When leading in ministry it is important to know that one cannot lead and not love who you lead. If I don’t love people and have compassion for people, I cannot lead them effectively. No matter what, my focus must be to lead them, in order to bring the best out of them for Gods use. For the Bible in says, I Corinthians 13:1-7, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Love is being patient love is kind love is enduring love sees in others, what they may not see in themselves. When functioning in love and compassion, as leaders in any capacity of ministry, it brings you to an understanding that serving people, is not about the individual, but it is simply about God and how as well as what he sees his child as.

Many times throughout the Bible we see how Jesus was moved with compassion even yet in the midst of hurt and trying times he was still moved with compassion toward the people of God. Jesus understood the necessity of providing and be of service to the people of God. In order to be of true service to God’s people I as a leader, as a pastor, or in whatever capacity of ministry, must be willing to listen as well as speak effectively. Effective communication involves one person speaking and the other person listening.

However as a servant of God, serving his people, I as a leader must not only be willing to listen and speak from a fleshly point of view but be led in order to be efficient. Esther, before she made a move in going to the king, asked for the people to be in prayer and fasting. She not only asked them to be in prayer and fasting but she, herself, was in prayer and fasting. In order for God to use her in a mighty way in public, she had to pray and seek Gods perfect will, in private. This practice is something that I not only see, as a practice in the Old Testament, but I see how Jesus demonstrated this for constant and consistent prayer; for strength and direction from God. Jesus was called, chosen, and ordained to be the Savior of the world, but even he fasted and prayed, before communicating. Jesus knew the importance of hearing from God in order to be obedient to God. God gives the vision, plan, strategy, and the power for will to be fulfilled. I must constantly seek Him for guidance throughout this journey of faith.

Pastor Desmond

Lots on my mind but I’m reminded that the principalities that we fight, the wickedness that we face is deeply rooted. It’s definitely time to get back to church where there is strength and power to overcome. Our pulpits have seen injustices, inequalities, but yet were able mobilize communities and affect change. I know with anything there is good and bad, but it’s time we choose Christ. Today we find ourselves in a society driven by reality TV and everything goes truth is everything isn’t acceptable. The thing that is perpetual is the very essence and necessity in Christ, His presence in the church and the presence of the Church in the community.

This devotional reminds me, that again,  I am not called to be served but to serve. It also reminds me that I am not called of my own, but by the will God. A servant is someone who serves, not only in a particular capacity but in every form and facet of life, should be given to God. Looking at ministry and life from the stand point of a servant helps to rethink goals, both ministerial and personal. Sometimes, we can get caught up in worrying about, the how when God says to, 6-Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7-Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you, (IPeter 5:6-7, KJV). God has it all under control, I just have to trust Him. 

In other words, servants serve in humility, and put aside their own will for the Masters Will and purpose. As a minister, I am called to serve. A minister must totally submit to God allow him lead and guide, with His yoke, in pursuit of personal and ministerial goals. His hand is mighty because His hand is the hand that created. God knows my beginning, my middle, as well as, my end. In others words, He knows the: who, what, when, where, why, and how of my life.Since God knows everything about me and everything that concerns me, I must truly give all of my worry and concern to Him. The servant mindset brings home the fact that I was created for His purpose and that I must be constantly in pursuit of His purpose. Walking in His purpose, leads others to their purpose.