You matter...

A few months ago, our church members wanted to surprise my husband and to thank him for how he's positively impacted their lives. I felt that was a really nice gesture. I was particularly touched when one lady said, we want you to sit beside him when we put up our "show"; to which I said...

"Pastor Treatment"

Sometime ago I was thinking about how the prophetic words of my pastor have come to pass in my life over and over again. For me it is a great privilege to see the word of God come to life in my life and of course the life of others. The Bible clearly advises: "Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper."

(2 Chron 20:20 - NKJV)

Each time the word of the Lord from my pastor's mouth comes to pass it's a reaffirmation that he is indeed the servant of God and I must continue to God in his life - and of course honor him. I then started asking myself if I give my husband the same kind of honor and treatment as I give to my pastor who I look up to. To be clear, my husband is my pastor and too often those lines get blurred as it should be - or should they? I'm not really sure if they should or shouldn't so I'll let you decide as you read on...

To avoid burnout...

...write it down

...reach out for resources

The Bible is such a rich source that keeps giving...you can find a word for any and every situation in life.

I take Habakkuk 2:2-3 literally - "And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day." (Amplified)

Marriage comes before Ministry...

I was opportuned to attend a Pastors' Wives Conference and it was interesting and illuminating to hear some of the issues that some Mrs. Pastors are facing.

On the first night, this topic dropped in my spirit - Marriage comes before Ministry...before God and even in the dictionary. Before we dive into this topic, let's be clear...Marriage is between a man and a woman - opposite genders - no more no less. Ok, let's go on.

As I was saying, marriage comes before ministry. Ok, let me back up for a second here...I am not saying that you must be married before you can go into ministry. What I am saying is: even if you or your husband was called into ministry before you got married to each other, you must reprioritize so you get the right results.

I daringly say this to Mr & Mrs Pastor: it is more important to preserve and protect your marriage than it is to preserve and protect the ministry. Ah! Yes ah! Remember the ministry is God's work...the church is God's bride. Let me pause here to say:

Dear (male) Pastors, take care of your bride - let God take care of His.

Too many marriages are in deep trouble because of the wrong priorities when it comes to these 2 "M" words - I won't even add children into the mix for now...

Marriage is God's idea so why would anyone think that their ministry is more important than their marriage? The only other thing more important than your marriage, is your personal relationship with Him. I encourage you to invest quality time and emotions in your relationship with God and your marriage - you'll see the fruits your ministry. Otherwise you'll have to deal with more thorns & tares in ministry than you need to - I join you to say: "God forbid!"