Recently I met up with a humble Pastor who was sharing about his vision. In the process as he was asking for direction ahead, I got to share few things from my heart.

After much thought, I thought what I shared with him would benefit more people if I can get it here on Guarding the Heart Blog. I hope you enjoy.

Here are ten important pointers for leaders in the ministry:

1. Spreading Too Thin

One of the dangers in the ministry is to lack clarity in the focus as in to do everything and anything that comes in the way. In the process we risk the danger of a burn out. The danger of being the jack of all trades is that at the end you have no strength to do what you are best at. [ClickToTweet]

It’s very painful to not take up everything because most of the opportunities that come your way looks very attractive but if you want to achieve success in your assignment, you should stop taking up everything and anything that comes your way.

2. Function in the Rest

When ambition gets into your head then you have time bomb ticking away. If we can remember that ministry is an assignment from God, we will not end up striving in our own power to make things happen. Don’t let ambition work you up the ladder of anxiety in search of fame. [ClickToTweet]

3. Search for God’s Will

All things, both good and bad, tie you down from your destiny when it is out of God’s will. [ClickToTweet]

Many great ministers that drifted from their actual calling to do things that looked lucrative have either lost a lot of money, character or time in the process. The greatness of a leader is his power to say “No” even when his flesh wants to say “Yes”. [ClickToTweet]

4. Don’t Be Need Oriented

We would be terribly wrong to think that Jesus was moved by their needs. In fact in Mark 1 when disciples let Jesus know about the pressing needs of the crowds, yet He moved on to the next town. Yet many other times it is clearly Jesus was moved with compassion. And then you again see Jesus healing a selected few and leaving town.

Remember, no matter how pressing, not all problems are your assignment from God. [ClickToTweet] Knowing which is your assignment from God, helps you stay on the track and on time.

5. Minimize Activities and Maximise Potential

Lot of activities or events does not necessarily mean more productive. It could also mean more distractions, chaos, burnout and waste of time. Even while focusing on your vision, choose not to do a lot of things in a week and instead give your best in the minimal choice of work.

To expect excellency is not practical when the number of activities distract the clarity of a vision. [ClickToTweet]

Instead of preaching in a dozen places in a week, focus on doing one excellently. Pray and soak in God for that one, than to do a lot of work through out the week without prayer.

Narrow down your focus to maximise your potential.

6. People Are Your Greatest Resources

Treat them well. Don’t burn them out. They want to follow you. They want to hear from you. They want to fellowship with you. But to pressurise them to go on a overdrive of performance is not fair. Yes, they will finance you. But please don’t ask them for their whole salary. (Some do.)

What people do out of love and passion remains over what they do out of fear and compulsion. [ClickToTweet]

Let love lead.

7. Value Yourself

Ha. I can’t stress how much this is important. I am not saying you should think highly of you. But if you undervalue what you carry then don’t expect others to respect it either.

No matter how small a ministry you have and how unknown you are, what you carry is from God and you have to honour it and treat it well. By that I mean, there will always be people that be little you and push you to treat your gift with contempt. But carry yourself as the ambassador of God you are – The Lion and The Lamb is in you.

Even while you set an example through your speech, conduct, love, faith and purity; you can still not let anyone despise you. (1Timothy4:12) It’s a fact that people cannot receive when what you carry is not honoured. And most of the times how we behave is what causes people to lose respect for what we carry. Let us remember to guard the name of The Lord that we represent.

8. Be Secure in Your Calling

Remind yourself to slay the demon of jealousy everyday. Nobody can replace who you are. What they are is what God has called them to. To celebrate another’s success is to display your security of your own success of being in God’s will. Your security in God empowers you to say no to what is not of God. [ClickToTweet]

Secure leaders have no time to fight people around them. The greatest inner security comes from soaking in God. [ClickToTweet]

Enuff’ said.

9. Focus on Maximum Impact on Minimum time.

That is possible. See the life of Jesus. 3 years plus is all it took. Pursuing the clarity of your mission at the feet of Jesus helps you to have maximum impact in minimum time. [ClickToTweet]

Some people end up doing anything and everything that comes their way and end up wasting decades. Everyday seek God for His perfect guidance over every little thing, you will do more in less time.

10. Pray

Nothing replaces prayer. Any ministry success that comes from strategies outside God are humanly built Towers of Babel that God himself will fight down. Pray. Let’s pray my friends. Let’s pray.

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We often receive questions from our readers via email and Facebook on various issues seeking Godly guidance. Not all topics or issues justify a blogpost however ‘Love marriage versus Arranged marriage’ is one of the sensitive topics that I am frequently asked about and hence I thought of sharing my thoughts via a post.

Mind you, this may be completely redundant to some of you who are a part of a culture that permits only either; that becomes beyond the scope of this post. For others, I encourage you to keep an open heart and leave room for lot of grace as we try to deal with these tough issues. After all, the intention is not to take sides but try and find some solution to a genuine problem that the current generation is facing.

