Needing a Fresh Perspective

Dear Sister,

I can so relate to your busy life and schedule! If you’re like me, you sometimes think something needs to go, but what? Of course some things can’t go, our responsibilities to our husbands and our children are top priority, priorities ordained by God. As a minister’s wife you also have important responsibilities in and to the church. However, let’s look at some possible things that might prove helpful.

1. Commit your way to the Lord. (Psalm 37:5-6.) Ask Him to order your steps. (Psalm 37:23.) Take time every morning to seek God’s face, drawing strength from Him, and asking Him to guide you through the day.

2. Make a list of the things you need/want to get done during the week. Prioritize it into things that must be done and things that can wait. Then decide what you will do each day of the week. Make sure you cross off what is completed. That will give you a sense of accomplishment. And for the record…if something gets added to your schedule, write it on the list and cross it off. I don’t think that’s cheating.

3. Be flexible. Your list from #2 is just a guide. If you don’t get something done, don’t panic. Look at your master list often and make adjustments. If you ask God to order your steps, He may have other plans for you.

4. Learn how to say no. This can be very hard for a minister’s wife. Some congregations set high expectations for her, expectations that are unrealistic. We’ve been at our current pastorate for nearly six years. I told the pastor-search committee up front that I will let the Lord tell me what I need to do in the church and that sometimes I will have to say no. Most people will respect that. Another thing our current congregation knows, I don’t do “parties”. What I mean is that I don’t go to Tupperware, Mary Kay, or Home Interior type parties. It’s too stressful to go to every one, and I feel guilty buying things I can’t afford. If I don’t go to any “parties” then no one is offended when I don’t go to theirs. Let the Lord, not the congregation dictate what you take on.

5. Cut something out. Make a list of all your responsibilities and what you’re doing with your time. Take a good look at it. Is there something that can be cut out?

6. Ask for help. I don’t know how old your children are, but even at an early age they can help you with things around the house. Sometimes it may seem easier to do it yourself, but in the long run, you’ll be glad they’ve learned how to help.

7. Get organized. A planner or calendar is a great help. Make sure you write down all family activities and even your daily “chores”. There are tons of places on the internet that can give tips on organizing your household. (Go to Google and type in “organizing tips”.) Don’t try to do everything at once. Set small, attainable goals. That way you will reach them and not get discouraged.

8. Don’t sweat the small stuff. In 100 years, what will really matter? The Bible tells us that heaven and earth will pass away. Spend your time on eternal things rather than the physical. 1 Corinthians tells us what will last: Faith, Hope, and Love. The greatest of which is Love.

Don’t give up. If you fail today, know that God’s mercies are new every morning.

Marriage Restoration and Healing

Oh God of Truth, I ask that You send Your Spirit of Truth to this relationship. May Satan's lies be revealed. Heal this broken relationship and show both where they need to forgive and be forgiven. Where love has died, please create new love. Give them both wisdom and courage and guidance. Put Your plan for a good marriage into both of their hearts. Remove anything and anyone that would stand in the way of Your plans. Give peace and mercy.

Amen

Engagement Called Off

Lord,
I pray for this fiance who is struggling with many things right now. Enable him to turn all these issues over to You and to rest in the palms of Your hands. Give him financial wisdom and relief. Show him how to balance his time and energy. Place Your healing hand on his sister-in-law. Show him how to say "no" when he should say "no" and "yes" when he should say "yes". Give him clarity of thought.

I don't know Your will regarding this couple's relationship, so I pray like this: If it is Your Divine will that they marry, then let nothing come between them. Put "marriage" in both their hearts, and free them from Satan's lies and doubts. However, if for some reason marriage is not Your plan for them, then I ask You to make it clear to both of them and give each an extra measure of grace and mercy to pick up the pieces and carry on.

May Your will be done in both of these lives whether apart or together.
Amen

Shattered Family & Shattered Life

Dear Friend,
Your decision to give your life to God and come back to Him, your realization that you have sinned and fallen short of His glory, Your desire to be the man God wants you to be all mean you're on the right track. Claim 1 John 1:9 that if you confess your sins, God is faithful to forgive them. Also claim His promise that if you hunger and thirst for righteouness you will be filled.

Let me pray for you:
Oh Lord, most powerful and almighty God, with You all things are possible. Today I ask, in agreement with this brother, that You do what many would call impossible: Remake this man in Your image. Make him a new creation. Take the broken and shattered pieces of his life, take his mistakes and failings, and mold them into a beautiful life that pleases You. Show him how to be the husband and father You created him to be. Teach him Your ways. Send him godly friends and role models who will hold him accountable and keep him focused on You. Don't allow Satan to weaken his resolve or his faith. Give him victory in this. Hold him tightly in the palms of Your hands.I ask this in the all powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Friend,
Read, pray, claim, and live Psalm 1
Grace and peace to you.

God's Will

Dear Lord,

I don't know the circumstances surrounding this sister's situation, but I pray in faith knowing that You know all things. The choices this dear one made nor the situation she's found herself in came as a surprise to You. You knew it all before even one day of her life came to be, and You have the power and a plan to some how work it all to her good. I ask for Your peace to reign in her heart in the midst of her storm. Enable her to put You first in her life. Hear her cry for mercy and grant it abundantly. Give her life direction. Show her the plans You have for her. Let her not give in to fear or panic, but to trust You with her entire life. I do pray that a peaceful resolution be found that is acceptable to all parties. But if for some reason that isn't part of Your plan, then I ask You to grant her an extra measure of Your grace and mercy to see her through whatever lies ahead. Help her know she is your precious child, Your treasured possession. May she rest in Your hands with confidence.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Please pray for my house to sell

Dear Sister,

I've never sold a house before, so I don't have any tips or suggestions. But I can pray....

Dear Lord,
You know this mother's needs, every one of them. Please, Lord, meet every single one of them, right now. You know who needs to live in this house, so I ask You to send that person, that buyer, at just the right time to help both of them. If there is anything different that needs to be done, then I ask You to give wisdom so it can be done. Please give peace and patience to her as she waits for Your perfect timing. And, Lord, while I'm praying for this particular woman to sell her house, there is that other mom, the one with four kids that needs a house too. Please take care of both of them in the way You know is best. Thank You in advance for all You are going to do.
Amen.

Need to rededicate to the Lord and healing...I am hurting

Jesus,

Please set this sister free from the lies and bad habits Satan has used to put and keep her in bondage. Send someone to walk alongside her, someone who will encourage her, yet hold her accountable to make the changes she knows she needs to make. Give her wisdom and strength to persevere and not give up. Show her what kind of Bible study she needs to be involved to feed her soul, whether it is with a group or by herself. Put Your arms of protection around her, and bring her back to the center of Your will.

Amen