It’s human nature.  Especially for men of God.  We compare, contrast, and weigh our ministries by the successes, failures, and expectations of others.  Regardless of your stage or level of ministry, this temptation is a persistent foe. The overachiever in us all wants to excel and advance.  We want to win souls, build buildings, book meetings, grow ministries, speak frequently, minister often, and increase our network.  However, some men, in the name of ministry, are simply trying to make a name for themselves.  In this process, we can compare and contrast our lives with others thus affecting our motivation for …

“The greatest saint in the world is not he who prays most or fasts most; it is not he who gives alms, or is most eminent for temperance, chastity or justice. It is he who is most thankful to God.” –William Law

“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” –A.W. Tozer

“Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow.” –Henry Ward Beecher

“A state of

Giving thanks is more than an expression of gratitude.  It is that, but truthfully, we can say “thank you” to someone and not really mean it.  Gratitude is more than words communicated; it is ultimately a mindset, a mentality.  It is a keen awareness of our dependence upon a particular thing or person, and then demonstrating that appreciation through a charitable relationship. Thanksgiving is not really a holiday of indulgence and stuffing, it is a lifestyle that actually sacrifices and succumbs to the reality of grace – God’s grace imparted and enjoyed.

So what does it really mean to give …

Albert Mohler said, “The careful reader is not reading merely to receive data.  The leader learns to invest deeply in reading as a discipline for critical thinking.”  One cannot effectively learn if he is not consistently reading.  As a Christian, I read for spiritual growth.  As a husband and father, I read for influence.  As a pastor, I read for ministry.  As a preacher, I read for sermons. But as a human, I simply read for pleasure.  There are other hobbies that I frequently enjoy, but none so much as  reading.

I like to read in variety and diversity.  Some …

According to a recent article by Thom Rainer (president and CEO of LifeWay Bookstores), more and more churches are implementing New-Member classes into their education department.  These classes give direction and clarity to those who are making decisions about joining your church.  They also allow the church to be forthcoming about their policies, practices, and philosophy.

I personally believe such classes should be a staple in our ministries.  Think about it…rarely would someone purchase a new car without driving it.  No one I know would sign their name to a contract without knowing the content.  You wouldn’t want to purchase …