Daily Devotional for Sunday September 28, 2003

Honor your pastor

(Jeremiah 3:15)

Honor your pastor. Today is the day most Christians go to church. It is the only time most of you ever see your pastor, and that is usually from your seat in the sanctuary as he leads the worship service and preaches the message. Having preached in over 500 churches of every denomination nationwide, I can honestly tell you that for most pastors, Sunday morning is their favorite day of the week and the one day they usually feel their work for God really has the most meaning. You can never know or really understand the pressure most pastors are under.

If it was only getting up on Sunday morning and being the "man of God" it would be wonderful, but that is not reality. It is a 7 day a week, 24 hour a day calling. Many have outside jobs. There is the constant pressures of raising the budget, dealing with the interpersonal problems that always exist when you have a group of people, overseeing the political infighting that often occurs, on top of the spiritual requirements of shepherding the flock, having an anointed word each week for the various services, and other requirements the office of pastor carries with it.

My prayer for you today is to support your pastor. Pray for your pastor each day. John 10 gives us the picture of the ideal pastor. Pray that your pastor will be able to tear away from the distractions of this world to be the Shepherd described in John 10. God has placed that pastor in your life to guide you, spiritually nurture you, and have spiritual leadership over your life.

Do all you can to show your love and appreciation for all your pastor does for you, most of which you may not even recognize. Also, God has placed your pastor in your life for spiritual leadership. When you come into times of crisis, don't hesitate to go to your pastor. That is ultimately why your pastor is there, to help you and guide you through those difficult times in your life.

I love you, care about you, and pray for you daily. Let this day be a day to remember your pastor in prayer and recognize them for all they do for your life. God has called His sheep to be obedient and obey those in spiritual authority. Take inventory and see if you are fulfilling this admonition and ask God to help you. He loves you so much, that he has placed your pastor in your life to shepherd you and guide you in your spiritual journey. Show your love for Him today by praying for and supporting your pastor.

In His love and service, Your friend and brother in Christ, Bill Keller