Articles | November 2019

  • Follow the Leader

    Devotionals | November 29, 2019

    Fluid circumstances require leaders who are simultaneously discerning and responsive to the changes and people around them. We can follow Jesus, who knew when to continue with His stated goals and when to turn aside to respond to new developments. This discernment is a gift from God, one that is developed by listening to and obeying His Spirit's prompting. Where do you need Jesus' discernment and the Spirit's guidance today?

    Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it."—Isaiah 30:21

  • Messaging and Tone

    Blog | Christine Vogelsang | November 28, 2019

    “So how did you think my first year of teaching went? Any suggestions?”

    My young colleague was looking for my feedback now that the school year had ended and we were leaving for our summer break. I’d had a good view of his overall style and manner since we taught the two fourth grades as a team. He had experienced many of the pitfalls of a new teacher. However, he had a wonderful knowledge of his subject matter and conveyed it well. He had high expectations for classroom behavior. The message was good. It was his tone that was lacking.

  • Being Present

    Devotionals | November 27, 2019

    Where does God have you today? Who will you see? Who will you talk to? What places will you go? What will you be doing? Wherever you are, be aware of the Lord's purpose in bringing you into each situation. Like Jesus, invite the Father's presence into every task and conversation. Be present with those whom God brings your way, recognize that they are created in His image, and meet them at their point of need.

    Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. —Romans 13:8

  • Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

    Blog | Sheryl Giesbrecht | November 26, 2019

    Are you counting down the days before Christmas? Whether we use a wall calendar with openings for each day or read a daily Bible verse to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, observing Advent helps keep Jesus at the center of Christmas. As believers, we wait and watch for the arrival to celebrate the date of a man who came to earth more than two thousand years ago. Jesus Christ came to earth and changed everything. But why focus on waiting for someone who has already come? So glad you asked. Perhaps you’re wondering “what is Advent all about?”

  • Daily Opportunities

    Devotionals | November 25, 2019

    Each day provides new opportunities to serve God and others. Your opportunities will be unique to your life and situation. Don't miss them. God has placed you where He needs you in order to serve others in Jesus' name. What opportunities will God bring you today?

    You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.—John 15:16

  • Are You Eager?

    Devotionals | November 22, 2019

    What gets you up and going each day? What inspires you to give your all? What causes you to say yes to sacrifice and surrender? How does your vision of God, your understanding of who He is and how He works, influence your life? Today, this day, ask Him to permeate Your thinking with an awareness of who He is and what He is doing around You.

    For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. —2 Corinthians 9:2

  • Work-Life - Is There a Balance?

    Blog | Kim Rider | November 21, 2019

    A little over 10 years ago, I welcomed my 40’s with a stressful work environment, lots of overtime, neglect of my family, elevated blood pressure and a few other health issues. When I was sitting in the doctor’s office feeling horrible and getting my prescription for blood pressure medicine, it became real to me. All these years of “I can handle this”, “I’ll do that”, “I have to work late”, and “I’m too tired to (fill in the blank)” had caught up with me. It was affecting my health, my time, my family and my life.  I knew I was the only one who could fix it. So, I did.

  • Dying to Self

    Devotionals | November 20, 2019

    To turn from a lifestyle of Edging God Out to one of Exalting God Only requires dying to self. It is not accomplished by simply learning new external behaviors or erasing existing behaviors. We need to come to the point of surrendering all that we are to God, to be used for His purposes. The lives that we live are lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, as if Christ Himself were living through us. Where do you need to die to yourself and allow Christ to live through you?

  • Appreciation and Gratitude: It’s more than saying “Thank You”

    Blog | Gilbert Camacho | November 19, 2019

    We are thanked many times throughout the day, sometimes I think we have become immune to its effect, or it’s so subtle we don’t notice. We see these words on doors at malls, restaurants receipts; we are even thanked on bills for our prompt payment.  But how can these words help us improve our effectiveness in our roles as leaders at work, home or church?  What qualities make a good or effective leader? 

  • Friends

    Devotionals | November 18, 2019

    Jesus dug deep into relationships with people. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close friends, as were Peter, James and John. As closely connected to the Father as He was, Jesus still needed relationships with people during His lifetime on earth. If Jesus needed friends, it makes sense that we need friends. Friends to encourage us, offer comfort, pray for us, challenge us, and hold us accountable. Who do you count among your closest friends? What are you doing to cultivate spiritual friendships as journey with you through life?

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