Determined to Finish...

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." -- Acts 20:24

A lot happens along the way of a marathon. There are moments of exhaustion, occasions when a runner may stumble and there are times when injuries will almost overwhelm. But every committed athlete is determined to finish.

Paul was just such an athlete. He was on a course received from the Lord. The race was far more important than his personal life. No matter what challenges or setbacks came his way, he had only one goal. Paul was determined to finish.

Pastors are also in a race assigned by the Lord. Their course is set and it will take them through many turns and over numerous hills. The hardships will be great and exhaustion may be unbearable. But, with the grace and strength of the Lord, they will run well. They just need to have one certain goal... being determined to finish.

~ PJVS

"Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success." 

~ William Wilberforce

Room for the Unplanned...

"When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing." - Luke 9:10-11

Plans, plans, plans! Day by day we plan the hours to the minute. We live by tight schedules that will be the most productive and get the job done. Plans keep us focused, plans keep us busy, and plans bring ministry success. Sadly, too often plans become the goal, an end in and of themselves. The question is... "Do our plans allow room for the unplanned?"

Jesus planned to debrief the disciples and further mentor them alone, in a restful place. But the crowds came and he "welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God".  Most often, the unplanned turns out to be people. Jesus always made time for the unplanned and welcomed the providential occasion with open arms. Because he loved people, "His plans allowed room for the unplanned".

What's your plan for this week Pastor? Will you get it all done the way you want? Are you focused with the intensity of an Olympic athlete? Or are you prepared for the unexpected intrusion of people who need the Lord? Are you willing to make time for those who didn't make an appointment? The question is... "Do your plans allow room for the unplanned?"  

~ PJVS

The "Flow" of Leadership...

"Effective spiritual leadership does not come as a result of theological training or seminary degree, as important as education is. Jesus told His disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16). The sovereign selection of God gives great confidence to Christian workers. We can truly say, “I am here neither by selection of an individual nor election of a group but by the almighty appointment of God.”... 

... Yet spiritual leadership transcends the power of personality and all other natural gifts. The personality of the spiritual leader influences others because it is penetrated, saturated, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As the leader gives control of his life to the Spirit, the Spirit’s power flows through him to others." 

- Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership 

May the power and presence of the Almighty flow through your messages and counsel as His appointed agent of change!

In His Eternal Grip, 

~ PJVS