MARCH 1 ~ TO SHEW FORTH HIS PRAISES:  YOU ARE NOT JUST ANYBODY

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

FEBRUARY 28~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

In Due Time

God sees everything you do.  He sees the time and effort you put into leading people to Christ:  a word or message preached that changes a life, the amazing worship that you render unto God, and even an event that blesses the community.  You are His vessel and He works in and through your life.  Because you trust Him, you will find strength and peace and you will see the reward of your faithfulness and service.  Your “yes” to God has helped a lot of people say “no” to the world.

Brandon Linson

FEBRUARY 27~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

FAITHFULNESS TO YOUR JOURNEY

Every aspect of our lives is working together toward the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose for our lives. The events or situations we encounter in life are not isolated nor random, but each element is interconnected and allowed by God.  Paul proclaims in Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17 that even our suffering is orchestrated by God’s sovereign will and contributes to the goodness of His calling on our lives.  Pastor and Lady Bender, you were called, chosen, selected for His purpose.  May He be glorified by the life you lead, the suffering you have endured, and your faithfulness to the journey He has prescribed for you. 

Richjetta Branch

FEBRUARY 26~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 

CONTINUE TO STAND ON HIS WORD

Earlier in this chapter of II Timothy, Paul warns Timothy of the woes to come, and how the evil of people will wax worse and worse. Similarly in our world today, with so much violence, hurt and loss, it seems as if things continue to get worse, but Paul reminds Timothy that he has the Word of God to stand upon. These scriptures are directly inspired by God to help edify ourselves and the world around us. So I’d like to encourage Pastor and First Lady Bender to continue to stand on the Word of God, continue to teach and preach God’s Holy Word so that we all will be corrected and equipped to make it through this life and to the next! 

Caitlin Edwards

FEBRUARY 25~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION 

I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

LABORING FOR AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

Psalm 37:23 reminds us that a good man’s steps are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his ways.  We know sometimes the task of being the leaders can get a little overwhelming, but always stay connected to God and He will download to you how to lead His people.  Keep pressing and know that all things work together for good to them who love God.  Keep standing firm on God’s Word, unwavering in faith, promoting His glory, and advancing His Kingdom.  Continue laboring in God’s vineyard, knowing that it is not in vain because He has an incorruptible crown laid up in Heaven for you.  

Eugenia Debardlabon

Sterlin Green

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

TRUST IN GOD

Pastoring is not a job.  It is a call from God for a specific mission. Suffragan Bishop and Lady Bender show us by example that meditating on God’s Word gives comfort, courage, and strength.  The life they live helps us to know that trusting in God is crucial to our survival.

Charlotte Burton

FEBRUARY 22~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION 

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

STEPS OF A GOOD MAN

There are two notable attributes of those who walk in the way of the Lord:  the first, his steps are directed. Secondly, God takes delight in this person’s walk.  By taking directed steps that the Lord delights in, a good man is ushered into the presence of the Lord; the Lord is able to fulfill His earthly plans through this man’s life.  Even through a lifetime of steps, God continues to establish the mighty path of this good man.  Today we are thankful for a Pastor and First Lady who are good.

Josephine Bennett

FEBRUARY 21~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

2 Corinthians 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 

APPOINTED AND ANOINTED

We are blessed to have a pastor that is anointed and led by God.  When our pastor, Bishop Bender, delivers the Word of God, he allows God to speak through him.  In order to reach God’s people and deliverance takes place, a pastor must move himself or herself out of the way and allow God to have His way.  The pulpit is not designed to be the pastor’s platform.  We are grateful to have a pastor who has a heart after God, wants to see people saved, and feeds us knowledge and understanding.

Teria Dawson

FEBRUARY 20~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION 

Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

SPIRITUAL VESSELS

God is always available to provide our needs.  Just as He provided manna and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, five loaves of bread, and two fish for thousands, He has and will continually provide for our spiritual leaders.  He who began a good work in you, Pastor and Lady Bender, will carry this work out to completion.  

Viola Smith