The last couple of weeks have been difficult. Sickness takes a lot longer to get over when your immune system is suppressed. It also tends to make things harder physically. Then, when you put those things together, it takes a toll on you mentally. Today I just feel broken. HOWEVER, I can still praise the Lord – great things He has done…

WOW! It’s been a while. In case you forgot my name is Eric Puschmann (PastorPusch) and you been so gracious to read and follow my story. Your love and support have meant the world to me, and I hope you will continue to love me through this journey! I certainly love you all! God has been good!  

So… here’s the latest. I’ll actually begin with Rena….

I look forward to the day that I will be able to resume normal activity and continue the ministry of “For His Glory” as I stopped taking appointments and have been very slow to engage. I hope it will all restart soon! READ MORE HERE.

Soaking wet, I proceeded into the church, they bandaged me up, and then what I wrote in the first paragraph took place (go back and read it again – it’s worth it). What started out as a disastrous Sunday for me, turned out to be one of the best. One that I will never forget. Yes, “The Body of Christ was beautiful that day.”

Striving for unity and peace in the church is an ongoing work in process that depends on you and the commitment from every member. I’ve heard it said before, but the first time this phrase was introduced to me was by a dear mentor and pastor of mine. when I was young. He said – and it is so true, “EVERY MEMBER IS A MINISTER.” Paul said in the passage above, “grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gifts.” – Ephesians 4:7. Elsewhere Paul said, “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” – 1 Corinthians 12:18. God has given you (SPECIFICALLY) a gift(s) to be used to serve Christ and His Church. There’s no such thing as a “Pew Sitter.” It pleased the Lord to give you gifts (talent, ability) to serve His Church — DON’T WASTE IT! Be LOYAL to your church and work together with “eagerness to maintain the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace!” ALL FOR GOD’S GLORY!

Pastor/Church Leader/Friend in Christ, you’re going to be ok. I promise. The waves of the defeat and emotions will pass. God is faithful. He will never betray you. You can count on Him to be an “ever present help in the time of need.” Seek others out who can help you process your emotions and get you back on equal footing. Many pastors experience the same issues. You are not alone.

The book of Job is really a treasure trove of dealing with the conflict/resolution of suffering, pain, and human loss. It’s not an easy book. While it’s raw and convicting, it’s victorious in many ways… and not just because the Lord returned Job’s fortune to him..

Learn from Job's words. Cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness. Maintain hope in His redemption. Find strength to persevere through trials AND know that our Redeemer lives and is actively involved in our lives.

You too can have the unwavering faith and trust in God just as Job – even in the midst of great adversity. By the way, THIS IS NOT A CALL for you to just buck-up, suppress your suffering, or ignore it because you’re a “good little Christian.” NOT AT ALL. In fact, go back and read through the book of Job. While he always seems to land on his feet, there’s a lot a maneuvering – rawness and honesty before the Lord. If you ever need to talk or simply need an ear to listen, CLICK HERE, I would love to spend some time with you! YOU ARE LOVED!

Grief is a natural human emotion and it’s ok to express grief, hurt, and sorrow. No one is calling you to tough it out. I believe a good wailing or sob is good for the soul! So, in your grief. Here are 12 good lessons to remember as you process your emotions and deal with the real pains of sorrow and loss. (I recognize some of these may go together.)

Yesterday Pastor Allen concluded his “Therefore” series in Hebrews reminding us to honor the leaders from chapter 13, verses 7-8… So, before I move any further, I would love to honor the leaders of my youth. First and foremost… What can you do TODAY to encourage your pastor and church leaders? DON’T WAIT! Your words today can make all the difference in the world this week! YOU ARE LOVED! GO LOVE YOUR PASTOR AND CHURCH LEADERS!

YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS STUFF UP! Friends, there’s glimpses of light even in the darkness — taps of God’s grace on the shoulder as a reminder that you are not forsaken nor forgotten. Are you looking for them? Don’t get so trapped in the darkness that it blinds you from seeing the light of the Lord shinning through even your toughest moments. YOU ARE LOVED!

