(Jeremiah 3:15)
Today is the day most Christians go to church. It is
the only time most of you ever see your pastor, and that is usually from
your seat in the sanctuary as he leads the worship service and preaches the
message. Having preached in over 500 churches of every denomination
nationwide, I can honestly tell you that for most pastors, Sunday morning
is their favorite day of the week and the one day they usually feel their
work for God really has the most meaning. You can never know or really
understand the pressure most pastors are under. If it was only getting up on Sunday morning and being the "man of God" it would be wonderful, but that is not reality. It is a 7-day a week, 24-hour a day calling. Many have outside jobs. There is the constant pressures of raising the budget, dealing with the interpersonal problems that always exist when you have a group of people, and overseeing the political infighting that often occurs, on top of the spiritual requirements of shepherding the flock, having an anointed word each week for the various services, and other requirements the office of pastor carries with it.
My prayer for you today is to support your pastor. Pray for your pastor
each day. John 10 gives us the picture of the ideal pastor. Pray that your
pastor will be able to tear away from the distractions of this world to be
the Shepherd described in John 10. God has placed that pastor in your
life to guide you, spiritually nurture you, and have spiritual leadership
over your life. Do all you can to show your love and appreciation for all your
pastor does for you, most of which you may not even recognize. Also, God
has placed your pastor in your life for spiritual leadership. When you come
into times of crisis, don't hesitate to go to your pastor. That is ultimately
why they are there, to help you and guide you through those difficult times
in your life.
I love you, care about you, and pray for you daily. Let this day be a day
to remember your pastors in prayer and recognize them for all they do for
your life. God has called His sheep to be obedient and obey those in
spiritual authority. Take inventory and see if you are fulfilling this
admonition, and ask God to help you. He loves you so much that he has
placed your pastor in your life to shepherd you and guide you in your
spiritual journey. Show your love for Him today by praying for and supporting your pastor.
