We invite you to take a peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff.
By Chaplain Brad Moe, Optage Hospice
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13, NIV
I have been regularly visiting a friend of mine, who is dying of cancer and is in hospice care. His name is Fred Brumm, and you may know him as the pastoral care director at The Deerfield, The Mayfield and Echo Ridge.
Each week we visit, sit quietly and reminisce about our lives as pastors. Yesterday, I asked how he was doing, spiritually? Were the words that we have spoken many times with residents that were in hospice care helpful now that he was on the receiving side of the pastoral care?
His reply was insightful. “You know I have wondered the same thing. What is comforting most is not just hearing those Scriptures, but more so the ministry of presence. Letting the presence of the words of Scripture rest on my spirit but letting your presence soak in as well. Your presence in the time of this transition is the body of Jesus being present, Jesus with skin on.”
Well, I don’t consider myself Jesus with skin on, but it is in the message that Jesus has given us to be the body of Jesus to others to bring hope, encouragement, joy and peace. I believe, you believe, we come together in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in each of us, and Jesus’ promises fill us with joy and peace!
I’m reminded of this Scripture verse from Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Be present with one another, love one another and let the peace that passes all understanding surround you both.
About Pastor Brad Moe: I joined Presbyterian Homes in 2015 as the campus pastor at Founders Ridge and Interlude of Plymouth. I have also s
erved at Valley Ridge and Orchard Path prior to retiring in December 2019. Now I am serving as an “On-Call Chaplain” for PHS to relieve others during vacation or illness or to fill an interim need. I live in Shoreview, MN, with my wife and often have grandkids visiting! When I’m not keeping busy with ministry at PHS, you can find me woodworking or fly fishing!
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
Find more in the Light for the Way series:
Love one another
