Romans 8:22-23: "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies." This past week, I pulled something in my back (which seems to be happening more and more frequently). I wouldn’t dare call myself 'old,' but in just the last couple of years, I have noticed that it seems easier to injure myself, and it takes longer to heal. It’s often my tendency to dwell on my physical pain, which translates to a lot of groaning and complaining. As I reflect on my own experiences of physical discomfort, I'm reminded of Romans chapter eight, where Paul writes, 'the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.' (Romans 8:22-23). Just as my own body groans with the strain of injury, so too does all of creation groan together under the weight of sin and brokenness. We see this groaning in societal injustices, conflicts, and wars around the world. We feel it in illness, disease, and all kinds of physical ailments. In the midst of our groaning, there is hope. Paul doesn’t describe our groaning as one on the way to the grave but as a mother in labor. As Christians, our groaning is not pain on the way to death, but pain on the way to life. It is a pain that anticipates and 'waits eagerly' for redemption. As we continue to await the second return of our Redeemer, we cling to His spoken promises of forgiveness, salvation, and resurrection, and in doing so, we hope in the adoption and redemption that is already ours. Heavenly father, we thank you for your care and provision for us, for all of the ways that you care for us that we don't even realize. We thank you for the reminder that all of our pain and suffering in this life is on its way to redemption. Help us to eagerly wait for your return, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Scripture Reading: Romoans 9:6-13 Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to receive your Word. We welcome your Spirit to apply the truth of your Scripture to our daily lives. We praise your Holy name, Amen. Brief Meditation: Discussion Questions 1. List some privileges of being a son or daughter. Do children who are adopted into a family receive the same privileges as children born naturally? Explain. 2. Read Romans 6:6-9. What did Paul mean when he said, "Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel"? To what people group is he referring? Who are "the children of the promise" -- those of natural birth or those of spiritual birth? 3. Was Jacob's twin sons' purpose found in natural heredity from their earthly father or in spiritual calling from their heavenly Father (Rom. 9:10-13)? What about you: Did you choose God or did He choose you (John 15:16)? What difference does this make in your faith walk with Christ? Explain.

Right now evaluations for the pastor have been talked about yearly, but rarely administered (maybe once in 7 years).

God wants us to be on constant relationship with one another. He wants us to teach each other, encourage each other, worship together, and be thankful together.

The way I interpret "pastoral call" is a willingness of a lay leader to gently inquire of the spiritual, physical, mental, social needs of the pastor and his family so that he/she can better supply them. A pastoral call ought not to be seen as an opportunity to be critique the pastor or show him his shortcomings. It ought to be to built the pastor and his family up, not tear him down.

Lay leaders certainly have a responsibility to provide care to pastors and elders. The denomination to which the pastor belongs also helps bear the weight of this as well.

Spiritual: Intercessory prayer for the pastor and his family. Feeding them the Word of God. Serving them communion. Encouraging continuing education or spiritual retreats.; Church Responsibilities: Being willing to share, alongside the pastor, in the ministry, visitation, weekly services, and organizational responsibilities. ; Family: Loving the pastor's family -- wife and children -- well. Not loading upon them ministry duties or expectations. Show great grace and mercy. Respecting family time and protecting boundaries between time with family verses time in church ministry. ; Physical: Allowing the pastor to have necessary time off, vacation days, and seasons of sabbatical rest. Encouraging the pastor to rest well. ; Mental: Being slow to criticize the pastor and quick to encourage. Recognize the mental heaviness on the pastor that is often the result of ongoing ministry.; Social: Respecting the pastor and his family's personal space (i.e., home). Providing friendship to the pastor that is not church focused/motivated.; Financial: Providing for the pastor and his family by means of supplying them necessary financial remuneration so that personal expenses don't detract from ministry work or become a reason for anxious distraction.

Fruit from the administered Word of God; Provision for physical needs (finances, etc.); protection against false accusation; respect.

Care for his needs; company and companionship. Empathetic kindness.

More organic, spiritual growth with group members vs organizational, corporate growth. Practicing putting God first. Setting a good example for others in the congregation. Prioritizing the Word of God and prayer.

Mentally prepare for conversation. Spend less time processing the topic and more time conversing about it. Come to an agreement or conclusion more quickly.

Although we feel that we spend a substantial amount of our meeting time in prayer and the Word, we could always add more time. Not because we have to, but because we want to. We ought to want to increase our appetite and thirst for God's Word and connecting with Christ through prayer.

Very similar to our elder agenda. More organizational rather than organic.

Being an effective spiritual leader can be very difficult, nigh, impossible in my own strength. It is by the grace of Jesus that I will complete the task before me, to the glory of His name.

Many of these listed have a spiritual component to them.