Monthly Archives: May 2016

Perspective!

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I have a two word definition for perspective: Getting it!

Perspective is the moment you gain a certain insight, an outlook into life because of what someone says or because of something that happens.

Take the picture above, for example, it reminds me that life is not always about the things you have but about the times you have with those you love. I get it!

We went to visit my brother Hector and his family in Houston, Texas several years ago. His new house was huge (everything’s bigger in Texas). It had very high ceilings, and in the backyard a beautiful lawn with a privacy fence, a pool, and a jacuzzi. The house had a big kitchen, a theater room upstairs with a huge screen and a booming sound system. It also had a game room. The place was awesome!

We had a great time with him and his family but when we returned home and I walked back into our house I thought, “Man, I wish I had a house like his.” 

Our home was built in 1960 and it’s kind of small but it’s been our happy home for many years. However it is nothing like my brother’s picture perfect house.

A couple of years later Hector and his family came down for a visit. In one of our conversations his wife said to me, “I wish our house like yours.” Perspective!

In ministry its easy to get caught up in numbers and size of church. And, as the average church in America is small, ministers often wish for bigger and better (me included). Guilt also plays a part in the mind of the man of God as he wonders where he has failed to accomplish what others have.

That kind of thinking also plagues people of all walks of life and careers. We have bought into the mentality that others have it better than us and that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But is it really?

I’ve heard it said that bigger things give bigger headaches. Allow me to offer you a new outlook on life.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence especially over the septic tank. Perspective! (you can Tweet that)

Some years ago I was frustrated that our congregation had not grown like others. I felt like everything I did was like hitting my head against the wall. Then at a conference I heard a pastor of a mega-church say that his happiest days in ministry had happened in a church where the membership was not even 300. Perspective!

If you’re in ministry keep in mind that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Even if you don’t get to see the results you want down here never forget that God’s reward for you will be mind blowing up there.

If you’re not in ministry keep in mind that your faithfulness to the Lord will reap treasures in heaven far beyond your understanding. The apostle Paul wrote,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1Corinthians 2:9 NLT) Perspective!

The old story of a missionary coming home from a lifetime of service applies. His ship was about to hit harbor back in the states. Aboard was also government official. Upon arrival at port there was a band playing music for the dignitary. There confetti everywhere and people holding ‘Welcome Home’ signs. As the old missionary walked passed it all he was saddened and thought, “Lord, there’s a great big party for that man. I have served you faithfully these last 40 years and there’s not even one person waiting for me to say “Welcome home.” Then a voice within reminded him, “My child, you’re not home yet.” Perspective!

Can you share a time when your eyes were opened by perspective? Please leave me a comment.

 

 

 

Minister of Etcetera: 6 Reasons To Feel Good About Your Value

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Recently someone at my wife’s business stopped and asked her, “So, your husband is a pastor but what does he actually do?”

I am amazed at how many people think that all ministers do is get to church on Sunday morning, stand on the podium and start speaking on whatever subject comes to mind at the time. Nothing could be further from the truth.

But its easy for ministers to buy into that kind of mentality and start thinking that all they know to do is preach and that they are at a disadvantage in the business world. Nothing could be further from the truth. I was one of those people who at one time thought,

“Man, if I ever get out of the ministry I am doomed to fail. I’ve known nothing other than being a minister for most of my life.“

My brother, a successful business man, heard me putting myself down like that some years ago and said, “Jorge, with the experience you’ve had you’d be able to do anything else in the world you set your heart to do.” He went on to share with me 6 reasons why ministers are so valuable in the eyes of the business world. I want to share those with you:

  1. You know how to address others – Whatever you do, ministry or otherwise, if it involves being in front of others you’ve managed to overcome one of the greatest fears in life. That kind of confidence is rare and priceless.
  2. You are a people mover – I’ve heard business managers and owners often complain how they can’t get their employees to do quality work. When a minister is able to get volunteers to do the needed tasks that make God’s church function smoothly it’s an amazing accomplishment.
  3. You are familiar with management and budgets – Having a decent handle on administration and financials is critical and desperately needed in any business.
  4. You are a vision caster – Helping people find true love, purpose, meaning, and satisfaction in the Lord meets serious human basic needs.
  5. You are a counselor – Listening is a rare skill nowadays. Others really appreciate someone taking the time to pay attention to them.
  6. You know the value of servant leadership – People will follow someone they can relate to. A minister is not above anyone else but a servant to everyone else. Approaching life with humble strength will take you far.

My brother opened my eyes to a certain value I didn’t know I had. The truth is that we tend to see value in everyone and everything else but ourselves.

When people ask me today what I do for a living and they press me to know more about what exactly all that ministry entails I simply tell them that I am a minister of etcetera doing whatever is needed.

If you’re a minister you are loaded with potential!

If you’re not a minister you are loaded with potential as well.

I’m sure that if you sat down and thought about it a bit you’d come up with several areas you’re good at. Like a Swiss army knife you are capable of doing several functions well. Start thinking in those terms. Raise your value in your own eyes and great things will happen!

In what ways have you been able to recognize your own personal value? Please leave me a comment.

 

Welcome to My Blog

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Welcome to my blog. My name is Jorge Acevedo and my goal is to encourage ministers, their wives, and their people. If you need some inspiration then this blog is for you.

I plan to post at least once a week on Mondays. I welcome your thoughts in the comments section. I will read each one and reply as I am able.

If you would like for me to address a certain topic or situation please leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to respond. I look forward to connecting with you!

About Me…

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I am married to an amazing woman (33 years and counting) and have 2 wonderful daughters. I am the pastor of Lake Washington Fellowship. They are a great bunch of people. I will be celebrating 28 years with them this August. I graduated from the University of Central Florida and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I am also a 17 year former police department chaplain.

I recently finished writing my first book Hecklers In Your Choir: Silencing The Voices That Hold You Back and I am in the process of trying to publish it the traditional way. But whether I am speaking in churches, college, or jail to inmates, or whether I am interacting with people or writing a blog, the goal is always the same: inspire confidence in people.

You may be overwhelmed by your current situation but you were made to overcome and succeed in life. (feel free to Tweet that)

I want to empower you by giving you tools, perspective, and ideas that hopefully provide you a footing to stand on when you feel like the rug’s been pulled from under you.

Too often after I’ve ask someone, “How’s it going?” the expressionless response is often, “Oh, you know, it’s just another day in Paradise.” The problem with that statement is that Paradise is a place of indescribable pleasure and excitement. But many feel like the world has sucked all the joy out of living and all they do is go about their day in a dull boring way. What a drag!

I also know how difficult and discouraging the life of a minister can be. Sometimes even more so for their wives. But it shouldn’t be that way.

God made you and me for much more. He has equipped you and provided you with everything you need to be strong, make it through your day, and overcome.

As I blog I will try to give you a fresh perspective to living and remind you to fight through whatever you are facing. So if you feel tired of what you do and feel like you’re in a rut and drifting through life, welcome!