Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘help’
A Question For The Week: How May I Help You?
It is a question that we hear frequently by those who are serving us in some way. Perhaps it is a question that too often we fail to ask others. It reveals the spirit of a servant. In the words of Christ, he “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). A dear friend was talking with me the other day about prayer. At one point he said to me, “I think sometimes we look at prayer as us telling God how He needs to help us. Maybe we should be asking Him how He wants us to help Him.” Now, of course, we all know that the Almighty God is our “very present help” (Psalm 46:1). He…
Read MoreA New Generation Of Deacons
A few days ago I had the joy of speaking in a local church to a group of deacons and their wives. It was a wonderful meeting of true servants. At the end of the session a man came to speak to me. He has just been installed as a new deacon in that church and was so excited about the opportunity to serve the Lord and His people. In Scripture deacons are not “called” of God as pastors are, but they are qualified by God and chosen by the church. They are selected carefully and come along side the pastor to help the entire work of the Lord to move forward. The deacon’s office is the office of a…
Read MoreHelp For Preachers
Today I have the opportunity to preach to a wonderful group of preachers. My heart is to encourage them. Thank the Lord for faithful ministers! Like their Chief Shepherd they live “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Yet in the midst of busy lives and labors ministers must pause long enough to minister to their own inner man. Too often while Christian workers are building the kingdom they are tearing down their own souls. It was for this purpose that Pastor Scott Hooks and I hosted The Preacher’s Rest last year in Hickory, North Carolina. The response was overwhelming. We had a wonderful time of fellowship, study, and prayer with so many preachers and their wives. Our desire…
Read MoreThe Biggest Need In Every Church
In the world of finance it is referred to as the Pareto Principle. Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, suggested that 20% of a nation’s people will control 80% of the wealth. This 80/20 rule has been applied to churches, not as it relates to money, but as it relates to manpower. The Lord does not need our money but He is looking for laborers! Frequently I have heard others observe that 20% of the people in a congregation do 80% of the work. It has been my privilege to serve in churches of every size. Size and spirituality are not always parallel realities. Some people are unduly impressed with or intimidated by large congregations. There is even the common misunderstanding…
Read MoreWould You Help Me Help Preachers?
Many years ago my pastor taught me that if you are a blessing to the preacher you have a part in helping all of those that he helps. God uses faithful preachers to teach us the Word of God. He uses faithful people to encourage the preacher. The Apostle Paul said it this way: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6). This should begin in your own church and with the man the Lord has called to shepherd you and your family. Spiritual believers should seek to minister to the minister! In just a few days Tammy and I have the privilege of helping to host a number…
Read MoreGUEST POST: Virtual Solutions For Local Churches
Gayle Washington was a fellow-worker for many years in the ministry. Her burden is to help pastors and churches and the Lord is using her. She and her husband, Dave, have been wonderful friends to our family. I am happy to recommend her resources and hope that they may be of help to many local churches. The single most important mission of the local New Testament church is to reach people with the Gospel and help them to know God better. It’s all about people, yet it is essential to carry out proper daily procedures to keep the work of the Lord decently and in order. Through unconscious preparation, God allowed me the privilege of working for Temple Baptist Church…
Read More10 Ways To Help A High School Senior
Over the last few weeks I have been privileged to spend time with a number of high school seniors. One of them is living in my own home! Just yesterday I was on the campus of the school I graduated from twenty-four years ago. My heart was filled with both memories from my past and thoughts of the future of the seniors who now walk those halls. Parents, pastors, teachers, coaches and youth workers have a big job every day, but the spring months are especially crucial. Remember your senior year! The senior year is one of the most exciting times in life. Big days and decisions lie ahead. The senior year is one of the most anxious times in…
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