Gayla's Magazine

Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 8

The Power of Sacrifice

When a man of God is given a mission to accomplish it will involve sacrifice.  It has a personal cost that has to be paid by the minister and his wife. At the start it's okay... the vision is bright and clear,  but about half way through the journey it can get so tough!  I encourage you today in the race for souls keep going ...don't stop.

Sacrifice is the monetary value that is paid for a big vision. The bigger the vision, the bigger the cost. It costs to provide a place of worship for others and it costs to provide ministry to the hurting. When the salvation of souls is involved, rest assured that the price to do so will be paid by the ministry.  So think it not strange when your family has to deeply trust God for daily bread and for personal provision because the vision comes first.  It is what happens... to all those who stand in the gap and make up the hedge for those in darkness.

Is it worth it?  All the going without... all the personal things that have to be given up.... the days and years of life?  Resoundingly yes in the light of eternal principals and preparations. I encourage you PAY THE PRICE.  It's the right thing to do.... look at our Saviour... He did it for us!  Should we not in turn walk in His footsteps and also lay down our lives for others?  It's the hard question to answer, but when the sacrifice is paid and the work is in action.....when the labor is done and the walk of faith complete you will gladly hear the Savior say, "Well done my GOOD AND FAITHFUL servant." 

These words will be worth every long mile and every hard trial. Taking the word Sacrifice and putting my own definitive descriptions with each letter helps to explain this tough word for pastor's wives.Trust me.... I know all about this word and it's meaning.

S - Suffering for the good of others

A - All you have to give is given

C - Courage to cover the needs of others first before your own

R - Righteous cause that is worthy

I - Interests are purified and independent of societies material influence

F - Fears are turned into Faith and a deeper trust in God

I - Internal truths are the stronger reality than temporary luxuries

C - Chosen conscious values instead of the opinions of others

E - External fruit reflects internal vision

Stay faithful my friend..... pay the price... 

"Be strong and carry on.... because of your sacrifice people will say, "I'm here in Heaven!"  The Power of Sacrifice is that when it's paid and the vision is complete... the results are enormous!!! It's worth it.

Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 7

The Power of Resilient Resolution

I am a pastor’s wife who believes that being in the ministry after 35 years  of service IS tough but good.  If one only looks at their own life, plenty of hills and valleys appear, but to whom has been given a life of ease and wonderment?  Doesn’t EVERYBODY have plenty of things in their own lives to complain about?  To be strong in such an hour as these last days means you will have to be resilient. And to be resilient means to make a inward resolution to stop focusing on the negative in ministry and learn to be more flexible and accepting of the challenges of ministry life.   

Take the life of being a Doctor’s wife.  And let’s talk about being her.  ‘Oh it’s so hard, being alone so much……. His hours are horrible…… so many people want his attention all the time.  His office staff stinks and cause issues constantly.  The insurance guys are always on his back.  Our lawyer is filing complaints against the suing partner, but we get nowhere.  Oh it’s hard being a doctor’s wife!’  Never mind the numbers of suffering humans who have been tremendously helped by his skills. 

Take the life of a mechanic’s wife.  And let’s complain about being her.  ‘Oh it’s so hard being by myself all day….. he is always too tired to think about me and the children when he comes in.  All he wants to do is shower and lay down. And all the grease and dirt he brings in on his clothes.  It’s such a hassle to try to get them clean again!  And his fingernails… ugh!  I wish he had a better boss and his co-workers are horrible people.  We need a raise and he won’t ask for one!  Oh it’s hard being a mechanics wife!’  Never mind the numbers of frustrated drivers who have been tremendously helped by his skills.

How about a high powered lawyers wife? A politician’s wife?  Do they also have life challenges to deal with? People….time constraints….public images….financial pressures…opinions of others to combat? High mountains to overcome along life's road.

But instead let’s talk about the good that is being done day by day by those in ministry.  The lives that are encouraged….given direction….gotten saved….cleaned up…. Delivered….lifted out of bondage…brought out of darkness… I could go on and on. 

