“You who have given so much to me, give one thing more — a grateful heart. Not thankful when it pleases me, as if your blessings had spare days; but such a heart, whose pulse may be your praise.” Almost four hundred years ago, the Anglican poet and preacher George Herbert captured with these prayerful … Continue reading Give One Thing More – A Grateful Heart
Apostle Paul
In the Soil of a Thankful Heart
My Grandmother Rose was known all around our community for how she responded to the simple question: "How are you doing?" Her classic response always was: “I’m thankful.” In times of sorrow and in times of joy, “I’m thankful.” In times of abundance and in times of scarcity, “I’m thankful.” My Grandmother spoke in the … Continue reading In the Soil of a Thankful Heart
Preach the Gospel to Yourself – How?
How have believers in the past proclaimed the gospel to their own hearts? Why not reflect on the examples below and then write out your own summary of the gospel? Then use it as a tool in spiritual battle when you are plagued with a sense of condemnation, shame, and guilt: 1. The Apostle Paul … Continue reading Preach the Gospel to Yourself – How?
Dare to Tell His Gospel Amidst Much Conflict
The Apostle Paul on Mars Hill in Athens long ago shows us how to proclaim the gospel in a secular, hostile age. Vesper Outline - Acts 17 - Dare to Tell His Gospel Amidst Much Conflict
A Good Word If You Are Burdened Today
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. We serve a God who sustains and gives rest to His burdened children. He helps his children endure times of difficulty. The word “burden” can mean lot in life… that which is given … Continue reading A Good Word If You Are Burdened Today
The Secret to Serving Others Well
Jesus said: “I am among you as one that serves” and “I did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.” The Apostle Paul reiterated Jesus’ philosophy of leadership: “Ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” So long as there is a human being who does … Continue reading The Secret to Serving Others Well
When You Meet with Ingratitude From Those You Serve
Jesus said: “I am among you as one that serves” and “I did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.” The Apostle Paul’s idea of service is the same as our Lord’s: “Ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” So long as there is a … Continue reading When You Meet with Ingratitude From Those You Serve
“What kind of pastor would you like as your pastor?”
The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy and us that pastors and all church leaders must be those who "hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9). This hit me with new force today in light of recent pastor scandals in the evangelical church in America. Alexander McColl once asked … Continue reading “What kind of pastor would you like as your pastor?”
The Apostle Paul – Key Ministry Lessons After Twenty Years
These lessons come from the last verses in Paul's great letter to the church in Ephesus. After twenty years of ministry experience… He believed in the necessity of intercessory prayer for ministry effectiveness and fruitfulness (v.18-19a -praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all … Continue reading The Apostle Paul – Key Ministry Lessons After Twenty Years
Accountability in Marriage
If a man has no accountability, should his wife hold him accountable? In my opinion, it depends on what area he needs the accountability. My general counsel is that a wife should NOT serve as her husband's accountability partner to monitor internet usage. I would encourage the husband to have a couple of other men … Continue reading Accountability in Marriage
2Cherish2Commend 