God’s People

I believe church congregations who work with first-time pastors must be a really special bunch of folks!  I believe God must have a special love for those congregations.

There was so much my husband and I did not know as we began with that first place of service; we didn’t even know questions to ask. The people there [well not everyone, but many] sought to love us from the very beginning of our relationship. They delighted in gifting us, and in feeding us.

It amazes me to remember how special it was when my pastor visited our home when I was a child.  Our family felt special just because he and his family ate Sunday lunch with us. Everything they did seemed extraordinary to me, and so very “godly”.  Even more amazing is the thought that people could feel that same way about my husband and our family!

I hope you engage more intentionally than I did then. I recall a Sunday School class when members shared thoughts about Abraham following God. One lady said, “I would never leave my home to do such a thing [as Abraham did when he left Ur to follow God].” Most of the people agreed, and as I listened, I thought, well, that’s just what we have done! I recognized that what was normal for my spiritual walk could be different from the people I served.

Welcome to your first church! You are the leader – ready or not. You represent God and His work.  Appreciate the people, for some may remain your friend until your dying days. Enjoy your time together, and thank the people for their patience and help.

God views His leaders as representatives of Him – – –

• Exodus 18:19b – you be my representative to the people
• 2 Cor. 5:20 – we are His ambassadors, representing Him an carrying forth His good will
• Ps 78:70 – just as God chose David, He chose you and your husband. He has called you “from” and now called you “to”_______________ . Thank Him for this wondrous privilege.

 The Daily Devotion is written this month by: Anita Wood