It is an HONOR!

 

It is pastor appreciation month and I always feel awkward during this time of the year. I am so touched by the attention and the thoughtful acts of appreciation. Sunday I received an absolutely wonderful CHERRY CRUMB COBBLER. Wow! I still have one serving left. It won't last to the end of the day. On Sunday Cora and I were called before the congregation to present other gifts to us. I stood there while I was described in such glowing terms. It is a moment of pure embarrassment. I am so thankful for being here at SMDCOG and I should be thanking the members of this congregation for their dedication to the Lord. I am truly humbled that God has brought me to this place and has asked me to lead this flock. 

I have said it before, I am not that great! AND I would also say if I am worthy of anything it is only through the power of the blood of Jesus. IT IS AN HONOR to SERVE THE LORD! 

Today I was reading the end of the story of Noah. AND immediately after this family leaves the ARK, God is providing them with a pretty strong WARNING. Right after Noah and his family are told to be fruitful and multiply and what to eat and not eat this is what God says:

"And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another persons life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth." (Genesis 9:5-7, NLT)

Immediately, we are warned about sin. We couldn't even stay away from the fruit of a tree, and we know we also can't stay away from violating this command too. It saddens me, but it is a reality, that we cannot go without sinning. God knew that and one of the most amazing statements is, HE KNEW IT and yet, HE STILL LOVED US. He didn't change his plans just because of our DESIRE TO SIN. As a matter of fact, those plans stayed the same. Since the beginning of time, he knew we were going to need a savior. He knew we could not stay away from the temptation to sin without his help. 

I am just as flawed and sinful as the next guy. This month I truly am humbled that this group of people at SM think as highly of me as they do. I am no different than the rest of the world. I praise God he can look past my deep flaws and love me anyway. I am thankful for a congregation that chose me to lead them. It is an honor and a pleasure!

Lord you know us. Lord, you know us, see our flaws, and you see the sins that captivate us. But, you love us anyways. That is an amazing moment in our lives. When we realize you love us and care for us enough to send your son to rescue us, that is the moment when everything is going to be ok. Thank you Lord for your dedication to us even within our sinfulness. We cannot repay you and we NEED you to continue to rescue us from ourselves. Thank you Lord! Amen!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!