Ministry Leaders – Listen Up!!
Hey, Leader! Yeah you!! How are you doing?
Yes, I am talking to you. You heard me, in all the noise, yes you heard me calling you out. How. Are. You. Doing?
Do you feel like you are caught in the pre-covid whirlwind that has all of sudden become the catch up and start everything right now season??? I hear you!!! You are not alone.
For so long, us “doers” were sitting idle. Figuring out how to stay connected to people in some form or fashion. Hurry up and wait was the season for so long and DECISIONS, my goodness, the decisions. Now, here we are, right smack in the middle of the busyness, again. Trying to get things back to some kind of normal without becoming slave to the busyness again. Anyone agree??? Be honest. You know it is true. So today, I want to encourage you with some things that have helped me……
1 – You must make time for God first.
You need to make quiet time with God 1st priority!! You need Him. You need quiet time with Him. You need to “be still and know”. We all do. You cannot hear Him clearly if you cannot be still. I beg you, please do not let your quiet time slip away. GUILTY! We must all be intentional to guard this time with Jesus. Put it on the calendar! It is the most important thing that should be the biggest priority of our day. Please do not let satan use busy to rob that precious time with our Father away. Busy with good things, sure! Still not more important than Jesus!
“Be still, and know that I am God.
vI will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10
2 – Eat healthy food!!!
How many of you got so accustomed to eating at home and preparing your food and got away from fast food during covid? I sure did. I had not eaten fast food in so long and the first thing I was tempted to do when drive-thru opened was to get in line!!! I resisted and trust me if I can resist, you can. Now, honestly, do I still get Dunkin, sure. I am thankful for unsweet tea and avocado toast, but y’all, please guard yourself against being in such a rush that fast food is the only way to eating. Please, I beg you again, guard yourself. Don’t fall into the junk food trap. You will be sorry! Your body is where the Holy Spirit resides. Did Jesus think the temple was important? Does He think you are important? More important than the flowers and the birds, He chose you. He created you. He sent the Holy Spirit to live in you. Protect the temple. Listen to this song: https://youtu.be/AxB9VH3cCN4
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
3 – Exercise!!!!
We all need to exercise. We all need it. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. Do you have to run a marathon, well not unless you are being led, and if you are, go for it!!! I just encourage you to find some sort of exercise at least a few times a week if not every day. You will feel so much better. Your body needs exercise to be a priority also.
And so now you are saying, “you just said don’t be busy and now you have crammed the day with extras”. I know this is what you are saying. I have said it too. Again, GUILTY!
But…… here is the deal. Without these three things being a priority, eventually, the rest of the busyness is not going to matter. You can run busy as can be with the really important stuff, but you know what your people need? YOU. They need you to be present and together and healthy. All your people. Husband, kids, parents, employees, families you lead, co-workers, and the list goes on. All the people that need your leadership daily, need you right with Jesus and healthy. Healthy both spiritually and physically and mentally.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2
I encourage you today. Be intentional to take care of yourself and if you begin with these three things, I assure you, it will make a difference not just in day-to-day living but in your relationships and your leadership.
Take a few minutes and listen to this song: https://youtu.be/AxB9VH3cCN4
Have a great day!!! Remember, I am always here if you need to chat or need some encouragement, or just need someone to listen and laugh and cry with!!! We all need it – don’t hesitate to reach out. We are better in ministry when we have each other to be accountable and to encourage one another. As Paul so well explains, “The Gospel should affect one’s everyday life”.
Hugs to you all! Stay focused on the mission before you – God has gifted you and has given you some awesome opportunities to serve Him – give Him your best!!!!!
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