January 2010
15 posts
Meandering Through the Maze of Mediocrity
Average is as close to the bottom as it is to the top. Why would you settle for being average when the Lord you serve is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that you can ask or think, according to the power that works in you?[1] Don’t get caught in the maze of mediocrity. You are not ordinary or average – you are born from above!
Do you do just enough to get by? Do you justify your...
F.A.I.T.H.
My simple definition of faith is “faithfully always, I’m trusting Him.”
1) Faithfully
Do you serve God faithfully? Always? Or do circumstances dictate your demeanor? Serving God faithfully means you do so daily regardless of what happens.
Officiating numerous weddings has afforded me the dubious pleasure of memorizing the vows that are exchanged between bride and groom....
Your Confirmation Number
Usually, when you reserve a hotel room, or book a flight, you receive a confirmation number. This helps to ensure that your room or flight will stay reserved for you. I’ve had occasion where I was glad to have had my confirmation number due to the front desk making a mistake with my reservation. Recently, when reserving a room for an evangelist, I called the hotel to confirm everything and they...
The Characteristics of a Leader
The ingredients necessary for a leader to be successful are submission, accountability, faithfulness, proper priorities, response-ability, opportunities, learning, enthusiasm, and empowerment.
o Submission
The leader that does not submit is not a true leader. Jesus was approached by a Roman Centurion that knew all about authority and submission as he explained to Jesus that he was not only a...
Escaping Corruption
Society is corrupt. Everything that is in this world is against God. The world is full of lust and pride and all of these things will come to an end; however, those that do God’s will, will have eternal life.[1] You must escape this world’s corruption, and bearing fruit is the way to do that.
One of the precious promises that God gives you is becoming like Him – partakers of His divine...
Reflecting His Glory
Godliness means, “Behavior reflecting correct religious beliefs and attitudes.”[1] The Ryrie Study Bible explains that godliness is “the attitude and conduct of a person who is God-fearing.”
Unfortunately, we seem to hear less about the fear of God today than we did when I was growing up. I can also remember being afraid of hell. However, today, many churches cater to the rich and influential...
John is my favorite Gospel to read. I love studying from his perspective on the life of Jesus Christ. He records the words of Jesus in the fifteenth chapter, where Jesus explains unequivocally that much fruit pleases the Father.[1]
Much fruit is brought forth by understanding what you are. You are the branches. Jesus is the Vine. It’s never the other way around. Furthermore, you must...
After His Kind
Evolution is a lie. God’s Word and creation prove this. In Genesis, God commands everything to produce “after his kind.”[1] Apple trees produce apples. Grape vines produce grapes. Elephants reproduce elephants. Humans reproduce humans. So evolution is a lie because we produce after our own kind.
Upon studying Genesis 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, I realized that there was something deeper that God...
Reclaiming Your Cutting Edge
Have you ever felt like your life was unfocused and you were spinning your wheels? You’re not alone. Many people claim to live unfulfilled lives. When purpose is spoken of, they have no idea and sometimes no drive to understand what their purpose is in life. Recorded in 2 Kings 6:5-7 is a story about a man that lost his cutting edge literally.
The sons of the prophets needed to expand their...
Using your R.A.D.A.R.
Before empowering others to lead, and before implementing a new program or ministry, you should always use your RADAR. RADAR is an acronym which stands for the following five stages:
1) Recognize
Is there a need for assistance?
Is there a need for a new ministry?
Have you prayed about this need?
Are you doing it because another church is doing it?
Is it a vision birthed in you from God?
...
Convicting Accountability
These are 22 questions the members of John Wesley’s Holy Club asked themselves every day in their private devotions over 250 years ago.
Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to...
He's Just Doing His Job; Do Yours!
I’m amazed at how mad Christians get at the devil. He gets called all sorts of names and preachers declare just how stupid the devil is and people shout because they’re going to give the devil a black eye. You know what, he’s just doing his job and you need to do yours!
The disciples were sent on a mission and returned rejoicing because devils were subject unto them. Jesus mildly rebuked them...
Biblical Leadership Styles
Besides Jesus being the ultimate example of leadership, there are many other “heroes” of the faith that we can pattern our lives after. While some people are born with certain leadership abilities, it is possible to learn how to be a leader. As you read through the brief synopsis of each leader I’ve chosen to write about, think about your own traits and which leader best describes your style.
...
The ROLE of a Minister
Many desire to be a minister without fully understanding what a minister is. Some think that it is prestige while other’s think it is position. Both of these couldn’t be further from the truth. All too often people see the great leader behind the pulpit, or being applauded for their excellent leadership and concoct erroneous thoughts about being a minister. Joshua was a minister to Moses[1] long...