About Andrew Schank

Andrew Schank is an Independent Baptist Missionary/Pastor who loves to blog about spiritual matters! His main ministry website is http://www.togetherinthegap.com. Andrew is also a contributing author to two other blogs/websites including http://linked2leadership.com and http://www.ifbkjv.com. Pastor Schank's Church website is http://www.greatcommissionbaptist.org

Encouragement For Pastors In Crisis

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From time to time every pastor faces a moment of crisis. Be it possible removal from office of pastor, strife/sin in the church or health issues, the list continues to grow the longer one is involved in ministry. Pastors need rebuking for their mistakes, at times, but they also need encouragement. A lot of encouragement! In fact, if there was such a thing as a RELIEF BUTTON to push, then I am positive it would be utilized! This post seeks to remind the pastor of four truths, about our Lord Jesus, which should serve to lift his spirit!

Remember That Our Lord Knows Where You Are At!

Sometimes we feel all alone and that nobody cares we exist! This is so readily believed when we forget where Jesus is at!

(Hebrews 4:14-16) “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  (KJV)

Remember That Our Lord Knows How To Fight The Battle!

Our Lord is the Captain of our salvation. He has never lost a battle, is not losing a battle and never will lose a battle because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords!

(1 Timothy 6:15) “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;”  (KJV)

(Revelation 17:14) “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”  (KJV)

(Revelation 19:16) “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”  (KJV)

Remember That Our Lord Knows You Personally!

He knows us better than we know ourselves. Even the number of hairs on our head are known by Him. Nothing escapes His attention so we must rest in His omniscience.

(John 10:27-30) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”  (KJV)

Remember That Our Lord Knows Your Labors!

Sometimes in the midst of serving Jesus, we feel like nobody cares about what we are doing, or our efforts involved in trying to accomplish the will of God.

(Hebrews 6:10) “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”  (KJV)

(Revelation 22:12) “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”  (KJV)

Conclusion

No matter the battle, God has won the war already! Satan may roar, but let him do so. Our Heavenly Father will take care of him in the end. Be faithful to take one step at a time and God will strengthen you as your days have need. Paul said to preach the word, to endure hardness as a good soldier, and that he was able to finish his course. If he was able to do this, through the empowerment of the Holy Ghost, then we can do it as well! Know also, that we, here at The Working Pastor, are behind you! Pastor… Keep On The Firing Line!

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Would you consider purchasing…

60157: The Pursuit of God The Pursuit of God

By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers

In the muddle of day-to-day life, have you somehow forgotten that Christianity is a living, vibrant relationship with a personal God? In this classic bestseller and recipient of both the ECPA Gold and Platinum Book Awards, The Pursuit of Godreminds and challenges you to renew your relationship with your loving God. In each of the 10 chapters, Tozer explains one aspect of hungering for God and ends with a prayer.

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Heart To Heart With Pastor Ed Bowen – #12

Pastor Ed Bowen was saved on March 24, 1957 at a revival meeting at Horse Branch Church in Turbeville, S.C. at the age of 23. Brother Bowen has been married to his wife, Margaret, for over 54 years. After being ordained in 1960, Pastor Bowen went on to preach in various places until he became pastor of Cherryvale Baptist. Having been there for over 43 years, in 2000, he had to slow down a bit due to prostate cancer.

Though unable to do what he used to do, Pastor Ed has just changed venues. For over ten years now, he has been encouraging people via email. He has graciously agreed to be a contributing author to this website. This series of posts entitled, “Heart To Heart” are the fruit of his times with our Lord Jesus! If they mean as much to you as they do me, then EMAIL him and let him know about it!

Come Now

(Isaiah 1:18) “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”  (KJV)

This great invitation shows that God has a desire for peace to be made between two parties in conflict. He is willing to forgive and eager to set things right between them. God is the one who has been sinned against, but He takes the initiative in bringing peace.

He anticipates the greatness of the sins in reference to time for they are said to be “red like crimson”. This is seen in the fact that it takes a long time in the dying vat to dye cloth that color.

He understands the failure of man to whiten his own heart. Crimson and scarlet cannot be removed by men, but God can blot them out. He can erase them and make the heart as cloth, once scarlet, as white as snow and as cloth once crimson, as lamb’s wool. (which means, as wool never dyed.) The despair of soul one’s sin has caused, He will over-rule and bring blessing… despite the cursedness of the sins.

The invitation is a gracious one. Come just as you are! His promise is to forgive and cleanse. It is for the person who is lost and far away from the Lord or the person who has strayed as a lost sheep from the fold.

Pastor Ed Bowen

Conclusion

I am glad that God forgives! We would be in a real dilemma if God did not provide a means of salvation from sin! Thanks Pastor Bowen for the encouraging devotion!

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Would You Consider Purchasing…

61848: Wiersbe"s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament

By Warren Wiersbe / David C. Cook

No matter how you have studied the Bible in the past, you are in for an exciting time as you let Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe lead you chapter by chapter through the New Testament. These outlines will help you understand the “big picture”of the New Testament.

Pastors And PATIENCE!

Andrew ProfileIn my 38 years of living on planet Earth, I have learned that patience is a key to living a peaceful life. Frustration, anger, animosity, gossip, evil communication, malice, and outright hatred are just a few of the countless sins which can stem from not being patient. In my 22+ years of knowing Christ as my Savior I have found that patience is the one grace that everyone wants others to exercise with them, but rarely are willing to reciprocate to others. If there is one person who should exemplify patience… it is a PASTOR!

 What Is Patience?

The word “patience” is used in the King James Bible 34 times. There are two words translated patience. One means to be long spirited or long tempered and the other carries the idea of a cheerful endurance… literally “an abiding under”. Both words express the idea of being slow to wrath and that time is not a relevant issue. One who is hasty is not patient! Instant gratification is not compatible with patience.

The Beauty Of Patience…

Patience is a grace which matures Christian character and is a beauty to behold! As a lighted candle adorns an orate table for two in the corner of one’s favorite restaurant, so patience, when practiced, allows the love of God to shine that much brighter into someone’s life! Patience elevates one’s level of influence upon not only the one being interacted with, but also with onlookers and those who may hear about it.

Pastors MUST Exercise Patience…

(1 Timothy 6:11) “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (KJV) Emphasis Added

(2 Timothy 3:10) “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,” (KJV) Emphasis Added

The Scriptures make it abundantly clear that a pastor, God’s man, must exercise patience. While it may not be one of the graces which, as they say, “comes natural”, but it must be something which is constantly worked on. Paul warned young Timothy about the need to follow after patience (1 Timothy 6:11), he also reminded Timothy about his own testimony concerning this grace (2 Timothy 3:10).

The Aroma Of Patience…

The rose emanates a most majestic fragrance when its pedals are crushed. A Christian’s life is often challenged and tried by fire. The spirit can be defeated at times by the burdens borne. It is when we are at our lowest that we can be the sweetest by exercising patience under trial!

(James 1:2-4) “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (KJV) Emphasis Added

Conclusion…

A pastor’s ministry if often under fire from the critics and gainsayers. His own life is muddled with problems outside of his duties as shepherd. The degree of a pastor’s patience is often the determining factor in longevity of ministry! No pastor can escape this reality. How would you rate yourself concerning this grace?

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