What Happens in Arranged Marriage?

Arranged marriage (for those who are not familiar) is the marriage arranged by the parents of the couple. Most of the times the proposal is brought over a meeting or in case long distance – through photographs. Once the parents are happy with the prospects of the other partner, then the families speak and arrange the marriage.

In parts of the pentecostal culture where arranged marriage is prevalent, love marriages are considered to be a taboo.

What I Believe

I do believe God can use parents to find the right life partner for their children and I have seen great examples of the same.

But, a word of caution…

One of the critical issues that parents of this generation have to pay attention to is the fact that times have changed drastically. The present generation is well educated and informed, largely influenced by their friends’ circle and prefers self decision making from selecting a mobile phone to selecting a life partner.

Now that gives you, parents a greater challenge. It puts you in a spot where it is certainly not fair for to say, “Do it because I say so”. It also puts you in a responsible position of explaining to your children, why you believe what you believe and how God’s Word supports your view, remembering that Scriptures can’t be taken in isolation or quoted out of context.

What the Bible Says?

One of the stories that is most quoted in support of arranged marriage is that Isaac’s servant brought Rebekah to Isaac and they happily lived ever after. Now there is more than one problem with that story. Like, it was Isaac’s servant who brought the proposal, and not his parents. And Isaac’s servant could also be interpreted as representing the Holy Spirit thereby eliminating the need of a marriage arranged by parents.

To use a single example of marriage in the Bible as a model for other marriages is quite scary and not justified. For example: the first marriage in the Bible was not a proposal, it was love at first sight!

Another time, the Benjamites were asked to lie ambush in the fields and steal dancing women as their wives. Ahem, ahem… we cannot quote that one right? (Judges 21:21)

Another time, Hosea the prophet married a prostitute. Well I am sure you don’t want to use that illustration either!

So Which is Right?

My thoughts are simple:

We could still continue to argue that ‘arranged marriage is from God and love marriage is from the devil’, and while we are busy doing that, our young people are still going to do what they think is in the best interest for them (and we can only hope that they will at least be Bible-based choices!!).

What is painful is that, while we live in our own world that seeks to please the society, we ignore our own children and then condemn them for making wrong choices. May be your son or daughter would have not ran away with that godless person if only he/she knew that you were open to reason.

Another biggest argument against love marriage is that they have resulted in divorces. But the truth is that today even some of the best looking arranged marriages have had the same end.

So May be We Need Another Solution?

Set expectations. Instead of fighting for arranged marriage or love marriage, could it not be easier that parents have an open talk with their children of what they must expect in their life partners?

You cannot stop your children from falling in love but the least that you could do is to teach them what are the qualities they must look for in the man or the woman they seek to marry?

This would serve a problem because most of the arranged marriages are finalised based on colour, job, property etc. Sadly, the prospect being a believer and hardworking is no more good enough!

With due respect, I believe great parents will be the ones who are willing to accept anyone who is caring, hard working and most of all, Jesus loving. Rest of the issues like family background, caste, denomination, colour, riches should not matter.

Teach Them Values

More than telling your children what they must look for the most in their spouse, it is best to live it. When they see how God fearing and loving your family has been, it will automatically teach them to desire for a God fearing and loving person.

Nothing can put them off more than telling them that you are more worried about what others say. Because your children are more important than these ’others’. And sadly, others will always have something to say somehow and anyhow.

If I could sum it up I’d say, being parents is great but being parents-cum-friends is greater!

I want to have parents that I am not afraid to go and open up my most struggling issues with. Then there in that end of the tunnel there will be light.

A Word to the Young People

It is always good to honour your parents and I sincerely hope that God will bring the right person into your life through your parents.

However, if you feel that you like someone, first and foremost I encourage to you seek God’s will. Then it is always honourable to first share it with your parents. Irrespective of whether they will accept it or not, it is your responsibility to share it with them.

Then pray that God will help them understand why you like that person. And then continue to pray and believe that “if God is in it“, He will make all things work together for your good.

Hey parents, what else would you add to this? Young people, what would you add?

PS: This post apart, if you have any questions or doubts regarding any issues, we have especially created a forum for you. Feel free to ASK!

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See all the Power Nuggets Here

Jesus withdrew.

[vs15] But now even more the report about Him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear Him and to be healed of their infirmities.
[vs16] But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Luke 5:15-16 ESV

Jesus withdrew from the demands of this world.
Jesus withdrew from the pressure to perform.
Jesus withdrew from people.
Jesus withdrew from fighting His enemies.
Jesus withdrew from fame.
Jesus withdrew from anything that was ahead of God ordained time.
And Jesus did withdraw very often.

If you are asking whereto, then, Jesus withdrew to the audience of the One! To His Father in Heaven, who even today, answers to those who seek Him in secret.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 ESV

What are you waiting for?
Withdraw.
From everything.

Yep.

