Ministry & Missions

Navigating Holiday Overwhelm

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of year. Right? The truth is that Christmas is indeed a wonderful, beautiful, glorious time of celebrating our Savior’s birth with family and friends. The truth is also that the Christmas season is a time of excessive spending, impossible expectations, heightened emotions and major overwhelm.

There. I said it. Someone had to.

We’re going to wake up on December 26th taking inventory of our bank accounts, and our senses. Like previous years, most of us will immediately make a commitment that next year will be easier, simpler, less exhausting…It’s me. I’m most of us.

In order to get ahead of the overwhelm, and navigate the season a bit easier, here are a few points to ponder.

SIMPLE IS OKAY

Every year, I see pictures of holiday decorations in magazines and social media feeds, and think I’m going to try that next year. When next year comes, however, I don’t have the energy or time. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that simple really is okay. My house doesn’t have to look like Martha Stewart decorated for me. The same can be said for gift giving.We have allowed the spirits of capitalism and consumerism to cause us to make spending decisions far beyond our means. Give yourself permission to go simple and easy this year.

INVEST IN MOMENTS

We tend to get our focus on the whole, big festive picture, and overlook the small moments. Memories of the decorations and gifts will fade quickly, but memories of experiences will last longer. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, the smell of wassal simmering on the stove, decorating a food tree for the birds, decorating Christmas cookies with the grandkids and reading the Christmas story. I plan to make these memory moments this year. Oh, and my husband brought home mistletoe, and I plan on kissing him, and each of my grand boys under it.

BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS

In all of our celebrating, we need to remember that not everyone is joyful through the holiday season.

1. Many people are missing lost loved ones, and that void is a deep chasm of grief. They press on for family and friends, but are aching inside. Another consideration is the financial circumstances of others.

2. Many don’t have the resources to purchase gifts for their loved ones as others do. We should take care to not overburden people to measure up to our standards of gift giving.

3. Some people suffer from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is something I personally struggle with. Our brains are wired to need an appropriate amount of natural light to function and feel emotionally healthy. People who suffer from SAD have a very difficult time feeling the joy of the holiday season.

4. We should also be mindful of the convictions of others. Not everyone decorates trees, and not everyone believes in Santa.

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.“ (Luke 6:31)

FOCUS ON JESUS

It’s easy to get our focus on everything but the Lord during the holidays. But we need to remind ourselves Who we are actually celebrating. Spend time in His Word and Presence every day of the season. Allow Him to focus your mind, and calm your spirit. Look for ways to incorporate Him into activities, festivities, gatherings and conversations.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.“ (Luke 2:7)

CORRAL EMOTIONS & WORDS

How many of us remember a Christmas when that one person lost control of their emotions, and everything spiraled? Most of us can remember at least one incident. Emotions are heightened during the holiday season. Finances are tight. Expectations are too high. Health and energy levels are being stretched. Self control is often out the window. Let’s pay extra attention to our thoughts, emotions and words this season. Before you say something you’ll regret, ask yourself, Does it really matter? Does it really need to be said? What will be the repercussions of my words or actions?

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;“ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

PRACTICE THANKFULNESS

We’ve just passed Thanksgiving, and most of us aren’t feeling very thankful. Let’s commit to beginning and ending each day of the holiday season by telling the Lord something we’re thankful for. Keep a thankful journal. Write it down. When you’re feeling overdone, find something to be thankful for. You’ll be surprised how your outlook will change for the good.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.“ (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

PRAY

Never is there a time when 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is more appropriate than the holiday season.

”Pray without ceasing.”

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

6 Bible Characters Who Didn’t Feel Qualified For Their Calling

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Here are four simple truths. ONE: God uses people. TWO: You are people. THREE: God desires to use you. FOUR: Most people feel unqualified to be used by God.

MOSES

Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses and the burning bush. It was at this dramatic event that he was commissioned by God to be the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. We don’t always talk about Moses’ reluctance to tackle his God-given calling, however.

Like most of us, Moses had legit excuses to justify his hesitancy, the first being, “Who am I?” The second, “They won’t believe me.” And the third, “I’ve got this stuttering problem.”

“Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10)

“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

I can sure relate to this one. Like Moses, I wasn’t raised in the Israelites’ faith. I’ve often said, “The world raised me.” This doesn’t negate the love and provision that was granted me as a child, only the culture of the world that surrounded me.

