Things are not always easy for shepherds. They have tough days and times when it feels like no one cares. It can feel to all the world like Saints would rather go off and be with anyone else but a leader. They have the hard job that most of us don’t want. It’s not fun to have to turn a misguided sheep who’s going the wrong direction around. Sometimes they’re very appreciative but sometimes they bite back at you. It can feel like you’re not the “popular” person at a party, like people are trying to avoid you almost…
Satan makes it seem depressing and uses these “smoke-screens” to make leaders and shepherds of the church give up. What’s the point of going on because you’re never gonna be “one of the crowd”. His goal is to divert the proper and natural respect that should go straight up the authority line to God. Now granted, our leaders do get lifted up and some praise, but are we as members doing enough? Remember the example of Moses in Exodus 17 and the war:
[quote]10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.[/quote]
Put that in modern terms and we’re holding up the hands of Gwen and other leaders to make sure this current spiritual battle is won. If their hands drop (they quit fighting or get down), it’s much more likely that the enemy’s going to make some progress. Make sure you’re not only looking out for your own needs. Gwen Shamblin could use more help and encouragement, as could all the rest. Don’t take for granted the amount of material and sermons that she writes each week, besides everything else she does for the church. There would be a huge void if that all disappeared. And the counsel that goes on daily from Gwen, other leaders, encouragers, regional reps, ect.. is invaluable. Help hold up their arms today and always with your encouragement and pure living. Trust me, it does mean something to them to receive a kind word. To feel appreciated. So encourage a leader today.
17 Comments
Jeff and I LOVE this leadership who teach and defend God’s Kingdom and lead us to do His will with our lives! We love you all and are dedicated to show it through our obedience!
Our precious leaders! Gifts from God! So dead to their own wills, to do the will of God! Every time I am counselled and put into practice, nothing but blessings!! We love them so much!!
Thank you God for our leaders and please bless and protect them as they live for you!
You are dear saints at Weigh Down! Your faithfulness is AMAZING! Even when alot of us left in the 90’s, you remained faithful and an example to us all. We are truly blessed by all that you do and all that you offer us out here in the Internet Land… and Michael your talent is truly a gift from God, that is listened to constantly. Praise God for your ministry! I look forward to meeting you all one day.
I praise God for all of you!! You are pillars in God’s Church, and whenever any of us fall, you are always here to help us right back up and point us to God, by words, but mostly by your godly example. You are such an encouragement to me!! Love to all our Leaders! Praying for abundant blessings and protection for each of you!
Shepherd
Merriam – Webster Dictionary
Pastor a spiritual overseer; especially: a clergyman serving a local church or parish.
I have a heart full of thanksgiving for all our leaders and praise God for each and every one of you. We are a very blessed people for their selflessness in all they do for the kingdom of God. Their dedication to God and His son Jesus Christ are shown through the fruit of their lives that in turn blesses us all. I am honored and humbled by your examples of commitment and service. You are loved and respected highly.
God bless you all!
I couldn’t agree more!! Thank you so much!!
Dearest Gwen and Leadership, THANK YOU for all you are for God and all you do for God, Christ Jesus and all the saints on the highway of holiness. In a word … LOVE. Thank you for your LOVE for God and His Kingdom. You and your families are prayed for daily for God’s continued protection, favor and wisdom. With much respect and love for each of you, Joey
I am so thankful to God for letting our family find Gwen Shamblin and these godly examples who are our leaders! Without seeing the words of God and Christ lived out on a daily basis by them and the members of Remnant Fellowship, I would still be miserable and hopeless. I do not say this often enough. Thank you so much, Gwen and all the leaders! I love you dearly and am fighting the battle every day to be more selfless and more like you. You are truly pouring out the love of Christ, and that is why I joined this church and why I stay even when it seems hard. May I be one who lifts your arms every day!
We love all of our Leaders and Shepards and are daily in prayer for you all. Thank you Gwen and sweet Shepard’s for all that you do for us. We would not have such a wonderful life if it where not for you, your counsel and your love.
With much hugs for you all,
Carmen and Frank
Wow – thank you for encouraging us all Michael!
Our leaders are the most selfless examples ive known – all the while having the most extraordinary senses of humor I’ve ever met
Thank you so much for this article. I love Gwen and all of our precious leaders so very much. I would not have the unbelievably blessed life I have today were it not for their faithful guidance and counsel and their lives poured out daily to ALWAYS point me back up to God as the source of everything.
LOVE our incredible Leaders and covet being able to be anywhere close to where they are !!!!! The Roths HIGHLY ESTEEM our Leaders… the Most amazing Saints of our Most High God!!!!
Praise God for all church leaders! I pray that all followers of Jesus Christ give support to the leaders of all churches. When we pray, God hears our prayers. I am grateful to God and church leaders for their work for the King!
To All of our Shepherds and Leaders @www.remnantfellowship.org, the ones who don’t get much sleep, those who are truly living sacrifices, who really die everyday for the sake of others, who listen, advise, counsel, hug, pray for all of us!!!! To the best people on the face of the earth, a huge SHOUT OUT from Bogotá!!!! We love you dearly and pray for you!!! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!
To Gwen and leaders at Remnant Fellowship, right now I cannot imagine my life without you. Your tireless service is a beacon. Please know that you are prayed for daily. Thank you so much! Praise God for leading you!
I praise God for the selfless leaders at Remnant Fellowship! Such beautiful Godly examples! I have been blessed to ask for advice from such pure hearted sheppards! When I put this instruction into practice there are blessings abundant! Thank you for all you do Gwen! Sheppards! Evangilisim committee! Tech team! Regional Reps! Online Coordinators! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I resolve to do more this year! Love you all dearly!
Oh, what a wonderful life ! I agree with all these posts — PRAISE GOD FOR OUR SELFLESS LEADERS AT REMNANT FELLOWSHIP.!