Sunday Words of Encouragement May 25, 2014

This morning we celebrated the ministry of our associate, youth pastor and his family as they are leaving our church after twelve years. They have been faithful and loved as they ministered to our youth and children and as his wife ministered through music, playing piano and organ. Pastor D. recently completed his doctorate in theology. Although he does not yet have a new position, he feels that God has called him to move. He compared that to Abraham being willing to begin the journey even though he did not know God's full plans.

The parents thanked the congregation for the strong support, example and growth they have provided over the years. This Pastor D. likened to the Philippians and the joy they brought to Paul in his ministry. Even as Paul was in prison in Rome he remembered the support he received with joy. Phil 1:3-8. Pastor D. reminded us that this would be a change not only for his family but for our church family. He is confident that God has a great plan for both. As Paul said in verse 6: “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I appreciated the prayer he shared from Paul's letter to the Philippians which I share below.

This song is taken from Philippians 1:6.

Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Thank you Lord for those who are faithful in their service to you. Please bless Pastor D and his family as they respond to your call. Please guide our congregation to abound in love and knowledge to do Your will for service to Your glory.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 10. 2013

Our Associate Pastor continued the theme he started last week preaching about the Fear of the Lord.
The sermon was entitled "Abraham's Greatest Fear" based on Genesis 22:1-12 where God tested Abraham by instructing him to go to the mountains to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham did not question or argue but the next morning he got up early and went. He had three days to think about what God had asked him to do and why. He did not tell his servants so they could not talk him out of it. Abraham was faithful to the point of raising his knife when God stopped his had and provided a ram in the bush.

How could Abraham follow God's most difficult request? Abraham knew the character of God. He had experienced God's promises and faithfulness. God had promised Abraham a son and had delivered. God also had promised to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Gen 12:2,3).  I like to think that Abraham recognized God's awesome power and, even through his fear, he was assured that God had a plan even though Abraham did not understand it.

God expected everything--complete obedience--from Abraham. Abraham showed 'persistent obedience!' God expects that of us today. He wants us to be obedient and faithful -- even unto death.

Starting a project can be exciting but we need to be faithful to finish it as God directs. Even when we fear--or perhaps especially when we fear--we have to allow God's guidance to work in us and trust that He who has started a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

A Verse for Today:
Rev 2:10 NLT
Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

I thank God that He helps remind me to focus on Him and let earthly cares fade. I pray I will remain obedient and faithful and allow Him to complete a good work in me.
Today I ask for prayer if you have a moment to pray for God's guidance and Will to be done in a circumstance that we are praying for.