Daily Dose 11-16-11

Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

The job of ministry and church leadership is not easy. Elders, deacons and ministers have accountability for their work that the most high-pressure bosses in highly regulated industries would not begin to expect. You would think the job would be full of encouragement, love and peace – after all, they are working with Christians, right? That may be the case if the Garden of Eden remained, but we live in a fallen world. Unfortunately, satan sees churches as prime targets with great opportunities to do his work. Church leaders are responsible for prayerfully guarding and faithfully leading their people to rise above satan’s schemes. Pray over your leaders. Bless them with encouragement. Pray for their wisdom and protection. Be gracious to them when they make mistakes, and verbally express appreciation to them often. Be willing to serve with them, and make their job easier by loving and living in peace.

Father, I lift up the leaders of my church and churches where I have served. I ask for Your wisdom, protection and blessing upon them and their families. Send Your Spirit to heal relationships in my church and churches across the country that the lost may be drawn to Your Son for salvation. Amen