Daily Reading March 3 2010 from 1 Timothy 5:1-15 NIV

Day 52

1 Timothy 5:1-15 NIV
1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.7 Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

Today, Paul gets detailed about relationships within the church focusing a great deal on widows. In the first part of these verses he is clearly calling for respect between brothers and sisters within the church. He tells us to treat older men as fathers, younger me as our brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters. There are so many things that can be learned from developing relationships and seeking counsel from our elders. Many of these older saints have walked where we are now and therefore are able to empathize with our situation. Treating one another with great respect is a part of the love we have been commanded to demonstrate toward one another. The remainder of today's reading focuses on relationships with widows and caring for their needs. Paul gives strict stipulations on when and how to assist widows. This entire passage deals with family like relationships within our church walls. We have an obligation to treat one another with love and respect. Paul is exhorting us to love one another and be as a family unit. A church united in care for one another with older people acting as fathers, mothers, grandmothers, and grandfathers to the younger men, women and children. Where younger members know to respect and honor the older saints, to treat them with admiration because of the endurance they show us as they continue in their faith, and for all to uphold our peers in prayer weeping when others weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Family Reunion

This weekend at Porter Church was special in many ways. Our church feels more and more like a family each and every time we come together. The fellowship was so good yesterday before service that I didn't want to stop it. Even after service many lingered to talk and encourage one another. As we continue to grow together in the grace of God He continues to bless and favor us in new ways. The worship was excellent, great job praise team and the service went well with many ministering to one another. The most special part of our day was being a part of a long over due reunion of siblings. Bill and Susan, brother and sister, had been a part from one another for 40 years when Bill tracked Susan down. The first meeting didn't take place at our church but it was carried over to church. How awesome to see siblings reunited and worshiping together. I couldn't help but think of how many heavenly reunions we will someday have. While each week is special with our church family there was something amazing about how God was bringing this family back together after so many years of separation. I am glad I was able to be a part of this great moment. God is so good, I am thankful for the unity and outpouring of favor we are experiencing at the Porter Church.

blessings,

Pastor Larry

Great Weekend

Another great weekend at Porter church! God is up to something!

Past Week:

We had 3 first time visitors this weekend and 1 other that had not attended in at least 2 years. One of the new couples expressed just how at home they felt and their desire to continue attending our church. I am a very proud pastor when I hear someone express just how loving our congregation is. What a family we are. Our diversity is great in areas of theology, past, denominational affiliations, etc.... but we have one primary thing in common, the love of God and a passion for Jesus Christ.

I continually proclaim "God is up to something to Porter church" but I often omit one very important factor He is doing something through you the body! I am very proud as always to say I am your Pastor.

For the final note about last weekend. I had one person report seeing a rack of wine behind the pulpit. There were some older bottles of wine but he also reported seeing racks with new wine. I believe we drank from some of those new bottles Sunday morning, praise God! Let me encourage you as you read this to get in tune with what the Spirit of God is doing and saying we are on the brink of a major spiritual breakthrough. It is time to pull together and unite in prayer for a move of God.

Sunday night Work Night:

Several met again on Sunday evening to continue working on the remodel. We are making tremendous progress and before you know it the sanctuary will be completed. Our next project will be building a sound booth. We discuss it Sunday and determined what materials will be necessary to make it happen. Thank you to everyone for all the work you have put into this remodel project.

Coming Week:

Come expecting God to do something very special on Wednesday evening. The church is a mess since we did work last night so please plan to come early and help clean up. We will have food and drinks for the kids and workers alike. I will be speaking to the youth this week and Gena will be in children's ministries. We need 2 volunteers to help with the kids each and every week. So far Rusty has been very kind and helped out each week. Last week I had the opportunity to stay in the back and speak to our children we had a great time together.

We will have our first men's breakfast on Saturday morning at 8:30 at Duffy's in Coweta. Paul Cox is in charge and I want to encourage every male to come and enjoy this time of fun and fellowship.

Sunday isn't far away and I am already anticipating what the Lord is going to do this weekend.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry