Don't be a Copy-cat church

There is so much talk in Ministry about Unity and it's sometimes misused. We can learn from the most usual things - in this case the date December 12 can teach us a thing or 2...



Even when 2 numbers in a date are the same they are only effective and meaningful when united in purpose e.g. today - 12-12-16...which stands for December 12th, 2016 or 12th December, 2016 - depending on the date format in your region. Imagine if the 12th day wanted to also be the month? We'd be "missing a day" - if that was ever possible. Now that is a simple example of complementing to complete versus competing...


Over the years I've watched with amazement how some churches have replicated programs they see other churches run successfully. I'm not saying that you should not learn from others - no not at all. However, who said that everyone has to have the same programs in order to win more souls for Christ?


Romans 12: 3- 8 - ³ Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. ⁴ Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, ⁵ so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. ⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (NLT, italics mine)


1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 - ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ways to serve [ministries] but the same Lord to serve. ⁶ And there are different ways that God works through people [kinds of action; activities] but the same God works in all of us in everything we do [all things in all people]. ⁷ Something from the Spirit can be seen in [The manifestation/disclosure of the Spirit is given to] each person, for the common good. ⁸ The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom [message/word of wisdom], and the same Spirit gives another the ability to speak with knowledge [message/word of knowledge]. ⁹ The same Spirit gives faith to one person. And, to another, that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. ¹⁰ The Spirit gives to another person the power to do miracles [works of power], to another the ability to prophesy [prophecy]. And he gives to another the ability to know the difference between good and evil [discernment/distinguishing of] spirits. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak in different kinds of languages [or ecstatic utterance; tongues] and to another the ability to interpret those languages [interpretation of tongues]. ¹¹ One Spirit, the same Spirit, does all these things, and the Spirit decides what to give [distributes just as he wishes to] each person. (EXB, italics mine)


Ephesians 4: 11 - 13 - ¹¹ And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], ¹² [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; (AMP, italics mine)


These 3 passages make it clear that it's God's desire that we have diversity of operation or shall I say, different Channels of Ministry as a local church and as a Corporate Church (i.e. all churches together). Just like each 12 in today's date has it's unique purpose and doesn't give up or lose it's uniqueness when combined with the rest of the date, we must each know our unique purpose and not be a "Copy-cat" church. We must find and develop that unique mandate God has given our church and complement to complete what other churches are doing for the benefit of the kingdom. We lose souls and even more when we compete.

7 Lies Ministry Wives Believe* - concluded

So we started on this 2 weeks ago - and I added a few comments in purple** - and will do same this time - and include a picture or 2 or more. 

Produce Plants and Pillars

This topic came to heart after I read Psalm 144: 12 - in various versions including:

May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants.

May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. (NLT)

 

May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown,

our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace; (ESV)

 Let’s pray that our young sons will grow like strong plants and

that our daughters will be as lovely as columns in the corner of a palace. (CEV)

Our children start off as a gift from God to us... He expects that we raise them to be a gift not just back to us (especially in our old age) but to their generation and most importantly to Him.

My dear friend, Beryl and I have used this verse to pray for our children more than once. Each time the Holy Spirit reminds me that children turning out "right" and righteous is no piece of cake. In fact it could be a piece of cake if you consider the need to mix many ingredients together & bake it in a oven to get a pleasant outcome.

Plants need to be planted in the right soil, watered often, exposed to SONlight and of course pruned  and pruned now and again...otherwise they will end up wild, unproductive and worse yet a waste of space.* God forbid!!!

Talking about Pillars, they need to and have to be really fortified from within** and also have deep and solid foundations in order to support all the "weight" that will be placed on them. They also need to be stable in order to be stabilizers wherever they are.

And our daughters are not to be just any pillars - God expects them to be Pillars for the Palace.


I'm looking forward to celebrating our "plants" and "pillars" this coming weekend as part of International Children's Day...they will not depart from the House of the Lord. Amen!

References:

* Luke 13: 6-9 - ⁶ And He told them this parable: A certain man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but did not find [any].

⁷ So he said to the vinedresser, See here! For these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down! Why should it continue also to use up the ground [to deplete the soil, intercept the sun, and take up room]?

⁸ But he replied to him, Leave it alone, sir, [just] this one more year, till I dig around it and put manure [on the soil].  ⁹ Then perhaps it will bear fruit after this; but if not, you can cut it down and out. (AMPC)

** Ephesians 3:16 - May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. (AMPC) 

7 Lies Ministry Wives Believe*

Last weekend, I had the opportunity, pleasure and privilege of being with some amazing Mrs. Pastors and then on the last day of our Conference, my dear friend, a Mrs. Pastor herself, sent me this article written by another Mrs. Pastor by email...


The sheer similarity between this article and some of the things we discussed propelled me to share the full article - in 2 parts to give time for "digestion" and maybe even "passing out."

Why halt ye...



...between 2 opinions?

 

Let's start by looking at the source this phrase-question:

Thank God for them too...

I was just thinking some more about this Ministry Appreciation Month and realized that I had missed (or almost missed) thanking God for a very special set of people.

Thank God for me...

...and for you too

Did you know that the 2nd Sunday in October is Pastor Appreciation Day - though the whole month has been tagged Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month?

I've written about it more than once* so this time I decided to "Thank God for me...and for you too" on the 3rd Monday of this month with 5 Mondays because we are right in the middle of it all...I know I am.

So I looked around to see if anyone else felt the same way and I found this nice poem by Helen Bush**

When we thank God for our pastor
We must give Him thanks for two,
For when your husband came to us
God also sent us you.

A pastor's wife must be many things,
You have many hats to wear;
And we say thanks for all you do
And lift you up in prayer.

You adjust your life to meet the needs
Of your husband's congregation,
And it seems that you can always cope
With most any situation.

Your presence blesses all of us
Who know you from day to day
As our pastor's wife, you are serving God
In a fine and worthy way.

 

It's wonderful when we are appreciated by others...so let me appreciate all the Mrs Pastors with the picture below. 

Whether or not you willingly "answered" the Call, thank you for sticking to your Marriage Vow "to Have and to Hold" for life i.e. stick with your husband in all areas of life including Ministry. You are a blessing to many people in many more ways than you know...Thank you!!!

References:
* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.ca/2014/10/appreciating-your-pastor_27.html
http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.ca/2015/10/service-honour.html

** http://www.my-pastor.com/pastors-wife-poems.html

What are you thankful for?

I spent some time thinking about the piece to publish on Thanksgiving Day so I asked myself: "What am I thankful for?"

Well here's my list of 10 things on this 10th day of the 10th month:

1. I'm alive - hale and hearty.
2. My husband and children are alive and hale and hearty.
3. God caused me to be married to my best friend...who had the courage to answer the Call.
4. My husband who loves the Lord and is sold out to Him.
5. My husband who loves the Lord and ensures that our family is well taken care of e.g. encourages me to rest so I don't breakdown or burn-out.
6. As my husband's wife, I have the pleasure and privilege of meeting and developing relationships with a variety of people - beyond people that I'd meet at work.
7. The responsibility and privilege of having God's approval vs. people's applause.*
8. I have come to love more people even better. All the people I come in contact with are not the easiest to like - and God has used that to build my "Love Muscles."
9. The opportunity of serving and being a blessing to others - even though I'm not the wisest according to human standards.**
10. I have more than 10 reasons to be thankful...oh so very many more.

As I wrap this up, the timeless song "Count your blessings, name them one by one" comes to mind. Without a doubt, there are "thorns," troubles, tests and tears that come with being Mrs Pastor - there are also VERY many triumphs, "trophies" and testimonies... 

What are you thankful for?

References:

* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2016/05/hold-applause.html

**1 Cor 1: 26-29 - ²⁶ Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. ²⁷ But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. ²⁸ God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God. (AMP)

Avoid the "Triple A" disease

When I first wrote down this topic, it reminded me of the AAA battery - and we know batteries are used to power things. Well this "Triple A" epidemic does the very opposite.


Let's look at a few verses to start - God breaks down His Word to us in amazing ways:


Luke 5: 5-7 - ^5-7 Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done - a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch. (MSG)

4 "Tipping Point" tips

By the time I finished the last 2 posts on "Ministry is not just the Father's Business"*, I noticed this pending post and it was obviously time to publish it. I'm sure you're wondering why the title is "Tipping Point" tips.

"Tipping Point" means "the point at which a series of small changes or incidents becomes significant enough to cause a larger, more important change." So I'd like to share tips of small changes that can make a big difference in our families.

Imagine the possibility if all the families - whether in the Ministry or not lived by these 4 verses? Without as shadow of doubt. it will definitely a Tipping Point for them & those around them.

¹⁸ Wives, understand and support your husbands

by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master. 

¹⁹ Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them.

²⁰ Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.

²¹ Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits.

(Colossians 3: 18-21 - MSG)

The thing that struck me about these verses was that they not only tell us what to do but why we should do what it says we should.  

 

Zooming in on verse 18 which speaks to me directly, I can't but link it back to these verses which always speak to me in a different way as Mrs Pastor:

 

Proverbs 31: 11 -12 - ¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], And he will have no lack of gain. ¹² She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life. (AMP, italics mine)

 

Ephesians 5: 22 - 14 - ^22-24 Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands. (MSG, italics mine)

 

In Ministry, it is easy to get discouraged especially if/when you find yourself as the woman married to your sweetheart who also happens to be a Pastor - not because she answered any call - or even the echo. However, God's expectation of us is that we support our husbands (because we're married) and be the head of the "Supporters' Club" of 1 - in Marriage first & then in Ministry. We must never be a clog in the Ministry - except there's sin...

 

One thing I desire to always be to my husband is the "gift" that shines and glorifies God as Proverbs 12:4 says -  

A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; the other kind corrodes his strength and tears down everything he does. (Living Bible)

 

It's my prayer that my family continues to live by these lively verses...I pray the same for you.

 

References:

* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2016/08/ministry-is-not-just-fathers-business-1.html#more

http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2016/08/ministry-is-not-just-fathers-business-2.html#more

Are you...

The Visionary or "Divisionary"?

This question crossed my mind as my husband and I were listening to a message. It took me a few months to think (& pray) about whether to write this - I had to be sure that I should share it.


Of course, it sounds like a play of words - which it is but it's definitely not a playing matter.
By the time you finish reading this post, you can't but agree with me that it's a praying matter.

Forget the script...

...follow the Spirit.

A few months ago, I had an experience that I've had more than once but this particular one stuck as a basis for sharing this...I'm sure I'm not the only one it's happened to either.

Focus on the steps not the "Stage"...

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to listen to @MrsLoisEvans and her daughters. They said a lot of valuable things and this one struck me as one more thing to be shared. They talked about how people come to them asking how they got to where they are in ministry.

The Blessing of an Excellent Wife* - 2

As usual, all the emphasis or comments in Purple font are mine.


“Few influences affect a man’s heart for God more than his wife, for better or for worse.”


Her Sacrifice
Third, this diligent woman gives generously to “the poor” and “the needy” (v. 20). As “the snow” approaches, she also gives to her family. She has planned ahead, making “scarlet” garments (v. 21) for her household. She spares no effort or cost in providing the best she can. After providing for others, this industrious wife makes “bed coverings” and clothes “for herself” with “fine linen and purple” (v. 22). Her ability to give expensive garments is clear evidence of God’s favor upon her labors.


Her Savvy
Fourth, her many virtues enhance her husband’s position in “the gates” (v. 23), where city leaders meet. With keen savvy, this excellent wife “makes,” “sells” and “delivers” (v. 24) her goods. Despite being very competent, she does not compete with her husband’s leadership, but undergirds it by her humble submission—and everyone knows it.


Her Strength
Fifth, this treasured wife looks to the future with inner “strength” and “dignity” (v. 25). Though she anticipates many challenges, she nevertheless “laughs” (v. 25) with positive confidence in the Lord’s providential care. She is expectant that heaven’s supply will meet her family’s every need. As people seek her counsel, she speaks words of “wisdom” and “kindness” (v. 26) to them. Though busy outside the home, she does not neglect “her household” (v. 27).


Her Supremacy
Sixth, she is such a fine mother that as her children observe her excellence, they “call her blessed” (v. 28). Her husband sees her character traits in parenting and “praises her.” He boasts that among women, “[she] surpass[es] them all” (v. 29). In his eyes, there are none who can legitimately claim to be her equal.


Her Spirituality
Seventh, this woman’s true greatness is her spiritual devotion. She “fears the Lord” (v. 30). “Charm” and “beauty” alone are “deceitful” and “vain.” Her real attraction to him is her reverence for God. Even the city leaders “praise her” in the “gates” (v. 31), recognizing the integrity of her life. Her husband prizes her fidelity and industry. He is the most blessed of men.


Is it any wonder that her husband trusts her? The reality of God in her life makes her worthy of his full confidence. By every estimate, she is “the crown of her husband” (12:4). Only God can provide such an excellent helpmate.


Has the Lord given you such an excellent wife? Do you see how she is specifically suited for you? Do you recognize how she has increased your effectiveness for the Lord? Then give thanks to God for such a woman in whom your heart trusts.


Oh wow! I'm actually humbled that my husband sent this to me. I've also identified areas for improvement for sure - hence my response was:

May God help me meet and surpass these 7 Ss. I also pray the same prayer for you, my sister.

AMEN!

Source:
* http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/284004-blessing-excellent-wife-steven-lawson.html

The Blessing of an Excellent Wife*

You won't believe who or when I received this email...here's a snip for a hint:

Because of his wife...

This topic dropped in my heart after I overheard something similar in by way of a comment about a Pastor - or rather about his wife. As you'd expect, it got me thinking about what things my husband gains or loses "because of me" - his wife.

The Bible gives us examples or exhortations on what men gain or lose because of their wives. In fact, we have more than 1 example of men, leaders - actually kings - who lost their relationship with God "because of their wives."

1 Kings 21:25 - So Ahab sold himself out to do what the Lord says is evil. There is no one who did as much evil as Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who caused him to do these things. *

1 Kings 11:4 - When Solomon was old, his wives caused him to follow other gods, so he did not follow the Lord completely as his father David did.*

Then in Proverbs which was mainly written by Solomon, who missed it because of his wives, we read that:

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, & he receives favor from the Lord.**

A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; the other kind corrodes his strength and tears down everything he does. (Proverbs 12:4 - TLB)

Further in Proverbs, because of his wife, a husband - also known as the "Proverbs 31 Man" was described to another leader - a king - by his mother this way:

"Her husband is a well-known and respected leader in the city." (Proverbs 31:23 - CEV)

Proverbs 31: 11 shown below in different translations, explains why he was respected:

Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. (MSG)

The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely,

so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. (AMPC)

The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],
and he will have no lack of gain. (AMP)

Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down. (CEV)

Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. (NLT)

Reading these I can't help but challenge myself to do what verse 12 says:

"She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble." (ERV)

 



The way I see it, as a wife, Mrs Pastor or not, it's always in your best interest to do good to and for your husband. When you do that, he will trust you and beyond that, you will be evidence that God is happy with your husband - and blessed him with you as Proverbs 18:22 reminds us

"If you find a wife, you have found something good.

She shows that the Lord is happy with you."*

And, if, or shall I say when a Pastor is happy, blessed and respected because of his wife, she will be happy, blessed and respected because of her husband...

References:
* ERV, emphasis mine

** Proverbs 18: 22

Ministry is not just the Father's Business... (2)

...it must be your "Family Business" too

Last week we started talking about Mrs Moses Amram* - and what we can learn from how involved she was or wasn't in the Ministry God committed to her husband.

Ministry is not just the Father's Business... (1)

...it must be your "Family Business" too.

Interestingly in the past week, I've been really blessed to have listened to 2 Webcasts - 1 Live - hosted by Mrs Lois Evans (@LoisEvans) and the second one was hosted by her daughter Chrystal (@ChrystalHurst). The topics covered - "Raising kids that don't hate the Ministry" and "Living the life you love" respectively - a good segue to this post.

I cannot explain how but in the past couple of days I've been thinking about Mrs Moses-Amram and her family. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. What if I tell you her first name starts with a "Z"? Yes, Zipporah - you got it!

God-service...

...or Eye-service?

Serve your gift...

...and it will serve you in return.

A few weeks ago, my husband were talking about Joseph - that's where this topic came from.

We were talking about his experience in the prison and how he could have withheld his gift.

Let's read select verses in Genesis 40,
⁵ While they were in prison, Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and baker each had a dream one night, and each dream had its own meaning. ⁶ When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset. ⁷ “Why do you look so worried today?” he asked them. ⁸ And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.” “Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.” (NLT)

Unsolicited he offered to help then i.e. serve his gift so the butler shared his dream - v. 9-11. After hearing it, Joseph could have withheld the interpretation for several reasons: 

- he could have doubted if he had the platform to interpret dreams since neither of his 2 dreams had been fulfilled (yet) or

- he could have been a "dog in a manger" knowing that in 3 days, he Joseph will still be in prison while one of them would be restored and the other destroyed 

...yet he proceeded to share the interpretation:

¹² “This is what the dream means,” Joseph said. “The three branches represent three days. ¹³ Within three days Pharaoh will lift you up and restore you to your position as his chief cup-bearer. ¹⁴ And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place. ¹⁵ For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I’m here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it.” (NLT)

We know how this story ended in Genesis 41 after Pharaoh had 2 dreams no one could interpret, the butler caused God to remember Joseph. Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams would have been no use to him or to anyone else if he hadn't served it to others. It was only in serving his gift to others that he was served and promoted in a strange land. Daniel who was also in a strange land, was served then promoted by serving his gift.

God's expectation of us is clear:

Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].*

So serve your gift...and it will definitely serve you in return.

* 1 Peter 4:10 - Amplified

Option 1 or...

..."1 Option"?

Strange question huh? Not too strange if you keep reading as I hope you will.

No questions?

Yes that was my questioning thought too when I read this passage:

Hold the applause...

Have you noticed how much - explicit and implicit - applause occurs in the church these days? Such as the current wave of using worldly methods to attract people to church - I've written about it* before and it's still really bugging me.

Decades ago I remember my pastor (Pastor T) saying,

"The church is becoming too worldly and the world is becoming churchy."

It's truly really sad what the world is becoming and even sadder what the church is becoming. Actually it's quite unbecoming which is why the question I keep asking myself and others about some of the things I see is: "With all this is God applauding us or is He appalled."

 

I can start off a list but I'm sure that you know some examples of situations that people applaud and God is saying "Hold the applause" since He's appalled with what we're doing or not doing.

In my opinion, the only thing worse than Salt (i.e. us) not coming out of the Salt-shaker** is Salt that is out if the Salt-shaker and its impact is not obvious…

 

Matthew 5:13 says “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” (MSG)

God's expectation is that we are integrated with not isolated from the world we live in so we can influence them positively. The question is what are our churches imparting to our members...it's only with what is within them/us that we can make impact wherever we are.

Bottom-line: 

"Hold the applause", pause, ponder then proceed in the direction that pleases God.

 

References:

* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2015/11/its-no-playing-matter.html

http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-salty-is-your-church.html







 

It's not automatic

The Bible is truly the Basic Instruction Book for Living on Earth (two other spell-outs: "Basic Instructions Before Living Eternally" and Believer's Instruction Before Leaving Earth").

Assisting or...

...Resisting?

This question crossed my mind as the title of a post several months ago. I kept resisting until the Lord forcefully "assisted" me by reminding me of this Scripture and insisted I get on with it - no matter what people will think or say so here we go.

Oh I wish...

As I lay in bed thinking about this year's Mother's Day post, this verse came to mind:

Matthew 23:37 - “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me. (ERV, emphasis mine)

In His Presence there's joy

...what about in yours?

This topic came to my mind when I read this passage a few months ago.  As I started writing this, I remembered that I'd written on the topic before - but let's continue on this one. You can read the previous post* later.

Show me, don't tell me

I believe we can learn a lot from the "Show and Tell" activities they have in schools. I've noticed that there is so much "Tell" and sadly little "Show" in some churches.


I like the way the Amplified and Amplified Classic Versions respectively render Romans 12:3:

For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. 

For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.

While I'm not against people highlighting their accomplishments in life - and in their "former churches", it's a well-known fact that previous performance is not a predictor of future returns. This is true not just in the investment world but also in the Ministry.


Sadly, I've seen too many people who I'd say "have an exaggerated opinion of their importance" and start off by introducing themselves with titles such as "Pastor" "Minister" and saying all that they did with Pastor so-and-so. In essence (and in my opinion), name-dropping in order to gain immediate recognition and maybe positions in their new church. If/when they talk their way into the positions, there is no commensurate performance.


