Happy Friday! For many years, I struggled with the concept of balancing authority versus leadership. While on my quest to improve as a leader I looked for leaders who led well. What I’ve learned – in the absence of good leaders, a position of authority doesn’t make anyone a leader, it just makes them a person in charge. There are many qualities of an effective leader and it often begins in the heart. Today in 1 Peter 5, Peter addresses the elders in the area of leadership. Join me as we continue in 1 Peter.

BIBLE  VERSE – 1 Peter 5:1-4 NLT
” ¹ now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:  ² Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ³ Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. ⁴ And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”

REFLECTION
Chapter five begins with Peter sharing his credentials as an elder in the church, an apostle and one who was with Christ. He emphasized that he knows first hand what the duties of an elder/shepherd requires. Yet, he is encouraging the elders in the church to care for the flock (those who are in the church). He is reminding them that their work is not for themselves or their own glory, but it should be to glorify the Lord. He also wanted to ensure that the elders within the church did not act like haughty leaders setting themselves over and above the flock pushing them away, but as entrusted leaders – to lead the flock by being a good example.

Sisters and brothers you may not be an elder in the church, but many people are looking at you as an example of what a Christian should be. As Christians we are called to live a life that demonstrates God’s goodness here on earth.

Can we claim to be a follower of Christ (Christian), if we aren’t following Christ? The answer is yes, people can claim to be anything and many will believe it. However, we as Christians will know a true Christian by its fruit. And sadly, Satan knows too. May our hearts be aligned to God’s will, our tongues confess the truth of the gospel and may our life reflect what we confess.

Questions to ponder:

• What fruit are you bearing today?
• Is it a good or bad witness of the faith?

Sisters and brothers, strive to be a good witness of the faith today. Encourage and lead those who are of the faith. Pray for and be an example to those who desire to be in Christ Jesusand to those who don’t know Christ.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for the good and bad fruit that has led us to you today. Lord, nothing is by a mistake. Lord, help us to mature as Christians so that we can care for those who are in need. Lord, develop us into the leaders you have entrusted us to be. Lord, correct us whenever we try to serve with false motives. Lord, let us serve and shepherd with a pure heart, one that is reliant upon Your will and Your plan.  Lord, help us to lead, guide and protect those whom you have placed in our care. Lord, we pray for people who are suffering, struggling and are at a loss of what to do. Lord, speak to their hearts today. Lord, let them hear you and be obedient to what you are directing them to do. In Jesus name, amen.

———
SAVE THE DATE

Next Virtual Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9am-12pm. Our theme for the event is: Choose Joy. We have our first volunteer meeting for this event on Saturday, July 31, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. Please email us if you are interested in volunteering for this virtual retreat.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER

Click to access mary-e.-white-ministries-summer-2021.pdf

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events, we have openings for volunteer positions (e.g., coordinators, event planners, etc.) and also to fill a Board position that will be available soon. Our next virtual volunteer meeting is Saturday, July 31 @ 9am (PST). Our next virtual board meeting is Friday, September 10 @ 6pm (PST). If you would like more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2021 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.