I know what it is to feel unqualified to teach, write and speak what God has called me to when surrounded by saints who were born and raised in the Church. Who am I, indeed? Yet, just like Moses, God has given me a promise that He will be with me every step if I simply continue to be faithful.

12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” 

GIDEON

What are the words most associated with Gideon? Mighty Man of Valor! To be clear, he didn’t start out feeling or being a mighty man of valor. His first excuse was that his family was poor, and he was the least in his family. Boy, oh boy! I know what this feels like. Being adopted, and never knowing my birth parents, let’s just say I know what it is to feel insignificant.

“And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:14-15)

Still, God gave Gideon a promise to be with him every step of the way to victory over the Midianites. Even when Gideon tested God with back to back fleeces, God answered by the supernatural, and affirmed his calling.

And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:16)

SAUL

Ahhh…King Saul, the first king of Israel. Surely, he had a confident start to his calling. Actually, not so much. He had previously been anointed to be king, but when the Prophet Samuel came to make him king publicly, he was hiding among the “stuff.” I’ve always thought this word referred to junk or clutter. The Strong’s Concordance number H3627 clarifies its meaning as any apparatus such as implements, utensils, weapons, armor, artillery, instrument, tools, etc. Saul wasn’t just hiding in the clutter. He was staying busy with needful things while avoiding the most important thing.

That sounds like someone I know. Me. I’m someone. I can find endless important things to tackle physically and mentally while I purposely push THE THING to the fringes of my consciousness.

“And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.” (1 Samuel 10:20-21)

“Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the stuff.” (1 Samuel 10:22)

ESTHER

When the wicked Haman came against the Jewish people to have them slaughtered, Mordecai appealed to his niece, Queen Esther, to intercede before the King for their protection. Understandably, she was more than a little hesitant to do so because of the law stating that anyone who approached the King without a personal invitation could be killed. When he pressed her, she made a decision to push past her fear, and trust God.

There have been plenty of times in my walk with God that I’ve been terrified to do the thing He called me to do. Some times, I allowed my fear to win. Other times, I trusted God, and pressed through.

“All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.” (Esther 4:11)

”Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:15-16)


PAUL

The great Apostle Paul. Previously Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of Christians. (Not to be confused with Saul, the first king of Israel.) I love this guy! Paul only met Jesus once that we know of, and that was after His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. It was on the road to Damascus. Saul/Paul was on his way to wrangle up yet more Christians to be thrown in prison, tortured and likely even killed. He was on a mission, for the Lord no less. But when the resurrected Jesus called to him on the road that day by a great light and voice of all authority, he was never the same. It was a Divine Intervention. From that day until his death, he labored tirelessly for the One who changed the course of his life, always acknowledging that he wasn’t worthy.

Even though Paul knew he was unworthy to be called an apostle, he allowed his thankfulness to keep him focused on ministry. I’m ever so thankful for the Divine Intervention in my own life, and agree with Paul that I am the least of these.

“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:8-10)

MARY

She was just a girl. Betrothed, but not yet officially married. She is approached by the angel Gabriel who tells her she has been chosen to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah. The Savior of the world. No pressure. Talk about feeling unqualified. She wasn’t exactly doubtful. She simply wanted to know HOW??? When Gabriel explained that it would be a supernatural act by God’s Holy Spirit overshadowing her, she still didn’t fully understand. How could she? Yet she placed herself in the path of scandal, and in the hollow of God’s Hands, and responded by saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

I can’t count the times I’ve asked God, “HOW???” When it makes no sense in my head. How? When I can’t see all the pieces in place. How? When others won’t cooperate with the plan. How? When I’m fearful of what others will think. How?

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be,…” (Luke 1:34)

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.“ (Luke 1:38)

 

IN SUMMARY

We all have plenty of reasons to push back against God’s plan for our lives. Perhaps like Moses, we weren’t raised in the Church. Or like Gideon, we feel insignificant compared to others who are more qualified. Maybe like (King) Saul, we are too focused on being busy for God that we can’t say yes to the thing He’s calling us to. It could be that we are like Esther, afraid to follow through with God’s calling because of repercussions for not following the established rules. Maybe like Paul, we remember where we came from, and everything we took part in before Jesus found us, and granted us a Divine Intervention. Or perhaps we are most like Mary, and love God with all our hearts. Like everyone around us, we’ve waited in anticipation for God’s plan to unfold, and then we realize what that unfolding will cost…us. Perhaps it seems like the most outlandish and impossible plan. More extreme than anything we could have ever dared to dream. I pray we can find enough faith to say, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

~Pat~

 

What Is Your Ministry?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

”But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

These words were written in a letter by the Apostle Paul to his son in the gospel, Timothy. He wanted to insure that upon his passing, his young protege’ would be equipped with the tools he needed to fulfill his ministry to his generation.

