This past Sunday was "Laity Sunday" at our church, and thus the Pastor was given the day off from preaching and our lay people took charge of the service. This is also in conjunction with October being Pastor Appreciation Month. Of course, our Pastors should be appreciated every month because they are there for us 24/7/12 months of the year. Trust me, I know...my hubby spent quite a few years in the ministry, and as the Pastor's Wife, I know what kind of hours the Pastor puts in. But it is a calling...called to serve the Lord and His people, and any person who believes he or she has been called to serve in the capacity needs to be aware that it is a full time, life time commitment. Not something you can just walk away from, even when retired.... (and wives and family are a big part of this "calling". If you don't think you can take it, best not marry a pastor!)
All that being said, we appreciate our Pastor very much, and thank the Lord for his dedication to the flock of God at our little church.
- In Leviticus 20:26 God said to the people of Israel: "You shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the people, that you should be Mine."
- Israel was called to be a holy nation, but they no longer wanted God to be their nation's ruler.
- They wanted to be like other nations with a human king
- They did not understand that only God's strength can make them flourish.
- We, too, are disobedient to God and not listening to Him as a nation (and as a people)
- In Deuteronomy 28:1, God told Israel:
- "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth."
- But we, as a nation, have turned away from God. Our nation is divided.
- We are His people also, not just Israel.
- Romans 12:2 says: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
- The world is corrupting our minds and our nation.
- Our refusal to conform to world "values" must go deeper.
- Only when the Holy Spirit renews, educates and redirects our minds can we be firmly planted in Christ.
- We need to pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us.
- Read God's Word, the Bible. Let God's Holy Spirit do His job of leading us.
- Romans 8:5 says: "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."
- There are two kinds of people: Those who let themselves be controlled by SIN
- Those who let themselves be led by the Holy Spirit.
- Ask yourself: What would Jesus want ME to do? Then do it eagerly!
- Make God YOUR king, and follow Him!
They got into such trouble, insisting on having a king. Yes... there is only one King for me!! Amen!
ReplyDeleteOur God reigns! And forever He is King!
ReplyDeleteWe too were in the Ministry and I remember even when we were on vacation, our church family was always in our thoughts and prayers. It was a 24-7 commitment which we loved.
Great message and thank you for sharing it with us! Have a wonderful week, Pamela!
Absolute power corrupts absolutely as its said. Best to have only God for your king. He never disappoints you but human leaders always will.
ReplyDeleteAmen...amen... This really spoke to me this morning.
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ is King!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this today. I pray that I will have a grateful heart and a humble attitude. God is SO good!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. It is a very good sermon, I think! Have a nice day. Glad I was here, on your blog ♡
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have such wonderful leadership in your church, Pam. It was such a good message. We also attend a small church and are blessed with good leadership. I also enjoyed the first part of your post. I love to watch fog lift from the water...or even from a valley. Such wonderful pictures you've shared...and the Scriptures always go so well with the pictures. xx
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful message from the Laity, Pamela! We were blessed to have our Lay Leader, Jerry, speak to us, and his words inspired me for the blog I'll be writing for Friday - unity in the church.
ReplyDeleteOh, and those amazing photos of the mist over the waters paired with Genesis - fabulous!
Blessings!
Beautiful post, Pam. I especially enjoyed the photos at the very beginning with reference to the mist rising from the lake and the Spirit of God. Beautiful imagery.
ReplyDeletePam, it sounds like you heard a wonderful message Sunday. We humans get into a whole heap of trouble when we have anyone or anything as king, except Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI find it so meaningful to deliver sermons when I get a chance--I can tell it has been awhile due to the longing I feel to preach. My church (also a UMC) has a strong laity emphasis too.
Love and blessings!
Your Lawman delivered an awesome message!
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your words about the Pastor and his wife and how the ministry to serve in that area is a full time commitment, good for you!
I did not know that your husband was once a Pastor and you a Pastor's wife, but oh how wonderful you must have been as a Pastor's wife, your sweet and gentle spirit, your loving and caring attitude along with the prettiest and happiest smile just radiate the love of Christ.
Those photos and verses you began your post with sure touched my heart strings, thank you for sharing.
God bless you ~
Praise God we serve the ONE and ONLY true living King! Happy day to you dear Pam. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeletePam: Our (UMC) church also observed Laity Sunday this past Sunday. We had two women tell their stories and how God was with them during a difficult time in their lives. The younger woman spoke of things that brought tears to a lot of eyes. I heard that her husband's parents were in the early service and heard some of what she went through for the first time. I love your pictures of the water. Peace and blessings
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