Get my drift?  To whom has been given this valuable charge in life?  Responsibility is a privilege.  Make your own resolve to start thinking of those who are being helped – focus on the good that is being done.                                                                                                                         

Only God can bring changes that may be needed….  So take your concerns to the Lord in prayer. Which is what the Bible teaches us to do.  He listens and holds every confidence and brings the victory 100% of the time! 

I believe that whatever is prayed about can and is usually changed within 48 hours as life is so changeable. Ask for joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Ghost and watch what God can do to make you resilient in this hour.

 One of life’s most important lessons is …… this too shall pass!!  Every woman has things about her life she would change if she could, so it’s common…. What’s not common are those who accept and adjust and are flexible to counteract the tensions and stresses of life.  These are those whom strength can be drawn from, as their lives will continue on in ministry no matter what.

Resolve to be resilient in the ministry. Tough….durable….supple….pliant…flexible…hard wearing….elastic.  Your success depends on this fact. Start climbing.... you can do this.

God chose you.

 

Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 6

The Power of Influence

Abraham's wife, Job's wife and Isaac's wife all show clearly how the voice of a wife beside a God chosen man can cause drastic mistakes to be made.  The power of a influencing wife can cause men to turn  from their God given course of action to head down the wrong road. 

Abraham's wife Sarah - heard him state promises that God had given to them about having a promise child.  She heard about it so long that she lost hope in it being a promise and decided to MAKE IT HAPPEN.  She used her influence with her husband to get ahead of God.  Sarah thought her idea must be the right one because it made perfect sense. (others were lending their maids to get sons - why shouldn't she follow society and do so too) Having that child meant everything to her - even if she ignored the 'faith fact'  that her own body was to deliver the babe. So she reasoned this all out in her mind. Her idea turned out to be the wrong choice - her maid despised her and her husband doted on the child.  Jealousy entered in and brought sorrow. (Her actions caused the huge ripple effect of seed gone wrong still at work to this very day. We are now seeing the end result of two brothers at war until the end of time. )

The difference between Job and his wife is shown in 3 facts.

1. Both of them suffered tremendous losses - but Job turned TO GOD because of his relationship with Him.  She turned AWAY FROM GOD.

2. Job did have friends whatever can be said of them who tried to help him through their finite minds of understanding.  The Word of God does not mention any comforters coming to her side.  Job had friends, she wasn't one of them, nor had any herself recorded.

3. In the midst of pain she could show no positive encouragement, because she had not stored up any strength inside herself to endure hardship.  And what came out of her was defeat and deep depression.  She quit.

Her negative influence Job was able to resist - maybe because she hadn't built any bridges between them for him to trust her words.  Yet Job survived this perilously difficult time.  Strangely she is not mentioned again.  Did she throw up her hands and deny God and die?  If so, she lost out on the greatest  victories that were yet to come. How sad and what a loss.

Rebecca who was Isaac's wife used her influence with a favored son and brought a curse into their family Jacob deceived his father for the birthright (her direct instructions). And in turn later down life's road Jacob was deceived by his own sons in the fake death of his son Joseph.  He suffered for many years because of these actions that actually began with his mother when he was a young man.  Her influence was used for harm.

My  Friends....remember these lessons.  Remember not every idea that comes to you is a God idea.  We so want to help ease the burdens and pains of carrying the ministry - some of our brilliant plans could actually lead away from the plan of God, and have drastic results!  Once ill gotten ideas are birthed, disdain and disgust usually follow.   Be careful that that which seems to be the answer to your ministry needs, doesn't become the noose around your neck.  Better to wait on God and his timing for perfection to come forth.

2 ideas may come.... there is one that is born of impatience - trying to help.  The other ....out of the fullness of time - we think.  Beware of both... God's timing will happen without our help, because He is the One in control. We need not add anything to His Word.  

Time is the friend of God and the foe of Man it seems at times......

These lives of chosen men and women can prove to be corrective lessons for us to learn. Your influence is powerful, be careful to only speak what is encouraging, uplifting, and positive in faith. Let God be God in the storm. Better to be still and pray than to dream up ideas to help God run the world. Ladies God made the world without our help, He is able to to sustain His plan without our hands 'helping' Him.

• Stay full of God.

• Put the law of kindness on your tongue.