The truth is every Christian is called to minister in some capacity. This thought brings up mental images of fiery preachers or Bible teachers who can expound on any topic from Genesis to Revelation. The word “MINISTRY” simply means to be an attendant or to serve. If this definition makes you think of a busy waiter in a restaurant at lunchtime, you’re on the right track.

No individual is without value in the Body of Christ. God has a place and a purpose for every single person. He didn’t save you just so you could be saved, and that’s all. He brought us out of the world so that He could bring us in to the family of God, and give us purpose.

He brought us OUT to bring us IN for a PURPOSE.

IDENTIFYING YOUR MINISTRY

God puts unique interests within each one of us. As we acknowledge those interests, and press into them, they become skills or talents. When we hone those talents, and use them to benefit the Kingdom of God, they become ministries.

Ministries can begin simply by asking ourselves a few questions:

-What do I enjoy?

-What am I interested in?

-What am I good at?

-What are people always commenting that I should do more of?

-What makes me feel rewarded and fulfilled?

These are likely the things that God wants to develop within you for ministry purposes.
Using myself as an example, I’ve always enjoyed reading since I first learned how. I’ve always been interested in books. I am naturally good at writing. Through the years, people have commented over and over that I should write a book. Getting something written that people are blessed, encouraged, inspired and taught by is very fulfilling to me. Writing is one of my ministries. How do I use this ministry for the Kingdom? I write Christian blogposts, articles, lessons and hopefully books.

You can use this same pattern over and over. People are not one dimensional; neither do our ministries have to be.

ENDLESS AREAS OF MINISTRY

Not all ministry is done behind a pulpit. Actually, most is not. You may never have a pulpit ministry or position, but you most definitely have a place to minister in the Body. Referring back to our definition of “Ministry” being to attend or serve, we know that anywhere there is people, there’s opportunity to serve.

Think about your local church. What do you see people doing every service? Pastor is preaching. Sunday School teachers are teaching. You may not be called or ready to do either of these ministries. But there are so many other activities happening. Someone takes up the offering. Could you do that? Someone probably greets people as they arrive to service. Could you do that?

What about behind the scenes? Someone creates the colorful classroom bulletin boards. Someone mows the grass, weeds the shrub beds, sweeps the porch, cleans the bathrooms, brings snacks to the students in Sunday School, decorates for holidays and special events, works in the nursery…The list goes on and on.

Think about outside your church building. Do you love to cook or bake? Could you make food and deliver meals to the elderly, shut ins, or first responders like the fire station, police department or National Guard Armory?

Do you have a way with the elderly? Could you make regular visits to the nursing home to bring comfort and joy?

Do you love to crochet? Could you crochet warm hats for chemo or dialysis patients?

Do you love the Word of God? Do you love hosting people in your home? Could you teach a home Bible study and serve a meal or coffee and dessert?

Do you love to give? Could you support a missionary with a monthly offering?

EXPANDED MINISTRIES

God does call people to ministries beyond their local church and community. Every missionary, evangelist, church planter, sought after musician, Christian author or conference speaker was once a person wrestling with their own interests, talents, giftings and callings. They didn’t start out their ministry by traveling to other countries and preaching to thousands. They started by painting bulletin boards, keeping the nursery and  cleaning the bathrooms in their local church.

ARE YOU READY TO MINISTER?

1. Make sure you attend a local church that teaches and preaches the Truth of God’s Word. (You can find one in your area HERE.)

2. Be faithful and consistent to all services, classes and events.

3. Get involved! Begin to use your interests & talents wherever you can.

4. Establish a strong relationship with the Pastor.

5. Allow the Pastor to help guide you in your ministry decisions.

IN SUMMARY

You are uniquely you. You can minister in ways that others cannot. You can reach people with your giftings that others will not be able to reach. Being a servant in the Kingdom of God is more rewarding than all the accolades of the world. There are endless areas and opportunities to minister, and God most certainly wants to use you.

