A Pastor's Wife's Journey

Keep On, Keeping On

January 1st, 2012

Please check out my web site: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

There was an common phrase uttered in the full-gospel church I attended as a child. That phrase simply stated was, “Keep on, keeping on.” I was at the point of wondering if I was accomplishing anything with my web site or blog after almost two years of having it online. Was anyone reading my blog? Was anyone checking out my web site? Was I ministering to anyone? Pity party, pity party, pity party!!!

Then at just the time I was feeling the lowest about this God-directed effort to touch people, I received a prayer request through my Prayer Journey (online prayer request feature) that really brought home to me the importance to keep going with the web site and blog even if just one person is blessed or encouraged. I hope my correspondence to this individual has somehow encouraged her as a pastor’s wife. I know I have been encouraged by being able to share with a fellow minister’s wife.

Philippians 2:16Philippians 2:16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.

WP-Bible plugin admonishes us: “Holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.”

So . . . here I remain with an even more fervent mindset to keep on and know that I did not run nor labor in vain. Life is a struggle but thank God he sustains us and helps us each day. I will begin this new year with a renewed determination. My admonishment to myself and everyone else is to “keep on, keeping on”!

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Recycled Christmas Gifts

December 14th, 2011

Please visit my web site at: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

As I recently sorted through a box of knick-knack gift items I had received throughout the years, my thoughts turned toward a humorous gift-giving blunder of a fellow pastor.

My husband and I were driving with another couple to a church meeting in early January. Both men were in the front and the other pastor’s wife and I were seated in the back. As expected, the conversation was non-stop; sometimes the men talking together, women having their own conversation or all joining together in discussions about various topics.

My husband just happened to mention to his colleague that he had received many really nice free gifts in the mail from various companies trying to push their products to the church. My husband unintentionally identified one by one some of the different free items he had received. The atmosphere soon changed to almost complete silence. The other minister was afraid to speak. But out of the stillness, his wife said, “So, that is where you got all the nice things you gave me for Christmas.” Evidently she had recognized the same gifts my husband was stating as some of the ones she had received as presents. Needless to say, the conversation quickly changed.

Perhaps our minister-friend was not able to afford to buy his wife a gift but, whatever the reason, he had the best intentions. I only hope his wife saw the humor in it. This discussion never came up again in any of our future conversations.

A purchased gift or a recycled gift? It doesn’t matter as long as it is given from the heart.

Did you know that we have received the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ? He loves us unconditionally as we accept His free gift of eternal life. His love for us is not recycled – it is genuine.

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Tags: Christmas, Christmas gift, gift, giving, Jesus, minister, pastor, recycled
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Where’s the Line to See Jesus?

December 8th, 2011

Please visit my website at: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

With anticipation a child waits in line at the store for the opportunity to see Santa, sit on his lap and tell him everything they want for Christmas (sometimes a rather lengthy list). If you live in a small town, perhaps the line is not too long but in a large town or city the line to see Santa Claus is usually quite extensive. Parents, grandparents, family members and friends (all in the same long line) try to capture the event by taking the perfect photo with digital cameras, cell phones and other forms of media. Each child anxiously awaits a turn to visit with Jolly Ole’ St. Nick.

Of course, Santa could not possibly be able to fill his toy bag with all of the items requested by these squirmy little ones as they recite in rote all the things they want. However, he promises the toys to them anyway.

I heard a wonderful inspiring song by Becky Kelley relevant to this theme. As her nephew saw the line of wiggly kids waiting to see Santa at the mall, he asked in an innocent way, “Where’s the line to see Jesus?” His profound phrase is the essence of this song. The lyrics and music in the video help us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, simply stated by a small child.

We know that Christ is all around us in every aspect of our lives. We don’t actually have to wait in a line to see him but our minds should always be focused on Christ and the things that really matter. Have we left Christ out of Christmas? Have we left Christ out of our daily living? Do we become so enamored with all the busyness of the season that we forget the true meaning of this blessed holiday? Without His birth on that first Christmas morning, life would have no meaning. Although Santa cannot give us everything we need or want, God has promised to supply our every need.

Please listen to the following video as you reflect on the true meaning of Christmas! Jesus is the reason for the season. May you have a blessed and merry Christmas!

Please click link below to watch video.

Where’s the Line to See Jesus?

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Tags: Christmas, Christmas Season, Jesus, line for Santa, mall, Santa, Santa Claus
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Counterfeit Christmas

November 29th, 2011

Please visit my website: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

A Christ-less Christmas is like counterfeit money. Counterfeit money looks and feels real but to the eye of a trained professional; it can easily be identified as “fake” or “phony”.

God sent to us his indescribable gift on that blessed Christmas day and yet there are many who celebrate but without remembering the true reason. If you take “Christ” out of Christmas, all you have left is “mas”. We have replaced some Christian symbols of Christmas, such as manger scenes, with generic decorations that represent the holiday. We have replaced Jesus with Santa. Is it Santa’s birthday?

It is no longer acceptable to utter the phrase “Merry Christmas” but instead it has been replaced with “Happy Holidays”. We lavish our family and friends with gifts forgetting that God gave us the greatest gift – His Son Jesus Christ. After all, it’s not about “the presents,” it’s about “His presence”.

Thus, it is not the exterior decorations (gifts, parties, family gatherings and church programs) that make the day special. It is Christmas in the heart (recognizing the true meaning) that allows us to celebrate. All the other external factors help create the setting but celebrating the real reason for the season allows us to focus on Christ. Even if you don’t celebrate at all, you should keep the attributes of Christ in focus every day of the year.

I don’t want to have a counterfeit Christmas. Do you? Let’s put Christ back in Christmas. Let’s value Him as the greatest gift we could ever receive.

Just so you know, I am not afraid to put out my nativity scene or say,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Tags: Christ, Christian home, Christmas, counterfeit, counterfeit christmas, fake, gifts, God, Merry Christmas, phony, reason for the season, religion
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The Book of Ruth – A Story of Love and Redemption

November 15th, 2011

Please check out my website at: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

I am pleased to introduce you to a book written by a very special person I met through Christian Chirp. Through Debra’s posts on that social network along with her other online ministries, it is evident that she is being led of God and has a gift for Christian writing. I hope you will take time to check out this book and her other online ministries at http://www.deborahhbateman.com. Thanks, Debra, for letting me share this book with others.

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption

Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption is a Daily-Bible-Reading Study of The Book of Ruth from the Bible. It is perfect for a personal Daily Devotional or for a group Bible Study class. The book contains eight lessons, each with a commentary, the Daily Bible Scripture, a Prayer of the Day, and several questions at the end of each lesson for reflection or discussion.

About the Author

The Author, Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word”. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online Ministry. Deborah also enjoys cooking, crafts, interior decorating, and working on her computer creating websites and blogs. She is happily married, the mother of two daughters, and a grandmother to five grandchildren.

Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where “The Book of Ruth” was born. Bible Verse Tweet is another of Deborah’s blogs where she shares a Daily Bible Verse. For more information about Deborah and her book go to her author website at: http://www.DeborahHBateman.com

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK OF RUTH – A STORY OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

Each episode detailed in Ruth teaches lessons—of God’s plan, precise and solid. Ruth reminds us of God’s plans; the ones we might not understand, yet vibrant in His eyes. The theme illustrates the journey that can take one to places impossible for man, but possible with God. The story of Ruth as highlighted in this book opens a new revelation of God’s hand at work. His grace is active in the life of those who choose to obey in humility and commitment. The prayer at the end of each lesson brings a challenge for all and ushers relevance to us today.

—Review by Janet Perez Eckles author of Simply Salsa

I love the story of Ruth. Deborah shed light on the truths in this inspiring book in the Bible. I love that she showed the connection between Ruth and Boaz, and Christ and the church. Even though I’ve studied Ruth before, Deborah pointed out several details that I hadn’t known. It’s amazing how God speaks through His children. Deborah has a loving, humble heart for the Lord. You can see her heart throughout the book. I am so happy for her first release! I look forward to more books from Deborah in the future! Great job, Deborah:)

—Review by Amanda Beth author of You Can Have a Happy Family

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption

is now available

Amazon at:

http://tinyurl.com/3gwpfz2

Amazon.co.uk at:

http://tinyurl.com/6be9lvj

You are invited to the Book Launch for

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption

It is Tuesday, November 15, 2011r 15, 2011
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

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Hurry over to the Author-Deborah H. Bateman’s site for all the details.

There are many FREE BONUS GIFTS with the purchase of the book.

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Tags: bible, bible study, book of ruth, Christian, devotion, devotional, God, love, love and redemption, naomi, redemption, religion, ruth, studies
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Have You Thanked God Today?

November 8th, 2011

Please visit my website: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

As Christians we have a great number of reasons for being thankful. There is a wonderful old hymn, “Count Your Many Blessings.” If you really begin to count your many blessings and name them one by one and mentally jot them down or actually list them on a piece of paper, you will soon discover God has blessed us in so many ways.

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49Psalm 18:49
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
49 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah, among the nations, And will sing praises unto thy name.

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After you have given praise to God for your material possessions, you should also be thankful for the following:

T   ransforming power - Psalm 40:2Psalm 40:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 


 

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H   is holiness - Revelation 4:8Revelation 4:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 and the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. 


 

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A   present salvation - Romans 10:10Romans 10:10
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 


 

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N   ew life - II Corinthians 5:17

K   eeping power - John 10:26John 10:26
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. 


 

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S   helter from the stormy blast - Psalm 61:3Psalm 61:3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy. 


 

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G   ift of His Son - II Corinthians 9:15

I   nner peace - John 14:27John 14:27
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. 


 

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V   ictory - I Corinthians 15:57

I   nheritance - Colossians 1:12Colossians 1:12
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 


 

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N   earness for the alien - Colossians 1:12Colossians 1:12
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 


 

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G   od's goodness - I Corinthians 16:34

May you have a wonderful time of praising God during this blessed Thanksgiving season not only for what he does for you but who He is. He has given us so much.

Our THANKS to God, who keeps on giving!

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Truckin’ Pastor

November 2nd, 2011

We recently had the privilege to move from one state to assume a pastorate in a location three states away. For those of you who have not ridden almost 700 miles in a moving truck pulling a car transport behind, it is quite an experience.

My pastor/husband is a wonderful minister but truck driving is not his expertise. He was okay driving in the forward position but doing anything in reverse was a different story. Every stop for gas (which were many) had to be done in such a way where the truck did not have to be backed up. Sometimes he refused to even stop at certain stations because he didn’t think he could do so safely.

Even with the seat pulled up as close as it could be, my feet would not even touch the gas pedal, so it was out of the question for me to take a turn at driving. That was the price to pay for being only 5’2” tall. Somehow I dealt with it, though!

You do not realize how bumpy some of the highways are until you are riding in a big 26-foot truck. It was more fun than a ride at a theme park. I thought the milk I drank was going to churn itself into butter. The volume of the truck itself kept any attempts at a normal conversation impossible. A person had to yell just to be heard.

We arrived safely the next day after spending the night at a motel with a large lot suitable for parking these types of vehicles. We were so glad to get this monstrosity unloaded, return it to the company and get back in our car. A trip like this is not something we would want to do on a regular basis.

Our move reminded me that no matter where we go or what we do God is always with us. Thank God for His love and care for us in whatever situation we find ourselves even if it is Truckin’ Pastor and Pastor’s Wife.

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Tags: move, moving, moving truck, pastor, pastor's wife, travel, travelling, truck
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Chaplain in a Box

October 18th, 2011

Please visit my web site www.soyouretheministerswife.com

I recently heard of a great program that allows a person the opportunity to support a member of the Armed Forces with God’s Word in audio. According to the site, Faith Comes by Hearing, an individual can share in an important ministry called Military BibleStick.

The Military BibleStick is a digital audio player that is pre-loaded with a dramatized recording of the entire New Testament. About 3.5 inches long and less than an inch thick, these pocket-sized Audio Bibles are field-friendly with a low-key design which reduces visibility for use in low-light situations. It is rugged enough to withstand tough weather conditions and it easily fits into uniform pockets.

For a donation of as little as $25 you can have the privilege of supporting this worthwhile outreach endeavor. One video I viewed discussing this Military BibleStick described it as a “Chaplain in a Box”. Even though a chaplain may not be on the field with the troops, God’s Word will always be near to a soldier to bring comfort and support while being so far away from family and friends.

To learn more about this outreach program go to: http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/military/military-biblestick-get-involved

Support our Troops with God’s Word in Audio today!

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Shepherd of the Flock

October 11th, 2011

Please visit my website at: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

I recently scanned the comment section of a religious magazine that I read on a regular basis. One comment was to an article which had previously appeared in the magazine regarding a pastor’s family. Even though I had not read the original piece, I caught the jest of it with the author indicating that her pastor/husband should put his family first before his ministry and that their church fully understood this concept.

The person giving the comment strongly disagreed with this representation of a pastor. She felt the shepherd of the flock should put God first and let God take care of his family’s needs. This is truly a distorted view of shepherding the flock!

This individual was indicating that a pastor should sacrifice the needs of his own family for those of others in his church. In contrast, God expects a pastor to care for and nurture his own family and instruct them in ways of the Lord. As this strong relationship is developed, he can more effectively minister to those within his church and the community.

I don’t believe the commenting individual was trying to portray selfish behavior on her part regarding a parishioner/pastor relationship but simply had a pre-conceived idea of what a pastor should be. After all, isn’t his family part of his flock as well?

Value the shepherd (pastor) of the flock (church) you are in. Encourage him daily as he feeds you, takes care of you, carries you in his prayers and heart when you need help and most of all loves you. Allow him time to be with his family and thus become a better pastor.

Check out this web site: www.howtobecomeafosterparent.net

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Tags: church, God, pastor, pastor's family, religion, shepherd, shepherd of the flock
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Answered Prayer

September 28th, 2011

Please visit my web site at: www.soyouretheministerswife.com

Do you have a prayer request? Go to: www.soyouretheministerswife.com/blog/prayer-journey-2

God does not always answer our prayers the way we expect. It is like the college student who wrote his parents:

“Dear Folks, I feel miserable because I have to keep writing for money. I feel ashamed and unhappy to have to ask for another hundred dollars. Every cell in my body rebels. I beg on bended knee that you forgive me.

Your son, Marvin.

P.S. I felt so terrible I ran after the mailman who picked this up in the mailbox at the corner. I wanted to take this letter and burn it. I prayed that I could get it back, but it was too late.”

A few days later he received a letter from his father. It said: “Your prayers were answered. Your letter never came.!”

While God answers our prayers in different ways, it is important to have a regular prayer life. By faith in Christ, I am a child of God. Therefore, I ask my Heavenly Father according to His will for anything because nothing is impossible with God. There has been times God would remove the mountain, trial, etc., and there are times He gives me strength to climb the mountain.

We are to pray and never give up. this is what Jesus was teaching in Luke 18:1-5Luke 18:1-5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
18 ¹ And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; ² saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man: ³ and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. ⁴ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; ⁵ yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.

WP-Bible plugin. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should pray and not give up. He said. In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town that kept coming to him with the plea. ‘Grant me justice against my adversary’. For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’” We can take heart that we are praying to a loving and just God. Therefore,we should pray and not give up.

In its early days, Dallas Theological Seminary was in critical need of $10,000 to keep the work going. During a prayer meeting, renowned Bible teacher Harry Ironside, a lecturer at the school, prayed, “Lord, you own the cattle on a thousand hills. Please sell some of those cattle to help us meet this need.” Shortly after the prayer meeting, a check for $10,000 arrived at the school, sent days earlier by a friend who had no idea of the urgent need or of Ironside’s prayer. The man simply said the money came from the sale of some of his cattle! Today in the Word, MBI, January, 1990, p. 36.

So let us pray and never give up because we are praying to our Heavenly Father who loves us. He has the wisdom and power to answer our requests.

(This blog is by guest contributer, Rev. Richard Fisher)

Please check out this web site: www.howtobecomeafosterparent.net

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Tags: answered prayer, Christian home, God, pray without ceasing, prayer, praying, religion
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A Pastor's Wife's Journey

Recycled Christmas Gifts

Where’s the Line to See Jesus?

Counterfeit Christmas

Have You Thanked God Today?

Truckin’ Pastor

Chaplain in a Box

Shepherd of the Flock

Answered Prayer

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