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

FEBRUARY 19~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION 

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:  for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

STRONGER THAN EVER

This scripture was given so that we may remain anchored together by God’s promise to never leave or forsake us as we continue to face rapid changes, mounting uncertainty and ever evolving challenges.  In St. John 21:15-19, Jesus instructs His chosen vessel to feed my lambs and sheep and to follow me.  Our Pastor has always shown the love, commitment, sacrifice, and obedience required to do those things.  So today, we applaud, celebrate, and honor Pastor and First Lady Bender for their courage and strength in putting forth the vision and structure that has allowed us to be fed and nurtured continually as they follow Christ.

Bob Green

FEBRUARY 18~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION 

Romans 10:14 “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

CHOSEN

When you are chosen as one of God’s ordained vessels, God equips you to go and tell the lost that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.  Pastor Bender accepted this commission as a messenger of hope to those that are seeking hope.  With a great woman beside him, Pastor and Lady Bender persevere through many unknowns, trials, and difficulties.  Having accepted the Call from God, they have faith, hope, and understanding.  It is a necessary process when you are chosen by God.

Marsha Steele

FEBRUARY 17~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION 

Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

USING THE GIFTS GOD GAVE YOU

The Bible lets us know that God calls us for specific jobs and purposes in His Kingdom.  God spiritually prepares and equips us with what is needed for the edification of the Saints and the perfecting of the church.  We, at Faith Apostolic, are blessed to have a pastor that not only yields to God’s calling, but is humble and faithful in ministering God’s Word and will to the people of God.  It is a blessing as well to have both a Pastor and First Lady who use the gifts God has blessed them with to bless others and encourage them in their walk with God.

Walter Barnes

FEBRUARY 16~CELEBRATING GOD’S CHOSEN VESSELS FOR HIS PURPOSE AND DIRECTION

Hebrews 13:7  “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

SERVING GOD FAITHFULLY

The Lord has blessed us with such a great leader in the person of Suffragan Bishop Michael Bender.  Let us follow Him as He follows Christ.  The Word of God through His leaders and pastors, equips us for the great work of the Kingdom.  When we are obedient to leadership, the Lord will give us an overflow of blessings such as good health, finances, and His peace.  Let us praise God for blessing us with such a great Pastor and First Lady.

James Packer