Devotional: Rejoicing Amidst Pressures

Rejoicing Amidst Pressures
(Rev.Nelson de Jesus)

Ministry is not always a bed of roses. It is not always a red carpet treatment. Even great servants in the Bible were not spared from pressures in the ministries which God called them to do. Take the apostle Paul for instance; he experienced imprisonment many times, not because he committed a crime but because he was simply doing what God wanted Him to do. In spite of these hard circumstances, we see in one of his epistles that he even exhorted the Philippian believers to, ‘rejoice in the Lord always’, which was a reflection of his own attitude while in prison.

From a mere human perspective , it would be difficult to rejoice when things get rough in our life and ministry but when we strive to look beyond our adversities and see them in the light of who God is, what He does, and what he says in his Word, we will have all the strength and reason to smile.

Remember, from God’s perspective, trials and difficulties are profitable, for they are what God uses in our lives to develop and mold us into the kind of servants He wants us to be.

“I consider our present sufferings insignificant
compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us”
says the apostle Paul, in Romans 8:18(GW)

“Count it all joy, my brothers,
when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
says James, the ‘half-brother’ of Jesus, in James 1:2-3 (ESV)

Devotional: Taking a break in your Personal oasis…

Taking a break in your Personal oasis…
(Rev. Mike Meñez)

The Oxford dictionary defines “Oasis” as “a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found”. It is a resting place in the midst of a rough and rugged journey.

Sometimes, ministry can become a desert for workers. For several different reasons and at different magnitudes, many times we find ourselves feeling exhausted, spent, and with nothing more to give. It is at these times that we need to “take a break” from the severity of things and just begin to find our “personal oasis”.

The Lord God Himself set us an example in the Sabbath. He wired us so that we need rests and breaks. In guilt, a lot of times, we “work our asses off” thinking it’ll make up for our shortcomings. But it never does… does it? Busyness doesn’t equate to spirituality, nor does it result to intimacy.

We all need to establish our own “personal oases”. I used the plural form here because I believe we should have a number of them. It should start with our time away with God… With all the pressures we face, we need to find that “rest” primarily in God’s presence.

Our family should be our next “oasis”. Find meaningful time with your spouse and children.

Your next “oasis” should be a support group of your peers and friends. We all need regular fellowship and “shock absorbers” (as we fondly call them at times).

Another good “oasis” could be productive diversions like a sport or a hobby you like to do that can easily get your mind off some pressures even for just a short time.

Take a break! Establish your own “personal oases” and be refreshed again and invigorated for the work!

“….the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work…” Exod. 20:10

“1My soul finds rest in God alone.... 2He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP COURSES (c)

Our ATS is now TLC. TLC more popularly stands for ‘tender loving care’, which is what our TLC aims to provide our pastors and ministry workers.

The ATS (Advanced Theological Studies) program of IGS has undergone restructuring and expansion. With the TLC or TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP COURSES, pastors and ministry workers can expect an even deeper enrichment program.

With the former, (ADVANCED THEOLOGIAL STUDIES)
CENTERS: FOUR (4)
PROFESSORS: SEVEN (7)
TOPICS: EIGHT (8)

With the current, (TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP COURSES)
CENTERS: SEVEN (7)
PROFESSORS: TWELVE (12+)
TOPICS: RELEVANTLY VARIED
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Areas of Concentration:
I. REFORMATIVE SPIRITUALITY
-Character -Integrity,
-Personal life, -Growth,
-Purity, -and other related topics
-Commitment,

II. RELEVANT SKILLS
-Theology
-Biblical studies
-Ministry Skills
*Handling the Word,
*Management,
*English proficiency,
*Computer literacy

III. RELATIONAL SENSITIVITY
-Marriage ad family relationships,
-Interpersonal relationships,
-Ethics,
-other topics

Invest in God's Service!

A WORTHY INVESTMENT
by Pastor Nelson de Jesus

Because we, in IGS, believe in the value of partnership, we would like to open an avenue by which you can partner with IGS in its desire to help churches and workers fulfil the mandate of the great commission. We call it, “Investing in God’s Service” (IGS).

In spite of its humble beginning in 2002, the Lord has enabled IGS to enlarge its territory over the past 6 years. What God has allowed IGS to accomplish so far is a by product of partnerships with individuals and churches who have allowed themselves to be God’s channel of blessing, making financial investments for the ministry that we do. We are truly grateful to God for them.
The work and ministry continues and we need more partners who are willing to make the same investment.

It may be that God has given you a desire to become part of “Investing in God’s Service”. Join us today! Let’s make a lasting impact! Let’s be involved in something that will greatly count for eternity!

You can partner with us by any of the following ways:

1. Give a one-time love gift, individually, as a group, or church.

2. Give a regular support as a group, or church:
*anually
*semi-annually
*quarterly
*monthly

3. Introduce and promote our ministry to friends, relatives, and co-church members who may be moved to help financially. Also, send us ministry contacts as well.

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Funds sourced and gathered from this partnership will go to the working or operational fund of IGS and will not be given for personal support of its ministry workers/staff.

We hope and pray for your favourable response to this worthy investment. May God bless you!