MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, MFM DAILY DEVOTIONAL, TUESDAY 31 AUGUST 2021: The Pastoral ministry

TOPIC FOR TODAY: 31-8-21:The Pastoral ministry

By Dr D.K Olukoya, General Overseer MFM worldwide

  

Fire Scripture: Ephesians 4: 7-14

The pastoral ministry, that is pleasing to God, ultimately goes beyond gifting, influence, or even fruitfulness. It is beyond how many books you have written, which conferences invite you to speak, or how many of your sermons are on the internet for downloads. It is even beyond whether your church membership numbers grow or shrink.

Pastoral ministry that is pleasing to God is about ‘FAITHFULNESS’ to the charge of 2Timothy 4. You and I are called to be faithful to this charge in three areas: faithfulness to the message, faithfulness to the ministry, and faithfulness to the Saviour.

In Numbers 27:15-17, the Bible says, “Then Moses spoke to the LORD, saying: “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.”

Similarly, Proverbs 27:23 adds, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” The ministry of a pastor or shepherd is one that is defined by the Bible itself. If you are going to take on a job, you want to see a job description for that job, so that you can be sure you will indeed fulfil it according to the expectations of your employer.

Those who pastor God’s flock work for God Himself and He is the One to whom they answer. He is the One who determines their job description.

There are nine areas of functions for a true Shepherd: feeding the sheep (Ex. 34:2, 13-15), leading by example (1 Peter 5:2-3), watching over the flocks (Acts 20:28, 31), reaching out and delivering the needy. (Ps 23:1), maturing the flocks, training and raising leaders (2Tim.2:2), protecting the sheep (Ezek. 33:6), keeping pure (Act 20:28), accounting to the great Shepherd (Heb. 13:17).

In conclusion, “pastoring” can occur in a variety of ways at its foundation. It involves caring for God’s people and walking alongside them in their Christian formation. Are you operating according to His standard for your ministry? May the Lord be satisfied with your pastoral ministry in Jesus’ name.

Memory Verse:
Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints… ”

Motivational Quote:
When a Shepherd is led by what people demand of them and not what God demands of them a shepherd turns into a wolf.

Prophetic Word:
Your position shall not be declared vacant while you are still occupying it, in the name of Jesus.

HYMN Savour, like a shepherd, lead us

1. Savour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

2. We are Thine; do Thou befriend us,
Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

3. Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

SPECIAL NOTE!

Beloved Reader, the best way to enjoy the best of God is to make Jesus Christ your personal Lord & Saviour.  And remember! John 3:3 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless ye are born again, ye cannot see the kingdom of God.”

If you are ready to give your life to Christ Jesus, please pray the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I confess all my sin, have mercy on me, forgive me all my sin. Lord Jesus come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to ecounselling@mountainoffire.org, +234 (803) 078-0919 OR +234 (817) 363-1657.

Beware! This Scripture: “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold,” Matt 24:12, is happening in our days.
Our prayer is: any power or any problem that will kill our love for God, blood of Jesus shall destroy and flush them away from us, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Thank you for your patient with us. And thank you for all your comments, observations, feedbacks and time spent on this platform. We cherish your presence here.

Beloved! We are in perilous time when kidnappings, banditry and other vices have become daily occurrences. But the Lord is saying, do not be afraid! Be strong in the Lord! Be bold & be courageous!

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, you shall not be a victim to whatever calamity flying around by day or by night, in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Shalom!