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Encouragement

Unwrap Christmas – Gift of Love

By Church, Encouragement, God, Jesus, Life Plan

For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

This might not be part of the Christmas story you share with your family as you sit around the fireplace, but maybe it should be!

As we unwrap the gifts of Christmas this year, we can’t help but mention God’s love. It was because of His great love for you and me that we even have a Christmas to celebrate!

When God created the heavens and the earth, the world was a perfect place. Man was in union with nature. Man had a committed relationship with his Creator God.

Then sin entered the realm of mankind. Sin separated man from God. What once was a perfect relationship was scarred forever. Men and women were subject to death, because of the plague of sin. Mankind could no longer reach a Holy God.

But then…

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December 22, 2010
Love0

Unwrap Christmas – Gift of Forgiveness

By Christians, Church, Encouragement, Jesus

Jesus came to be a Savior! As we unwrap the presents of Christmas this week, we must not forget the wonderful gift of forgiveness!

I read a sign once that went something like this:

If we had needed healing, God would have sent a Physician.
If we had needed knowledge, God would have sent an Educator.
If we had needed information, God would have sent a Scientist.
If we had needed money, God would have sent a Banker.

But, we needed forgiveness, so God sent a Savior!

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December 21, 2010
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50+ Examples of “Successful Leadership Requires…”

By Encouragement, Innovation, Leadership

I was thinking about successful leadership recently…actually, I think about the subject a lot… I guess because I want to be a successful leader and, because I know so many “leaders” who think they are, but aren’t successful. You know the kind…. I talk weekly to ministers serving on church staffs around the country who are struggling with the leadership of the church where they serve, mainly because of the leadership…or lack thereof…coming from senior leadership in the church. Perhaps you understand…

I decided, since I have such awesome Twitter followers…and most people have an idea of what they think successful leadership looks like…that I’d put the subject to the test. I simply asked: What does successful leadership require?

I primed the pump…so-to-speak…with these suggestions:

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December 20, 2010
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Unwrap Christmas – Gift of Peace

By Culture, Encouragement, God, Jesus

The Jesus born on Christmas day was God’s gift to the world, but if that’s true (and it is), then what exactly are we getting for Christmas?

This week we are going to unwrap Christmas looking at a different gift each day…

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14 NIV

Peace! It’s an amazing word. In the cluttered life in which we live, peace is a word we strive to achieve. Peace is something we all need…and the faster the world gets…the more peace we need…

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December 19, 2010
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Developing Patience in Church Leadership

By Church, Culture, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Leadership

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols. 2 Chronicles 34:3 (Emphasis mine.)

I read this verse this morning and it spoke to me. I’m sure I’ve read it dozens of times, but today a new thought occurred to me while reading.

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December 13, 2010
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Almost Isn’t Good Enough: Wayne Elsey’s New Book

By Church, Culture, Encouragement, Innovation, Leadership

As a leader, there are two qualities that really I value in other people, drive & selflessness. In most circles, these two words seem contradictory & rarely used in the same sentence. However, both of those words describe my good friend, Wayne Elsey. Wayne is the Founder & CEO of Soles4Souls. His drive has lead Soles4Souls to become one of the fastest growing non-profits in the country, but his attitude reflects total selflessness. A few months ago, I interviewed Wayne in my leadership series. You can read it HERE.

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December 10, 2010
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Growing Service in Your Kids at Christmas

By Children, Church, Culture, Encouragement, Family, God, Parenting

Tim Elmore is an incredible leader. He has one of the best understandings of how to reach the next generation of anyone one I know. I recently had dinner with Tim and can attest to this man’s incredible heart for people. I’m blessed to have Tim share his thoughts with us here today as a guest post.

In our recent work with students, Growing Leaders has drawn some interesting conclusions. We have seen a shift take place among the young people in Generation Y. (The kids born in the 80s are different than the kids born since then.) The research is in a new book called: Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future.

One of the shifts we’ve uncovered is that kids have moved from “activists” (who want to change the world) to “slack-tivists.” They still want to change the world — but sort of. They often don’t really want to work hard or make sacrifices. They’d rather sign a petition on a website, get a wristband and then return to a video game or YouTube. They’re more self-absorbed than their earlier counterparts. So, how do we grow a heart for service in our kids today?

Try this.

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December 9, 2010
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