• Speak little, pray lot.

• Yield to God's will and timing.

• Let the Will of God unfold - He does not need our help to unfurl the rose of ministry.

Wait I say.... upon the Lord.... and He shall bring it to pass.

Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 5

   My most precious writings from the Lord have been birthed in terrible dark places along the road of ministry.  If you do not have a journal going.... do so today.  Take time to refuel your own spiritual 'engine' so you have 'water in your well' for your family.  If you are dried up... there is nothing inside to refresh yourself.

Get in a quiet place with your Bible, your journal and a pen, turn some soft worship music on and worship the Lord for a while.  When you begin to lean on Him, you will feel His Presence come to you.  He is listening to your hearts cry and is attentive to your words.  HERE IS THE SECRET.  After you finish pouring out your heart.... be still and listen.  Stop talking and hear the thoughts coming to your mind.  He will talk to you and be your Comforter and Counselor. Write down exactly what He says to you. 

I would rather spend time with Him than anyone else on earth.  So when He impresses my heart with thoughts/words I write them down. Word for word without questioning.  And when prayer time is over and the realities of time starts pressing in.... you have a written record of your conversation THAT IS LIFE GIVING AND SUSTAINS EVEN IN THE WORST OF TIMES.

I would like to share just one of my conversations with Him - with you. I have many years of such conversations safely recorded that now are riches beyond belief to me spiritually!  We have walked together through many battles and  life shaking experiences together.  Jesus is My Lord and my most precious Friend. My tear stained records have caused me to walk in complete trust through cancers, fires, accidents, terrible losses and betrayals.  He is my dearest secret in life.

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Lord I want to stay in the place of submitted love with you.

Submitted love does not watch the clock nor does it march to the beat of mankind. But rather stands under my arm walking with Me.  Do you know this place with Me?

In measures Lord - I still need to lean on you more and more.

The daylight hours lessen and this strong refuge will be the place of restored hopes for many of my own.  Don't allow the mind of hope to grasp my thoughts for you.  They are above all.  Just as I have brought you this far and by my own hand... so the journey from here draws strength from the graces of the past.  And your heart will carry on having the knowledge that your heart, soul and body are captured in my care for you.

Lord I will say, yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil...Lord it's by your hand that we have remained here. Only though You. Please sustain us in this famine. Please establish the work's of our hands. We can go no farther than this until You move.

Then Stand.  When you know it's not by your might or by your power, but by my Spirit then await the breath of God. 

Please Lord bless this people and make them to be strong beside us.

The eyes of the people are blackened with the world and its care. they cannot focus with oversight - they are but sheep.

Then Lord You must strengthen us for the weight is never ending.

Focus.... Finish and Fine Tune. Together we watch the setting sun.

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Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 4

The Power of Anger:

At times the force of anger sweeps through like a raging fire, burning up everything in it's path. Never ever forget you are standing in the middle of a fire storm.  Satan has thrown so many fiery darts you have lost count, and you may be barely standing.  There are two kinds of anger - one he (the devil) has against you.  The other is THE ANGER YOU HAVE TO BOLDLY AND AGGRESSIVELY PUSH BACK AT HIM. Much of the time we think that resisting the enemy is to just stand and try to ignore his attacks.  But I am here to tell you that resisting means to PUSH BACK.

The anger of satan against God's Kingdom is definitely focused against the ministry, as we are the ones standing in the stead of Christ between him and souls.  Experiencing all sorts of attacks from personal to corporate will come at the two of you .... all with one goal.  To back you down and cause you to quit.  But if you do, there will be no one standing in the gap. So when you can't back down... you can  push back!!

Does the Man of God ever get mad at satan?  You bet!  Don't get in the middle!

Does the Man of God ever war with God?  You bet!  Don't get in the middle!  Stay out of the line of fire in these intense spiritual battles.  Sometime 'Jacob' will have to wrestle with God on behalf of the vision and mission you are both called to. The man who wrestles with God..... wins.

