In ministry, there are times when we have to speak truth to power. We see amazing examples of this throughout Scripture: Nathan confronting David on his sin with a story, the three telling Nebuchadnezzar they wouldn’t bow down, Jesus conversing with Pilate…. But we must do so knowing that we don’t always know what the outcome will be.
All by Daniel McGraw
The LORD as a Warrior… But Maybe Not in the Battles We Pick
I think we must also come to grips with two polarizing truths: God is a warrior, but one who fights on behalf of true justice, righteousness, and shalom, which often stands in sharp contradiction to what we call by the same name.
Calling all Creatives: The Power of Resonance
Our callings are unique because God has made each of us uniquely. Fearfully and wonderfully made can extend to the very things that we bring into the world for God’s pleasure.
Calling All Creatives: The Poetry of God’s People
If you want to get serious about studying Scripture, you have to become serious about poetry. God chose to allow his interactions with humanity to be written in both prose and poetry. There are both histories and hymns, statements and also songs.
Called to Create—Resonance, Beauty, and the Need to Create
God’s creation reveals to us his character. It helps us to experience the God who is the Creative Creator and to reflect on his majesty. In Psalm 50:2 the psalmist writes, “From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.” Beauty can reveal to us glimpses of the Ultimate Good, the Truly Beautiful.
Calling All Creatives
God created us to be creative, and if co-creating is a way that we can experience the divine—well, God is making things beautiful in their time. And God allows us to join him in that endeavor so that the world will see him, know him, and come to glorify him.
Running from God
God is with you, God knows you, and God loves you. Don’t ever forget it. Because we are often hardest on ourselves. And if you are running from God, God isn’t far from you.
What Sustains Your Ministry When Hard Times Hit?
But I’m not calling you to success; I’m calling you to faithfulness. Success in God’s eyes comes down to sticking with the mission.
Growing Into Our Calling
We will always be in process, becoming what we are called to be. We learn through doing. Sometimes we learn by doing well, but typically we learn more by doing poorly.
Sharing the Good News
So share good news! Do it whenever you have the opportunity. And trust God to be at work in people’s hearts and lives, including your own.
Waiting on the Lord
Waiting is a major theme of Scripture. God is always faithful to his people… yet he often seems to keep them waiting.
Begin with the End in Mind
The time is short. In the military, you often get 18-30 months to make a difference where you are assigned. Depending on your faith tradition, the timeline is often the same.
Renewing our Worldview
We must begin to view the world through a different lens, one that adopts the priorities of the Kingdom over those of our culture.
The Way of Ink and Conversation
For many, tattoos are a way of marking one’s identity to the world. Asking about their ink is a window into their heart, to see what is most important to them.
Why Does My Ministry Exist?
Why does my ministry exist? This might seem like an overly simple question, but I think it isn’t just valid but essential. What role does my ministry play in the Kingdom of God?
“How’s Your Training Going?”
I find myself so busy that I often neglect my own spiritual development and renewal. Can I give to others what I am not currently experiencing myself?
Leaders who Empower Others
We work for the maturation of God’s people, helping them to grow in their Christlikeness in every aspect of their lives.
Ministering From Our Broken Places
But if you have brought these experiences to the feet of Jesus and continue to experience his grace, forgiveness, and renewal, then those experiences can be the very things that give our ministry life, breath, and breadth.
Thank You for Your Service
I thank God for your leadership and your sacrifice. For many, it goes unseen by the congregation and unacknowledged. But know that you matter, you are valued, you are important to God
Where Is Your Citizenship?
Our hope and our expectations are in Christ and from Christ. Above all else, the Gospel shapes our lives—our identity, our character, our actions, our interactions, our priorities.