Jehovah Shalom Ministries - Athiriver

29/05/2026

*WHEN THE PASTOR IS THE PROBLEM OF THE CHURCH*

Hosea 4:9 — “Like people, like priest.”
Matthew 15:14 — “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
Ezekiel 34:2-4
1 Timothy 4:16
Introduction
Many people believe that church problems are always caused by members, workers, or the devil. But sometimes, the major problem of a church can be the pastor himself. A pastor is called to guide, protect, feed, and build the church. When the shepherd is weak, careless, proud, or carnal, the church suffers greatly.
God holds leaders accountable because leadership influences the direction of the people.
Signs That a Pastor Has Become the Problem of His Church

1. When the Pastor Lacks Prayer and Spiritual Depth
A prayerless pastor will produce a powerless church.
Acts 6:4
Luke 22:45-46
When the altar is dry, the congregation becomes spiritually empty.

2. When Pride Enters the Pastor’s Heart
Pride destroys wisdom and humility.
Proverbs 16:18
James 4:6
A proud pastor refuses correction, insults others, and behaves as if he knows everything.

3. When the Pastor Is Controlling and Manipulative
Some pastors turn the church into personal property.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Leadership is service, not oppression. A controlling pastor kills the gifts and confidence of members.

4. When the Pastor Lives in Sin
Secret sin destroys public ministry.
Psalm 66:18
1 Timothy 3:2
Immorality, dishonesty, greed, and hypocrisy can bring shame to the church.

5. When the Pastor Neglects the Word of God
Entertainment without truth weakens believers.
2 Timothy 4:2-3
A church cannot grow spiritually beyond the quality of teaching it receives.

6. When the Pastor Is Jealous of Other Ministers
Jealousy creates division and insecurity.
Numbers 11:27-29
Philippians 1:15-18
A pastor should celebrate the success and gifts of others.

7. When the Pastor Refuses Accountability
Nobody is above correction.
Proverbs 11:14
Galatians 2:11-14
Pastors who reject counsel often fall into error.

28/05/2026

GOD HIMSELF IS YOUR STRENGTH

Psalms 18:39 NKJV “For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.”

This is a powerful testimony from David. He clearly shows that victory does not begin with human ability. It begins with God. David does not say I trained myself or I found my own strength. He says God armed him with strength. This means strength is a gift from God. It is given, not produced by human effort. When God gives strength, it is not weak or temporary. It is strength designed for battle and for victory.

The verse also shows two clear actions of God. First, God gives strength. Second, God subdues the enemies. David did not defeat his enemies by himself. God worked on his behalf. This teaches us that God does not only prepare us for the battle but also controls the outcome of the battle. Victory is not by power or wisdom but by God who fights for His people.

This shows that strength is something God gives. We do not generate it ourselves. God equips His people for victory. When God equips you, you are not lacking anything. You may feel weak in yourself, but God’s strength covers your weakness. That is why believers can stand firm even in difficult seasons. God Himself becomes their strength.

Our fight is not carnal. It is spiritual. When you fight spiritually, God will manifest your victory in the physical world. Prayer, faith, obedience, and trust in God are spiritual weapons. When these are in place, God works behind the scenes. He changes hearts, situations, and outcomes in ways we cannot see.

Now the problem is that many of us see only the physical side of our battles. We are driven by feelings and emotions. We begin to fight people who oppose us. When we do this, we interfere with God’s process. People are not the real enemy. God never asked us to fight in the flesh. He asked us to trust Him.

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

*WHY PASTORAL ACTIVITIES ARE DIFFICULT*

Introduction
Pastoral work is one of the most important assignments in the Kingdom of God, yet it is also one of the most difficult. Many people see the glory of ministry but do not understand the burden behind it. A pastor is called to lead, teach, pray, counsel, correct, encourage, and protect God’s people.
Paul described ministry as warfare, labor, and sacrifice. Every genuine shepherd carries spiritual, emotional, and physical responsibilities.
Reasons Why Pastoral Activities Are Difficult

1. Pastoral Work Is a Spiritual Battle
Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
A pastor is constantly fighting spiritual battles:
Battles against sin
Battles against false doctrine
Battles against discouragement
Battles against demonic opposition
Whenever a pastor wants to move the church forward, spiritual resistance arises.
Example:
Moses faced opposition from Pharaoh, the Israelites, and even his own family.
Lesson:
Ministry is warfare, not entertainment.

