February 24, 2010 – 1:19 pm
Christians from many different traditions use the weeks and days leading up to Easter as a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter with joy. As we journey through Lent, I like to spend quiet time reflecting.
This year, I find my thoughts focused on what I do and do not have. Most people at [...]
By Anne Conway
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Posted in Christian Worker, Easter, Lent/Preparing for Easter, Men's Ministry, Pastor, Women's Ministry
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Tagged Christian, Easter, Easter preparation, Lent, men's ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Women's Ministry|
February 11, 2010 – 10:58 am
C. S. Lewis may have been the first to tell about the little boy who was asked what God is like. The boy responds in words like these: “God’s the sort of fellow who goes around looking for someone who’s having fun—and tries to stop ’em.”
This picture of God, mistaken though it is, nonetheless captures [...]
By Jane Fryar
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Posted in Devotions, Easter, Free Resources, Lent/Preparing for Easter, Ministry, Sermon Ideas
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Tagged Care and Comfort, devotion, Easter, Encouragement, Fat Tuesday, Lent, Pastor, Pastoral Ministry, Sermon Ideas|
December 19, 2009 – 8:58 am
The Gift Is for You
Introduction
In just a few days we will celebrate Christmas. For most of us, Christmas is more than just one day; it is an entire season filled with so many different sights and sounds and memories. Just about everyone seems to have favorite foods, activities, and family traditions. For most of us, [...]
December 15, 2009 – 12:06 am
Christmas is everywhere. How many times this week do you think you’ve heard or shared the greeting “Merry Christmas”? At the very least, you’v probably hummed a few cheery fa-la-la-lala’s. Bells have jingled across the country for several weeks now, as Christians everywhere sing “Joy to the World.” Carolers remind us that “it’s the most [...]
By Tim Wesemann
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Posted in Christian Worker, Christmas, Devotions, Encouragement, Free Resources, Men's Ministry, Ministry, Sermon Ideas, Women's Ministry
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Tagged Christian, Christmas, devotion, Encouragement, men's ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Women's Ministry|
December 7, 2009 – 8:51 am
Celebrate the Gift of Jesus!
This time of year, many of us give gifts. In fact, most of us probably give more gifts at Christmastime than at any other time of the year. Gift giving has its own protocol. If we fail to follow it, that failure can lead to some uncomfortable moments—for us, for our [...]
November 10, 2009 – 7:07 am
One night on his way home the great Bible commentator Matthew Henry was robbed. After this unfortunate incident he recorded this prayer in his journal:
“I thank Thee that I have never been robbed before. I thank Thee that even though they took my purse, they did not take my life. I thank Thee that though [...]
November 9, 2009 – 4:33 pm
It happens every year. You make a Christmas list and check it twice, then scratch your head over dilemmas like these:
Those volunteers at your church do so much. You want to remember them at Christmas with a meaningful gift. But what!?
You work with a great group of professionals on your church staff. You want to [...]
November 4, 2009 – 11:02 am
Have you ever felt awkward about talking with a friend who has lost a loved one? We all probably have. The good news for us as Christians is that Jesus is the master when it comes to directing our steps. He encourages us to get ourselves out of the way and reach out to the [...]
November 3, 2009 – 8:20 am
How empty life would feel if we could not remember!
The happy lick of a puppy’s tongue.
That week we spent in bed with chicken pox at age seven.
The tottering gait of our child’s first step.
The splendor of a path cut through a yellow, orange, green, brown forest.
The agony of sacrifice that backlights, as it were, our [...]
October 27, 2009 – 12:01 am
Today’s devotion is the fourth in a series adapted slightly from Serving in His Steps: Focused Scriptures and Prayers for the Fast-Paced Life. It’s one of CTA’s newest products—an accordion-fold booklet with brief daily devotions and a pedometer to use while you walk. It makes a great thank-you gift for church professionals and volunteers who [...]
Not Sure What to Say to a Grieving Friend? Here’s Help!
Have you ever felt awkward about talking with a friend who has lost a loved one? We all probably have. The good news for us as Christians is that Jesus is the master when it comes to directing our steps. He encourages us to get ourselves out of the way and reach out to the [...]