5 Wishes For Every Pastor

By HB London

I’m going to tell you what I want for you in 2015.

First of all, I wish for you a new dream — something the Holy Spirit instills in your heart that appears so impossible that only God’s miraculous help will bring it about.

Second, I pray you receive joy — not just happiness, but a joy that accompanies you every day; the kind of joy that Paul wrote about to the Philippians; the joy of serving, of praying, of loving, and even joy in the challenges.

Third, I ask for you the luxury of a very special colleague — someone who, along with your spouse, will hold you accountable for your spiritual, physical, and emotional health … and you for them.

Fourth, I want for you this year the unbridled affirmation of your family and their support for what God has called you to do — the unquestioned feeling from those you love most that your household is a team.

Finally, I beseech our Father that you will have repeated opportunities to deeply share Christ’s message. We know Him as Lord and Savior because we have a personal relationship with Him. But the majority of our world is as lost to the truth of the Messiah as those John wrote about: “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:5). Our responsibility is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in such a way that all men might know the “light of life.”

What a marvelous opportunity you have been given during this coming year to paint a picture of the One who has come. Isaiah proclaimed, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Just think what that means to people who are searching for something — anything — that will bring them the peace and assurance of a Father’s attention that will never cease. What a message!

Please, my colleague, give Jesus life through your preaching and ministry throughout 2015. You will be blessed.

That’s what I want for you this year. I truly hope you get it all.

“As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near’” (Matthew 10:7).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).