Weekly Strength 2.11: The Nature of God — Salvation
Scholars say that Charles Dickens wrote his most famous work to alert people to the terrible plight of England’s poor, especially poor children. I say that he wrote it to tell a story of salvation.
Self-care is not selfish
Our Lord Jesus understands a busy life, a busy schedule. His three years of ministry were intense. He knew He needed to get away for time to Himself.
Strengthening pastoral integrity: A conversation with Dr. David Fletcher of XPastor.org
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. David “Fletch” Fletcher, founder of XPastor.org, about the vital yet often overlooked topic of strengthening integrity in church leadership.
How unfinished business could lead to facing giants
Unfinished business has a way of becoming a bigger problem to solve. Little David had to face Giant Goliath because Joshua left one important task undone.
3 things Scripture encourages us to boast about
I don’t know about you, but it is hard for me to boast about nothing. Maybe I’m just an excitable, exuberant guy, but I think all of us feel the need to boast in or praise something.
Book review: Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting, by Derek Prince
Richard Blackaby reviews Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting, by Derek Prince.
Knowing God as your provider
Creating is God’s business alone. Making is our privilege using the tools God provides.
Avoiding the trap of pride
In a recent episode of the StrongTeams.com podcast, hosts Steve NeSmith and Rodney Cox interviewed bestselling author and podcaster Chris Bolinger. He had much wisdom to share about avoiding sinful pride and cultivating humility. These are essential lessons for leaders in any field, but especially for those leading in ministry contexts.
See and experience the maximum expression of God’s love
How do we see and experience the maximum expression of God’s love today?
Why God doesn’t need a backup plan
Even though work is now under the curse, God never once retracted the first commission after the Fall. In fact, He reiterated it, most notably to Noah and family after the flood.
Choosing the narrow way
Jesus made it clear that he won’t force his best on us. He also described how life involves choices. Not everyone chooses well. I pray that in the days ahead you will choose the narrow way. Perhaps the hard way. But the path that leads to life.
God’s transformative dreams for you
Some dreams are fulfilled quickly. Some take a little longer. God-sized, God-given dreams may even take longer than our lifetimes to complete.
Lessons from the dream expert
Dreams often take a long time to come to fulfillment. God’s Dreams, like Joseph’s, are worth the wait, however long they take.
Why you need Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor
Notice how Jesus fulfills each of the characteristics of an effective counselor.
2 reasons to trust that God is working everything for good
What hardships are you experiencing in this season of work? Have you lost a job? Been a victim of injustice? Or are you simply not as far along in your career as you once dreamed? Trust in the hope that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
One of the best leadership insights from the Christmas season
Chrismas is here! You can find a vivid picture of how two vital leadership principles can be intertwined by looking at one of the time-honored carols of the season.
What Christian hymn was written to combat biblical illiteracy and materialism? (And it’s one of the most popular!)
Most people are familiar with this classic and oft sung Christmas carol. Few people realize that Charles Wesley, who penned the words, had an important leadership principle in mind when he penned this Christmas classic.
How deflecting glory leads to bigger swings
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a writer, a teacher, a stay-at-home-mom, or a designer, you have an unfair advantage. You have the God who is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” living inside of you (see Ephesians 3:20). Let that truth inspire you.
Words to gauge your spiritual development
These words and these instructions help us check ourselves for spiritual development. The longer and the closer we walk with God, the more these words ring true. We can use these terms to gauge the spiritual maturity of those who are leaders or seek positions of leadership.
Successful leaders will surrender
The pressures of leading can create complicated, stressful situations that test you, but therein lies the opportunity to grow. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit on a daily basis will not only grow you as a Christian, it will develop you as a leader.
