7 Gifts of Christmas, MINISTRY

A church was remodeling. The shell of the building was complete. The interior was being done one project at time, and the ceiling was a beautiful cathedral ceiling. One afternoon, one of the men of the church who was volunteering was on the scaffolding above the platform area. He lost his footing and fell. While falling, he saw the pulpit and twisted himself so that the pulpit would break his fall. Upon hitting the pulpit, he bent his arms and legs and rolled off onto the floor unscathed. After the other men came running to his aid, he stood up and declared, "The pulpit saved me from my fall."

Today's gift of Christmas is the gift of ministry. I can absolutely affirm that had it not been for the ministry in my life, I would not be here today. Time and again God used men to be His hands on the potters wheel to mold and shape me.

I am grateful today for the investment poured in to me by men of God who were faithful to the calling of God. They shepherded me, guided me, loved me, and corrected me. As I reflect on my life today, I see their imprint in my personality as well as my administrative style.

Did you know that the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are God's gift to the church? Read in Ephesians (4:8-12) and discover this truth. God uses these gifts to equip His saints so that they can fulfill their purpose in the kingdom.

Have you been blessed by the "five-fold" ministry? Is there an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher that has influenced your life? Have you received investment from one of God's gifts? If so, take time to thank them today for their sacrifice. Send them a card or an email. Post something on their Facebook page or Twitter feed. Let them know you're thankful for the gift of ministry!

While you may not know the following men and women of God, allow me to use this blog to express my thanks for the gift of ministry to the following:

Sis. Anne Wilkins
Pastor & Mrs. Jim Gideon
Pastor & Mrs. Richard Moudy
Pastor & Mrs. Richard Privett
Pastor & Mrs. Paul Kinney
Pastor & Mrs. Rick Stoops