaning of leadership—not “lord-leadership,” but servant leadership.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory. … ”

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

So, You May Ask, ” Why Am I Serving?”
How do my actions prevent me from servant leadership?
Often we announce a destination: “Here’s a vision; here’s what I want to do.” Then we use a delegating leadership style and don’t roll up our sleeves and get in there.

That’s what managing the journey is. Sure, it’s coming up with the vision and the direction, but then the vision must be implemented: coaching, supporting, giving directions, praising progress, and redirecting. Jesus did this well. I

Jesus wandered from one little town to another, and people would say, “How do you become first?” Jesus said, “By being last.”

People would ask him, “How do you lead?” “By following.”

Managing the journey of change is servant leadership. We must get our own personal accomplishments out of the way and praise, redirect, reprimand-anything it takes to help people win.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pat

Devotion Written March 30, 2011- By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

The Spiritual Gifts for Believers

Author: Pastor Pat Aman

I am reviewing and studying the Gifts of the Spirit for the thousandth time, so I thought I would share my study with you. AND, several have asked me about Cali stories. As a writer it has to hit you to write. I started another Adventures With Cali, but, right now to busy to work on it. I promise I will get back to it.  God bless each of you

I truly believe the church is in the last days. This world is worst than Sodom and Gomorrah. I have said many times, that if God does not come soon, He will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Word of God tells us that in the last days there will be an outbreak of Revival in the world, but, there will also be a faster an stronger work of satan because he knows his time is short.

As a people of God, we must be ready and willing to grow the church. We must be about our Father’s Business.

Yes, there will be more manifestation of the Spirit in the church which are the disciples of God. Get ready! Our work has just begun.

1 Corinthians 12:7, “But, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” The Holy Spirit is namifested through a variety of spiritual gifts given to believers. These manifestations of the Spirit are intended for the upbuilding  and sanctification of the church. They are not the same as the gifts and ministries mentioned in Romans 12:6-8, whereby a believer receives the power and ability to minister in a more permanent manner in the church.

Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

The manifestations of the Spirit are given according to the will of the Spirit when need arises and according to the earnest desire of the believer.

Some gifts may be manifested through an individual on a regular basis, and a believer may have more than  one gift to minister to particular needs. The believer ought to desire “gifts,” not just one gift.

1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

¹² Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

¹⁵ Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹ If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴ while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ²⁸ And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

It is unscriptural and unwise to assume that because someone exercises a spectacular gifts, that person in more spiritual then one who has less spectacular gifts. Furthermore, possessing a gift does not mean that God approves of all a person does or teaches. Spiritual gifts must not be confused with the fruit of the spirit that relates more directly to Christian character and sanctification.

The Spirit’s manifestation through gifts may be counterfeited by Satan or false workers disgustising themselves  as servants of Christ. The believer must not believe every spiritual manifestation, but ought to “try the spirits whether thay are of God; because many false propherts are gone out into the world.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 2006 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat, and/or their Respected Authors
Please do not take any of the graphics or written content without written permission. Thank you for being kind and honest, and for respecting copyright laws.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Can a Minister have close friends?

See, as a Minister myself, there are times we need to talk to someone besides just God.

But, who can we trust with our private thoughts, emotions and personal lives?

Yes, we have our spouse, but, even our spouse needs a confident person to vent their feelings.

Still if I talk to someone in the church about things, what will happen?

I read an article and it had a startling quote in there from H.B. London, head of pastoral ministries for Focus on the Family. He disclosed that “at least 70 percent of pastors in the United States claim they have no friends.”

This is absolutely heartbreaking and unacceptable to me. No wonder most pastors don’t make it in ministry long. So why don’t they develop friends?

There’s tons of reason but here’s a few that come to my mind.

1) False Expectations: Many want their pastor to be friendly to everyone but close to no one!

2) False Assumptions: Many pastors have been told “You can’t EVER, EVER, trust people because they’ll use things you share with them against you one day.” (Side Note: Didn’t seem to stop Jesus.)

3) False Accusations: Many pastors will be criticized if they have close friends. If a normal person has close friends we call it healthy. If a pastor has close friends we call it a “clique.”

Pastors, don’t fall for it. You’ve been created for deep connectedness like everyone else. Develop and cultivate your close friendships (and encourage your spouse to do the same). You’ll need them. Every single one of them!“

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.”John 15:13-17

According to the New Testament Bible, Jesus said that His friends were those who kept His word, His sayings, and obeyed the things that He commanded (see the Gospel of John chapter 15). He also stated that His disciples, followers, were His friends. This includes the twelve disciples closest to Him, and those who were not included in that twelve such as Martha, Mary, Lazarus. Several women were also His friends in a sisterly way and they ministered to Him i.e. they would have helped Him with meals, sowing needs and such like. Their names were Susanna, Joanna, Mary (We see this in Luke 8:3). Those who follow Jesus are His friends—and the New Testament makes it clear that this includes those who follow Him today by obeying Him.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each