Daily Read “ Jeremiah 14:11-16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25:1-5
   
Today's devotional comes from the heart of your pastors. Words cannot adequately express the love we have for you. We liken it to the love a parent has for a child. When our first beautiful daughter Crystal was born, we just knew our entire heart overflowed with unconditional love for her. Our lives changed and our hearts enlarged with a new ability to love beyond ourselves. When we found out we were expecting our second child, we thought, "How can we possibly love this child as much as we do our first one? Do we have enough love to go around?" We did not understand the enormity of God's love until our little Lindsay was born. We quickly discovered that we had more than enough love to go around. Our hearts enlarged again to love both of our precious children equally and extravagantly! His love has no beginning nor end because it is eternally expanding and enlarging.
 
As pastors, we want you to know that we love you. We do not fully understand how we can love each of you the same, but we do. We love the unique and special qualities the Father has placed within you. You bring us joy and laughter as we watch you grow and blossom into your Kingdom destiny. We rejoice when you rejoice and we hurt when you hurt. We truly desire Gods best in your life.
 
The scripture from today's reading in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 so beautifully depicts our feelings. When we stand in the presence of the Lord, our hope, happiness, and wreath of exultant triumph is you!  Our hearts overflow with the joy of knowing you. Our hearts swell with thanksgiving and praise to our God that He has given us the beautiful gift and blessing of YOU in our lives.
   
Heavenly Father, we lift each of these priceless and precious ones before You and ask for a special blessing on their day. You have blessed and honored us to shepherd this amazing flock of dynamic Kingdom warriors. In humility, we stand in Your presence awestruck that You would entrust us with such a gifted and passionate flock. We pray for Your protection around each one asking angels to be given charge over all they do. We pray for wisdom to equip and release each one into their individual and corporate Kingdom destiny.