So what do you do?  Stop being on the defensive and go on the offensive against darkness.   If you are too weak..... build your strength up with time alone with God.  God needs you in this battle.  Where ever two agree as touching anything it shall be so - the Word says.  So the two of you MUST AGREE as satan cannot block your strong unity.  In fact he fears this so he causes division to stop your unity - don't take it personally - it's for his agenda and not really about you.  The devil means to kill you, steal from you and destroy you.

See the big picture at risk here and go against the darkness. You can see the hordes of hell turn and run from you- they fear our authority in Christ.  Use it.

And the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church of God.

When the enemy comes in...... LIKE A FLOOD THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WILL RAISE UP A STANDARD AGAINST HIM!!!  Do your part and see the divisions of satanic warfare start falling apart that is against you both. Do you know what a mad preachers wife can accomplish in the supernatural?

More later my friend....

Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 3

Don't focus on the problems, you are not called to fix them - you are called to minister to the minister. Do this. God's man will be repaired to go on for God if you can stay in your role. Your companionship will build a bridge of hope when he is vulnerable, exposed and in need of strength.Your ministry is crucial.

Demonic activity cannot overpower when one stays in God's Will.  This may sound simplistic, but according to the Word of God it is scriptural.  Jesus often separated himself from people to be alone with God out in nature. Even once when he disciples were discouraged Jesus fixed them food to sustain them out beside the Sea. Eating while watching the sun dance on the waters, feeling the breeze on their worn brows and the warmth of the sun was calming to them I am sure. Jesus knew this and provided a quiet way to handle heavy stress easily.

Food is very powerful - look what it did to Esau.  He sold his birthright just to have some.  David once depleted went into the temple and ate the shew bread to regain strength for himself.  What can you do to help the situation that you and your mate are now it?  Follow the Word in steps of action. 

1.  The Power of Rest

The facts of life and spiritual warfare are that we live in finite bodies and must grapple with invisible forces.  It is natural that the stress and often attacks of anxiety will cause exhaustion to take hold of our minds and bodies.

We as wives of Pastors and Leaders in God's Kingdom have a responsibility to our mates to guard their times of rest.  And if we don't guard our own rest, how shall we be focused to help them to rest.

Right now..... simply focus on relaxing your shoulders. I'm sure they are very tensed up. Try to unwind your shoulders and let them relax.....see?  You ARE  tensed.  Learning to keep your body in a calm state can be done.  Try today to keep un-tensing yourself.  Put your head back, close your eyes and focus on letting your body go still.  You may need to do this all day long at different times...

More later - just do this all day today.

Intensive Care for Pastor's Wives 2

God fixed Elijah some food and told him to eat and rest. After a long rest and the nourishment that lasted 40 days and 40 nights he was able to regain his balance and his walk with God.

You may have suffered a serious set back as well - learn from this passage of scripture what to do.

f Elijah went 40 days the two of you may also need the rebuilding of 40 days. It's time to get out of the middle of the pressure. Away from the eyes and opinions of others. Get far from the painful experiences. 

 

1. Get Alone  Get away from the fray, away from the persecutors.  Let your husband remove himself to a safe place, out in nature. Go away into natural surroundings - not the mall, not to entertainment - to nature.

2.Prepare Food Spend your time making favorite dishes to eat. Focus your attention on the simple duties of cooking and do them slowly and well. 

3. Rest While a person is sleeping - no talking is being done.... so sleep. Allow the mind of your husband to have peace and quiet. Let yourselves rest mentally and emotionally. Calming rest is crucial.

4. Make No Decisions Keep your opinions and words buried. You may influence him through your own pain into a decision that is not of God. Make no decisions based on the pain of people. Right now it's not time for decisions - it's time to restore minds and hearts first.

5. Focus on Simplicity Learn to feel the sun on your face, the taste of food, and the soothing sounds of nature.Close your eyes and feel the breeze in your hair.  Touch water and watch the birds fly.  Feel the earth beneath bare feet, focus on the 'now' in being alive. Simple pleasures.....

6. Renew in HIs Presence  Renew yourself in the Presence of God without the mechanics of church services. Alone.

The end of this episode in Elijah's life was the God sent him a friend.  This was where Elisha stepped in.  You already have this blessing... you have each other. The bond of kinship that grows between husbands and wives in the ministry can grow even stronger through the hardships of life. The intimacy that you have will grow greater if you handle this crushing experience wisely.  Any cracks in your marriage will try to pull you away from him at this point. DO NOT LEAVE.  It's his worst hour.... God is depending on you to stand beside His Man right now. You can be his Elisha.

