…we were so utterly and unbearably weighed down and crushed that we despaired even of life [itself]. – 2 Corinthians 1:8, AMP It is very easy to look at pastors, missionaries, and others who have given themselves to a career in ministry as some sort of superheroes. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound,… Continue reading You’re not alone. Even Paul despaired.
Category: Influence
To be extraordinary, you have to first make up your mind.
Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, – Matthew 28:19, AMP Although God must give us the ability to do anything worthwhile for Him, He leaves the choice of whether or not to go do what we’ve been… Continue reading To be extraordinary, you have to first make up your mind.
When running the race, be intense, aggressive, and don’t hold back.
So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. – 1 Corinthians 9:24, AMP As I watched my daughter’s soccer game today, I noticed a trend among many of the 8-year olds scattered around the field. All of them were aggressive in defending their goal from the attack… Continue reading When running the race, be intense, aggressive, and don’t hold back.
The struggle for significance can destroy you.
Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. – James 4:10, AMP On August 9, 2013 news outlets across the United States reported shocking news regarding Florida couple Derek Medina and Jennifer Alfonso. On August 8, Medina,… Continue reading The struggle for significance can destroy you.
A mighty man is not delivered by his much strength.
No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength. – Psalm 33:16, AMP One of the greatest challenges we Christians face is understanding how futile our efforts are when we try to accomplish God’s work with human strength. I’ve heard countless stories of… Continue reading A mighty man is not delivered by his much strength.
Who is in control of your life?
Stephen, a man full of faith…and full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit… – Acts 6:5, AMP What does it take to be used mightily by God? I’m not talking about being used by God in an average way. I’m talking about being used by God in an Earth-shattering, mountain-moving way. Does it take… Continue reading Who is in control of your life?
Being faithful pays off.
The king, beside whom the queen was sitting, asked me, How long will your journey take, and when will you return? So it pleased [him] to send me; and I set him a time. – Nehemiah 2:6, AMP Being a person of cheerful integrity can pay off. In Nehemiah 2, we find Nehemiah in a… Continue reading Being faithful pays off.
Seize the opportunity to help others.
Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant… – Nehemiah 1:6, AMP When Nehemiah learned of the distressful status of his people in Jerusalem, he mourned for them. But Nehemiah did much more than mourn; he sought to help those in need. Nehemiah’s first step… Continue reading Seize the opportunity to help others.
Provide a godly inheritance for your family.
A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children… – Proverbs 13:22, AMP On Father’s Day, fathers everywhere enjoy the love and adoration of their families. But with such blessings comes the reminder of what a sober, weighty task fatherhood is for those men who follow God’s plan for… Continue reading Provide a godly inheritance for your family.
Here’s the key to impacting the culture around you.
Because this was in your heart and you have not asked for riches… – 2 Chronicles 1:11, Amplified Bible We often lament the horrid spiritual state of our culture, and rightly so; it is horrid. One of the reasons it is so horrid, however, is that we Christians have done an awful job of being… Continue reading Here’s the key to impacting the culture around you.