I'm really saddened when people want to be recognized but don't want to be held accountable. When I hear people reciting their "Ministry Resumes" I say (to myself):

 "Show me, don't tell me."  

It hurts...

...but pays

A few months ago, I awakened thinking about humility and Mrs. Pastor then said to myself: "Sometimes it hurts" and decided that I'd write about it. BTW, I know I'm taking a risk...

"Forget the mold"

The Holy Spirit laid this topic and instruction in my heart as 1 Samuel 9: 1-2 was being read as part of one Sermon last month:

The Project

It's been exactly 5 years to the day, since I launched this blog. This was all because I felt I needed to have a place where I could to express myself...so I decided to create the space.


As I prepared for this post, I looked back to the very first post
http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2011/04/mrs-pastor.html
and smiled at how much has not changed and how much has also changed.


For instance, these promises have not failed - God has fulfilled and continues to fulfill them:

Your future will be brighter by far than your past.

(Job 8:7 - Contemporary English Version)

 

I will bless you with a future filled with hope -

a future of success, not of suffering.

(Jer 29:11- Contemporary English Version)

I really thank God for how much He has helped me mature and retain my focus on Him not on my husband or even on members of our church for affirmation. Yes - look UP not beside...

Back to the focus of this post - I remember the first time I mentioned this "Project" and my husband gave me the "Green light" to proceed - yes I thank my husband for his support too. Many times, over the past 5 years I've told him that I was tired of doing this and he kept encouraging me to keep writing...and I kept (and will continue) taking the leap (http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2016/02/take-leap.html)

So as Mrs. Pastor celebrates 5 years of existence, I decided to write this piece to encourage you - yes any and every other Mrs Pastor who God has laid a "Project" in your heart to get on with it. You don't need people's applause - just God's approval.

Know and focus on your Purpose...on purpose. You have a #YOUnique Purpose... 

I totally agree with Robert Byrne that: "The purpose of life is a life of purpose."

Just as you are the only person who can fill and fulfill the role of your husband's wife, you're also the only one and best fit for any assignment God has given you...please get on with it.

Take a LEAP...

At the time I wrote this title, I had no idea what the content of the post would be.
Then I was inspired to look for pictures - it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words...

The Pastor’s Wife is simply a wife*

I like this article...we (Pastors & Mrs Pastors) need to put things in perspective.

It's ok to be YOU - because you are #YOUnique.

The Day after...

...St Valentine's Day

So yesterday was St Valentine's Day*...a day when many people express love to others - I actually think it's being overused/abused but that's another post's content. As I thought about it, and how people now "show" "love" or appreciation to people around them, I wondered how many people extend that "Valentine Spirit" to their pastor's wives.

I then went and looked for other suggestions on how to love Mrs Pastors and they were very consistent. I'll summarize them so you can LEAP in love towards the Mrs Pastors around you.

1. Love her for who she is as she is - she's a "normal" person
2. Encourage her with your words and works - a smile, a gift
3. Ask her how you can help - Mrs Pastors also need help
4. Pray for her regularly - no need to boast about it though. I believe very strongly that if you say you "love" your Pastor you must love his wife...not I didn't say you need to like her. I know that some people may not like me and I'm fine with that. God didn't command us to like everyone, He said we must love everyone. And to love your pastor's wife, is to pray for her - she, I mean we (Mrs Pastors) need more help than you can imagine. To help you, help us up in the place of prayer check out this website - https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-praying-for-your-pastors-wife/

Here are some more details on the tips and more tips:

https://www.reviveourhearts.com/true-woman/blog/seven-ways-to-love-your-pastors-wife-well/
http://www.holyhenhouse.com/ten-ways-to-bless-and-encourage-your-pastors-wife/
http://ministry127.com/ladies-ministry/7-ways-to-encourage-your-pastor-s-wife
http://joemckeever.com/wp/pastors-wife-vulnerable-person-church/


Wishing you a lovely and loving year ahead...


Source:
* Per Wikipedia - A popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.


Recommended Reading: What Your Pastor’s Wife Needs Most in a Friend  http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/what-your-pastors-wife-needs-most-in-a-friend/