Today Is A Difficult Day

I would have never imagined many years ago, that I would be facing what I am facing today. At 2 p.m. today, I will conduct and bring the message at the Memorial Service for Dr. Keith Thomas. Please pray for me. Keith and I have been dear friends since college.

Praying On A Fairway

I am not much of a golfer at all. Yet, at a pastors’ retreat in Florida, over six years ago, I received a call from Keith telling me he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We were driving the cart down the fairway — I stopped absolutely stunned at those words. Immediately, I shared the news with the three pastors I was with. All of us knew what this meant. We stopped right there on the fairway, got on our knees, and begged God to heal and sustain Keith.

We Can Learn From One Another

Yesterday, I challenged pastors to learn from other pastors. If you did not see my blog from yesterday, please read it. All followers of Jesus Christ can learn from other followers of Christ. I continue to be amazed at how much I do not know and how much I learn from other believers.

You may be having a difficult day or facing one in the near future. Learn from others who have walked before you. Do not live life on your own island, isolating yourself from others. We need each other.

We Need Prayer Support

Today, I need you to pray for Karen Thomas and her family as they go through this difficult day as we memorialize the death and celebrate the life of her husband and the children’s father. Additionally, pray for Pastor Rick and Kay Warren in the grief they feel in the loss of their 27-year-old son Matthew. As their hearts walk in deep grief and loss, both families grieve with hope.

As well, pray for me. I am carrying a lot on my back today and in fact, I need to read my own blog I wrote on Monday. Perhaps it will encourage you also. I am but a man and a very weak man today. I need the prayer support of the people of God. I want to honor Jesus today and my dear friend, Keith Thomas.

A Special Moment In 1997

In 1997, I served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastors’ Conference. Never would I have thought while listening to my friend preach, whom I had personally asked to preach at that event, that almost 16 years later, I would be conducting his Memorial Service.

Take The Time To Watch This

When Keith preached that afternoon at that pastors’ conference, this was his message. Please take the time to watch it. Perhaps it will encourage you.

Yours For The Great Commission,

Ronnie Floyd