"Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered…” [Zech 13:7]

You are a leader. People follow you. Even though you think you are small and insignificant, you are a hero to smaller people still. When you lose your grip, the impact of your fall is bigger to them.

Don’t ever lose your hold on God; hold fast and firm. You may be able to rouse yourself, bounce back and get on your feet, but perhaps they won’t. Or they can’t.

Don’t let the enemy strike you. It’s not just ...

“They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Mat 2:11 NCV)

When Jesus was about 2 years of age, a group of Magi came to where He was, opened their treasures, and gave lavishly to Him. This enormous gift financed His childhood, and maybe even up to His early adult life.

Pastors can also receive treasures from strangers. That even in t...

“I will satisfy the priests with rich food. My people will be filled with my blessings," declares the LORD.” [Jer 31:14 GW]

The people of God will be filled with His blessings as they are taught, nurtured, discipled and cared for by the pastors.

As they receive hope, be set free from their bondage, and learn the ...

When Jesus walked this earth, He was not poor. In fact, on the day of His physical death, He wore a garment woven from one single thread.

"When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom." (John 19:23 NIV)

It is a kind of clothing worn by the rich, a high-quality fashion. Even though it was blood-stained, the soldiers still gambled...

When Jesus walked this earth, He was not poor. In fact, His traveling ministry had a treasury and a designated treasurer.

"But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples--the one who would betray him--said, "That perfume was worth a small fortune. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." Not that he cared for the poor--he was a thief who was in charge of the disciples' funds, and he often took some for his own use. (John 12:4-6 NLT)

The money they carried along was quite ...

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"" (Rom 10:14-15 NIV)

And how can they be sent if they are not financed? Pastors are recipients of monetary resources to accomplish the will of God - primarily to bring about the salva...

“Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house." (Luke 10:7 NIV)

The Lord Jesus Himself said that pastors are worthy of their wages. But what kind of wage was it?

"Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching." (1Ti 5:17 NET)

The Apostle Paul called it “Double Honor.” Pastors are worthy ...

"The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and this is what I gave them. This called for reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. They passed on to the people all the truth they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. The priests' lips should guard knowledge, and people should go to them for instruction, for the priests are the ...