Category: Elders

Look Out for Those Looking Out for You

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Elders, Needs, Pastors, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, Teacher, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to write this blog post. My Footnote will tell you how to read or listen to this devotional or any past episodes.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN 1 Timothy 5:17-18

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ]. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].”

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: Interesting how Paul found it necessary to train Timothy, and us, in ways that we should take care of the Elders, or Pastors, of our church! Wouldn’t you think that if we knew how to take care of our household, our gardener or any other hired hand, we would also know how to make sure our spiritual leaders are well taken care of? Having never heard a church member complain about us not paying our pastor enough, I wonder if we shouldn’t look closer at today’s Scripture!

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Having served on many church leadership teams and Pastor Search committees, I feel slightly qualified in speaking to this subject of which Paul speaks about in today’s Scripture. I don’t believe I will ever forget about the final offer to a prospect, from a Pastor’s Search Committee on which I served. The prospect rejected our initial invitation and terms because, in his words, he could never survive on the salary we were offering him. This was embarrassing for members of the committee, but it opened our eyes to the fact that we should never expect our Pastor to survive financially with any less than any other CEO of a group our size in our community. I find it extremely interesting how easily church members accept the church budget each year without ever questioning why our pastor is making less money than most of them do. In fact, I would dare say that many pastors’ earnings are probably less than, or very near to, the poverty level, yet we approve church budgets without ever questioning ‘Why?’. I have seen pastors who spend endless hours at the church, at hospitals, at the bedside of shut-ins and all other scenarios, and I could only try to place myself in their shoes and wonder how they could possibly do all that while barely providing for their families financially. It seems that church leaders are persistent in making sure that they get enough hours out of the pastor each week, instead of concerning themselves about whether the man is spending sufficient time with his family. This whole concept that many churches have accepted as ‘normal’ probably arises from the unfortunate lack of respect, honor and appreciation shown towards our pastors in many areas of their ministry. For example, we might easily compliment a good speaker at a conference, but are we faithful in complementing our pastor after delivering a message that he had probably spent hours to prepare? As a supervisor at work, I pushed hard for my staff to attend additional training, or to take part in valuable community events. They come back to me all ‘pumped up’ because of the networking and great ideas gleamed from other attendees of the conference or training seminar. Do we do enough of that for our pastors? All but a few versions of the Bible use the term ‘Elders’ instead of Pastors in verse 17. Do you even know who your church elders are? Do you say ‘thank you’ to them for working tirelessly: in trying to make sure that your church is properly administered; for encouraging your pastors; for helping them carry the load of ministry; and for ensuring that your church leaders are on track for proper ministry within your four walls and in your community? Many elders today still work a normal job, so while compensation may not be a factor, let me assure you that many hours, mostly stressful hours, are spent in steering the direction and ministry of your church. Friends let’s try to treat our pastors/elders with respect, in love, and through encouragement in every way possible. We all want the best pastor. Let’s do our part to help them feel like the best!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: When we’re feeling appreciated and loved, we tend to put out our very best. We all want the ‘best’ pastor, so let’s do our best to make him feel like his best!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, please prompt us to be the product of what we desire for ourselves, with special emphasis on our biblical leaders who work diligently to help us know, or grow in, the Lord. Please bless our pastors and teachers in extraordinary ways so that they will please You in every way, while having a critical impact on our lives. Please Lord, work on us, Your servants, to bless our leaders so that they would be incented to do even more for Your kingdom, while also helping Christians mature in our faith and desire more and more victory in our work while here on earth, all for Your kingdom’s sake. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Go online to Apple Podcasts, or using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Please allow me to encourage you to find a church home near by your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Church Leaders As Shepherds

On By Ed AlgreenIn Elders, Expectations, Leadership, PastorsLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-04-24

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 5:2–4
Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text: Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.

OBSERVATION: If we hold a place of leadership in God’s church, then we have a responsibility to watch over those we lead with the same love and care that God has for us.

APPLICATION: We tend to expect a lot out of our pastors. In fact, we tend to think that they are invincible and not subject to the same sin and temptations that we encounter daily. Some translations tend to see this section of scripture addressed to elders, while some use more general terms of church leaders. I am not here to clarify either of these, but rather to remind us that if we hold a place of leadership in God’s church, then we have a responsibility to watch over those we lead with the same love and care that God has for us. We should not be in a place of leadership unless we could be a leader from a heart of love for the Lord and for His local church. We should have within us the desire to see the work of the Lord flourish – for His glory, therefore our work should be done unselfishly and with a heart to work for our master, not because of anything that we might personally gain from any position that we might hold. Most people learn better from what they are shown than from what they are told, therefore Peter warns that leaders are to lead by example rather than trying to throw around your authority. The super great news is that regardless whether we are ignored for our efforts in the work of the church here on earth, all we do for Jesus will be recognized by Him when we see Him face to face one day. In fact, Peter suggested that we would gain a crown that will never lose its glory! I could only imagine the smile on my Savior’s face as He welcomes me home and thanks me for returning the favor for what He did for me on Calvary, by all that I attempted to do to promote His kingdom while here on earth! Oh that will be, glory for me! Are you looking forward to this also friend? Please don’t shy away from the Lord’s work. There’s much to be done, and many to be reached with the gospel. Jesus used others to find us and bless us, now let’s make ourselves available for the work of the Lord. Yes, God can use even you and I for His glory!

