The President's Post
August 2016
"Let the World Praise the Lord"
“Just keep praising God, and when the devil tempts you, sing. When Christ was a child He was tempted in every way, and what did He do? He sang psalms, and praised God, and there was music in His voice. And there was an impression made upon the hearts and minds of those who heard Him. He wants you to have heaven in view, and heaven is a good deal nearer than you think. God’s holy, anointed ones are right by you, and here is His church, the greatest object of His love that it is possible for Him to have. He is watching over every one of us.”[1] I love these little insights into Christ’s life that Mrs. White brings us. They bring praise to my lips and put a love for Jesus in my heart.
Psalm 89:1,2 says; “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth, I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” In the book of Psalms, the word maskil appears above the word Psalms thirteen times. Maskil’s were a collected group of Psalms composed for worship; the root word for maskil is “understanding”. Second Chronicles 30:22 speaks of Levites who are skilled maskilim in singing and praising God in worship.
Putting this thought together, I see that when God is viewed as the One who is worthy of our praise, we break out with an understanding of praise and worship. When we sing, and when we ponder scripture with an open heart, our burdens are lifted. One of my favorite hymns is titled, “Burdens are Lifted at Calvary,” there is something powerful about praise to God. So many times we treat our Lord and Savior like we are leaving a message on an answering machine. We need to connect with our hearts, and our minds, to the Creator who has made us. Don’t let the sun go down today without praising the One who sings your praises in heaven. Remember EGW said; “Heaven is a good deal nearer than you think.” Praise His Holy Name!!
Dave Livermore, President
[1] White, E. G. (1990). Talk Faith, and Move Forward. In Sermons and Talks (Vol. 1, p. 311). Ellen G. White Estate.
Notes
1. Tony Pitt and Dwight Hildebrand, from Phil Campbell, had their first 30 minute radio broadcast called “Loving the Truth.” They discussed “How to Understand the Bible.” The owner of the station was so impressed with Pastor Tony that he asked him for his sermons so he could play them on the radio station every Sunday. Pray for Tony as he prepares his messages.
2. Several evangelistic series are going on in both Anglo and Hispanic Churches. Please hold them up in prayer.
3. Thirty-five people attended the Cuba Evangelism training at the office on July 30, Pastors Peter Trzinski and Michael Rodriguez led out in the training. Preparation will begin to finalize the plans to go to Cuba and preach the gospel in December 2016.
4. We hired a Communication Intern, Tyler Roberts, a graduate of Oakwood University. He’s a great young man and we believe his contribution will be seen in our publications.
5. We have interviewed a Church Planter and we are very interested in him. We are looking at planting a church in Tupelo, MS, with plans being made to go to Oxford, MS, within the next few years. Church plants are new babies that need extra care. Our intention is to double the work in areas where there are established churches—not take their place. We need to do both in order to reach the territory we are responsible for. I ask for your prayers, please.
6. Our Hispanic pastors had help this summer with students from the Dominican Republic. There are many reaping series being held all over our conference. They are on course to set a new record for baptisms this year. I’ll keep you up to date on their progress. Please pray for these young people.
7. Last month I met with our Southern Union President’s Council where we sought counsel on a variety of issues. I’ll update you as things develop.
8. On a family note, my Mom turned 90 in June so we went home to celebrate her birthday. We had a wonderful time together, precious times!
9. Prayer Request--please pray for our officers and staff here in GSC as we seek God’s will in all we do.
Office of the President
The President guides the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Gulf States from its Montgomery, Alabama, headquarters. He serves on various organization boards operated by the church, and lends leadership to mission, evangelism, educational, and humanitarian strategies.
Email: admin@gscsda.org
Website: gscsda.org
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, United States
Phone: 334-272-7493
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSCofSDA