Fertile Soil...

Some of the most fertile soil God can use to instruct us and teach us valuable truths about Himself and His Kingdom, is trials.  Current Christian thinking conditions us to run from these times as if we are in some new dispensation devoid of conflict.  While God is desiring to reveal Himself to us, we often are busy “confessing” away the very vehicle with which He can use to teach us such deep truths about His nature and our relationship to Him!  The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9…..”We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”  The Word of Faith teaching of “confessing away all trials, struggles, and difficult periods that has invaded Western Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity, has hindered and for many nullified the effectiveness of Romans 8:28 where God gives instruction on how He will use the very trials, and attacks of the enemy to our benefit, utilizing them as periods of instruction concerning His Nature and our relationship to Him in this…..”And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

In the midst of those periods of trial, there is a “hiding-place” God has created just for you, where there is provision, protection, love, and instruction!  This is the “cleft” of the rock where the Shepherd will protect His sheep!

New Season,.....New Challenges,......For the Pastor!

The Christian Church has been talking a lot lately about the increase of pastoral struggles and frustrations which in many instances, have led to depression.  There have been some who have criticized these pastors for the very feelings of anxiety and depression that they are battling through.  In some instances, calling into question their very Faith or their inability to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit's comfort and power.  Unfortunately, these types of responses from "peers" have been the catalyst for many of these struggling pastors to suffer in silence and not talk about their spiritual and emotional battles.  Older more 'seasoned" pastors who have completely their Pastoral assignment, will often not be able to understand the validity of these newer or "in-their-prime" pastors who are battling these emotions.  These struggling pastors will sometimes hear statements like:  "I never had these kinds of emotions and battles when I pastored!"  Or, "You need to be more dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit!"  Or, "Have you never heard of the power of Jesus?"  While this kind of thinking may have worked for many who have completed their pastorates, it should not surprise us that in these Last-Days there is an increase of attack against the Shepherds of the Lord's Flocks!  Jesus shared this tactical warfare understanding when speaking to His own Disciples prior to His betrayal and Passion when He said....."Strike the Shepherd, and the Sheep will scatter!"  

Jesus also prepared us that in these Last-Days, there would be an increase of evil before His Return.

And the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1, warned his Son in the Faith, and all of us who would carry the mantle of Pastor, that in the Last-Days there would be very difficult times!  So, why would it surprise us that these Last-Days pastors are facing an increase of evil and spiritual attack?  Why would we NOT think that the attacks; the battles; and the struggles are not the same as they were in the 1960's; 70's; and 80's?  So, what must we do?  We more "seasoned" pastors must be MENTORS and COUNSELORS through these demonic attacks against our shepherds!  We must come along side of them; befriend them; listen to them; pray for them; encourage them; and engage in spiritual warfare FOR them!  Brothers and Sisters, this is NOT a time for criticism and complaint against the very ones who are leading our Movement!  This IS the time to support them and validate their ministry and recognize them time we are living in!