Their applications beg questions of me…Olga, what would your “application” reveal of your call, walk, relationship with God? Yes, it’s humbling to review their applications, but having to consider my own is convicting. Immediately I’m bombarded by my overactive conscience: How have you spent your years as a Christian? What have you done for the Kingdom? How are you after all these years in sharing the gospel? Have you served the Lord joyfully? Are you serving out of love, obedience, pride? Why don’t you do more? So, before I end up in therapy to answer these questions and oh so many others– I sit before the Lord and say, “Here I am, Lord, use me as You see fit”.

So, as we await with eager anticipation the man God has called to Pinelands, let’s prayerfully consider our “application”. Will we ask the Lord to show us where we can use our gifts and talents for His Kingdom? How will we come alongside our new pastor and encourage him in his call to Pinelands? When he asks us to serve, will we respond with a joyful, yes? Will we pursue excellence in service for God’s glory? Oh, Pinelands, may the Lord be blessed by our desire to serve Him wholeheartedly and without reservation.