”For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10)

Warm Regards,

~Pat~

Unpacking The Fivefold Ministry

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
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”And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Within the church, there are many areas of ministry that individuals can choose to take part in according to their interests. The core framework of ministry, however, is what we refer to as the Fivefold Ministry. Each one of these five is not only a calling, but an office filled by those selected by God Himself. These offices come with much responsibility, and should also be given appropriate respect.  No one of the fivefold ministries is more important than the others. The Apostle Paul lists them in his letter to the  church at Ephesus. They are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Let’s unpack each one.

THE FIVEFOLD MINISTRY

1. APOSTLES OVERSEE

Jesus’ original 12 disciples became apostles after His ascension into Heaven. (Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias after Judas betrayed Jesus, and subsequently hung himself.) As such, they were overseers of the new Christian churches and works. An apostle may start a church in an area, but will most likely establish a local pastor over the work when it is stable enough to do so. He might travel to the churches under his oversight on a regular basis, as Paul did. In modern times, an apostle is likely to stay connected to the pastors of the churches under his covering via avenues of technology such as phone calls, text messages, emails, FaceTime or Zoom calls. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, he listed many of his trials, tribulations and hardships including “the care of all the churches.”  A true apostle thrives on seeing churches established, and the pastors and congregations under their spiritual covering working together to build the Kingdom.

“Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28)

 

SIDE NOTE

My husband and I have traveled to Malaysia twice on missions trips. It was there that we met Pastor Clement. He pastored the local church, but had also started over 40 churches in other areas. Even though he pastored, he was also an apostle, overseeing all of these works. When my husband came to preach, he would fly all of his pastors in to attend the services. He was a true modern day apostle, and has since gone to be with the Lord. Those 40+ churches still thrive today because of his apostleship.

2. PROPHETS FORETELL

In the Old Testament prophets were often called “Seers” because God showed them information via dreams and visions. This remains true today. Just as in the Old Testament, prophets today reveal information that God has shown them to those it is intended for. This information could be to encourage, inform, redirect, confirm, prepare or warn. A true prophet thrives on knowing the people whose lives he speaks into are taking the information to heart and acting on it while seeking God’s Will in the process

”And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” (Numbers 12:6)


SIDE NOTE

I remember 35+ years ago when my husband first began having visions. One day he asked me, “Do you see things? “ I asked, “What kind of things?” He immediately replied, “Never mind.”  He didn’t have a mentor who could instruct him in this matter, so he wrestled alone with the Lord for a few years. The Lord took him though a season of schooling where He would show him something, or reveal a bit of information, and then my husband would have to learn how to process it, and what to do with the knowledge. One day we were driving down the road. When he glanced over at the car beside us, and the Lord gave him a name. My husband followed the lady to a gas station, got out, and asked her if her name was what the Lord had given him. She affirmed that it was. He told her God loved her, and to have a nice day. In this same manner over a period of years, he learned how to trust the process, and step into the prophetic calling.

3. EVANGELISTS DECLARE

Evangelists are called to proclaim the gospel wherever they go for the purpose of seeing people born again. While this should be the focus of every minister, an evangelist will have a special anointing for this purpose. While they have a home church that they base out of, evangelists are known to travel wherever there is an open door of opportunity to preach the gospel message. Some evangelists minister predominantly within specific people groups such as children’s evangelists. A true evangelist thrives on seeing people respond to the gospel message, be born again according to Acts 2:38 and remain faithful under a pastor’s care.

”But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

4. PASTORS SHEPHERD

A pastor is over a local assembly of believers. Not as a dictator, but as a loving shepherd watching over his flock. Other than a parent or spouse, a pastor is the next level of spiritual authority in a person’s life. It is the pastor’s responsibility to oversee the spiritual care of each person in his assembly. He or she will feed them the Word of God regularly so they may grow in knowledge. He is called to be aware of and assist in their spiritual maturity at all times, always watching for any danger that would come upon them. A true pastor thrives by seeing the members of his flock learning and applying the Word of God in their lives, showing evidence of spiritual maturity and being content in working together to bring others into the fold.

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.“ (Jeremiah 3:15)

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.“ (Hebrews 13:17)

5. TEACHERS INSTRUCT

Believers who are called by God to be teachers cannot get enough of His Word. They are consumed by it. A teacher will look for opportunities to explain the scriptures. A seasoned teacher has often spent time teaching all age groups. There is an unspoken respect given to preachers, but not always teachers. While both are necessary, a teacher is one of the fivefold ministries; a preacher is not. A true teacher thrives on moments when their students’ eyes light up with understanding of God’s Word.

