Other Sheep

When I was young the denominational missionary magazine was entitled “Other Sheep” which is taken from the words of Jesus John 10: 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. Today I find myself…

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The Power of Encouragement

Criticism and complaint seem to be the order of the day. It is easy for us to get into the habit of complaining, finding fault, and being generally disagreeable. One thing is sure you and I have a choice. It is just as easy to be an encourager as it to be a complainer. I understand that it is appropriate to ask questions, give honest assessments, and voice our disagreement.…

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Better Together

Isolation is a prevalent problem. One can be surrounded by people and feel alone. If the individual is the measure of all things, then separation, loneliness, and discouragement are the by-products. Noise and busyness are cheap imitations created to give us the illusion of community. Many culprits contribute as to why we have a lack of unity, togetherness, and cooperation: careers, extra-curricular activity for children, working more than one job,…

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You Make a Difference

Everyone can be a difference-maker! You do not have to have a title, degree, or position to make a difference. Whether you believe or understand it you do make a difference. If the world ever needed people who will step up and impact their world it is now! Do not think that it is someone else’s responsibility, you were born for ‘such a time as this.’ You have an important…

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Encouragement is powerful

Encouragement is such a powerful tool that is readily available to all, and yet so few seem to recognize its powerful benefits.  I am in the process of writing a book about leadership lessons I learned in my childhood, specifically from my grandmother.  There will be an entire chapter on encouragement.  It seemed to me that she possessed a Ph.D. in encouragement.  If you make your job to be an encourager you will never…

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How Do You Distill A Year into Two Days?

We just celebrated the work of 70 congregations in 22 counties over the past year. This transpired in 24 hours over two days! In my church family, we gather once a year in something called “District Assembly.” This is where we come together to hear reports and to elect clergy and lay leaders for our district. Pastor’s report sharing the highlights of their respective congregations, I give a report on…

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He Promised….

Many conversations are started with the words he, she, they promised! Everyone has felt the pain that comes from being on the working end of a broken promise. The pain is only intensified as the one who has broken the promise is someone we believed in, and counted on and the disappointment is smothering. What do you do? Where do you go? How do you get through this kind of…

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What to look for in a Mentor

      Much of what I learned about life and the nuts and bolts of doing ministry I learned from my grandmother, teachers, pastors and Sunday School teachers.  These folks were my mentors long before I had heard the term mentor.  Reflecting on their lives and impact on my life I came up with a few reasons they were so influential in my life. 1 They made people feel…

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An old Friend

  Last night I picked up an old Bible of mine that was sitting on the shelf. It had been so worn that I had it redone and a new leather covering placed on it while living in Michigan. The pages are worn and through out the Bible are things I had copied and noted along this journey of faith. There were words taped into the flyleaf in the front.…

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An Army of Encouragers

Encouragement is a medicine for the soul.  Not only is it a medicine, it is one of the best medicines on the market today.  This medicine has an immediate impact the instant it is given.  It is nearly miraculous in its restorative powers. To overestimate its power and impact would be impossible.  Think about a time when you were a little discouraged.  Or maybe a time when you wondered what…

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