Receiving what's Rightfully Yours

Receiving what’s Rightfully Yours

We had a celebration at church this morning that made me think of each of you fellow Mountain Takers. We gathered as a congregation to join God honoring and promoting one of His kids. The Lord was publicly recognizing the many years of faithful service of a lady in our church and bestowing increased authority on her as a licensed pastoral minister. Our friend, Sheryl, was receiving something that was rightfully hers, and we all celebrated what the Lord was doing. Having participated in and receiving similar recognition myself over the years, I know that Sheryl will never be the same. God has increased her spiritual authority and it will be evident to Sheryl and those she ministers to in the coming days. I for one, look forward to watching that unfold.

How did this licensing celebration make me think of you? In several ways

First, there is the word “Minister”. When Christians use that word, other words like sacred, holy, sanctified come immediately to mind. Over the years when I have asked business people what their ministry was I have usually gotten an answer like, “I usher”, “I teach Sunday School”, etc. Those are good and true ministries, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. A synonym for minister is servant. Wherever you serve, store, office, shop floor, classroom, home… is a place of ministry. It’s a holy, sanctified, sacred calling.

Second, as Sheryl’s gift and the gift she is to the church were being honored, I felt the Lord wanted me to remind you that He sees you the same way. He has given you gifts uniquely fit to the occupation He has you in, and you are a gift to that place from Him to bring the blessing and reality of His Kingdom. Let the Light within you shine!

With the gift comes authority and faith to exercise it. Receive it and don’t be afraid to use it.

When someone receives and embraces new authority they and the environment around them are changed. Sheryl and the church will both be different as a result of what was released today. The more aware you and I are of the authority God has given us to operate in the work He has called us to, the more we will be changed, and the more change will be released in the atmosphere around us. People will notice something, whether they can identify it or not.

This last one is most important, and is linked to what I just said. The authority He wants to give must be received. Take a moment right now, bow your head if you want, and thank the Lord that you are His gift to your place of work. It may be a reminder, a refresher, or new revelation. Whichever it is I believe that as you do it you will receive something new. You and your work place will receive the fruit.

You may feel like you work in a very dark place. “How could God care about what happens here? And who am I?” Where does the light shine brightest? And Matthew 5:16 says you are the light in that darkness! Receive a fresh commissioning from the Lord it you need it, but know that you are called, anointed, and empowered by the God of the universe! Receive what’s rightfully yours.

Have a great week on your Mountain servant/minister of the King!