Mark Morris

Why I am Thankful for Sages

In 1807, after 25 years of pastoral ministry, the health of Charles Simon was broken. With his health shot, he had to take long absences from the pulpit and the work that went with the pastoral position. He had decided to take retirement, and he called it a “Sabbath evening”.

This “Sabbath evening” went on for 13 years until he was 60 years old, for some unknown reason without a miraculous, notable touch from God, his health returned.

Mark Morris

He found his strength and energy renewed, and he described the renewal of his strength, as a quick renewal and strengthening as the woman, after she had touched the hem of the Lord’s garment.

He stated later that he felt the Lord had told him “ I laid you aside because you entertained with satisfaction the thought of resting from your labor. Now you have arrived at the point where you have promised yourself that satisfaction, and having determined instead to spend your strength for me for the last hours of your life.”

The Lord went on to tell Simon that “he had doubled and tripled and quadrupled his strength so that you may exceed your days plan.”

I remember years ago a General conference in Nashville Tennessee. I had recently had quadruple bypass surgery, and the doctors had not given me many years to live. We were at the Foreign missions service and they took up an offering. They talked about how that when we give to the Lord, we can expect his blessings in return.

I had money in my pocket so I walked to the front of the auditorium and placed it in the offering pan. The gentleman sitting next to me asked me what it was that I expected for God to give me back. I told him I didn’t need more money because I could work and make more if I needed it. But what I desire more than anything else was that the Lord would give me more time.

The Lord answered my prayers. It has been 26 years since I had heart surgery. I still have some heart trouble,and a year or so ago, I had to step down from pastoring.

But through Sages, I have found that I still have a place of opportunity for ministry.

Sages has given me a new avenue to serve the Lord and have fellowship with his people in this new season of my life.

I thought, I too, would take a “Sabbath evening”, but the sages ministry has made me realize that I still have more to offer the Kingdom.

My heart still pants for the waters of satisfaction and of being in the service of the King. I can still taste and see the goodness of the Lord. I am still anointed when I preach and teach, and that will never lose its thrill. I still love the excitement of worship and the study of the Word of God.

Too many of us have decided that we will take a “Sabbath evening”.

I’m not as fast as I once was, but the fire has not diminished. I may have gray hair and be a little more stooped, and a little more slow in my step, but I still know how to live for and work for and worship and love my Savior.

Thank you Sages for a place for those of us who have taken our “Sabbath evening”, to get a fresh touch and a fresh vision.

I would encourage everyone to get involved and join us in Saint Charles