Honor and Esteem

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-3

On Thursday evening, we had the joy of honoring two very special servants of the Lord who have been a part of the Keswick family for the past 15 years. Dr. & Mrs. Robert Alderman are two very humble and godly servants.

Little did I realize 15 years ago that when I accepted the call to come to America’s Keswick that God would bring into my life the privilege of having two special servants of the Lord as a part of the inner circle of my life.

For 15 years I have observed the life and testimony of two servants who have taught me more than they could have ever imagined.

It would literally take pages to highlight the many lessons I have learned, probably unbeknownst to two very humble servants of the Lord.

Let me name a few:

1. Never forget your heritage.
2. Always appreciate and honor the people you serve, and the people who serve you.
3. Be committed to integrity in all areas of your life.
4. Seek godly counsel and wisdom in all matters of serious concern.
5. Walk humbly and always be gracious even when the heat is turned up.
6. Firmness is acceptable. Arrogance and anger are never and option.
7. Understand the value of an examined life.

For 15 years, Pastor Bob Alderman has been a mentor, confidante, counselor, sounding board and friend. He has never been too busy to help me work through an issue. He has helped me to organize my thoughts, think through a problem leading to biblical resolution, and created in my heart a love for the Keswick message.

He has taught me the value of loving on people. What you see on the platform and in his public persona is the same Bob Alderman at home with his family and in his interactions with his Shenandoah Church family.

It is with gratitude and thanksgiving that I honor and esteem Pastor Bob and Amelia. Are there people in your life that you need to honor and esteem? If so, don’t miss the opportunity to tell them. I may make a huge difference in their lives. – Bill Welte is President & CEO of America’s Keswick

Team YOU: Psalm 87-88; Proverbs 13; Romans 13

Motivations: The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. C. S. Lewis

Practice to Remember: Level 1:Philippians 3:9-10; Level 2: Philippians 3:1-11

Powered Up:  Prayer seems suitable for old men and women and sentimental young people, but for all others it is apt to be looked upon as a religious weakness. Oswald Chambers