“Now all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2
We are all born sinners and commit sins every day. (Ask yourself, “Was I angry today? Did somebody treat me badly? Did I speed down the street?” ) It’s a level playing field in life-we all need forgiveness from God. As believers, we know the biblical command to love others, yet we translate this “love” command to a puny “nice”. We say “thank you” & smile at people. But, is this what Jesus meant? Just simply good manners ? Many times, we can be nice in the flesh but we can’t truly love without asking God for His power! He calls us to know people. We CAN be a people of initiation, the people who choose love over comfort, the people who realize Jesus died for our sins, too. I love the fact that Jesus rarely hung out with the religious or the “cool”. He seems to give sweet attention to the untidy and the needy. 2,000 years later, He calls us to do the same! #Luke15:1-2 #LoveOutward #InitiateWithTheWorld
The Preacher’s Wife
Sisters in Christ,
I hear from many of you about your current calling from God -that of being a Pastor’s Wife. People will ask you, “What’s it like to be the Pastor’s wife?” For me, these 3 things keep me focused!
Identity Issue
Because we are Children of the King, evangelism and discipleship are the languages we speak. Exhibiting love for others and conducting ourselves in a way that honors the character of Jesus. We are missionaries first! There is no question we all have different spiritual GIFTS…some to give, some to serve, and some to teach. How glorious that Paul teaches that we are ALL to pray and ALL to love!! Now, we get to add to our circles of influence through chats on marriage, children, and sharing our struggles! WHEN WE WALK WITH GOD, we will love, lead, and impact well.
Heart Honesty
We must ask ourselves, “”Do I find my significance in BEING a Pastor’s Wife?” or “Do I find my significance in BEING a “Daughter of the King” whose value to the Kingdom is insurmountable? He will show you your heart’s motivation and give you power over insecurity and power over pride!
Only YOU can be you
You are called to be a “helpmate” to your husband and his calling as a pastor (loving the congregation pro-actively and serving where needed)….most importantly, to LOVE him. He is your #1 ministry. If God gave you children (one of the ultimate gifts!) then this is your #2 priority. As my wise husband says, “Only you can be their mommy.” I want to look back and say “I gave them my “all” in the context of a healthy marriage example and love for Jesus!”
He has made you for this! He will fill your heart with strength and joy !
Time to Lean Out
You may know this, but if Jesus Christ lives in you-you are a missionary. GULP. Surprising? If we truly consider the fact that Jesus designed us to move outward toward the hurting world, we are grasping His heart for His created world. I appreciate how Jesus calls us in Matthew 28:18-20 to share His gospel-He assumes we understand the absolute magnitude of this calling. Something happens when we ask ourselves an honest question, “Do I really believe this is the best thing in the history of the world?”
Is evangelism a spiritual gift? Yes! Is it a calling for each of us? Yes! For me, evangelism is an primary calling… yet, He still calls me to allow Him to grow the spiritual gift of mercy through me. When Jesus calls me to be a person of mercy in Matthew 5, He doesn’t add, “But, Tristie ,only if it’s your gift.” Don’t you love that about Him?! He loves to call us into new territory with new power to see a new side of God!
Friend, you radiate the kindness and joy of Jesus to the world. So, be ready because -I promise-THEY WILL ASK YOU ABOUT IT! “Hey, why are you so nice?” “Why do make those kinds of decisions?” “Why do you say “thank you” to people?” and a favorite…”Why are you so happy?”
What do you say now?
I explain that I was a very different person who looked at the person of Christ and asked myself “Who is this?” Through the book of John , I discovered that knowing Jesus as not a religious act as much as a realization moment. I needed His forgiveness to experience His life! Then-praying the WHOLE time-I try to share 4 truths:
1. God loves each person.(Jn. 3:16)
2. All have sinned and need a Savior. (Rom. 3:23)
3. Jesus Christ is that Savior.(Jn. 3:16, Jn. 10:30)
4. All you have to do is BELIEVE! (Jn. 1:12)
This is it. THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS EVER! Forever freedom from sin’s prison and the absolute joy of possessing an everlasting kingdom destiny. You are made for this. Let Him use you in this way! Look up and lean out.