Nitoy Gonzales’s Reviews > The Joyful Pastor (Despite Everything): Encouragement for the Hard-Pressed Shepherd > Status Update

"In any church there is always an endless list of useful things to do and people to meet. Yet God has given us parameters of rest and wise patterns of life."

"Sometimes the most godly thing we can do is go to bed. At other times, the shortest route to godly behavior is a day off. At still other times, the most significant factor in restoring joy to our ministry is time away."

"You and I may not be “great preachers”; few are. But you are the best preacher that your congregation can have, because you are their preacher."

"To proclaim God’s word is not an occupation or Sunday hobby. It is not an opportunity for self-expression or self-fulfillment. It is not merely an explanation of truth or an unveiling of facts. It is the trumpeting of eternity-changing news; it is the heralding of the greatness of Christ; it is the proclamation of God’s word for transformation."

When we stand up and preach, God uses the feeble jars of clay that we are from which to shine forth the gospel of Christ to his people. We stand between heaven and earth, between the divine and the human, and proclaim, “Thus says the Lord”.

"When discouragements of people letting us down or walking away from their faith come, it really does help to remind yourself of those in your church who are going well, serving wholeheartedly and growing in the faith—and to give thanks."