Uplifting our leaders

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13: 7 NIV

The month of October is reserved as being clergy appreciate month.  This is a time set aside to say thank you to all the men and women of God who stand up time and time again to share the Word of Christ in an uncompromised fashion.  This is a time to show appreciation for all the hours they have committed to building the ministry, serving the people, interceding for others in their private prayer times.  This is a time that we, as the lay members, can choose to share just how much we value our pastors, their spouses, the music minister, the youth pastor, and all those in leadership within ministry.

Saying thank you and showing appreciation is not about receiving worldly gifts or some new way for greeting card companies to make extra money.  In Hebrews, believers are extolled to remember our Christian leaders.  He is not just referring to the leaders that are in our churches now, but all those that have gone before.  Remember those past leaders who were praying even before there was a church; those who gave their time, sweat, and prayers to building up the kingdom.  Their legacy is in speaking the Word, sharing the Word, and living the Word in our lives and in the lives of others. 

We are called to remember, value, appreciate those who have bought forth the living Word in our lives through their examples.  These are people who lived and live the Word through example.  I am not saying that these individuals do not make mistakes, but they are mature in their walk with Christ.  The author challenges us to remember not just the person, but the manner in which the person lived his/her life.  We are to remember and learn from the manner in which they applied faith in their day to day living. 

So this month, I am thankful to all the men and women of God who have boldly stood to share the Gospel of Christ with me and with so many others.  I am thankful for all those who are overseas serving in countries where it is illegal to preach the Gospel of Christ.  Thank you does not seem adequate enough to show my appreciation for my mother, who is an Elder, who stood in faith praying and believing that I would surrender my life to Christ.  Who continues to encourage me in the Word.  I am thankful to Bishop Ryals who did not mind answering all of my questions (and there were a lot) so that I could learn more about Christ.  Thank you Minister Stanley, Elder Riley, Minister Geraldine, Bishop Jakes, Pastor Joel Olsteen, Elder Owens, and so many others that have helped me in my walk with Christ.  May God continue to richly bless all of you.

Prayer

My awesome Father, it is amazing to me how you created so many of us to share your word in such different ways.  I am thankful for all the men and women who have stood firm in faith praying, working, tithing, doing all that they could to build your kingdom.  It is awesome to know that even when I was out in the world there were people praying on my behalf, believing that this day would come.  Help me to continue to set an example before others so that my legacy may be rooted in your word and plan for my life.  Please bless all those who diligently seek you and serve you in ministry leadership.  Help them to continue to stand regardless of how situations may seem. Thank you for the strength and prayers of those who have passed.  In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday           Hebrews 13: 7

Tuesday           2 Timothy 2: 1-2

Wednesday      Titus 1: 7-9

Thursday          Jeremiah 10: 21

Friday              Luke 22: 27

Saturday           Acts 20: 28

Sunday             Hebrews 13: 17

Application

This month take time out to show appreciation to those in ministry just how much they mean to you.  Send a card, buy them a gift, or simply say thank you.    

About the author:

As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord.  It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.  Click here for other writings available at the author's blog  www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com 

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