Empower and Encourage

I have had a great couple of days.  Not that other days have not been good, but the last two have been special because God has been working 0n my attitude.

Church work is not easy, to say the least (this is from a seasoned pastor's perspective).  As a pastor I feel the weight of my church and its survival on my shoulders.  Sometimes I allow that weight to dampen my spirit and make me discouraged when things do not go according to what seems to be my plan.  God often uses these lessons to bring me back to the reality of His will.

This is not the first time I have become discouraged in ministry.  I remember in my former church, over a period of nine years, this happened from time to time.  Once when it happened I had a great epiphany: Try encouraging and empowering others.  If I was discouraged I can only imagine how that must have been a downer for my congregation (both then and now).  In essence I was permeating an attitude of discouragement upon those whom I was called to spur on to good works.  I hate to admit it but I was failing in my leadership role as a pastor.

This was the lesson that teaches me to be an encourager and empowerer both then and this time as well (I guess I am not a great learner).  You know the old saying, "You get more bees with honey than vinegar."  Well, who wants to follow an old grump with a negative attitude?  I don't even like myself when I'm that way.  So to my church family I say: "Forgive me for my poor attitude over these last couple of months." (May God prove within me that He can turn my weakness into spiritual strength).

I am now committed to do what I have been called to do: To encourage and to empower.  Here are a few theme verses that have come to mind over the last couple of days:

"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the [family of God].  (Acts 15:32) (I want to be like Judas and Silas).

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."  (Hebrews 3:13)

Today's prayer for my church and whoever reads this blog is:

"Heavenly Father,"

"Thank you for New Life Baptist Church in Hatchet Lake, Nova Scotia.  Thank you for every person who has attended in the past, and who attends at present, and who will attend in the future.  We are blessed to be your Holy Presence in the greater Prospect Road area.  I pray on behalf of us all that you might pour out a fresh showering of empowerment and encouragement upon us.  We need it Lord; I need it Lord.  We want to serve you and please you in every way that we can.  Thank you Jesus.

Amen.

Blessings and have a great weekend,

-Leo