I’ve had some successes and “failures” in those terms, but most of all, I want to make sure that the people in my care gather together, read the scripture together, prayer together, sing together, and hear the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed! If those things are happening, you have a great church! BE ENCOURAGED!

I’ll never forget one of my own church “leaders” (intentional quotes) accuse another LEADER (actual leader) as being all three of those things. Trust me, it said more about the “leader” than it did the actual LEADER.

Yet, we must be careful, because in our frailty, we are most vulnerable to the lies of the enemy. In my case, feeling like a fraud. I confess to you that I have fallen victim to this lie more times than I care to admit. Peter reminds us that the enemy of our souls is waiting to pounce — he prowls about like a roaring lion seeking to devour. No doubt, I have some bite marks or at least have been so close that I’ve felt the drool of the lion’s mouth.

Take advantage of the access given to us by Jesus. He lived, died, and rose again FOR YOU! He sits at the right hand of God FOR YOU! He understands and sympathizes WITH YOU! Approach the throne boldly — with confidence knowing that God hears His children and longs to help them. Embrace His grace and mercy! God’s mercy endures forever and they are new every morning. His grace is sufficient for you and He pours it our liberally upon the humble. Rest in God’s comfort and care — there’s no better place to rest. Often in our struggles — especially with sin or when we feel like we have failed, we have this tendency in us to shy away from God as if He bears the looks of disappointment and is waiting to pounce all over us. Friends, IT’S SIMPLY NOT TRUE! It’s the devil who pounces, it is God who embraces! Do not shy away, but rather RUN to Him!

Dear Pastor… BE ENCOURAGED! “Your labor is not in vain!” Your love for others, your leadership, your faithful dedication to the preaching and teaching of God’s word, your humility and grace, your prayers, your encouragement, your vision, and your heart for serving Christ and His church DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED! Thank you for all that you do to serve the Body of Christ. You’re My Hero!

The church should be the safest place for people to “work out their salvation,” but it can be a difficult place as well. If the church can’t be a place for people to find grace — to find help and healing — to unburden themselves of the weight of life — to mess up — to find mercy — to find forgiveness — to find rest from the weary world, THEN WHY EXIST AT ALL? It’s the not healthy that need a doctor, but the sick. But, the sad reality is, the church can be full of undue judgement and harsh criticism from many who refuse to see the plank in their own eyes. Thus, church hurt exists. So, here’s the real purpose for my post today. How do you deal with church hurt? Allow me to offer these 7 steps and then following it up with a little bit of encouragement.

Hey Everyone! I’ve been silent the last two weeks as I have been UNDER ATTACK by the Sinus and Upper Respiratory Infections! I’m still not over it — I’m not really sure when it will end at this point, but wanted to share something with you by way of Thom Rainer, Founder and CEO of Church Answers. Baptist Press published the article written by Rainer entitled, “5 Ways To Hurt Your Pastor” and as I was reading the short article it immediately resonated with several conversations that I’ve had with pastors lately and over the years - and frankly, it touched on some hurts that I’ve personally experienced. Check out today’s post as I share with you some of my own personal thoughts on Rainer's article. YOU ARE LOVED! PastorPusch

We are not concerned with the “cultural norms” when we follow Christ. // Do everything for the glory of God: dating, marriage, living, spending money. // God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. // God’s glory is the ceiling of human happiness. // If he doesn’t take you out of the fire, He’ll teach you in the flames. // God is worth enough for us to lose everything!

There are no rouge pieces in God’s box. All the pieces fit together to form this beautiful picture called you. It may not always make sense. We may challenge God as to the placement of the pieces, but as the Master and Creator of the universe, we can trust Him with the little pieces of our life. Even when things may not make sense, WE CAN HAVE FAITH BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL! Just has he fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah whose descendants out number the stars and the grans of sand, do God will fulfill his promise and purpose in you!