Ministry Minute
“Appreciation”
Reflecting back on Minister Appreciation week, our church does a great job of communicating appreciation and we are thankful as a ministerial team. Getting to work with our North Shelby staff every week, I am appreciative of what a great team we have of godly servants. It has been such a great experience working with all of them. Specifically reflecting on pastor appreciation, I look back and appreciate how God used Bro. Allan before He called him to other ministry and I am appreciative of God using the leadership of Dr. Fenton and now Dr. Terry. I appreciate the people of our church and all the stories of God’s grace and love demonstrated through them. There is so much to be thankful for!
Taking time to give thanks and appreciate gifts from the Lord is a healthy practice for any believer. Philippians 4:8 states, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” There are always enough problems and imperfections in life to cause us to become negative and cynical. It is easy to dwell on our stresses and let them weigh us down. That is why we need to always pause and to practice filling our minds with the good things listed above. Amidst all the problems, we always have an abundance of blessings to count. Make sure you are thinking about them. Paul goes on to say in verses 11-13, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Whatever season we are going through, we can be appreciative. So hit your knees and thank God for all He is done. Hug your family and friends and tell them how much they mean to you. Start noticing and thinking about all the good things God has given you. And know, as Paul states in v. 19, that “my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ.”
It’s a joy to serve with you all,
Alex Lovorn