”These things command and teach.” (1 Timothy 4:12)


PURPOSE OF THE FIVEFOLD MINISTRY

1. For The Perfecting of the Saints

Our walk with God is like a journey, and we are all at different points in our pilgrimage. The fivefold ministry is in place to assist individuals in the Body of Christ to be born again, learn, grow, mature and be firmly established as productive saints in God’s Kingdom. This process is ongoing throughout our lives.

2. For the Work of the Ministry

The fivefold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers provide the foundation, structure and guidelines for all other ministries.

3. For the Edifying of the Body of Christ

The word “edify” here means to “Build Up.” Through the fivefold ministry, God has established the means whereby individuals in the Body of Christ are continually instructed, encouraged, nurtured and guided consistently.

IN SUMMARY

Much attention and acknowledgement is given to evangelists, pastors and teachers in our modern church culture. Sadly, hardly any acknowledgement is given to modern day apostles and prophets. It is often either ignored or discouraged when ministers who fill either of these two offices actually proclaim themselves to be such. This is especially true of modern day prophets.

If it is encouraged, and even applauded, when an evangelist, pastor or teacher declares their calling to these offices, it should  be the same for an apostle or prophet. It is God who established these offices within the church, and He did so for the specific purposes listed above. Without all five of these offices functioning properly, the Body of Christ cannot be fully perfected, have effective ministries or be edified. We must begin to normalize the acceptance and promotion of ALL FIVE of the fivefold ministry…

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13)

Warm Regards,

~Pat~

Why Must I Sneak Up On You To Tell You The Truth?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

There’s some crazy disrespect going on  in the world. You don’t need me to tell you that to know it’s true. While that has always been the case, it’s worse than ever before. Seriously. There was a time, not too long ago, when if a man or woman of God spoke, respect was given from saint and sinner alike. Sadly, that’s not the case today.

There are multiple levels of crazy disrespect. There’s the I’m going out today and mow down a bunch of innocent people with an automatic weapon disrespect. There’s the I’m going to shoot as much of this nasty substance into my veins to see how it makes me feel disrespect. There’s the I’m going to fill my life with as many distractions as possible so I don’t have to deal with the reality of eternity disrespect. Then there’s the I’m going to smile while you’re telling me about how to be saved from this crazy disrespectful world of sin, and then go on about my merry way because you just need a crutch for your simple life, and I’m far superior in my thinking to put any credit into what you’re saying kind of disrespect…Taking care of this last one is often the key to not escalating to the the first three levels of crazy disrespect.

WHY ARE YOU SO SUSPICIOUS?

Not everyone is out to get you. Some people are truly concerned about your spiritual wellbeing, not just what you can do for them. Some people are trying to build a relationship with you in order to let you know there’s a place for you in the Family of God. Does that mean they have an ulterior motive, and you shouldn’t trust them? On the contrary, it means you are valuable to them, and they truly care about you. It is in your best interest to run to that godly relationship, and not away from it.

WHY ALL THE GAMES?

What does all your allusiveness accomplish? Why is it important for you to avoid every serious conversation with that godly person who is trying to make a connection with you? Why make them feel like they have to come up with ten new ways to interact with you to bring your relationship to a point where you can have a real conversation about the things of God?

If a truly godly person is pursuing a relationship with you, it’s probably because they have a personal mandate from God to do so. Do you think they enjoy being put off, disregarded, insulted and ignored? Wouldn’t be it better to just sit down and have a real conversation about your spiritual wellbeing? That’s their only objective…your spiritual wellbeing.

WHO DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR?

In a week’s time, who do you talk to? Who is important in your life? Your spouse. Your children. These are understandable.

What about your co-workers? Your employees. The grocery store cashier. Your boss. Your coach. Your gym manager. Your flight attendant. Your Uber driver. Seriously. Don’t you understand it’s hurtful when you will have a more meaningful conversation with any of these people than me, someone who is truly concerned about where your life is heading, and has the answer to fix it?

WHO IS PURSUING YOU?

The person who is pursuing you may not actually be me, but there’s someone. See their face in your mind’s eye. Notice how sincere they are. Notice how they try to mask the hurt when you either won’t make time for a simple conversation about God and His Word, or when you put them off with a drummed up excuse.

