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Dave Ferguson shares five ways to bless your neighbors. He says, “From the very beginning, God’s way of reaching and restoring the world has always been through what I would call a blessing strategy…how do we in a very practical way that’s theologically grounded explain to people how they could bless people in places they are incarnating?
They came up with this…
So instead of asking how can you be productive, ask how can you be proactive in your sphere of living to give away yourself? Love your neighbor as yourself.
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One of my favorite authors and speakers on the topic of ministry leadership is Daniel Im (not to be confused with Francis Chan). He said that when he was discerning his call to ministry, his pastor told him "to be rooted, to serve faithfully, and to seek out opportunities to expand my skills and to lead." As a teenager, he boldly asked if he could lead the worship ministry at his church when the position opened up. I appreciate how his story began to unfold at a young age. We should allow teenagers around us to step up in leadership opportunities when they take initiative. We should reward such requests and give room for growth in a safe environment. What bold steps have you taken lately in your faith journey? I recently finished a book that was recommended to me titled From Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship. It was a fantastic read about the journey that author/evangelist Jack Frost experienced growing in faith and in the embrace of Father God, as he put it. In the final four chapters (chapter 7 having the title above), he presents eight defining truths from his own journey that helped him begin displacing an orphan heart and start feeling secure and at rest as a favored son.
He says, "The depth of humility we embrace determines the depth of kingdom life we will experience." I cannot think of another book that goes into the same level of spiritual truths with such heart-gripping stories that this author shares. I really enjoyed reading about his career as a deep sea fisherman (twice), his restored parental relationships, and his humbling path through pastoral ministry and launching a ministry of his own. I can see how my story relates with his story in several ways. I am thankful to the person who recommended this book to me. If you are a believer, a child of God, renewed in the image of God, then remember that you have tremendous eternal worth to your heavenly Father. Even though he is listening and responding to millions of prayers all at the same time, he is willing to stop everything to bless you. Don't try to earn his favor, by striving for perfection on your own. He will give you a pure heart, by faith. Like Jesus, you are God's beloved child (son/daughter) with whom he is well-pleased (Matthew 3:17). So, move forward in the spiritual riches that he has bestowed upon you. If you feel alone or lost, then find the path home that is paved in part with restitution and forgiveness that you need with your parents and spiritual leaders; and you will inherently be at peace and rest! For more resources about healing an orphan heart from Jack (now deceased) and Trisha Frost, visit their ministry at www.shilohplace.org.
Will Smith, actor, shares his thoughts on how you get past the barriers in your life. To sum it up, you tough it out and never give up. Learn as you go, failure ensures success. Be mentally tougher than than the adversity you are facing.
If you are in leadership, Jesus Christ modeled the way that you can lead. To the world all around him he was a failure. But he set the new standard of what servant leadership means. He's worth following. Read more at www.edstetzer.com/2018/03/7-principles-to-lead-as-jesus-led/
A true legend passed away one week ago. Perhaps, there has been no greater modern-day evangelist. Dr. Billy Graham was "America's Pastor" for decades. He leaves a huge legacy of touching millions of lives.
Think about your own life. Who have you influenced for good during your lifetime? Who is now a better person because of your impact? A friend, child, or mentee, perhaps. Reach out and help someone. Give hugs. You have a gift, so share it with others, and it will keep on giving back to you! People are the most important. Each person is made special. Everyone of us is important to our Creator, with untapped and limitless potential.
A few Sundays ago, I visited a local church in my hometown of Elkhart, IN. Actually it was an extension campus of Granger Community Church from Mishawaka, IN. I was impressed by their staff, volunteers, worship service experience, guest services, coffee, facilities...everything was great! I had been to the main campus maybe 12 years ago. I stumbled onto the Elkhart campus while visiting my family for Christmas and running an errand down a street that I had not traveled in over a decade. That's when I was surprised to see this new church building. (Actually, I visited the 11:30am service after my home church's 10:00am service). I had already been reading a few books from their pastor of connections, Mark Waltz, who has also spent a few years as the campus pastor in Elkhart. I spoke with the woman at the table that day and she encouraged me to personally reach out to Mark. So I did. I found his website thru the main GCC website. It's called BecausePeopleMatter.Com. I found articles and resources for anyone, especially other pastors of connections, which I currently am. As of lately, he is also doing a lot of traveling and consulting, so I am planning a visit to go see and learn more from Mark, hopefully this winter, and will post again later... I hope you have a Happy New Year! You matter!
You know that sometimes, you need a fresh start in life. Michael Jr. is one of the funniest comedians ever! He bring a hilarious perspective on his own personal struggles and getting to know the true, risen Jesus in a new, fresh way that brings peace, comfort and healing. Enjoy this man of God, who does not compromise his faith, as he entertains people in comedy clubs and big events all over the world.
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Nate StultsMy blog covers several areas of life on a deeper level. Archives
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