Month: February 2015

‘It’s doing nothing that’s the enemy” is a line from the miniseries Downton Abbey. This statement resonated with me because I thought about how often I have done nothing because of the fear of being judged. What I have found, more often than not, those that judge, ridicule and laugh at those who dare to ‘do something’ are struggling with their own insecurities.

DON’T give those people any energy. We ALL have insecurities.

When you dare to ‘do something,’ please understand there will be family and friends who will not support, celebrate or embrace your efforts. It’s OK! DON’T waste your time trying to get people to understand what you believe God told you to do. It’s draining and unproductive.

That’s one of the many great  things about Christlike Fellowship – we are a small, non-denominational grassroots ministry that welcomes and encourages anyone who wants to ‘do something’ in the kingdom for HIS name sake. We strive to create an environment where people feel comfortable to discover, nurture and share their own unique gift.

Both the Pastor and I are blessed to come from rich spiritual foundations. John was reared in the Apostolic and Baptist doctrines. I was raised Baptist but received my primary and secondary education within the Catholic faith. I share this information to make it clear that we are well-versed in the order of service within the structure of established church denominations.

John and I are both grateful for our history. Our spiritual life and moral compass was built on this history. However, since my assignment as this Pastor’s wife, what has become disturbingly clear is that I have to consciously fight to not judge. At this stage in my spiritual growth, I am strongly convicted when I am impatient and sometimes critical of  someone who dares to ‘do something.’

When someone:

• Sings off key.  Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
• Reads slowly or mispronounces words as they read a scripture out loud. Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
• Shares a testimony that may be a little lengthy in delivery. Psalm 22:22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
• Needs special prayer at EVERY altar call. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

To myself, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, please be kind and remember where you started your journey. I believe this faith walk is about your relationship with Christ. As my relationship grows, I am finding that God is giving me the confidence to step out and ‘do something.’ And, I trust that HE will guide me. I pray that I will be sensitive to HIS directions. If I have to stop and turn around because I took a wrong turn…so what?!

Starting ‘Diary of this Pastor’s Wife’ is my effort to ‘do something.’ I don’t want the enemy of ‘doing nothing’ to rob me of my privilege and responsibility to ‘do something’ in HIS kingdom.

Final Word of Encouragement: Timothy 1:7 ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

What are you waiting for? DARE TO DO SOMETHING!

Be Encourage! Be Blessed!

This Pastor’s Wife

 

 

 

I’m still trying to figure out this Pastor’s wife assignment. Let’s be honest, there are days I struggle with being a Christian. In May 2011 when my dad was laid to rest, I had to come to grips with the fact that I was really an adult- what a rude awakening.

Here’s the thing, I don’t think my personality is suited for being a Pastor’s wife. I’m not a people person – whatever that is. I’m an introvert who is most comfortable with being home with my husband and dog. Crowds drain me. There are days when I wish I could take a vacation from myself!

Being a part of my husband’s vision and calling to pastor a grassroots ministry has been tough but fulfilling. With anything in this life, there have been ups and downs. For me, the ‘ups’ have been witnessing the individual growth of our faithful few – I love them all.

Please understand grassroots ministry is NOT – I repeat – is NOT for the young in faith. This is why I believe with all that I have and all that is in me that my husband is a true FAITH WARRIOR. If you haven’t guessed, I am a fan of my husband. Since the birth of the ministry in 2006, John’s faith has never wavered. In the face of low attendance, broken commitments, members coming and going, health challenges etc., his faith continues to stand strong. John’s response is always – this is God’s business and I will press forward in obedience, stay the course until HE says it’s done. I can’t say the same for my faith. One of my many prayers is that God helps my unbelief and that my faith does not fail. The Word says in Matthew 17:20 (NIV) “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’He said that you need only to have faith the size of a mustard seed.”

Well God, I am encouraged because a ‘mustard seed’ faith is about all I have.

As I continue on this path of learning and growing into my assignment of being this Pastor’s wife, I have embraced the fact that this Christian journey is a faith walk. There are days when I feel as though I am so far behind that I often ask – ‘Will I ever catch up?’ But one thing I know for sure, God knows who you are, where you are and what you were designed to do.

Final Word of Encouragement – Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NIV) ‘I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift  or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.’’

I may be pulling up the rear but I am proud to say, I AM IN THE RACE!

Be Encouraged! Be Blessed!

This Pastor’s Wife