That person is not saying they are better than you, holier than you, smarter than you or worth more than you. Just the opposite is true. They are saying they were once in a fat mess of lostness, but God sent someone to find them. They want to be that someone for you.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

 

CALLING ALL WIDOWS

~ Pat Vick ~ 1 Comment
“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.” (1 Timothy 5:5)

There is a call going out from the throne room of God in these last days. It is an urgent and fervent plea for the saints of God to pray and fast like never before. The call is to all who will hear and obey. However, there is one group of people that is equipped to accomplish it better than any other.

There are those among us who are often forgotten or overlooked. This is a terrible tragedy since they hold the greatest potential for ushering true revival into the world. Widows, who the apostle Paul called “widows indeed,” meaning they have their eyes set on Jesus, and not the pleasures of the world. They spend their time in prayer and fasting, seeking God for their families, and for a lost and dying world.

These women are the unheralded heroes among us. They often feel that they have lost their purpose. Perhaps they were pastor’s or minister’s wives. Their lives were previously filled with ministry, and now they sit alone waiting for an opportunity to serve again.

We often see them as precious and fragile pieces of porcelain that must be set on the highest shelves to keep them safe. We unknowingly label them as relics of the past. Yet, inside of their very being are vaults of wisdom gleaned from lifetimes of experiences. What a waste. What a shame. What a tragedy.

We must pull widows indeed from the safe storage boxes that we have relegated them to. We must interact with them. We must sit at their feet and learn. We must listen. Most of all, we must encourage them to pray and fast for our families, congregations, communities, nation and world.

Calling. All. Widows. God leans in to hear your prayers. If you are desiring to minister, and don’t know when, where or how to make that happen, I encourage you to enter into a season of prayer and fasting. I beseech you to go before the throne of God for the Body of Christ as only you can. The Spirit is calling you to your greatest and finest hour of selfless ministry.

Look around you. We are in the last days before Jesus returns for His bride, the Church. If we are going to have revival, it needs to be now. If we are going to reach the lost, it needs to be now. If we are going to do something beneficial for the Kingdom, it needs to be now.

Calling. All. Widows. We need you more than we ever have before. In this winter season of your life, you are truly more valuable than you have ever been.

“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.” (1 Timothy 5:5)

Life Is a Highway

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

“The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:
he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.” (Proverbs 16:17)

My heart is so grieved as I look around at people going about their daily lives. I feel more and more pressed in the Spirit with every passing day. How can we continue to go about our business as usual, when there is nothing “usual” about our lives anymore?

Just as a highway runs in both directions, and you have the ability to go either way, so each person has a choice of which direction they will travel spiritually -either to, or away from God.

I am crushed when I see people who have lived for God turn and begin to travel away from Him. People who I have personally prayed and wept with in the altar. People I have laughed with, and hugged, and fellowshipped with. People I love and cherish. People who have been saturated with the Spirit of the Living God. And yet they walk away, because life is a highway.

I cry a little every day, sometimes on the outside, and sometimes only in the silence of my heart. I cry for the choices people make that are so obviously driven by flesh. I cry because of the hardness of people’s hearts that were once so pliable in His hands. I cry because of the stubbornness and rebellion of people who have decided that no matter what the consequences are, they are going to do what their flesh craves. And I can’t do anything other than pray, because life is a highway, and people get to choose the direction they will travel.

Each time it happens, I cry a little. I die a little. I ask God why a little…or a lot. I always get the same answer. Life is a highway.

In these last days before Jesus returns, many will choose to travel the road of self satisfaction, self destruction, and ultimately be lost. Others will be traveling in the lane right beside them, yet going an altogether different direction to a life of blessing, peace, holiness, and ultimately to salvation.  

I will keep praying, and working, and reaching for one more. For that one who is getting weary of traveling away from God. For the one who is aching to be right with God again. For the one who never knew they could make better choices, and not live for flesh and satan. I will keep talking, and writing, and teaching, and believing for one more who will turn around and walk back to God.

Maybe that one is you. You don’t have to keep going in the direction you have chosen. You can turn around, and walk back to God, because life is a highway.

“And an highway shall be there, and a way,
and it shall be called The way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those:
the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8)

DEMYSTIFYING DEPUTATION: How Does It Help Our Missionaries Fulfill Their Calling?

