In Appreciation of Pastors, Part Two

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
What would Pastor Appreciation Month be without acknowledging the unsung heroes behind those in the pulpit? I mean, of course, the spouses. Specifically, Pastors' wives. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you sacrifice in the name of ministry. Though the poem I've included is written with wives in mind; it is applicable to both genders. God bless you and know you are always in my prayers.

Pastors' Wives:
A Heart Full of Love
A Pastor's wife is gentle and kind,
and always willing to give of her time,
by letting her husband help someone desperate in need.
No reward does she get for this honorable deed.
Though her life is very lonely at times,
as she supports her husband in prayer, God's Love shines.
Her strength keeps the family growing,
even when illness is slowing
down their life walk, to a crawl
one can see, they still remain true to God's call.
With each impression their heart makes
one can hear the resounding cry, "I've done it for Christ's sake!"

Written on:
August 26, 1994

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
&
Mildred A. Baker

Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 31:10-31

In Appreciation of Pastors, Part One

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I thought it appropriate to include something encouraging for all the Pastoral Staff serving Christ around the world. Here is a poem I wrote a few years ago that sums up thoughts on ministry from a Pastor's perspective. God bless all of you! You are in my prayers.

Pastors:
Always Seeking To Do God's Best
"Dear Father, this week I learned
if I continue to yearn,
for the approval of men,
I would not come to depend,
on what is the Will of God
but on mine, as I traverse life's sod.
Help me to remember,
I am Your child forever!
That I need not feel trapped or constrained,
nor without Your strength, though mine is drained.
Help my flock to understand, and not take offense
when I must follow Your Word, and commence
to confront those who commit to do wrong,
and who refuse to turn aside their wrath, replacing it instead, with Love which suffers long.
If there is one thing I could do to reach
the lost and my flock, it would be to teach
them, "and now abide faith, hope, and love,
these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Father, as I seek to do my best,
I know You will do the rest,
and may this ever be my song to sing,
"Jesus, You are Abba, Daddy, Father, Lord of Lords and King of Kings! Amen.'"

Written on:
August 28, 1994.

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Scripture Reference:
I Corinthians 13:13