@Ritaspringer Great encouragement. It seems like I am constantly reminding people lately that we need to approach people and their problems with compassion and a heart of restoration.
@pastoremase Interesting question. I once met a man who claimed that he had become an apostle by attending an “Apostle School,” and he wanted me to acknowledge him before the church as an apostle.
He got offended and left when I told him no. 😆
@LysaTerKeurst Incredible lesson to learn! Sometimes God’s answer is “No.” I encounter so many people who have a difficult time taking His “No” for an answer.
@JohnBevere I have been teaching our people to discipline themselves to take a spiritual “prep step” before responding. It is just a moment to yield to God’s Spirit and give Him time to supply a reasonable, peace-making response.
@jimcymbala Thank God, Pastor Jim. In our church where we serve, I always emphasize the importance of everyone discovering and developing their unique ministry and spiritual gifts from God. He distributes to each one. No believer is left out. 🙌🏽
@PsRobertTV Thank God! I like to remind people that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we allow Him to train us through our own development, we come out better equipped for the next time we face a similar issue.
@shane_pruitt78 Couldn’t agree more. I do a pastor’s life group each semester, and I take a couple of weeks to emphasize responsible hermeneutics, which turns out to be one of the most interesting meetings for some. They don’t realize how fascinating real Bible study can be.
@hippofloat Sometimes when I meet people who lead-off with their history and resume’, I just smile, listen, and wonder: “What have you been through that caused you to need to do this?”
Perhaps they don’t realize that their true value is so much simpler.
@Jentezen So good. Apathy is such a tough issue to overcome once it takes root in a person - or it can become part of the culture in a whole church. I have noticed that it often starts when someone gets very discouraged. We have to help them begin to believe again.
@hippofloat Man this is so strong.
People need to see how to be faithful and how to keep believing - while they are going through life’s struggles. Incredible testimony.