~ Pat Vick ~ 2 Comments

My husband holds ordination license with the United Pentecostal Church International. (Referred to as UPCI) The UPCI is a fellowship of Christian ministers who have united in order to evangelize the world for Jesus Christ. We can do more together, rather than individually.

Jesus said when the gospel of the Kingdom was preached to the whole world, the end of the age would come, and He would return for His Bride, the Church.

In order to preach the whole gospel to the whole world, the UPCI sends out Missionaries to lands, both foreign and domestic. These Missionary Heroes are held in the highest esteem because they are willing to leave everything behind and follow God’s call to teach and preach the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to people anywhere and everywhere in the world.

This is an all consuming task. It takes every bit of their time, energy, strength, emotions and finances, yet they do not complain, because they are fully persuaded that the Cause of Christ is greater than anything they must give up.

Since it would be rare for our Missionaries to hold a secular job, it is the UPCI’s responsibility to provide a reasonable income for them to live productively in the land where they labor. This is achieved by having Partners In Missions. (Referred to as PIM) Exactly as it sounds, it is an opportunity for individuals and/or Churches to partner with Missionaries by supporting them with monthly offerings and covering them in prayer.

Each geographical area has a set budget amount that must be raised by the Missionary before they can go. Once they have raised their budget amount through PIMs, they go to the land of their calling for a four year term. Before their budget is raised, and after each four year term, Missionaries travel inside the States to collect PIMs.

This process is called DEPUTATION.

Each district (state) has a District Global Missions Director (DGMD). My husband is the DGMD for the state of Tennessee. It is the Director’s job to help facilitate the Missionaries being scheduled to visit Churches throughout the state where they serve. So, each Missionary and their family will travel inside a state for approximately two weeks, visiting as many Churches as they can, before traveling on to the next state.

Why is this important?

When a Missionary visits a Church while on deputation, they share the burden that God has placed on their hearts for their country. They connect local congregations to God’s work all over the world.

[bctt tweet=”Deputizing Missionaries connect local congregations to God’s work all over the world.” username=”patvickdotcom”]

How do they do this?

For starters, they will likely tell you how they received their call to go, and all they went through to make it happen. How they prayed and sought the Lord for direction. How they made application to the Global Missions Division of the UPCI. How they interviewed with the Global Missions Board. How they told their family and friends goodbye through hugs and tears. How they sold or packed away most of their possessions. How they attended language school to make sure they could communicate in a foreign country. How they have made plans to homeschool their children while living in a car or camper for months on end. How they have been traveling, or will be traveling throughout the United States for so many months until they have acquired enough PIMs to fill their budget. This will take about three minutes to tell, because it’s not what’s most important to them.

Next, they will get a glimmer in their eyes, and begin to tell you about the country of their calling. They will share practical information first like the population, what the country produces and exports, its climate, its indigenous animals, and what types of foods there are to eat.

After that, they will become very animated when they begin to talk about the people they will be ministering to. That is what’s most important to them. The people. They will tell you about waitresses, nurses, truck drivers, school teachers, doctors, government workers, stay at home mothers, factory workers, teenagers, idol worshippers, and precious little ratty kids with boogers smeared across their faces who do not know Jesus. They will show you pictures of them, and call them by name, because they know them, and love them.

You will sit through this presentation with your heart on the verge of exploding from the need to do something, and you will weep. You will weep for the faces. You will weep for the hopelessness of humanity without a Savior. You will believe the Missionary when they say that you can make a difference to one person, to one village, to a nation.

Some give by going. Others go by giving.

The Missionary will then present specific needs. Projects that they are also raising money for. It could be to raise money to open a Bible School, or to rebuild a Church that a hurricane has destroyed. It could be to start an orphanage, or dig a well for a particular community. The needs are a never-ending story.

At the close of their presentation, the Missionary will give you the opportunity to fill out a pledge to be a monthly Partner In Missions and/or to give a one time offering to their special projects. You will want to do both because you will have realized by this time how blessed you are to have the choice.

As you leave the sanctuary, you will probably pass the Missionary ‘s table where they have beautiful items displayed from the country of their calling. You will touch them, and feel connected to the real people who crafted these items with their own hands. You will shake the Missionary’s hand, and hold on a few seconds longer than necessary; willing them to feel your heart-wanting them to know they’ve made an impact in your world-wanting to make an impact in theirs. You will tussle the hair on their children’s heads, standing there so tall beside Mom and Dad. Brave little soldiers.

