Author: janicevance

Reading the books of I and II Kings is depressing as they begin with the death of King David and end with Judah in captivity. One of the bright spots in these books is the story of young Josiah who became king of Judah when he was eight years old. Here was a young boy whose father and grandfather were evil. Yet he did not follow in their footsteps. In fact, some three hundred years before Josiah appeared on earth’s stage, his birth was prophesied by a man of God to evil King Jeroboam of the northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 13:1-2).

With his ancestry, I’ve always wondered who influenced Josiah to do right in the sight of the Lord – to walk in all the ways of his father David (2 Kings 22:2). We need to encourage our children with the story of young Josiah – they are never too young to have a righteous influence on others.

But the lesson I want us to gain from this article occurs when Josiah gives instructions to repair the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. Josiah was in his 18^th year as king in Jerusalem when this repair work began. In the process, the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law. Shaphan the scribe read this book to Josiah who then tore his royal clothes in sorrow because Judah had failed to obey the words of the book. Oh, that we would have a similar reverence for God’s word! To make a long story short, Josiah instituted a series of reforms to restore true worship. One of the first things on the docket was to observe the Passover. Take time to read about it in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19. He also removed the idolatrous places in Judah and Samaria – the latter as foretold by the man of God to King Jeroboam. Josiah is a great example that anyone can do what’s right with a little encouragement!  

As everyone should know by now, Paul announced his retirement plans for next year. It is a sad but happy time. It is sad because Paul will retire after 25 years of service to the congregation. He is and has been a staple of each of our lives, like a nice cup of coffee or a warm blanket, very comforting. It is a happy time because Paul will get to enjoy some extra time with Gail and the family and do some sightseeing of God’s glorious work. Walter Hill is blessed with biblical, sound lessons from the pulpit and in class. Paul being our minister for such an extended period has created stability and the elders have been able to have complete confidence in his soundness.

With the announcement comes anxiety. This is to be expected. Change is never easy. To help ease the anxiety, Paul has agreed to stay on as an associate minister. This announcement has begun a series of events that will ensure our next minister is found, has a solid understanding of the scriptures, and meets other criteria set by the elders. A search committee has been formed and is very active. These men were chosen as to create a cross section of the congregation: some older; some younger, some have been here awhile, and some are more recent members. Each man brings a unique perspective to the committee.

Now the big question, what can I do to help? Pray, Pray, Pray. Pray for the search committee, they have a daunting task. Pray for the elders, we are in uncharted territory at Walter Hill. Pray for us as the local church, that we maintain unity throughout this process.

On a final note, if you know someone who you consider sound in doctrine and is looking for a great place to minister, have them send their resume to:  jobs@walterhillchurch.com May God bless us during this process.

            The wise man Solomon wrote a great truth in Ecclesiastes 12:12 as follows: “And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh” (NKJV). I don’t know how many books are published around the world each year but it must be phenomenal – covering almost any subject you can imagine. Personally, I set a goal of reading 35 books this year and it appears I’ll reach that goal this week. And I know some of you have read even more.

            I’ve learned a lot from these books but I’m not sure any of them will help me get to heaven. We all need a lot of help to reach that eternal home with our Savior. The prophet warns us in Isaiah 10:23 – “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;

It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (NKJV). The psalmist knew whom or what to follow when he wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105; NKJV).

            While secular books may entertain us, challenge us, and educate us, only God’s word can direct our steps to the eternal home He has prepared for His saints. Jesus fervently prayed to His Father on the night of His betrayal for all of His disciples. While there are so many wonderful things in His beautiful prayer, notice John17:17 – “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (NKJV). It is God’s word – truth – that sets God’s people apart – that is able to make us holy – to make us saints.            Jesus drove this point home in John 8:32 with these words: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (NKJV). I encourage everyone to read wholesome literature but not to the neglect of the truth!

            As announced by the elders last Sunday morning, I plan to semi-retire at the beginning of April and fill the role of associate minister. If things go as planned, this will give me 25 years as the first full-time minister at Walter Hill. Depending on when the new pulpit minister can move into this role, I may have to stay on just a little longer. Of course, it may take a few weeks for the search committee to get organized before the search begins in earnest. I hope you’ll begin praying now for this committee and our elders for the right man (and his family) to be found.

            I am reminded of the congregation whose members were suffering from a severe drought and they decided to have an old-fashioned prayer meeting – asking God for rain. The congregation turned out in force to pray for an end to the drought; however, no one brought an umbrella. While we immediately see the irony (and humor) in this, it is backed by a Biblical example.

            Do you remember how Herod threw Peter in prison after killing the apostle James, the brother of John? It is recorded in Acts 12 and verse 5 reveals that the church was constantly praying to God for him. After an angel of the Lord set Peter free from prison, he came to the home of Mary, John Mark’s mother, where many of the church were gathered praying. The young girl Rhoda recognized Peter when he knocked at the gate but, in her excitement, failed to let him in. Instead, she ran to tell those praying. They thought Rhoda was not quite right and told her it was Peter’s angel. Peter’s persistent knocking finally got him admitted to the house with the realization that their prayers had been answered.

            As the search begins, let’s pray positively that God will guide the elders and committee to find the right man for the job!

            Attendance numbers have always fascinated me. Even as a child, I would look at the attendance boards during services and try to make mental comparisons from one week to the next. Perhaps this was my way of staying awake during my dad’s sermons! And I continue to have an interest in these figures because they can sometimes be symptomatic of the congregation’s health much like a thermometer is used to determine if a patient has a fever.

            Since resuming Wednesday evening Bible study on April 14^th of this year, we have averaged 127 in attendance. (I omitted VBS from these numbers to prevent skewing.) During this same period (with VBS omitted), we averaged 144 on Sunday evenings. With the resurgence of COVID cases, our attendance at both services has dipped slightly – and that is to be expected.

Overall, our Sunday evening attendance is about what we should expect but we can probably do a little better. On the other hand, since we are having our Bible classes on Sunday evening, I would expect our Wednesday evening numbers to be very similar. I know it is difficult for some to attend evening services when it’s dark or when the COVID threat is raised. But we need to ask ourselves why we are not coming on Wednesday evenings (or Sunday evenings). Let’s make sure it is not because of apathy or that other activities are taking precedence. These opportunities may be the piece (or peace) missing in our life!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6; NKJV).