Shut off the world’s noise, to hear the whispers of God. Go offline from the world to go online with God. [ClickToTweet]

HE is waiting for you…

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Last three days I took it as a part of my assignment to pray for all our friends online. I want to thank all our precious partners and friends that connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and of course our Blogs.

During these three days the frequency of our Tweets and posts on Facebook went higher than usual – updating the statuses as and when inspired by the Holy Spirit.

I hope at least some of those words have spoken to your heart, set you free and inspired you to walk even more closely with Jesus.

Well, if you missed our updates, here is a compilation of what was posted in the last week during these three days. I believe these words are inspired by God and will bless you. Use the buttons on your left to share this to your family and friends.

Unforgiveness, Pride, Worry & Man’s Acceptance: Let Go

Unforgiveness holds you back from life! Forgiveness is divine & when you forgive you bring heaven into ur life. Be free in Jesus name! [ClickToTWeet]

Empty yourself of self righteousness & pride. The more empty u get, the more hungry u will be & the more God will fill you! [ClickToTWeet]

There is no faith within disappointment. Faith brings in total rest. Leave your problem to God & refuse to worry today! [ClickToTWeet]

It is not enough to believe God loves u, u got to be content with His acceptance. Depending on mans approval is to live as dead. [ClickToTWeet]

Make This Your Prayer

Dear Father, set me on Holy Spirit fire all over my body, heart and mind. In Jesus name. Pray this all day! [ClickToTWeet]

The Word Will Set You Free

“..he who comes to God must believe that He exists & that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb11:6 Ur time now! [ClickToTWeet]

“..her sins, which are many, are forgiven therefore she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luk7:47 Love Jesus today! [ClickToTWeet]

Are You Fighting Your Battles?

Cats claw when cornered. Don’t fight the obvious. Ur security is in that God never left u. Then let God fight ur battles. [ClickToTWeet]

When we strive to be holy in our own strength, we fail. The key is not to suppress the flesh, but to surrender to the Spirit. [ClickToTWeet]

Unbroken Communion With God

Generals of God: Jesus often withdrew from the crowds of thousands in search of that audience of the One. What u searching? [ClickToTWeet]

Wherever u r school, college, bus stand, home begin to pray in the Spirit. Your lips don’t need to move. Stay connected with God. Now. [ClickToTWeet]

Let’s Pursue Jesus

God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & David wants to be known by ur name too! Pursue Jesus today! [ClickToTWeet]

The devil ignores a cold believer, devours a lukewarm believer but flees from a Holy Spirit FIRE filled believer. Pursue Jesus now! [ClickToTWeet]

Special Bonus for GTH Readers

Worst thing about bitterness is that it effects how u behave with ur loved ones first than it effects ur enemies. Let go & go! [ClickToTweet]

How many meals do you eat in a day? Here’s more> “I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12 AMP. [ClickToTweet]

When was the last time you wept like a child & danced like a kid?! If its been long,repent & run into the arms of the Lord. [ClickToTweet]

“..sin (ur irresistible temptation) is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” – God. Shut the door! [ClickToTweet]

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Wilson Christopher

Today’s Churches travail to gather members and new souls to attend meetings and crusades in mass volumes. Meetings are important for the body of Christ, as it is able to strengthen one another, and is an open door for new souls to know about Jesus. The efforts required may include many hours of praying, organizing and strategising, and more things to consider, often a huge amount of cash!

The eagerness of having this crusade organised at the local church or hometown excites many, and leads them to be involved in the different activities to make the crusade happen. I have witnessed church members and organisers charged up with schedules and programs before the meeting.

However, sad as it may seem, often for the organisers, that is all that is there to a meeting or a crusade. Once the meeting successfully concludes, one tends to just pack up his bags and leave.

What is crucial then, you may want to ask. All successful meetings are termed so due to a ‘follow up’. To make a meeting successful, follow up is very important. None of us should forget that the core objective of the crusade is to steer up the spiritual atmosphere and to win souls. What is the point if the hall is crowded but not the Heaven?

Following up with a new believer is the most important factor! The work of grounding a new believer and making them mature in Christ is explicitly expressed in Col 1:28 -29 “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me”. Such was the goal of Paul and his fellow labourers. A new soul is the most vulnerable when he/she is not grounded in faith.

Accepting Jesus as one’s personal saviour is the ultimate goal, but making them to understand about the relationship with Jesus and helping them to understand the Word of God is a long term process.

How Should Church Prioritise a Follow Up?

- Personal follow up: This is a one-to-one relationship of a newly saved person with a mature believer to aid and inspire the latter. Prepare a name list and assign it to someone who is staying around the new believer.

- Involving them in life groups.

- Understanding their needs but keeping it to a limit, such that it ultimately leads to dependence on God.

- Motivating and making them understand the challenges they would face as a new believer.

What the church needs to do is go beyond just holding crusade but leading and holding their hand and walking along with them until the coming of Christ.

This comes to each one of us as a challenge.

Can you adopt one new soul the next time you go to your church or attend a crusade and follow up with them?

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