Precious Promises

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 49
NT: Romans 3
W&W: Psalm 78.32-55

Today’s Reflection:

Dr. Van Nest, our district superintendent, reminded us in our installation service eon June 7: “In every covenant both sides have obligations, things they are called to…” Following are the agreements made by the congregation:

THE COVENANT AGREEMENT OF THE CONGREGATION:

Now, I’m going to ask you as congregation to stand together, because there is an obligation that falls on you as well. I want to read to you from, I Thess. 5: 12;
Now we ask you brothers to respect those who work hard among you who are over you in the Lord, and, to admonish you to hold them in the highest regard and love, because of their work.

You are called as a congregation, as the church family:

To hold up your pastoral family. Hold them up in love. they are to be a part of your prayers constantly. They are to receive from you, love and support and encouragement. That is not just a nice idea. That is the word of God. You are called to hold up, those who are over you in the Lord. They aren’t over you in the sense of power, but in the sense of care, nurture and love. And those who hold that position should be held by the body of Christ in the highest regard of love, because of their work. That is God’s call to you as a people.

The Bible also says you are to respect their leadership. Respect those who work hard among you, and are over you in the Lord. Respect the call that God has placed upon him. You are to be a positive support. You are to receive his leadership with an open heart.

And I ask you now as a congregation, as a church family: will you accept your side of the covenant, will you accept the obligations that God has set upon you, to hold this family up, in the highest regard and love, to pray for them, to love them, to support them, to respect their leadership, and to keep in step with God’s Spirit. If you will do that, will you say today, “We will.”

Answer: “We will!”

How precious are the promises of God’s people! Lana and I will benefit from the prayers, support, encouragement and respect of the congregation. We will do our best to be worthy of these precious promises.

I arrived in Georgia last night, hoping my arrival would stir Annabelle into action. But, alas, after a little scare she settled back down and we are still waiting for her to decide to join us in this great big world outside Mommy’s tummy. We are praying for her arrival yet today!

That would make this a great Wednesday. I hope you have one as well!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.