Archive for the ‘From A Pastor’s Perspective’ Category
Posted on April 20, 2010 - by Admin2
Political Outrage: Balancing Social Ills and the Gospel Imperative
By Brent Nix
I just got off the phone with someone who tried to convince me that I should be outraged enough about a recent political scandal to send money to support an effort to do something or other about it.
After listening for a couple of minutes, I hung up. Rude, you say? Perhaps, but I’m growing weary with these kinds of calls. The sad part is that I’m generally in agreement with the groups who are calling. I guess that’s why I’m on their lists. This small episode brings to mind a question I’ve been contemplating for some time. What is the responsibility of the Iocal church and individual Christians with regard to social reform? (more…)
Posted on March 17, 2010 - by Admin1
The Pastor as Worship Leader
By Randy Sawyer
Ever talk to yourself? Sure you do! That’s how the Psalmist begins Psalm 103. He writes, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Then, as he brings this powerful hymn to its conclusion, he invites all creation to join in the celebration. The poet is not only eager to offer whole-hearted praise, he is eager for others to join him. (more…)
Posted on March 2, 2010 - by Admin1
The Greener the Grass
Part eleven of an eleven-part series on “Habits of Highly Successful People”
Habit #10 – A Successful Person Has Learned to be Content
By Kevin Riggs
The parable is told about a young man named Pakham who inherited his father’s farm. While the farm was large, Pakham wanted all the surrounding land. His dream was to have the largest farm around. He would not be satisfied until he owned more than anyone else.
One night, through a dream, an angel told Pakham he could have all the land surrounding his farm that he could walk off in one day. The only provisions were his journey had to end at sundown, and he had to start and end at the grave of his father. Excited about the opportunity, Pakham awoke the next day at the crack of dawn. (more…)
Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Admin1
Honesty: The Only Policy
Part ten of an eleven-part series on “Habits of Highly Successful People”
Habit #9 – A Successful Person is Completely Honest
By Kevin Riggs
The one Commandment that’s universally broken is probably the Ninth Commandment. I would like to think that the older I get the less lying is a temptation. But whether it is a blatant lie or a white lie, dishonesty and deception are constant temptations. (more…)
Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Admin1
Are You a Giver or Taker?
Part nine of an eleven-part series on “Habits of Highly Successful People”
Habit #8 – A Successful Person is a Giver Instead of a Taker
By Kevin Riggs
Several years ago I read a story about a thief who decided to siphon gas from a motor home in Seattle, Washington. The owner of the motor home heard a noise, and when he went outside to investigate, he discovered the thief curled up on the ground vomiting. Intending to suck up the contents of the gas tank, the thief—a 14-year-old boy—put his hose into the wrong hole. Instead of stealing gas, the boy sucked up the contents of the sewage compartment. (more…)
Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Admin1
Pure in Attitude and Action
Part eight of an eleven-part series on “Habits of Highly Successful People”
Habit #7 – A Successful Person Remains Pure in Both Attitudes and Actions
By Kevin Riggs
Radio personality Paul Harvey tells the story of how Eskimos kill wolves. The account is grisly, yet if offers fresh insight into the consuming, self-destructive nature of sinful lusts . . . the sin at the heart of the Seventh Commandment (more…)
Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Admin1
Anger: One Letter from Danger
Part seven of an eleven-part series on “Habits of Highly Successful People”
Habit #6 – A Successful Person Knows How to Control His Temper
By Kevin Riggs
My children play video games, but I monitor what they play and how often. I admit, however, there is one thing that happens when my son plays certain games that causes me to twinge a little. Periodically the game will not go the way he wants, and out of frustration he will say to no one in particular, “Oh man, l got killed,” or, “I’m going to kill you.” There is something about hearing the word ”killed” that makes me uncomfortable. (more…)
Posted on February 26, 2010 - by Admin1
God’s Remedy for Stress
Part five of an eleven-part series on “Habits of Highly Successful People”
Habit #4 – A Successful Person Recognizes His Total Dependence on God (more…)