This could spark a healthy, biblical conversation in your church. Here’s a blog post that teaches while inviting reflection.

Should a Pastor Be Paid a Salary?

“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” — 1 Timothy 5:18

It is a question that has been asked for generations:

Should a pastor be paid a salary?

For some, the answer seems obvious. For others, it raises concerns about money, ministry, and motives. Rather than allowing culture, tradition, or personal experiences to shape our thinking, let’s turn to the Word of God.

The Bible consistently teaches that those who dedicate themselves to preaching, teaching, and shepherding God’s people are worthy of financial support.

In 1 Timothy 5:17–18, Paul writes:

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching… The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

Likewise, in 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul declares:

“The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”

These verses remind us that ministry is not simply a volunteer position—it is labor. A faithful pastor spends countless hours studying Scripture, praying, counseling, visiting the sick, comforting grieving families, leading the church, and equipping believers for the work of ministry. While many of these hours go unseen, they are no less real.

At the same time, Scripture also guards the pastor’s heart. A pastor must never minister for financial gain or serve with greedy motives (1 Peter 5:2–3). Ministry is a calling, not a career driven by wealth.

The issue, then, is not whether a pastor deserves extravagant riches. The biblical question is whether God’s people should faithfully care for those whom God has called to shepherd them.

A healthy church understands that supporting its pastor is not merely paying an employee—it is participating in the work of the Kingdom. When a congregation faithfully cares for its shepherd, it enables him to devote himself more fully to prayer, the ministry of the Word, and the care of God’s people.

A Question for Reflection

What does your understanding of Scripture teach about supporting those who faithfully labor in ministry?

Read the following passages and prayerfully consider your answer:

* 1 Timothy 5:17–18
* 1 Corinthians 9:7–14
* Galatians 6:6
* Hebrews 13:17

May our convictions always be shaped by God’s Word rather than by tradition, preference, or personal opinion.

"Pastor, I Got Your Back!"
Every pastor needs support, especially from those who are
closest to him. The burden of ministry was never designed to be
carried alone. God has always provided helpers, partners, and
fellow laborers to strengthen the hands of those He calls to lead.
That's why Peter's declaration is so interesting.
"Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the
disciples said the same. (The Gospel of Matthew 26:35)
In today's language, Peter was saying:
"Jesus, I got your back."
And the other disciples echoed the same sentiment.
The problem wasn't their words.
The problem was their follow-through.
When the pressure came, they scattered.
When the soldiers arrived, they disappeared.
When Jesus needed them most, their promises could not sustain
their commitment.
Every pastor has heard people say:
"Pastor, I got your back."
"Pastor, whatever you need."
"Pastor, you can count on me."

But ministry reveals the difference between those who make
promises and those who carry burdens.
A healthy church is filled with people who don't just talk
support—they demonstrate support.
When Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur didn't tell him they
had his back. They held up his hands. When Paul needed
encouragement, God sent faithful co-laborers. When the work
became heavy, help showed up.
No pastor should have to beg, borrow, struggle, or suffer
unnecessary need while surrounded by people who claim to
support the vision.
Don't just tell your pastor you have his back. Show him.
Pray for him.
Encourage him.
Serve with him.
Support the vision.
Help carry the load.
Because real support is not proven by what you say in the easy
moments.
It's proven by what you do when the pressure comes.
And every pastor deserves some Aarons and Hurs—not just
some Peters who make promises.

Everybody Plays the Fool Sometimes
Sometimes the deepest pain isn't from an enemy.
It's from a friend.
Someone you trusted.
Someone you helped.
Someone you defended.
Someone you thought was for you.
Then one day, they break your trust and leave you carrying the weight of
their betrayal.
But hear me:
Being deceived does not make you a fool.
It means you were sincere while they were pretending.
It means you were loyal while they were calculating.
It means your heart was genuine.
Don't let their betrayal make you question your worth.

The Book of Psalms 41:9 says,
"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted... hath lifted up his
heel against me."

Even David knew the pain of betrayal.
Even Jesus was betrayed by a friend.
So don't become bitter.
Become wiser.
What they did is their testimony.

