Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Wholesome Programming????
Check out my blog on our Family Page....
http://www.thejohnsonsstory.blogspot.com/2013/01/wisdom-wednesday-boob-tube.html
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Don't forget about the pastor!
I was searching the web and reading articles today. I found this on Crosswalk.com and thought I would share.
Here are 12 words of encouragement for pastors:
Choose your friends wisely… but choose friends. Don’t attempt to lead alone. Too many pastors avoid close friendships because they’ve been hurt. They trusted someone with information who used it against them. Finding friends you can trust and be real with means you’ll sometimes get injured, but the reward is worth it.
The church can never love your family as much as you do. Your family needs you more than the church does. They can get another pastor. Your family doesn’t want another you. You’ll have to learn to say “no,” learn how to balance and prioritize your time, and be willing to delegate to others in the church....
If you protect your Sabbath day, your Sabbath day can better protect you. You’ll wear out quickly without a day a week to rejuvenate. God designed us this way. Take advantage of His provision. Take time to rest. You may not rest like everyone else… for me rest doesn’t mean doing nothing… but you need time away from the demands of ministry regularly. Lead your church to understand you can’t be everywhere every time. You owe it to yourself, your family, your church and your God.
You have influence… use it well. The pastorate comes with tremendous power and responsibility. It’s easy to abuse or take for granted. Don’t. Humility welcomes the hand of God on your ministry.
No amount of accountability or structure will keep you from temptation if you’re heart is impure. Above all else, guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23) Avoid any hint of temptation. Look for the warning signs your heart is drifting. Keep your heart saturated with God’s Word and in prayer.
Let God lead. You can do some things well. God can do the impossible. Whom do you think should ultimately be leading the church? You’ll be surprised how much more effective your leadership will be when it’s according to His will and not yours.
If you can dream it, God can dream it bigger. Don’t dismiss the seemingly ridiculous things God calls you to do. They won’t always make sense to others or meet their immediate approval, but God’s ways will prove best every time.
Keep Jesus the center of focus in the church. You’ll never have a money problem, a people problem, or a growth problem if people are one with Jesus.
Your personal health affects the health of the church. Take care of yourself relationally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This, too, requires discipline, balance, and prioritizing, but if, to the best of your ability, you strive to be healthy in every area of your life, as a good shepherd, your people will be more likely to follow your example.
The people in your church deserve authenticity. Not only will be honest about who you are help keep you from trying to meet unreal expectations, but it will help the people in your church be transparent with you and others. Don’t be someone you’re not. Be someone worthy to follow, but make sure you’re living it… not just teaching it.
You’ll never make everyone happy. If you try, you’ll be very unhappy… and very unproductive.
Your calling is to a person… Jesus. That means you are working for Jesus. You ultimately report to Jesus. It is the pleasure of Jesus you are seeking. There will be days your calling is challenged by others. You’ll be tempted to cave in to the pressure of those with the loudest voices. Don’t forget who holds the title to your life.
Here are 12 words of encouragement for pastors:
Choose your friends wisely… but choose friends. Don’t attempt to lead alone. Too many pastors avoid close friendships because they’ve been hurt. They trusted someone with information who used it against them. Finding friends you can trust and be real with means you’ll sometimes get injured, but the reward is worth it.
The church can never love your family as much as you do. Your family needs you more than the church does. They can get another pastor. Your family doesn’t want another you. You’ll have to learn to say “no,” learn how to balance and prioritize your time, and be willing to delegate to others in the church....
If you protect your Sabbath day, your Sabbath day can better protect you. You’ll wear out quickly without a day a week to rejuvenate. God designed us this way. Take advantage of His provision. Take time to rest. You may not rest like everyone else… for me rest doesn’t mean doing nothing… but you need time away from the demands of ministry regularly. Lead your church to understand you can’t be everywhere every time. You owe it to yourself, your family, your church and your God.
You have influence… use it well. The pastorate comes with tremendous power and responsibility. It’s easy to abuse or take for granted. Don’t. Humility welcomes the hand of God on your ministry.
No amount of accountability or structure will keep you from temptation if you’re heart is impure. Above all else, guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23) Avoid any hint of temptation. Look for the warning signs your heart is drifting. Keep your heart saturated with God’s Word and in prayer.
Let God lead. You can do some things well. God can do the impossible. Whom do you think should ultimately be leading the church? You’ll be surprised how much more effective your leadership will be when it’s according to His will and not yours.
If you can dream it, God can dream it bigger. Don’t dismiss the seemingly ridiculous things God calls you to do. They won’t always make sense to others or meet their immediate approval, but God’s ways will prove best every time.
Keep Jesus the center of focus in the church. You’ll never have a money problem, a people problem, or a growth problem if people are one with Jesus.
Your personal health affects the health of the church. Take care of yourself relationally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This, too, requires discipline, balance, and prioritizing, but if, to the best of your ability, you strive to be healthy in every area of your life, as a good shepherd, your people will be more likely to follow your example.
The people in your church deserve authenticity. Not only will be honest about who you are help keep you from trying to meet unreal expectations, but it will help the people in your church be transparent with you and others. Don’t be someone you’re not. Be someone worthy to follow, but make sure you’re living it… not just teaching it.
You’ll never make everyone happy. If you try, you’ll be very unhappy… and very unproductive.
Your calling is to a person… Jesus. That means you are working for Jesus. You ultimately report to Jesus. It is the pleasure of Jesus you are seeking. There will be days your calling is challenged by others. You’ll be tempted to cave in to the pressure of those with the loudest voices. Don’t forget who holds the title to your life.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Follow the Leader
I found this poem on another church planter's wife's blog, so fitting and thought I would share...
I want to scream “This is not what I signed up for”
He gently reminds me I surrendered my all to Him.
I feel hurt, forsaken, alone.
He brings scripture to my mind about Him never leaving me.
I want to run,
I am not sure if I want to run away from the life I have
Or run to Him begging for understanding.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
He gave His all for me,
But I do not want to give Him my time.
My mouth speaks words of being willing to be uncomfortable for Him.
My heart fills with anger the moment something becomes out of place in my perfect world.
The words He speaks to me seem contradictory.
He reminds me His plan is perfect.
I muster up the strength to tell Him I am willing
He tells me He knew I would be
I am humbled
He leads me to the path I will walk down
With my hand in His, together we take the first steps.
I want to scream “This is not what I signed up for”
He gently reminds me I surrendered my all to Him.
I feel hurt, forsaken, alone.
He brings scripture to my mind about Him never leaving me.
I want to run,
I am not sure if I want to run away from the life I have
Or run to Him begging for understanding.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
He gave His all for me,
But I do not want to give Him my time.
My mouth speaks words of being willing to be uncomfortable for Him.
My heart fills with anger the moment something becomes out of place in my perfect world.
The words He speaks to me seem contradictory.
He reminds me His plan is perfect.
I muster up the strength to tell Him I am willing
He tells me He knew I would be
I am humbled
He leads me to the path I will walk down
With my hand in His, together we take the first steps.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)