Remember you are in a supernatural battle for the souls of mankind - and the enemy will stop at nothing to try and destroy the two of you. Why? Because you are a threat to him. He's trying to kill, steal and destroy mankind - and you are trying to save mankind.  That makes you mortal enemies. 

More tomorrow.....

 

Intensive Care for the Pastor's Wife

To Pastor's wives......what to do when all hell breaks loose....

We now live in a world which has begun to spiral out of control. Demonic influence is much stronger and more prevalent in our modern world.  Look around... it's easy to see the chaos in the lives of people that you and your husband are pastoring. There are times when satanic forces are used against the ministry by people who are within the Christian framework.  And there are precious few who can know what to do in such a state.  When your heart and mind are attacked, your motives are questioned and those within your church conspire against you.... its hard to see ahead between your tear drops.... you as a minister's wife must be strong in the storm.  There are varied strengths of storms, some are merely showers, while others are thunder storms and yet there are tornado's and hurricanes and typhoons too.  Which one are you in?

A simple umbrella is useless in a hurricane. What does one do when all stops are pulled out and you know without God you stand to be destroyed.

I am presenting a series of articles here - for those on the lifelong journey alongside the Man of God.  I write this after spending years of conversations with Pastor's wives who have leaned on me at times.  I trust this will bring encouragement to another minister's wife who is also  maybe in the thick of a intense battle beside her God man.  After 35+ years of battles and warfare let these words be comforting strength to you. 

Who can determine the exact course to take without the Word of God?  Within it's precious pages are the truths and comfort I know you need at this time. Let's talk.....

Elijah was the man of the hour - God's Man -  in a great controversy.  He was a prophet in an evil time.  He had to make a stand in front of very intimidating people, and had to make a unpopular prophecy of what was going to come.  Here was a man- alone- who prophesied a drought.  It came- and he also suffered in it.  He was called by God to preach to godless leaders who sneered and doubted and plotted his death.  During this stressful season of his life, he lost physical strength.

Before long he had to face these same people again who hated him.  Talk about emotional stress!  He fought fire with fire and stood alone against their strong words.  God answered and ultimately the false priests were killed, but this was very draining on him.

Next came the huge downpour of rain which he was caught in.  Then a political judgement was passed down and  his death warrant was signed  within 24 hours.  Elijah had to be physically weak, emotionally vulnerable and spiritually depleted.  He left his servant and ran to a forrest traveling deep within it's ravines. Finally collapsing under a tree unable to go any fathers. He asks God to take his life. 

Here is where you too may be standing.... or rather collapsed by.  A tree - lost in the forrest of troubles.

What God did for Elijah is an example of what you may need to see as an example of what you may need to see as an answer for yourself and your called Man. 

More tomorrow...... there are secrets within this story I will share with you my friend. Be strong....

International Decorations at the Tea

Cuba

Brazil

China

El Salvador

Isreal

Iraq

Zimbabwe

Kenya

Look Christi even brought her Swahili Bible for the Kenya table.

This is just a few of the beauiful table settings at the Tea.  'Let the Nations Rejoice' was all about different nations and touching the lives of women around the world. Fantastic!!

The Role Models of America 2011 Ladies Tea

The theme was called 'Let the Nations Rejoice' and oh my what a wonderful event it was! 

 
This was my place setting at the 'England' table.... and Queen Elizabeth was directly in front of my place.  It was gorgeous and so fun for all the ladies.  So many different nations were represented.

Some African, some Asian, some European, some Middle Eastern countries as well as many others.....

It was a inspirational event to help women find their voice to reach the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I spoke a message called  'The Greatest Love Story in the World'

For more pictures visit www.rolemodelsofamerica.orgit was meaningful and a delight for each lady who attended.

Also did you know Role Models of America is on Facebook?  Go see ....lots of pictures there too!

So proud of my daughter and her leadership in RMA!! She did a great job this year!!