Psalms 133:1 Says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brothers to dwell together in Unity!” Elders will shudder to think that there is “division in the camp” and work hard to avoid “family squabbles.” We have been blessed with growth and opportunities. While others may see growth in numbers, we gracefully embrace the development of the youth of our congregation and hasten to promote them into leadership roles. Our goal is to keep up the inertia in such a way that we will always be one in the Spirit. There are many opportunities to teach others. And we must not forget the need to teach ourselves in private study and meditation. As our church family grows, we must not lose sight of the countless blessings that each person brings. When we think about all of this, we should be painfully reminded of our responsibility to apply Romans 12: 10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love (and may I add sisterly love) give preference to one another in honor,” Proper application of this passage will serve to keep us humble before God and provide a constant reminder of the blessings we receive from others. We should always thank our father in heaven for bringing us together to worship, so that we might edify one another, as we draw closer to the Lord.
It is my hope that 2023 will be the year that your faith will increase as you realize even more how much God loves you are care for you every day. As trials and temptations come our way we will develop the “faithful resolve” not to let anyone or anything keep us from faithful service to the Lord. As your First Elder I urge you to take advantage of the many opportunities you have to increase your faith. Plan today to study more of God’s words, take advantage of Bible Class opportunities, be willing to serve when you are called upon, Its God’s way of allowing you to share your God given gifts and talents in the ministry, you will also learn how to better appreciate why God wants us to worship Him and keep the Sabbath Holy.
To you O God, my prayer is that you will grant me the knowledge, the wisdom and the understanding to do your will while carrying out the task expected of me. I join hands and heart with our fellow Elders and that together, as the song writer says.
We all do extol the Thou leader Triumphant.
And pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation O Lord escape tribulation.
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, and in the end, you will make us free.
Elder Jannet Palmer
Unity Seventh-day Adventist Church
954-257-4586