Work-To-Do-Wednesday-Fill Their Cups

Elders carry an incredibly important responsibility on their shoulders. They are the feeders of the flock (1 Peter 5:1-2). They are to be examples to us (1 Peter 5:3). Although the ultimate responsibility for our entrance to heaven depends on us, they have the task of helping us get there, but who helps them? They give of their time, attention and often their material blessings, yet are rewarded with complaints and gripes about what they are not doing. The same is true of preachers, deacons, Bible class teachers and so forth; they pour out their emotional cup and no one refills it. It is our job not to let the cups of our leaders become empty.

I read an article written by the wife of an elder who likened being an elder to a school principal because he must constantly deal with the “bad kids.” For this reason she encouraged him to start programs that would allow the elders to work with the “good kids.” She also makes a special point to flood him with good news. Encouraging is not exclusive to an elder’s wife; it is a work we can all do. Being a leader does come with negativity and discouragement, but it also includes positives. It is our responsibility to point out those positives. It is tough being the wife of a spiritual leader-they need encouragement as well. If you are the wife of a spiritual leader, focus on the encouragements more than the discouragements. Remember to stay busy by encouraging and evangelizing. Most importantly, be thankful for the position in which God has placed you and the opportunities before you. It is so easy to look around at the lives of others and have a pity party for ourselves, but we cannot afford to do so. We must view difficulties as opportunities rather than struggles and always be looking for ways to focus on others rather than ourselves.

            Whether you know of a sister in Christ always taking plates to the shut-ins or just a new convert liking spiritual articles and links on Facebook, mention it. No matter how small and insignificant you may think the gesture is, it could have far reaching effects of encouragement. Being made aware of the positive things going on in a congregation will help the elders and other leaders to see that people really do care and are trying. It will help them to be better encouragers, more upbeat and more positive. It will help them be even better leaders.

What suggestions do you have for encouraging leaders?

You Can Do This Too (with a little help)...

You may notice that the blog has undergone some subtle changes today. If you’d like to add some the things you see here check out the links below:

 http://beautifuldawndesigns.net/tutorial-add-social-media-icons-to-blogger-step-by-step/ 

http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2012/10/fun-stuff-for-your-blog-2.html

Need more help? I'm happy to answer any questions I can for you.Just email me!

Tough Truth Tuesday-Saturating Our Homes with Scripture

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Recently I listened to a podcast in which the host was reviewing a book. In this book, a friend tells the author that on a recent mission trip, he noticed the furniture centered around the statue of Buddha, in many of the homes he visited. The author ponders the sadness of this idol worship in the comfort of his home later that night and as he looks around his den from the comfort of his recliner, he realizes every piece of furniture in his home (and the majority of American homes) is centered around, (yep, you guessed it) the TV.

            Did I share that story to suggest we rearrange our furniture to purposely face opposite the television? No, of course not. I do not think it is wrong for your furniture to face the TV. It is a matter of practicality; no one wants to sit on the couch and get a crick in his or her neck from straining to see the show they’re watching. However when we make that TV the center of our lives as well as our room, to say it is a problem is an understatement. So as keepers at home, how can we ensure that we keep our focus where it should be? Saturate your home with scripture!

           

            Growing up, my mom had a framed Bible verse hanging in our hall. I saw that verse over and over. Out of habit, I read it every time I looked at it until I could quote it. I can still quote that verse. God knows that we learn through repetition and for that reason he told the people of Israel to write His commandments on the posts in their homes and on their gates (Deut. 6:4-9). We need to follow their example and remember that Scripture does not only belong in our Bibles. We need to incorporate it into our homes and hearts.

*WRITE IT!

Write a verse on a post-it note and put by your kitchen and bathroom sinks

*DISPLAY IT!

Make it the center of a wall photo collage

*CHANGE IT!

Display it on a small chalkboard and change the verse each week

*FRAME IT!

Type the verse, print it out and place in a picture frame instead of a photo

The possibilities are endless.

Need more ideas and inspirations? My Pinterest page might help you out!

Mention-Worthy Monday

A Modest Wedding is a must read by ladies of all ages. Although the post is over a month old and is geared more toward summer weddings this is a topic that needs to be dealt with all year long.

In keeping with the theme of modesty, Emily Hatfield’s post Modest is Hardest has a link to a lesson given by her husband, Robert which is desperately needed in every congregation of our Lord’s church today.

Seek Spiritual Beauty is a new blog featuring brief daily devotionals. While the focus of most posts is preteen & teenage girls, Life Happens is a post worthy of your attention, regardless of your age.

Enjoy!