How you respond will be yours.
 You didn't lose a friend. You lost an illusion. God revealed who
they really were. Now heal, learn, and keep moving forward. God still
has good people assigned to your journey.
And beloved, one more thing:
Don't let one Judas make you suspicious of all the other people God
has blessed you with.

“Moses My Servant Is Dead!”
There comes a time when grieving must give way to moving. God spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses and said, “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan…” (The Book of Joshua 1:2). God was not being insensitive to Joshua’s loss; He was reminding him that purpose still remained. The season had changed, and it was time to move forward.
Some people spend years mourning what they lost, a relationship, an opportunity, a job, a friendship, or a chapter of life that has already ended. While grief is natural, living there permanently will keep you from the future God has prepared.
Stop staring at closed doors. Stop building monuments to what used to be. Thank God for what was, but don’t miss what is next. What is gone is gone, but God’s purpose for your life is still alive.
Moses is dead. The promise is not.
Get up. Cross your Jordan. There is still territory to possess. ✊??

Make the Right Choice 


“Choices are a direct reflection of who we are. Our desires, ambitions, needs, wounds, and insecurities often drive the decisions we make. That’s why we must be careful not to move too fast or act only on emotion. Every choice leaves an imprint on our future, and once decisions are made, we often have to live with their consequences. Temporary happiness can lead to permanent regret if we are not discerning. But remember this: happiness is fleeting and based on circumstances, while the Joy of the Lord is lasting, sustaining, and eternal. Seek God’s wisdom before making decisions that can alter the course of your life.” 


30:19 says, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life.” Seek God before you decide. One right choice can change the direction of your entire life.

When Living just enough is not enough!

When life gets hard, it’s easy to become consumed with pressure, stress, bills, responsibilities, and uncertainty. But Jesus gives us a powerful reminder in The Gospel of Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When you put God first, you do not have to carry life alone. God already knows what you need before anxiety ever reaches your heart. Seek Him before panic. Pray before you quit. Worship before you worry. The same God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies is faithful enough to take care of you. Keep trusting Him through every overwhelming season.

A Mother’s Love
There is something powerful about a mother’s love.
A mother will sacrifice quietly, pray constantly, and carry burdens most people never see. She will stay up late worrying, get up early working, and keep showing up even when she’s exhausted.
And one of the clearest pictures of that kind of love is found in Matthew 15:21–28.
In this passage, a desperate mother comes to Jesus on behalf of her suffering daughter. The Bible says her daughter was “severely oppressed by a demon.” This mother could not heal her child herself, but she refused to stop searching for help.
That’s what love does.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

When People Test Your Gangster!”
The Conviction and Conversion of a Thug

Some people don’t just push your buttons…
they try to pull you back into a version of you that God already delivered you from.

They test your patience.
They test your character.
They test that old “I wish you would…” spirit.

And if you’re honest—
that old you still knows how to show up. ?



1. The Conflict Within: Flesh vs. Faith

There’s a real tension in you.

You’ve been changed…
but you remember who you used to be.

? Galatians 5:17
 “The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit…”



That “gangster” response? That’s flesh.
That pause, that restraint? That’s Spirit.

Something to consider:
“Salvation changed your direction—but it didn’t erase your memory.”



2. The Conviction That Checks You

Before you clap back… something in you says,
“Don’t do it.”

That’s not weakness that's conviction.

? John 16:8
The Spirit convicts…



Conviction is God interrupting your reaction.

 The old you would’ve responded quick.
 The new you feels the check.

Something to consider:
“If you can’t go off like you used to—it’s because God is growing you.”



3. The Conversion That Changed You

You’re not who you were.

You might remember how to act…
but you’ve been converted.

? 2 Corinthians 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”



 You don’t fight the same.
 You don’t move the same.
 You don’t respond the same.

Not because you can’t…
but because you’ve been changed.



4. The Choice You Make in the Moment

Here’s where it gets real:

You still have to choose.

? Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil…”



You can go back…
or you can grow forward.

