Threshing Floor Tabernacle

“No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.” John 3:15 (AMPC)

Today, as we honor both Apostle Killings and Pastor Lusia, we observe their devotion, dedication, and commitment to the call of Jesus Christ. Together, they have made a vow to surrender all, including themselves to build and advance the Kingdom of God. Before us, we see great examples of true leadership who serve unselfishly, they’re committed to prayer, studying, and meditating on the Word of God to show themselves approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed. They operate and speak the wisdom of God to those that have sought their counsel, their unwavering faith is evident and exemplified in their lives.  They exemplify Christ in all they do and as their flock we reap the benefits.  Selah!

We are blessed in every definition of the word with such great leaders over us --- as any loving parent  wants for their children—the very best, they too, want the perfect plan and purpose of the Lord for our lives. They see the gold in us, they see God’s-given potential in each of us as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.  As leaders of the flock, they have the staff to lead and correct, sometimes correction can be uncomfortable or painful, but those whom God loves he chastens and corrects – correction is needed when it seems that we’re heading in the wrong direction to bring us back into divine alignment. It is only because they love us that correction is applied -- “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (Heb 6:12 KJV)

We have seen their hearts, how freely they give of themselves, nothing is too small or too big for them.  As Pastor Lusia has shared on occasion, “I will let you step on my back as a stepstool for you to go higher” or even “give you the clothes off my back” – that’s true love.  They are there for you when you call in times of your crisis, they will fight for you and also stand by your side to see you come through. Their display of humility demonstrates the act that Jesus performed to His disciples during the last super with the lowliest service, “After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” (John 13:5).  His act of humility actually cleansed their hearts of selfish ambition, destroyed their pride, and taught them the lesson of love. [biblestudytools.com] What an honor being in the house of Threshing Floor Tabernacle!

It’s not something to take lightly but to cherish the gifts (Eph 4:11) that are in the house.  We have to recognize when we honor our leaders, we are honoring God. As we bless them, we are blessed.  “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13: 16-17)

Apostle and Pastor Lusia, today, as the Church of the Living God we honor you both for all that you do, will do and continue to do in Year 2017!  Happy Pastor’s Appreciation Day!