Posted in HEROES OF THE FAITH, MODERN-DAY PSALMS, PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS, QUOTES FOR ALL

From Modern-Day Psalms: “Why, Pastor, Why”

Why, Pastor, Why
Introduction

 “The reason, Pastor, that you mean so much to me
Is that when I look at you
It’s Jesus that I see”

 “Why, Pastor, Why” is a poem specifically purposed to uplift and encourage Pastors. While it is written to show love and appreciation, it also answers the basic question every Pastor must address-both in times of joy and in those moments of despair and discouragement:

 “Why has God chosen me for this office?”

 During his Sunday night sermon, “Pastor Dan” used himself as an example to illustrate the awesome grace and mercy of God. He humbly acknowledged he did not know, nor could he understand, why God had reached down to save him, or why God had entrusted him with the anointed task of ministry.

 Later that night, as I pondered my Pastor’s “Why?” the Lord answered the question for me, giving me the poem, “Why, Pastor, Why.” He further revealed that His answer applied not only to Pastor Dan, but to all Pastors. Then, He directed me to reach all Pastors with this simple message. 

 “The office of Pastor is the highest office in the land.
For, the people choose the president. God chooses the Pastor.”

 Many times, I have heard the startling statistics of the number of Pastors who are leaving the ministry. We as Christians can forget how we were, before the Lord “called us out.” We forget how much He has done for us, and how many lives we have affected through our faith. How much greater the burden must be for these men and women who devote their lives to the Gospel. They must “keep on keeping on!” Not just for themselves, but for the lives they touch. The call is not just for them, but for their flock.

 I firmly believe that God wishes to give this message of encouragement to all pastors, and their congregations, world-wide.

 “The greatest gift God gives the local church is their Pastor.”

Why, Pastor, Why

As I see you standing there behind the pulpit
Reading from God’s Word
I think back to all those wonderful, blessed sermons
From you that I’ve heard
No, there’s no secret why God brought you out
Oh! The many times your joy has made me shout!
You see, Pastor, there was a reason that God saved your soul
Because He knew that serving Him with all your heart
Would be your life’s goal
You see, Pastor, there was a reason that it was you
That God chose
Not your good looks, perfect hair, and stylish clothes
No, Pastor, the reason that God reached down His hand
and saved you
Let there be no doubt!
The reason God chose you
Is because He knew
How you would turn out!
The reason, Pastor, that you mean so much to me
Is that when I look at you
It’s Jesus that I see
For in your footsteps I so gratefully trod
Because I know that in following you
I am following God
Why, Pastor, Why“Why Pastor, Why” From Pastor Appreciation Gifts!
Modern-Day Psalms“Why, Pastor, Why”
Just one of the Modern-Day Psalms

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Posted in HEROES OF THE FAITH, MODERN-DAY PSALMS

From Richard.Vincent.Rose.: The Story Behind “Why, Pastor, Why”

“WHY, PASTOR, WHY™” is a poem specifically purposed to uplift and encourage Pastors.

While it is written to show love and appreciation, it also answers the basic question every Pastor must address- both in times of joy and in those moments of despair and discouragement: “Why has God chosen me for this office?”
Many times, I have heard the startling statistics of the number of Pastors who are leaving the ministry. We as Christians can forget how we were before the Lord “called us out,” how much He has done for us, and how many lives we have affected through our faith. How much greater the burden must be for these men and women who devote their lives to the Gospel. They must “keep on keeping on!” Not just for themselves, but for the lives they touch. The call is not just for them, but for their flock.
I firmly believe that God wishes to give this message of encouragement to all pastors, and their congregations, world-wide.

It was a Sunday night in April, 1997, during the Sunday night service. From my perch inside the sound booth, I listened intently to yet another spirit-filled, power-filled message from my pastor, “Pastor Dan.”
As Pastor Dan delivered these sermons, entire congregations were constantly held in awe as the words seemed to flow from the very heart of God. Gazing down from the sound board, I heard Pastor Dan discuss the awesome grace, and mercy, of God, as the Pastor humbly shared how he did not know, nor could even understand, how God could reach down and save him from Hell, after all he had done in his life. Why, Pastor Dan confessed, he did not even deserve to carry water into the sanctuary, to even be a water boy for the church. No, Pastor Dan could not understand why God loved him so much, and then to allow him to serve as Pastor, was even further beyond his comprehension.

