If God’s creation is so magnificent, His word must be glorious also because when He spoke, everything was made (Ps. 19:1-6; Gen. 1:1-27). It’s perfect and complete. God’s word is the divine standard or owner’s manual showing how to get the most out of life. No other book or resource can compare with the Bible in…
I received an email from someone who wrote, “I see firsthand how hard working poor and elderly folks and those who have lost jobs have been affected by an uncertain economy, high gas prices, high food costs, and stagnant wages both from social security and private companies. The need will only increase as budget concerns have us cutting…
Congregations try many strategies to increase their numbers. A top-notch nursery, stimulating children’s ministries, friendly atmosphere, practical sermons that keep people smiling, lively worship team and needs- driven marketing are common church growth methodologies. How does this fit with God’s word? Quoting Vernon Grounds, “I say it bluntly: too many of us American evangelicals are…
Good leaders have both a soft and hard side. They are both sensitive and decisive. Their strength is in God, not self. God exalts them as they wait upon Him. Not everyone can aspire to leadership because it involves severe testing and discipline. In his early days, Saul exemplified these character qualities of good leadership. …
Leadership training often focuses on skills, not developing spiritual character qualities. The first priority for successful leadership is spiritual or obedience to God, not learning techniques of delegating, coaching or time management. After character, interpersonal skills is second in importance. Knowing what, when and how to speak comes out of a heart that is filled…
How do you select and nurture leaders? They aren’t chosen solely on experience and competence. Anyone working for an organization knows that certain people get promoted and others even more qualified get passed over. Various situational factors encourage leadership opportunities to emerge. Good physical appearance, pleasing personality, servant heart and timing all work together. Saul…
Many people today download their personal responsibilities to institutions and leaders. People expect government to deliver human services instead of the church, but that’s beginning to change because of budget cuts. It’s common for church members to rely on Sunday school classes and youth pastors to spiritually raise their children. Adults often let pastors and…
Many people today download their personal responsibilities to institutions and leaders. People expect government to deliver human services instead of the church, but that’s beginning to change because of budget cuts. It’s common for church members to rely on Sunday school classes and youth pastors to spiritually raise their children. Adults often let pastors and…
In our politically correct society, every way to God is equally valid. No one is right and no one is wrong. Truth is relative. People are called narrow and not open-minded if they insist there’s only one way to God. That’s a lie! God is truth and in Him there is no darkness (1 John…
There have been times when I lacked confidence. Timidity and cautiousness robbed me of joy. I was afraid to take risks. Life became boring and meaningless. How can you escape the dark cloud of dread clinging over you, which make forward progress impossible? Both Israel and the Philistines experienced God’s curse by not following God. Philistines…
You probably heard someone say in time of crisis, “Well, I guess there is nothing to do but pray.” What’s more powerful than prayer? It’s the very best thing you can do anytime. James 5:16 says that the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. The verb “accomplish” or Greek word, ischuo,” literally…
Studies show that most people fail because of character, not competence. Most leadership training today prioritizes planning and skill instead of character and heart issues. According to leadership expert, Warren Bennis, the “core competency of leadership is character, but character and judgment are the qualities that we know least about when trying to teach them to others….