Every test is a decision point.

Preaching line:
“Growth is proven in how you respond when you’re provoked.”




5. The Control That Shows Your Strength

Real strength now looks different.

It’s not loud.
It’s not reactive.
It’s controlled.

? Proverbs 16:32
“Better to rule your spirit than take a city.”



 Anybody can lose control.
 It takes power to keep it.




Real Talk

They tested your gangster…
but what showed up was your growth.

And that’s how you know God is still working on you.

Because there was a time…
you wouldn’t have paused.
you wouldn’t have prayed.
you wouldn’t have processed.

You would’ve just reacted.



Final Word (Close)

You’re not soft—you’re saved.
You’re not weak—you’re wise.
You’re not scary—you’re Spirit-led.

So let them test what you used to be…

But show them who you’ve become.

When Life Is on Overload
There are seasons when everything hits at once.
Responsibilities pile up.
Pressure builds.
Your mind won’t slow down… and your strength starts running low.
You’re showing up—but barely holding it together.
God Doesn’t Ignore Overload—He Invites You Out of It
Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Notice—He doesn’t say, figure it out.
He says, " Come to Me.
Because some burdens aren’t meant to be managed…
They’re meant to be released.
You Were Never Meant to Carry Everything
Part of the overload is this:
We’re trying to hold what only God can handle.
That’s why 1 Peter 5:7 says:
“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
Not some of it.
Not the “manageable” parts.
All of it.
Slow Down Before You Break Down
We live fast.
We move fast.
We expect fast results.
But God often works in stillness.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us:
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Stillness isn’t weakness—
It’s where clarity returns and strength is renewed.
You Can Reset Without Quitting
Overload doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’ve reached a limit.
And limits aren’t bad, they’re signals.
Signals to rest.
To refocus.
To realign with God.
Final Word
When life is on overload…
Don’t push harder.
Pause.
Pray.
Release.
Because God never designed you to carry life alone.

Closed for Repairs

David was a skilled Musician!
David wasn’t just a king… he was a skilled musician.
Before the throne, before the crown, before the battles—David had a harp in his hand and a heart tuned toward God. Scripture tells us in 1 Samuel 16:18 that he was “skillful in playing”—but that wasn’t the most important thing about him.
What made David different wasn’t just his ability… it was his anointing.
He Didn’t Just Play—He Ministered
When David played for Saul, something happened that went beyond music.
In 1 Samuel 16:23, whenever the distressing spirit troubled Saul, David would take his harp and play—and the Bible says Saul was refreshed, relieved, and the torment left him.
That means David’s music wasn’t entertainment; it was ministry.
He understood something a lot of people miss:
You can have skill without power…
But when skill meets the Spirit, something shifts in the atmosphere.
His Gift Was Developed in Private
David didn’t learn how to play in a palace; he learned it in a field.
Out there with sheep, no audience, no applause—just him and God.
That’s where his sound was shaped.
That’s where his sensitivity to God was formed.
And can I say this plainly?
What God uses in public…
He always develops in private.
He Wrote What He Lived
David didn’t just play music—he wrote songs out of real life.
When he was afraid, he wrote.
When he was pursued, he wrote.
When he failed, he wrote.
When God delivered him, he wrote.
That’s why the Psalms feel so alive—because they’re not theory… they’re testimony.
Skill Matters—But Heart Matters More
David was skillful—but his real strength was that he was “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).
Because at the end of the day…
God is not just looking for gifted people.
He’s looking for yielded people.
Final Thought
David teaches us this:
It’s not enough to be talented.
It’s not enough to be trained.
But when your gift is surrendered to God…
Your sound can bring peace, your worship can shift atmospheres, and your life can point people back to Him.
I have great respect for any musician who allows God to use their gift to minister to others. Pastors who openly denigrate and demean anyone are wrong! Jarrod has been our church musician, not because he's the best or knows every song, but because he’s faithful and has allowed God to use him to help keep our church musically relevant. Respect goes a long way! God bless.

