Dave Egner shares this: "Leaders are their best when people get behind them.
“We give the help that pastors need
For burdens they must bear
When we entrust them to the Lord
And hold them up in prayer.” –D. De. Haan
Taken from Our Daily Bread for Personal and Family Devotions Sept. 16
Read: I Samuel 14:1-14
“Do all that is in your heart. God then; here I am with you.” I Samuel 14:7
“The Israelites and the Philistines were at war.
While Saul relaxed under a pomegranate tree with his men, Jonathan and his armor-bearer left camp quietly to see if the Lord would work on their behalf, believing that ‘nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few’ Sam. 14:6.
While Saul relaxed under a pomegranate tree with his men, Jonathan and his armor-bearer left camp quietly to see if the Lord would work on their behalf, believing that ‘nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few’ Sam. 14:6.
Jonathan and his helper were about to cross a path between two high cliffs.
Armed enemy soldiers were stationed above them on both sides. They were two men against who knows how many.
When Jonathan suggested that they climb up after them, the armor-bearer never flinched. ‘Do all that is in your heart,’ he told Jonathan. ‘I am with you, according to your heart’ (v. 7).
So the two climbed the cliff, and with God’s help they overcame the enemy (vv. 8-14).
We have to admire this courageous young armor-bearer. He lugged the armor up that cliff and stayed with Jonathan, following along behind and killing those Jonathan wounded.
Armed enemy soldiers were stationed above them on both sides. They were two men against who knows how many.
When Jonathan suggested that they climb up after them, the armor-bearer never flinched. ‘Do all that is in your heart,’ he told Jonathan. ‘I am with you, according to your heart’ (v. 7).
So the two climbed the cliff, and with God’s help they overcame the enemy (vv. 8-14).
We have to admire this courageous young armor-bearer. He lugged the armor up that cliff and stayed with Jonathan, following along behind and killing those Jonathan wounded.
The church needs strong leaders to face our spiritual foes, but they must not be left to face them alone.
They need the help and support of everyone in the congregation—loyal ‘armor-bearers’ like you and me who are willing to join them in battle against the ‘enemy of our souls.’ “
They need the help and support of everyone in the congregation—loyal ‘armor-bearers’ like you and me who are willing to join them in battle against the ‘enemy of our souls.’ “
Scripture-Based Prayers to pray for Your Pastor 1-800-366-7788 www.praymag.com
Some samples are:
Protection. “Thank You that no weapons formed against my pastor will prosper. As _________ dwells in the shadow of the Most High, deliver him/her from terror, darts of doubt, and diseases. Set Your angels around my pastor, and let no power of the enemy harm him/her. turn aside rumors, gossip, criticism, abuse, and ungratefulness. May inordinate expectations, stress, and fatigue be cast into the see, and may every need and vision of ________’s be fulfilled (Ps. 91:1-11; Lk. 10:19; Mk. 11:22-24).”
Holiness. “Jesus, keep my pastor holy in every way. Protect _________ from seducing spirits, especially when he/she is tired and hard-pressed. Provide friends to help protect my pastor and to walk with him/her in personal holiness (1 Pet. 1:16)”
Worship. “Draw my pastor into deeper worship of You. Give my pastor a vision of heaven, and keep him/her from traditions that hold the form of godliness but deny its power (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4; 2 Tim. 3:5).
Preaching. “Anoint my pastor with the truth. As ________ preaches, may he/she proclaim Jesus Christ in the energy of the Holy Spirit. Let people be cut to the heart and accept Christ. Confirm _________’s message with signs and wonders. Heal the sick, and set the oppressed free (Mt. 16:17; Col. 1:28; Acts 2:37; Mk. 16:20).
Lasting fruit. “Lord, as You have promised, grant my shepherd lasting fruit. Let those who believe in You through his/her ministry grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. May they become disciples who disciple others (Jn. 15:16; Col. 2:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:2).
Adapt the prayers to fit your situation…
No comments:
Post a Comment