As you get in your car with your little family, and head for a restaurant, you know you will never be the same. You’ve realized, maybe for the first time, that the Kingdom of God is bigger than you thought, and humanity is more lost than you thought, and you must do more to bridge the gap.

As you lay down in your soft bed with a full belly that night, you will begin to feel a stirring in your spirit…

a face…

a place…

the name of a country…

a call…

…and while you are contemplating what it all means, the Missionary family will be driving down the road to the next Church, in the next town.

This is DEPUTATION.

Warm Regards, -Pat

CALL TO ACTION:

–Have you ever been moved by a Missionary’s passion for the country of their calling? Tell us about it in the comments.

-Have you ever felt like you might be called to the mission field? 

–Have you ever been on a Mission Trip? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

–Visit GLOBALMISSIONS.COM to find out more about Missions in the UPCI.

As always, feel free to leave a comment, share to social media, shoot me an email PAT@PATVICK.COM, and SUBSCRIBE HERE to my newsletter.

Gray Hair. Don’t Care. (It’s My Birthday, After All;)

~ Pat Vick ~ 7 Comments
My fifty-first year was short, but mighty. It’s been my favorite so far. I did a lot of living, a lot of learning and a lot of loving in the past three hundred sixty-five days.
A LOT OF LIVING
January brought our fourteenth trip to Belize. We think of it as our home away from home. I climbed Mayan ruins for the fourteenth time, and saw the country through the fresh eyes of my youngest son and nephew.
In March, I conquered my fears, and pushed past preconceived notions, when I flew Etihad Air to the Middle East. In Oman, I trekked sand dunes, swam in the Indian Ocean, and ate the best food I have ever eaten in my life. I was mesmerized by the brilliant fabrics, frankincense wafting in the air, and the gorgeous doors of hospitality.
In the UAE, I took in Dubai from the bird’s eye view of the Bourj Kalifa.
I saw an indoor ski slope in a Dubai mall (AN INDOOR SKI SLOPE!!!), and stood in the hush under what must have been thousands of butterflies in the Butterfly Room.
Covered from head to toe, I toured the magnificent Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
June brought our thirtieth anniversary trip to Jamaica where I did nothing but soak up sun, sand and food. Oh, and I did meet a husband and wife, also on their anniversary trip, who had also recently visited Dubai. The big world is getting very small, indeed.
July took me to Trinidad where, at the lowest point of the Pitch Lake, I walked on a molten sea of tar, and at the highest vantage point of St. George Fort, I prayed a blessing over the country with outstretched hands.
August was my tour guide to Malaysia. Both Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur (via Hong Kong). I have yet to sort out my feelings from this trip, as there was so much of…everything. Sights, sounds, smells, people. So many people. No more space to spread out, so everything climbs up, up, up.
Besides traveling outside of the country, there were plenty of trips interspersed stateside to make most people dizzy. School of Missions in St. Louis, Missouri. Family vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Ladies Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,  Ministering in Tulsa, Oklahoma, UPCI General Conference in Kansas City, Missouri…I digress…
  A LOT OF LEARNING
I learned that people are people all over the world, and that God is God in every nook and cranny of it, as well.
I learned that no matter what language a person speaks, you can always communicate with a smile, a hug, or the squeeze of a hand.
I learned that people can tell you are sincere if you show respect and appreciation for their customs.
I learned that preconceived notions about people only breeds fear and hate.
I learned that these bodies we live in are fragile, yet they can be sturdy as nails when the need arises.
I learned to wear compression socks when I fly long distances.
I learned that eyes leak when hearts are longing to reconnect across datelines and timezones.
I learned that food poisoning makes you feel like you are dying, and wish you could, but then you don’t, and you are glad.
I learned that when you travel with friends, the journey is so much sweeter.
I learned that the work of God is bigger than me, and I will do just about anything to be a part of it.
A LOT OF LOVING
Husband, Children, Daughter-in-Love, Grandson, Twin Grandsons on the way, Men and Women of God, Family, Extended Family, Church Family, Community, Friends. Heart Connections. I love them all even more as I turn fifty-one than I did when I turned fifty.
So what if I’ve got more gray hair than I did last year. I’ve done a lot of living, learning and loving over the last three hundred sixty-five days to get it. Gray Hair. Don’t Care…It’s my birthday, after all;)