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The Four Biggest Pitfalls In Leadership?

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Many years ago I was attending a really good church where the Holy Spirit was present and the people were genuinely seeking God. I was especially thankful because my previous church had just collapsed due to some unresolved issues between the pastor and the elders. Everything was going well at this new church then one day I received a stunning message. The senior pastor had just left his wife and run off with the attractive worship leader, who left her husband to run off with the pastor.  The two of them had been spending a lot of time together in ministry and people on staff expressed concern but the pastor did not respond. Over the years I have observed first-hand pastors and other leaders who fall into moral failure or severely restrict their effectiveness because of four different issues. Maybe there are others that belong on this list but these Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

God’s Special Love For The Poor – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?” James 2:5 (NLT) James 2 warns churches against favoritism, especially against favoring the rich who often oppressed the poor. Then God gives this tremendous encouragement to believers who are poor. God chooses the poor to be rich in faith and though they are poor now, in eternity they will gain far more than anyone on earth ever had. They will inherit the Kingdom of God! Thus, there is no shame in being poor. Those who are poor are often more willing to admit their neediness which is the kind of humility that God likes to reward. And the reward is a treasure of faith in God, which is a possession more valuable than all the assets of the rich. Thus, like Continue Reading →

open door

Open Doors To Unbelievers Around You

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You overhear a co-worker talking about their belief that people go through reincarnation until they eventually become god. You are friends with them and you want to talk with them about your faith. So how do you bring up the topic without coming across as combative? How do you say something that they would actually listen to? Do they have any ideas that you agree with that could be a bridge to them? What doors are open to them? Consider the following list of traits that Christians value: Hope Optimism Self efficacy Problem solving Creativity Wisdom Courage Positive emotion Self esteem Love Emotional intelligence Empathy Attachment Forgiveness Humor Gratitude Faith Morality Coping Well being Now here is the surprise. This list is not from a Christian or a Christian book. It is from the secular book Positive Psychological Assessment, by Shane Lopez and C. R. Snyder, published in 2003 by Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Freedom Makes Us Secure For Obedience – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“But if you look carefully into the perfect law [word of God] that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:25 (NLT) Here God encourages us that when we obey God’s word we will be blessed. This is a simple but big promise. The verse reminds us that God set us free by His word, and by this I believe he means God set us free from sin and bondage to worldliness. He brought us to the free realm of the kingdom of God. Thus, we don’t need to fear any sacrifices we make to obey God’s word, because we are always free and always share in His goodness. Application: put you name into the verse and repeat it three times. See The Salvation Of God In Your Life – Weekly Words Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

God Promises Wisdom For Our Decisions – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV) God wants to give us wisdom, which means knowing the good thing to do in various situations of our lives. We all face difficult decisions, sometimes they are small and sometimes they are big. If you have a decision to make and it is not yet clear what to do, then God encourages you to ask Him. He wants to give you guidance. So spend some time praying and asking. Ruminate with God over your options. Read relevant scripture. Spend time listening in quiet receptivity before God. And take advantage of the wisdom of other believers and seek out someone who can give good advice. If we seek Him in faith He will give “generously to all.” Application: Put your name in the verse Continue Reading →