40 Day Daniel Fast Day 18

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

When was the last time you prayed for your leaders? Every Wednesday as a church body we are praying for our leaders, we pray for the elders, deacons and those who help us lead in ministry. Do you know why we pray? Because the Scripture tells us we should pray, but more particularly we understand that God has ordained leadership for our local church. Although God has ordained leadership, how do we respond to leadership?

Well Paul informs us in a few ways, he says we are to accept them, God has given us men who follow after Him, and we are to pray that every one of our elders and deacons are being sensitive to the leading of the Lord. We are to appreciate them, when we see our leaders leading well. Know that they are doing it in the Lord’s strength, but also know that it doesn’t stop trials and tribulations from happening in life. We also have to love them, here is something you should notice in leadership, although they are over us in authority, they are also among us in fellowship. They are human just like you, and so they should feel a part of the family as you do!  And Lastly, we see we should obey them. Here is what we need to understand, we obey as they are following the Word of God. There's nothing blind about it. God gives us His word for us to lead with, but while we obey, we should know, we all came from dirt and are liable to make a mistake, so with all of this we are to be ready to extend grace and forgive.

Today, I want us to pray for our elders and deacons and wives! Although the men are called, the wives are here to support the call! Join us:

Elder Wilbert (Barbara) Adams Jr.
Elder Carthy (Judi) Dixon Sr.
Pastor James (Leslie) Ford Jr.
Elder Ben (Pat) Garrett
Elder Sampson (Delores) Green
Elder Bernard Greer
Pastor Aaron (Alva) Kennedy Sr.
Elder Marlon (Kandice) Morgan
Elder Chevalier (Nyschelle) Patterson
Pastor Steven (Edrena) Pettis Jr.
Elder James (Alicia) Warren

Deacon Edward (Goldwyn) Foggie
Deacon Billy Cunningham
Deacon Eric (Latrice) Thomas

Challenge
Do you know all of the elders and deacons of CBC?
Would you make them a part of your daily prayers?
Would you pray for their families?