Not Ready, but Prepared

Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.  (Job 14:5) 

Our church Moderator often reminds us of the need to be prepared for the coming of our Lord. She admits that she is not in a hurry to die, but that she remains prepared every day. As seniors we have a responsibility to help the next generations understand that aging and death is as much a part of life as birth. There is no need to be creepy about this, it just is so. But the most important part of this life transition is helping our children and grandchildren to understand what is necessary to be prepared. Talk about your walk with God. Help them understand that the road to salvation is not rocket science and just requires an humble acceptance of a gift freely given. Share scriptures about salvation when appropriate. Answer questions about your belief. Say “I don't know” when you don't, but try to find answers in the Word.

I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  (1 Corinthians 15:50

It is my prayer that each of us, although perhaps not ready, are prepared.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Christian Leadership

Acts 6: 1-7 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Seven Leaders for the Church 6 A lot of people were now becoming followers of the Lord. But some of the ones who spoke Greek started complaining about the ones who spoke Aramaic. They complained that the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day. 2 The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, “We should not give up preaching God’s message in order to serve at tables. 3 My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God’s Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things. 4 We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching.” 5 This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshiped with the Jewish people in Antioch. 6 These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work. 7 God’s message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.

The Apostles had the example of Moses about effective leadership (Exodus 18:15-23) and were more than willing to give up the day to day running of things and put these chores in the hands of capable men of God. So many dynamics were in place in the choosing of these men and trust was in the forefront. The Apostles had to trust that the men charged with choosing the new leaders would use sound judgment in their choices. They had to trust that the men chosen would be willing to do the work and withstand any criticism that was bound to come their way with such a delicate task. The men charged with this task had to trust that they would be supported by the Apostles and the people. They had to put aside any preferences or biases they had and trust the Holy Spirit to guide them at all times. They were helped in this when the Apostles prayed and placed their hands on them as a sign of blessing on them and their work. This decision was a win-win for everyone. The Apostles were freed to teach, the widows received fair treatment and a positive example was set which encouraged growth in the church! (even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord!!!) We are told very little about these men and there is little in scripture about them after this event, with the exception of Stephen; but the response of the current followers and the fact that many felt safe to become new followers tells a lot about their leadership. This is another example of the importance of not only building the kingdom, but maintaining the kingdom. God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!