PRAYER: Lord we work hard around our churches and sometimes we get discouraged because we feel unappreciated by church leaders and/or members. Thank You for using Your servant Peter to show us that our expectations are unimportant here on earth, for our efforts should always be directed towards pleasing the only One that we serve, our Lord and Savior! In fact I believe that most often when we expect glory here on earth, it could easily mean that we may not necessarily be doing kingdom work. May we be found faithful in all that we do for Your ultimate glory. May You be lifted higher when others recognize a benefit from our efforts here below. I ask these things in the name of the Lord that I adore, the Lord that I seek to please by all that I do here below, AMEN!

Expectations of Church Leaders

On By Ed AlgreenIn Elders, Expectations, Leadership2 Comments

May I encourage you to get your spiritual ‘Nuggets’ to start your day off right? Pretty amazing that our awesome God would consider feeding even us with His Word! May I encourage you to read the whole devotional, and look for a blessing, friend!………

Today’s Bible Reference: 1 Peter 5:2–4
Today’s Bible Text: Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.
The Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take Away: We tend to expect a lot out of our pastors. In fact, we tend to think that they are invincible and not subject to the same sin and temptations that we encounter daily. Some translations tend to see this section of scripture addressed to elders, while some use more general terms of church leaders. I am not here to clarify either of these, but rather to remind us that if we hold a place of leadership in God’s church, then we have a responsibility to watch over those we lead with the same love and care that God has for us. We should not be in a place of leadership unless from a heart of love for the Lord and for His local church. We should have within us the desire to see the work of the Lord flourish for His glory, therefore our work should be done unselfishly and because we want to work for our master, not because of anything that we might personally gain from the position that we might hold. Most people learn better from what they are shown than from what they are told, therefore Peter warns that leaders are to lead by example rather than trying to throw around your authority. The super great news is that regardless whether we are ignored for our efforts in the work of the church here on earth, all we do for Jesus will be recognized by Him when we see Him face to face one day. In fact, Peter suggested that we would gain a crown that will never lose its glory! I could only imagine the smile on my Savior’s face as He welcomes me home and thanks me for returning the favor for what He did for me on Calvary, by all that I attempted to do to promote His kingdom while here on earth! Oh that will be, glory for me! Are you looking forward to this also friend?

Prayer: Lord we work hard around our churches and sometimes we get discouraged because we feel unappreciated by church leaders and/or members. Thank You for using Your servant Peter to show us that our expectations are unimportant here on earth, for our efforts should always be directed towards pleasing the only One that we serve, our Lord and Savior! In fact I believe that most often when we expect glory here on earth, it could easily mean that we may not necessarily be doing kingdom work. May we be found faithful in all that we do for Your ultimate glory. May You be lifted higher when others recognize a benefit from our efforts here below. I ask these things in the name of the Lord that I adore, the Lord that I seek to please by all that I do here below, AMEN!

Footnote: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

2016

He Cares Affectionately For You!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Elders, Leadership, LoveLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (The Amplified Bible – 1 Peter 5:6-7): 6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]

 THOUGHTS: Peter had just appealed to church elders to take their jobs seriously and lovingly, not just for a paycheck. He then cautioned the younger leaders to be humble and obedient to their elders so that they might learn from them in obedience to God. He then immediately followed by assuring the leaders that no matter what they feel like their leadership responsibilities might be, they are to humble themselves under the overall power and might of God, for it is He who will one day exalt them before the Father in heaven. Friends, I believe that these two verses are also applicable to Christians in general, for who are we to lord ourselves over folk. Yes, we may have certain supervisory rights as part of our job responsibilities, but we are never to lord ourselves over folk and make them feel inferior to us. In fact, I have found where folk will respect you a whole lot more and be more obedient to you as their boss, if you treat them with humility and respect. Now, verse 7 goes on to cap this whole thing off by telling us that when the concerns of leadership, church leadership in particular, becomes overly burdensome, we are to take Jesus at His word, and cast those concerns at His feet, knowing full well that He has such love and affection for His children that He will wipe away the tears, ease the concerns and watch out for our eternal good. Don’t you feel comforted by that friend? We don’t have to wait until we have gotten to the end of our emotional, mental or physical ‘rope’ to then place our concerns before God, we can do it as soon as we feel concerned about something. I just love the remaining words of these two verses, for it reminds me that Jesus cares affectionately about me and He is watching out for me! What an honor! If you are not experiencing this kind of love and care today friend, then I would encourage you to reevaluate your relationship with the Master, for His Word is never wrong. He cares for His own affectionately! Surrender yourself wholeheartedly to Him today and enjoy the gracious and loving rewards of being His precious child!

 PRAYER: Thank You Father for the reassurance of Your love and concern for us. You are awesome beyond all measure and I thank You for caring so much about even me. Lord You are well aware of all the pressure and hurt that face our church leaders and also similar experiences by lay persons as we try to be good representatives of yours in our everyday life. Please continue to remind us of Your presence, guidance and love as we try to work through every circumstance of life. Most of all, I pray that You will help us to never lose sight of Your faithfulness and Your promises to never leave us alone, but always caring about us. We need You more today than ever before Lord, so we come before Your throne yet again in humility asking for Your ongoing love for us. Thank You Jesus for Your arms of affection and Your watchful eye on us. I bring these petitions before You in all humility and love today, in the wonderful and blessed name of Jesus, AMEN!

 

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!