2. Pastors Carry the Burdens of Many People
2 Corinthians 11:28
“The care of all the churches.”
Pastors deal with:
Marital problems
Financial crises
Sickness
Church conflicts
Youth challenges
Spiritual weakness among members
Sometimes the pastor is hurting personally but must still encourage others.
Lesson:
A shepherd carries the pain of the sheep.

3. People Are Difficult to Lead
Numbers 11:11–15
Moses became frustrated because the people complained continually.
In ministry:
Some members resist correction
Some misunderstand leadership
Some refuse spiritual growth
Some criticize without helping
Leading people requires patience, wisdom, and love.
Lesson:
Managing human behavior is one of the hardest parts of ministry.

4. Ministry Requires Sacrifice
Luke 9:23
“Let him deny himself…”
Pastoral work demands:
Time
Energy
Sleep
Personal comfort
Family sacrifices
Many pastors miss celebrations, rest, and personal pleasures because of kingdom assignments.

26/05/2026

*THE CHARACTER OF THE LEADER AND THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH*

Introduction
Church growth is not only about numbers, buildings, or programs. True church growth begins with the character of the leader. A church will rarely rise above the spiritual and moral level of its leadership.
When the leader is healthy, the church becomes healthy.
When the leader is compromised, the church suffers.
Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

1. Growth Follows Godly Character
Paul did not first list skills for pastors — he listed character qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1–7).
Before gifting, before charisma, before eloquence — God looks at character.
A leader must be:
Blameless
Faithful
Self-controlled
Not greedy
Not violent
Hospitable
Church growth that is built on charisma alone will collapse.
Church growth built on character will last.
Psalm 78:72 – “So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.”
Notice: integrity comes before skill.

2. The Leader Is the Spiritual Thermometer of the Church
Whatever the leader tolerates becomes the culture of the church.
If the leader:
Loves prayer → The church becomes prayerful.
Honors holiness → The church pursues holiness.
Values souls → The church evangelizes.
Is worldly → The church becomes carnal.
1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
People follow examples more than instructions.

3. Character Builds Trust — Trust Attracts Growth
People do not follow titles; they follow trust.
When members trust their leader:
They commit.
They serve.
They give.
They invite others.
But when character is questionable:
Attendance drops.
Giving reduces.
Unity breaks.
The Spirit is grieved.
Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
Faithfulness in private produces fruit in public.

4. Anointing Without Character Is Dangerous.

22/05/2026

*THE CONSEQUENCES OF A BROKEN HOME*

Introduction
A home is God’s first institution before the church and before government. The family is the foundation of society. When the home is strong, the church becomes strong, and the nation becomes peaceful. But when the home is broken through hatred, violence, adultery, lack of communication, neglect, or separation, many painful consequences follow.
Today many children, parents, churches, and communities are suffering because of broken homes. God desires restoration, peace, love, and unity in families.
What Is a Broken Home?
A broken home is a family where love, peace, unity, and godly leadership have been destroyed. It may involve:
Divorce or separation
Constant fighting and abuse
Lack of parental care
Unfaithfulness
Neglect of children
Absence of spiritual life in the family
The Consequences of a Broken Home

1. Emotional Pain and Trauma
Children and even adults from broken homes often carry deep emotional wounds.
Bible Reference:
Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart.”
Proverbs 15:13
Effects:
Depression
Fear
Anger
Loneliness
Low self-esteem
Many people smile outside but cry secretly because of pain from their homes.