You Are About to Crash Out, But God Is Holding You Close!
You feel it building—the frustration, pressure, and the “I’m done” feeling. One more push, and you might say or do something you can’t take back. One more thing, and you might go westside! You’re waiting for someone to catch you on the right day!!! They played in your face one too many times!!!
But right there in that moment, God is holding you close.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
You may feel like you’re about to lose control, but God hasn’t lost control of you. He’s steadying your heart, slowing your thoughts, and preventing you from going too far.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Pause. Breathe. Don’t react—pray.
This moment doesn’t have to define you.
“A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
Don’t allow anger to live rent-free in your heart. 
God is covering you right now, protecting your future from a reaction your flesh wants to make.
You’re not weak for stepping back, you’re wise.
You’re not losing, you’re being kept.
Let God hold you here.
You’re going to get through this.

Life Can Be a Gangster!!!
Life will hit you hard; no warning, no timeout, no easy rounds. It’ll test your patience, your faith, your strength… all at once. Some days it feels like back-to-back blows, like you can’t even catch your breath.
But here’s the truth: you’re still standing.
Scripture says, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). And just in case you forgot how that ends, “struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:9). That means life can press you, but it can’t break you.
You may have taken some hits—but you didn’t go down for the count. Why? Because “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health” (Psalm 41:3). God has a way of holding you together when everything around you is falling apart.
Life may fight dirty, but God fights for us faithfully.
That’s why the Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Not some of them… all of them.
Every hit carries a lesson. Every struggle builds something in you. Because “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:3). What you’re going through isn’t pointless; it’s producing something in you.
And when you feel like you’re at your limit, remember this: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful… he will also provide the way of escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). You’re never trapped; God always makes a way.
So, take the hits, learn the lessons, and keep your faith!!!!
Because “the Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). The same God who kept you yesterday is holding you today, and already standing in your tomorrow.
And when it’s all said and done, life won’t be able to say it knocked you out… only that it made you stronger.
Because “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Don’t Be Afraid to Give
Don’t let small thinking, unchurched opinions, or unbelieving voices talk you out of obedience. Giving is between you and God—not you and people.
Scripture says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Everybody won’t understand your faith. Everybody won’t agree with your giving. That’s alright. You’re not giving for their approval—you’re giving in response to God.
Stay focused. Stay faithful. Give with a right heart.
What God sees in private, He knows how to honor.

More Blessed to Give
In Acts 20:35, as Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, he recalls the words of our Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These words are not recorded in the Gospels, yet they carry the full weight of Christ’s teaching. They reveal not only a principle of Christian living, but the very posture of the Kingdom of God.
Teaching Note: When Did Jesus Say This?
You may notice that Jesus’ statement, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), is not recorded in the four Gospels. So, when did He say it?
Paul is recalling a well-known saying of Jesus that was preserved in the early church through oral teaching. Not everything Jesus said or did was written down (John 21:25), but what was remembered and passed on was still true and trustworthy.
What makes this even more powerful is that, although the exact words are not found in the Gospels, the principle is clearly seen throughout Jesus’ teaching—especially in passages like Luke 6:38 and Matthew 10:8.
So, this is not a new idea, but a clear reflection of the heart of Christ:
a life marked by giving, serving, and trusting God as the source.
Jesus teaches us that true blessedness is not found in accumulation, but in participation—in becoming conduits of God’s grace rather than containers of His gifts. Giving, then, is not merely an action; it is a reflection of God’s character, for God Himself is the ultimate Giver. He gave His Son (John 3:16), He gives daily mercies (Lam. 3:22–23), and He gives grace upon grace (John 1:16). Therefore, when we give, we are not losing—we are aligning ourselves with the nature of God.
This truth is further unfolded in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.” Jesus is not presenting a transactional formula, but a Kingdom principle. The imagery speaks of abundance—grain pressed and shaken to make room for more, overflowing beyond capacity. It reminds us that God’s response to generosity is not measured but multiplied. Yet this giving must be rightly understood. It is not about getting but about giving, because we trust the One who gives.
Paul provides a living example of this in 2 Corinthians 8:1–5. The churches of Macedonia, though in deep poverty, gave with exceeding joy. Their circumstances did not dictate their generosity; their surrender did. The text says they “first gave themselves to the Lord.” That is the foundation of all true giving. When the heart is yielded, the hands will follow.
Then in 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, Paul articulates the principle of sowing and reaping: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Here, giving is likened to seed. It leaves your hand, but it does not leave your life. God is both the supplier of the seed and the multiplier of the harvest. And He calls us to give not reluctantly or under compulsion, but cheerfully—because cheerful giving is rooted in confidence that God is sufficient. Notice, the promise is not merely that you will receive back materially, but that “you will be enriched in every way” (v.11). This enrichment includes spiritual maturity, increased righteousness, and thanksgiving that overflows to God.
So, when Jesus says it is more blessed to give, He is calling us into a deeper way of living—a life that trusts God as the source, sees giving as worship, and understands that nothing placed in God’s hands is ever wasted.
Beloved, giving does not diminish you; it disciples you. It shapes your heart, strengthens your faith, and stretches your dependence on God. Every act of generosity becomes a seed sown into eternity. And while you may not always see the immediate return, you can rest in this: God is faithful. He sees every gift, every sacrifice, every quiet act of obedience.
Therefore, let us give freely, faithfully, and joyfully.
For it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.
blessings to give encouragement
Further reading and observation
Giving Reflects the Heart of God
Giving is more than an action; it is a reflection of God’s character.
God is a giver.

