We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and special events. We have holidays dedicated to famous people. We have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Pastor Appreciation Day. I’m in Canada writing on Father’s Day in-between phone calls and emails from family and friends around our world. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.
Nehemiah was a leader. Upon hearing that the walls of his home were broken down he requested leave from his role as Cup Bearer to King Artaxerxes. He returned to his home country, worked and motivated his people to rebuild the walls in record time. He knew how to lead his people. He worked alongside them and shared the load as a Servant Leader. At the conclusion of the work, he recognized and celebrated the accomplishment.
“So the people went out, brought in branches, and made themselves booths on their roofs, courtyards, the courtyards of The Temple of God, the Water Gate plaza, and the Ephraim Gate plaza. The entire congregation that had come back from exile made booths and lived in them. The People of Israel hadn’t done this from the time of Joshua son of Nun until that very day—a terrific day! Great joy! Ezra read from the Book of The Revelation of God each day, from the first to the last day—they celebrated the feast for seven days. On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly in accordance with the decree.” (Nehemiah 8:17-19 MSG)
What are you thankful for today? Do you celebrate? What do you celebrate at church? Do you pray and recognize attendance, baptisms and dedications or heart decisions?
I’m thankful and appreciative of the support of my wife, our family and leaders worldwide as we learn and grow to be more Christ-like in our Leadership.
We are especially thankful for our family and our church.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Author of Leadership is Devotions for Servant Leaders