Later that night, after returning home, I pondered Pastor Dan’s questions about “Why?” Then, the Lord spoke to me, and told me “Why.” Jesus answered the Pastor’s questions, clearly writing them on my heart. The words came as fast as I could hastily scribble this direct revelation, on a yellow legal pad, as I sat at the dining room table.
It took me 10-15 minutes to write “Why, Pastor, Why,” as the words just flowed from my pen as fast as I could write.
I also realized, as I looked at the written words, that what God had revealed to me about my Pastor … the same statement should be made about every Pastor-yours and mine. He further revealed that His answer applied not only to Pastor Dan, but to all Pastors. Then, He directed me to reach all Pastors with this simple message.
If they truly are searching for the very heart of God, then they should also know, “Why, Pastor, Why.”

Allow me to close with this note: When I was given the poem, I didn’t even have a typewriter; I had to borrow one from a church family. I didn’t have a computer, so I had to make copies at the church.
When I wrote the poem, God made very specific promises to me about the poem. I mention this to make the point that God is faithful to His promises.
It is ok to remind God of His promises! It is not Him that will ever forget: You should remind God of His promises so that YOU won’t forget!
And, I can relate so much to Pastor Dan’s questions about “Why.” Here’s how:
How could God allow me … yes, me … to encourage and minister to Pastors?
God’s grace, and mercy, is limitless.

Blessings to you, your family, and your Pastor,
Richard.Vincent.Rose.

Now that you’ve read the story behind the poem, here’s another look at the art detail of “Why, Pastor, Why”

Why Pastor Why

WHY, PASTOR, WHY™  exclusively available from
Pastor Appreciation Gifts

 

Posted in HEROES OF THE FAITH, MODERN-DAY PSALMS, PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS

It Begins: The Writings of Richard.Vincent.Rose.: “Why, Pastor, Why”

We are beginning what will become a regular feature of our Blog, featuring the writings of Richard.Vincent.Rose.
As time goes by, we’ll also reveal the stories of how each individual poem or story came into being, “the story behind the story.”

Of course, we must begin with “Why, Pastor, Why,” which was the foundation of our Pastor Appreciation Gifts online store, and, most certainly, this blog which followed.
The best way to describe “Why, Pastor, Why” may be to quote from the “Why, Pastor, Why” page on the website:

“We understand the deep love, admiration, respect, and appreciation you have for your Pastor.
How do you put into words, your appreciation for someone who has given, and sacrificed so much?
In a way which can’t be explained, only felt, the Pastor poem WHY, PASTOR, WHY™ reaches the depths of your emotion-and your Pastor’s-to put these very emotions into words. This is why we feel that this is the definitive Pastor appreciation poem. It speaks to why your Pastor was chosen, and why your Pastor means so much to you.
WHY, PASTOR, WHY™ matches our commitment to honor, uplift, edify, and encourage Pastors to continue their life’s work and calling.
One of our most touching moments came from a Pastor’s wife, after her husband had received one of our Pastor appreciation gifts which contained the words of WHY, PASTOR, WHY™. She made a special point to contact us to let us know how much the words of the poem meant to her. She told us, “If you ever doubt your call, take a look upon the wall.'”

WHY, PASTOR, WHY

As I see you standing there behind the pulpit
Reading from God’s Word
I think back to all those wonderful, blessed sermons
From you that I’ve heard
No-There’s no secret why God brought you out
Oh! The many times your joy has made me shout!!!
You see, Pastor, there was a reason that God saved your soul
Because He knew that serving Him with all your heart
Would be your life’s goal
You see, Pastor, there was a reason that it was you
That God chose
Not your good looks, perfect hair, and stylish clothes
No, Pastor-the reason that God reached down
His hand and saved you
Let there be no doubt!
The reason God chose you
Is because He knew
How you would turn out!
The reason, Pastor, that you mean so much to me
Is that when I look at you
It’s Jesus that I see
For in your footsteps I so gratefully trod
Because I know that in following you
I am following God
Richard.Vincent.Rose.

Here’s an advance look at the poem with
our original “Art Print” design:

Why, Pastor, Why Art Print Design

WHY, PASTOR, WHY™  exclusively available from
Pastor Appreciation Gifts

 

Posted in GUEST POSTS, HEROES OF THE FAITH

Guest Post: “Pastors: Recharge Your Batteries!”

“I suggest that if the leader is not adequately concerned for his/her own family and well-being, s/he will not last long enough in life to be able to last long in ministry. “

Pastors: Recharge Your Batteries!.

This is a very thought-provoking article, and certainly gives us all reason to think about how we view our Pastor’s humanity and service … and the costs to be counted … by all parties.