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The Plight of the Evangelist

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We always seem to think if you are a missionary or preacher you should be immune to temptation. Not so. In fact they have so many temptations because they have to be an example to those both in the flock of their church but to everyone else they meet. If they slip even a little bit there are those who are standing in wait to pont their fingers.                                                   Wouldn't it be nice if we all spent so much time sweeping the dirt around our own doorstep we didn't have time to notice anyone else's dirt.

Pity the poor evangelist. He must always be so perfect. Not for him the downcast brow, For fear of it's effect, On those that he may chance to meet, Who know of his profession. A man like him must always greet, A critical procession. For friend and foe he must remain, A beacon in the sky, To sing his song with glad refrain, And never dare a sigh; For if he lets the barrier down, Even for a moment, The crowd is sure he's lost his crown, And thinks his spirit dormant. We all are made of flesh and blood, And though some think this odd, It's hard to stand on a pedestal, Friend, Even for men of God.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 12/12/2021 4:56:00 PM
Heh, heh. The 'perfect evangelists' are the ones who rarely draw anyone close... Most of us sinners need to see someone real, who's overcome the temptations we all face on a daily, if not hourly, basis. ~ Just sayin'
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/13/2021 8:10:00 AM
Thank you so much Gershon. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/12/2021 2:16:00 PM
Hello Judy ... yes, no matter who, there will always be critics awaiting - thank you Judy - Lindsay
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/12/2021 3:51:00 PM
Thank you so much Lindsay. Yes people are to quick to criticize each other. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/12/2021 7:05:00 AM
LOL, yes, such truth here!
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/12/2021 3:47:00 PM
Thank you so much Jack. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/11/2021 11:34:00 AM
This is so wise - so true! It is a hard row to hoe! As my Granny might have said :) This is a great write. Love it. God bless you friend. Love, Gina
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/12/2021 3:44:00 PM
Thank you so much Gina. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/10/2021 4:25:00 PM
Yep, I agree the old "speck and mote" story. I liked the poem and the message, Judy. Your Texas friend, Bill
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/12/2021 3:36:00 PM
Thank you so much Bill. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/10/2021 1:37:00 PM
So true! A related subject, I think Catholic priests and nuns should be permitted to marry and have families like everyone else -- just my own opinion.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/10/2021 2:28:00 PM
I agree my friend. Then they would be better able to counsel families on things like rearing children and marriage. How can you understand a person with a problem in their marriage if you have never been married. Thanks bunches my friend. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/10/2021 11:12:00 AM
Great pen Judy, a rather interesting take on an evangelist. Nice rhyme and flow with nice expression too. Hope all is well with you, blessings,Gordon
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/10/2021 2:21:00 PM
Thank you so much Gordon. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/9/2021 8:28:00 AM
Great message here. Isn’t it an irony that folks expect the evangelist to be perfect when his message is — We all need a savior who forgives our sins ?
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/9/2021 2:56:00 PM
Good point. Thanks so much P.S. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/9/2021 6:48:00 AM
A profound poem filled with a plethora of truths, dearest Judy! Masterfully written. my friend.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/9/2021 3:13:00 PM
Thank you so much Demetrios. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/9/2021 1:20:00 AM
Hi Judy, There is a good message in your well-written verse. I echo what Tom said. Have a good evening -Alexis
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/9/2021 3:04:00 PM
Thank you so much Alexis. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/9/2021 12:54:00 AM
Reminds me of the story where men had gathered to stone an adultreress and jesus said, " let he who is without sin cast the first stone" Tom
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/9/2021 2:58:00 PM
Great example. Thanks so much Tom. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 3:34:00 PM
Of course, other religious people commit murder, but it's so shocking when it's clergy!
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:26:00 PM
It's always shocking when someone who you are supposed to be able to trust shows that they cannot be. God Bless my friend and stay well. JB
Date: 12/8/2021 3:29:00 PM
so true. What is really sad is when they fall HARD (I watch lots of true crime shows and wow, some of them murder in the name of lust!!!)
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:25:00 PM
Thank you so much Andrea. God Bless, JB God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 2:18:00 PM
This is so true, Judy. I would only add (coming from the clergy myself) that they all know the scene upon which they embark, so when temptation comes, they should have equipped themselves with the weapons they need to win the fight. 'Nuff said.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:22:00 PM
I agree my friend. Thank you so much . God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 12:16:00 PM
True words spoken Judy. Judgement comes easily. A ministry is a mirror of our behavior and demands choices that are beyond challenging. But, I do believe ministry gives us the opportunities to share our challenges when we stumble highlighting opportunities to be living stones building the Kingdom and examples of God's mercy and forgiveness - to share that we will only be perfect when we meet God face to face. Until then we walk together embracing our neighbors. Blessings to you.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:19:00 PM
Thank you so much Sam. I agree my friend. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 11:21:00 AM
Hello Judy Ball, yes these people do have a rough time of it. For them it is a battle to be perfect. I think they mange it very well. Hugs,
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Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 12/9/2021 11:03:00 AM
Hello Judy you are welcome. God Bless. Darlene.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:16:00 PM
Thank you so much Darlene. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 10:52:00 AM
Even if we are all fallible, individuals who put themselves in this position should be ideal, setting an excellent example for others to emulate. If everything else fails, it indicates that someone will be in a position to show the way. Judy, you've created a magnificent poem that encompasses a wide range of ideas.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:11:00 PM
Thank you so much Lasaad. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 9:17:00 AM
A preacher has to be perfect. Of course being human he might occasionally falter, but that's what repentance is there for. Loved your poem. ~~
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:07:00 PM
Thank you so much Victor. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 8:59:00 AM
Our imperfections allow us to give in to temptations. We fall from that pedestal, but rise in repentance, we must. God forgives. So we move on, dust our feet and move on from those who point accusing fingers. A grand spiritual write, Judy.
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 4:01:00 PM
Thank you so much Lin. God Bless, JB
Date: 12/8/2021 8:23:00 AM
We all fall short. Even perfect Lord and Savior had people trying to find fault. Thankfully God knows this and when we walk the walk with the Holy Spirit, we will change lives with seeds, water and the Son! Great write! Oh how I feel inadequate yet those the Lord sends my way, perhaps hear what THEY need most. (I’m counting on that, Lord!)
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Judy Ball
Date: 12/8/2021 3:58:00 PM
Thank you so much Kim. God Bless, JB

Book: Reflection on the Important Things