Listen, this life in ministry is way less “professional” than we like to make it out to be.

Don’t buy into the facade. There is rarely anything glamorous when fighting in this war. But there is much Heavenly treasure, nonetheless.

When you step into valleys with people, you had best be prepared to be “real.”

The last thing anyone needs is a know-it-all who doesn’t really care about the real heart needs of people. Jesus was always in tune with hearts in need.

This generation has more respect for blatant honesty than professional ploys. They are wise and cunning and they are full-on able and willing to call us out on our religious rhetoric.

Jesus is the only one who knows it all.

Sometimes all I have is, “I wish I could give you an answer.”

Sometimes my best heartfelt offer is “I’m just so sorry.”

Sometimes, words are so inadequate I go to a gripping hug. Words can often just be too careless.

Yeah, it’s not what we often present on social media. We’ve played into the press of it all.

Real ministry gets messy. I am finding that the more messy it gets, the more precious it becomes.

There is a lot of weeping with those who weep, the demanding of devils to leave, and much heart-pleading for Heaven to speak.

I have absolutely NOTHING to offer but Jesus.

I can mimic Him with my most honest attempts, I can give the life of His Word to the best of my ability, and I can tend carefully those given to me. But only He knows the exact need.

At the end of the day, I need the Holy Spirit. He is my helper.

Every.

Single.

Hour. (Minute, really)

He is the helper that has been promised to us to say what we don’t know how to say, to do what we can’t do, and to comfort in ways that are unique to each heart. He is the all-knowing and all-seeing ONE.

Setting captives free is hard work. It’s also the most beautiful work.

I need His brooding over a heart so that He can give me the information I need to minister effectively.

Sometimes, I’m absolutely oblivious to what God is doing in the room-but I do trust that He is doing something.

As I ponder the last few prayer meetings, these words come to mind:

–

We might hear stifled sobs or joyful prayers.

Conversations of love that cares.

Songs soon sung from freeing hearts

Burdens lift as chains unlock.

Ballerinas might soon spin

Remembering their Father’s grin

Piano keys begin to dance

As the LORD comes to romance.

You’ll also see a heart in grief

As the Christ does tend a need

Soothing tears from wells run dry

When the Spirit of God arrives.

But nowhere else I’d rather be

Than watching from the servant’s seat

As my Jesus faithfully

Unlocks a heart to fill the need.

—-

I’ll take the messy any day of the week❤️