Abundance We Can't See?

I'm reading Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkerson and have had to re-evaluate my definition of abundance. John 15:2 shows Jesus teaching this principle to His disciples. I feel like I have viewed this from the wrong perspective for a long time. I also think it has served to cripple me in some areas of my spiritual life.

As a new ( again) mom, I sometimes feel constrained and unable to be fruitful in some areas, mostly in terms of doing things that produce outward results. Bit o live the author's revelation about good works. The author's wife, in her version of Secrets...For Women, takes this concept a step further in her illustration of ministering to a new mother in her neighborhood. In my former definition of abundance and fruitfulness, this wouldn't have counted. One person? A conversation? Really? Did she come to church? Did she accept Christ as a result of the conversation? But that's where I'm wrong. Jesus says in Matthew 25:4 that when we do good things to the "least of these", we do it unto Him. I would imagine that He received just as much glory in that simple act of service than He does when 100 souls are baptized at a meeting.

It's funny how we try to figure God put, to pigeon-hole Him into doing it our way instead of just following His lead. Life would be so much easier if we just followed, wouldn't it?

Welcome to Ears to Hear Him!

This blog is dedicated to every pastor's wife with a heart and desire to hear from God in a real and personal way.  When my husband became a pastor, I felt overwhelmed.  I looked for every book, website, blog, anything I could find that would help me define my role in the church we were starting - a manual that showed me just how I fit in.  I've since come to realize that the Bible was my best source of my job description as a pastor's wife.  But I have been and continue to be blessed by the words hundreds of ministry wives that have had the courage and heart to share their experiences. 

In today's world, there are so many things that demand our attention - family, careers, friends, finances - the list goes on and on.  But if we take heed to the advice of Proverbs 20:12 and ask God for "the hearing ear and the seeing eye", we can make our lives much more manageable and fulfilling. 

As a child, my mother used to pray that the people would have "eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to receive" the Word of God as it came forth in any format.  I have learned the value of praying this same prayer over each lesson that I teach, over every sermon that I hear.  So it is my prayer for this blog that God would open the eyes and ears of each dear reader and allow the truths that He reveals through revelation knowledge of His Word to take root and bring forth life into the hearts, minds, and spirits of each and every one of you.

Check back often as I share insights, revelations, and bible study notes that I feel will be a blessing to you.  Look for the upcoming posts on the Secrets of the Vine for Women by Darlene Marie Wilkinson bible study that our Women's Department will be hosting in January 2012, where we will explore one chapter each month.  Also, please feel free to leave comments on anything you read.  My desire is to make this a place where we can share and grow in Christ together.

Happy Growing!