READ, READ, & READ SOME MORE!

People perish for a lack of knowledge. Make sure you are always reading your Bible and reading something edifying and/or related to your area of ministry. You won't grow without a proper diet. Make sure you intake spiritually healthy food for your soul.

Here's what I'm currently reading:

Unrealistic Expectations

By Roline Thomas

6/2/2011

In the church there are those who act as if  a minister, teacher, or leader in the church should have more Bible knowledge than Jesus. The leader should pray a certain way, look a certain way, talk a certain way, and/or dress a certain way. The "know what you should be doing" person has a plan for your role in the church. You should sing, you should play the piano, you should work with the kids, you should wear a hat! When did God leave the Throne and give these people the authority to tell you what to do?! Expectations of church members are often too high for ministers, preacher’s wives, evangelist, etc. Actually they are usually UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

For a few years I stopped attending the midweek Bible Study. I also did not show up for EVERY program, meeting or event at the church. {GASP}  My children's homework and "at home time" was more important. Since dad is required to be at church, I stayed behind with the kids. I KNOW my kids benefited greatly from my move. However, I had to listen to the "sly remarks" from several members about my absence. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

We are to please God and God alone. Since God doesn’t place unrealistic expectations on you, why try to meet another’s? Besides, as much as you try to do what others expect for you to do, they'll still render their grievances and complaints. Ministry workers who fall into the trap of allowing others to determine your ministry-that is what you are to do in the church-do not know their God given purpose. You must not allow outside people to influence you. No one has the authority to tell you your purpose. You must seek God for direction in ministry, otherwise you will find yourself trying to meet UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

Thoughts from Pastor T's Wife: Creating Balance Between Home and Ministry

Creating Balance Between Home and Ministry: "A women's primary role is to her home. The home is a great task alone. However, many women today are called to the ministry. Whether it is teaching, preaching, ministering music, etc., many women are called to areas within the ministry that requires much preparation. There is an old saying, "There aren't enough hours in a day!" God knew what he was doing when he gave man 24 hours per day and created our bodies to rest at least 8 hours of that day. That means we have 16 hours of wake hours. If you daily feel overwhelmed, not rested, and stressed by all the assignments you have taken on, then perhaps you are doing more than what God has intended for you to do..." To read more click on this article's title above.