107 Coldren Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, United States
Pastor's Corner
To Our Dear Belmont Family,
Psalms 95:8 - Harden not your heart
“Just a Stray Cat.. part two”
I wrote sometime ago about a stray cat I named Patches. I’m not really a cat lover but somehow this gal sunk her claws deep into my heart. I was always on the lookout for her. I made sure she always had food and water. I made her two different warm beds for her in the barn. I even put a heat lamp on when it got cold. I bought her treats and toys. Try as I might, Patches never allowed me to get close to her.
One day Patches didn’t show up for breakfast. I didn’t think too much of it because she was such a free spirit. That was over a month ago and I haven't seen her since. I keep a picture of her on my desk hoping one day she’ll be back, but I don't think she will.
I’m writing this on a Thursday morning preparing for Sunday’s sermon on the hardening of the heart. The focus is God’s warning to us not to allow our hearts to become hard to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more times we choose to turn down Jesus’ offer of salvation, the harder our hearts become. There are times when some who have turned down Jesus so many times their heart becomes so hard that the gospel message has little to no effect on them any longer. Then one day you don’t just see them any longer.
I don’t know what happened to Patches, but I do know when she left, she took a little of me with her. I believe when someone turns away from Jesus, His heart hurts. Jesus went to the Cross for us. It must cause such pain to Him to see one who he gave everything for to just turn away. If you are that prodigal or you love someone who is, come home while there is still time. I believe Jesus is praying that your heart doesn’t turn to stone. Jesus is there with you in His mind.
With a pastor's heart
Pastor Tom and Sherri
