An alert hit my iPhone the other night and my heart dropped. A prominent evangelist had been arrested for a horrific crime against a young child. It grieved my heart for the child, for his family, for his wife, for the family of the evangelist and for the evangelist. Things moved quickly and days later…
What are your core beliefs and can you defend them?
Few questions are more important than what is at the core of our beliefs. What do we believe about life, our origin, and our future. If you live in a deliberate manner with your life, people will begin to ask what drives you. In the midst of our chaotic and uncertain world, what is your…
Top 10 Fundraising Event Lessons Learned by John Roland
Fundraising events are a great way to add new donors, tell your story, and build positive public perception of your organization. Make sure the message—“YOUR GIFT COUNTS . . .” is central. Limit “The Ask” to seven minutes. Micromanage the list of attendees—remind & encourage. Build up enthusiasm for fundraising Preview the message of the…
Thanksgiving proclamation by President George Washington
Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789 By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation. Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His…
FDR’s World War II Thanksgiving Proclamation
President Franklin Roosevelt 134 – Proclamation 2571—Thanksgiving Day November 26, 1942 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” Across the uncertain ways of space and time our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us again when, at the gathering of the…
Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a…
How to break up the fights in your church
INTRODUCTION In evaluating society, few things are more universal than conflict. Conflict has been occurring between people regardless of race, culture, civilization, or religion through the ages. Today’s society in general has become overridden with conflict and disputes. Fewer people are seeking peaceful ways to resolve their conflicts and sadly, litigation has become the norm….
What’s Right with the Church?
BOOK REVIEW OF WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH by William Willimon What’s Right with the Church is a hopeful, encouraging, and genuine book about the definition and purposes of the church. It is an uplifting book and helps one in full-time vocational ministry keep their ministry focused. William Willimon addresses difficult questions and does not…
Tough Love Praying
When one person continually takes advantage of another person, it’s time to set boundaries. Saying prayers to God will help you when you need to apply “tough love” to set boundaries in difficult relationships. Here is a prayer for you. How to Do This Prayer Practice When I was struggling in how to work through…
The first to drop the stone
SERMON LESSON: JOHN 8:1-11 SERMON TEXT: JOHN 8:7 SERMON TITLE: “First to drop the stone” BEHAVIOR PURPOSE: To move hearers to face their commonality with all sinners. INTRO— BERMUDA—ON OUR HONEYMOON, WE ATE AT FINE RESTAURANTS BECAUSE MY PARENTS GAVE US A MEAL PLAN. FOUND MYSELF LOOKING DOWN ON OTHERS—HATE TO ADMIT, IT FELT GOOD. …
Please don’t abandon your marriage
Letter I wrote to a friend seeking to abandon her marriage. Names have been changed. Dear Sally I have really wrestled with how to best communicate my thoughts to you regarding your recent actions. By all the evidence I’ve seen, you are no longer the person I thought you were. I have no idea how…
Always walk at graduation
Always walk at #graduation. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to earn another degree last year. I was not going to walk in graduation because I thought the pageantry and “pomp & circumstance” was over the top and a waste of time. I’m grateful I did decide to walk and I loved every minute…