• He gave His Son (John 3:16)
• He gives new mercies daily (Lamentations 3:22–23)
• He gives grace upon grace (John 1:16)

When we give, we are not losing; we are aligning ourselves with who God is.
The Principle of Kingdom Overflow
Luke 6:38
Jesus says:
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over…”
This is not a formula for gain, but a picture of God’s abundance.
God does not respond to generosity with scarcity; He responds with overflow.
Giving opens our hands, not just to release, but to receive what only God can provide.
The Example of Sacrificial Giving
2 Corinthians 8:1–5
The Macedonian believers gave amid hardship and poverty.
Their generosity was not based on what they had; it was based on who they trusted.
The key to their giving is found in this:
“They first gave themselves to the Lord.”
When the heart belongs to God, the hands will follow.
The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Paul reminds us:

• Sow sparingly → reap sparingly
• Sow generously → reap generously

Giving is a seed. It leaves your hand, but it does not leave your life.
And God can:

• Supply the seed
• Multiply the seed
• Increase the harvest

Not just materially, but spiritually, producing thanksgiving and glory to God.
Giving Grows the Giver
Giving doesn’t diminish you; it develops you.

• It stretches your faith
• It deepens your trust
• It reminds you that God is your source

Every act of generosity is a seed planted in faith, and every seed carries the potential for a harvest.
Teaching Note: When Did Jesus Say This?
You may notice that Jesus’ statement, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), is not recorded in the four Gospels.
Paul is recalling a well-known saying of Jesus that was preserved through the early church’s teaching. Not everything Jesus said was written down (John 21:25), but what was passed on is still true and trustworthy.
Even though the exact words are not found in the Gospels, the principle is clearly seen throughout Jesus’ teaching, especially in Luke 6:38.
This reminds us that the heart of Christ has always been this:
a life marked by giving, serving, and trusting God.
Conclusion
You may never fully see how far your giving reaches.
The life you touch, the burden you lift, the seed you plant—God sees it all.
So, give:

• Give freely
• Give faithfully
• Give joyfully

Because in the Kingdom of God, nothing placed in His hands is ever wasted.
Final Thought
It is more blessed to give than to receive—because generosity always finds its way back through the faithfulness of God.

Sometimes You Have to Lose to Win ?
Life has a way of teaching through losses. A closed door, a setback, or a disappointment can feel like defeat—but sometimes it’s God redirecting you. What looks like losing may actually be preparing you for something better.
Scripture says, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
Every loss carries a lesson. Every setback builds strength. And sometimes the very thing you thought you lost was what God used to position you for the real victory.
Sometimes you have to lose to win.