http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32838&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
How to Determine your Spiritual Gift(s!
This procedure is much more accurate and honest than just using an "inventory." We have a tendency to read into these "tests" our desires, not those of the Lord's leading.
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32327&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Mark the grand characteristic of true prayer¾"In the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). The seed of acceptable devotion must come from Heaven's storehouse. Only the prayer which comes from God can go to God. We must shoot the Lord's arrows back to Him. That desire which He writes upon our hearts will move His heart and bring down a blessing, but the desires of the flesh have no power with Him.
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32325&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
In Job's uttermost extremity he cried after the Lord. The longing desire of an afflicted child of God is once more to see his Father's face. His first prayer is not, "Oh that I might be healed of the disease which now festers in every part of my body!" nor even, "Oh that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of the spoiler!"
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32318&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
A primary giving of love is self-disclosure. "Only when we are willing to put our true selves on the line, to be taken for better or for worse, to be accepted or rejected, does true interpersonal encounter begin. Martin Luther's first law of successful prayer was, 'Don't lie to God!' We must tell him the truth of our thoughts, desires and feelings, whatever they may be."
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32314&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Have a desire - Want to seek Christ out!
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=36285&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
"Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee" is probably Frances Ridley Havergal's best-known hymn, and it is a fitting summary of her life. It was her whole-hearted devotion to God that characterised everything about her. What we find in her hymns is an expression of her heart's desire to know Christ better; and to serve Him more devotedly
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32730&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Do you desire to fire your pastor? Perhaps you should fire them up instead!
Got problems in your church, then pray, have a great pastor? Then pray more…
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32791&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
We all desire to have our churches growing. If not, there is something wrong. Your call and profession might need a review. Growing a church is Biblical, and an imperative from our Lord. However, we also need to discover what it means to "grow a church." Most people consider numerical growth, but...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32783&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The purpose of the church is God's purpose, not personal whims, or desires! That purpose will be revealed solely through Scripture and prayer. The core of your purpose will be what Christ has called all churches to as found in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in Matt 22:36-40; 28: 19-20!
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32264&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Do you desire to fire your pastor? Perhaps you should fire them up instead!
Praying for your church is like filling a balloon with helium, the more it is filled, the more it will soar and not sore! For us to grow not just numerically, but in what is much more important, spiritually and in community to one another, requires our discipline and passion to pursue Christ more and ourselves less. We have to grow in Christ in a cherished, intimate growing relationship with Him as LORD over all and LORD over us. We are called to become purpose driven with His purpose at our helm of leadership and lives so that our trust and intimacy is rooted in Him and not in our...