2. Children Become Vulnerable to Bad Influence
When parental guidance is missing, children can easily be misled.
Bible Reference:
Proverbs 29:15 — “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
Possible Outcomes:
Drug abuse
Cultism
Sexual immorality
Crime and disobedience
A child who lacks love and correction at home may seek acceptance in the wrong places.

3. Loss of Spiritual Growth
Broken homes often weaken prayer, worship, and spiritual discipline in the family.
Bible Reference:
Joshua 24:15 — “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Matthew 12:25 — “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.”
When there is constant conflict, spiritual fire begins to die.

4. Poor Academic and Social Development in Children
Childre

19/05/2026

TOPIC: HOW CHURCH MEMBERS SHOULD TREAT THEIR PASTORS

How a church member should treat his or her pastor is very important because the way we treat spiritual leadership affects the health of the church and our own spiritual growth.

Here are biblical ways a church member should treat their pastor:

1. With Honor and Respect
1 Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour…”
A pastor deserves honor, not because he is perfect, but because of the office he occupies.
Avoid insults, mockery, or careless familiarity.

2. With Prayer Support
Pastors face spiritual battles members may never see.
Hebrews 13:18 – “Pray for us…”
1 Thessalonians 5:25 – “Brethren, pray for us.”
Instead of criticizing your pastor, pray for his strength, wisdom, health, and family.

3. With Obedience to Godly Leadership
Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…”
If the pastor is leading according to Scripture, members should cooperate and support the vision.

4. With Financial and Practical Support
Galatians 6:6 – “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”
Support your pastor materially and practically so he can focus on ministry.

5. Avoid Gossip and False Accusations
1 Timothy 5:19 – “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.”
Do not entertain rumors. Protect your church from division.

6. Show Appreciation
A simple “Thank you, Pastor” goes a long way. Encourage him when sermons bless you.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 – “…esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”

7. Support the Vision of the Church
Every pastor carries a God-given vision. A loyal member works to build, not compete.
Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

8. Correct Him Properly If Necessary
Pastors are human. If there is a genuine concern:
Speak respectfully
Follow biblical order (Matthew 18:15)
Avoid public

19/05/2026

*THE MAJOR SECRET OF GREAT MEN AND WOMEN IN THE BIBLE*

Great men and women in the Bible did not become great by accident. Their greatness was rooted in spiritual principles. Here are the major secrets that distinguished them:

1. Intimacy with God
Secret: They had a deep personal relationship with God.
Moses – Spoke with God face to face (Exodus 33:11).
David – A man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).
Daniel – Prayed three times daily (Daniel 6:10).
Greatness begins with knowing God intimately, not just working for Him.

2. Unwavering Faith
Secret: They believed God even when circumstances were impossible.
Abraham – Believed God against hope (Romans 4:18–21).
Esther – Risked her life by faith (Esther 4:16).
The woman with the issue of blood – Her faith made her whole (Mark 5:34).
Faith activates divine possibilities.

3. Obedience to God’s Instructions
Secret: They obeyed even when it was difficult.
Noah – Built the ark in obedience (Genesis 6:22).
Peter – Cast his net at Jesus’ word (Luke 5:5).
Mary – “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
Obedience positions you for divine elevation.

4. Humility
Secret: They remained humble before God.
Joseph – Gave God the glory (Genesis 41:16).
John the Baptist – “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30).
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

5. Prayer and Dependence on God
Secret: They prayed consistently.
Elijah – Prayed and heaven responded (James 5:17–18).
Hannah – Prayed until her situation changed (1 Samuel 1:10–20).
Jesus – Frequently withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).
Prayer is the engine room of spiritual greatness.

6. Perseverance Through Trials
Secret: They endured hardship without quitting.
Job – Remained faithful in suffering (Job 1:21–22).
Paul – Pressed on despite persecution (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).
Trials did not stop them; trials shaped them.

7. Submission to God’s Purpose
Secret: They lived for divine assignment, not personal ambition.
Nehemiah – Focused on r