Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s engagement in our lives. He is the visible representation of God’s engagement. God sent Jesus to live a perfect life, to die on a cross for our offenses, and then to be raised from the dead–all so that we could be in relationship with him and have new life, both here and in … Read More
People Rejoice Over Godly Leaders
“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” — Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)
Hudson Taylor on the Importance of Praying While Working
“I have seen many men work without praying, though I have never seen any good come out of it; but I have never seen a man pray without working.” — James Hudson Taylor (May 21, 1832 – June 3, 1905) was a pioneer in reaching the unreached for Christ. He was unlike any other missionary of the 19th century (or … Read More
Tired of Routine Tasks? Here Are 4 Ways to Handle Them With Efficiency
Most average pastors have at least one area in which they struggle to “touch it once”: physical mail, cleaning, email, clothes, cleaning. If you recognize yourself in any of these examples, you need to learn the Touch It Once technique. It’s simple: when you see a small, routine, or mundane task that needs to be done, just do it. Do … Read More
Help Your People Use Their Spiritual Gifts to Serve Others and Experience Significance
You were born with unique gifts and talents; you need a place to make sure those gifts and talents are being put to their highest and best use. The local church provides an environment in which you can use your gifts and talents for the benefit of God and others. This is part of God’s plan for you to experience … Read More
Leaders Guard Themselves
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” —Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
Hudson Taylor on the Great Commission
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” — James Hudson Taylor (May 21, 1832 – June 3, 1905) was a pioneer in reaching the unreached for Christ. He was unlike any other missionary of the 19th century (or arguably any other century) and led missions in China that are still … Read More
Save Time, Energy and Stress by Learning to Borrow
Before I became a pastor, I was on an engineering track. The first rule of engineering is: “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” When I made the transition into ministry, I saw a lot of well-intentioned pastors driving themselves crazy doing just that. They were starting from scratch every single week, with everything from Sunday follow-up to sermon preparation and worship planning. As … Read More
The Value of Waking Up Earlier—and How to Do It
I (Nelson) love to get up early. I find that by waking up early, I get more done. Often I write first thing in the morning, immediately after my daily quiet time. When I do, I can knock out a lot of writing I want to get done before most people have even started their day. I (Richard), on the … Read More
The Golden Text
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NLT)