Category Archives: Purpose

January 25, 2022 · 6:38 am

Are You Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose For Your Life?

“Are you stumbling toward an uncertain future,” asks author John Mason in his little book Conquering An Enemy Called Average. Mason then offers this challenge.

“First, concentrate on finding your purpose, then concentrate on fulfilling it. Having a powerful why will provide you with the necessary how.”

American author Robert Byrne was right when he wrote, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” However, too often the problem is that most people begin at the wrong place–ourselves. Our goals. Our dreams. Our success. Continue reading →

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April 8, 2021 · 8:10 am

Discovering Purpose in Life

Even with all of the negatives of lockdowns, sickness, and death caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some unforeseen positives.

Stories abound of neighbors helping neighbors. Relationships being rekindled. Families spending more time together. Preachers and pastors finding new and innovative ways to minister. An increase in people reading the Bible and spiritual material. And people becoming Christians Continue reading →

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July 7, 2020 · 4:07 am

What Is The Purpose Of These Times?

Today, as I write these words, we should be returning to the USA from a trip to Greece and Turkey which followed the travels of the apostles Paul and John.

Then we would drive back across the border to Ontario, Canada, where we should have been since May 14, to begin a meeting at Jordan. Then a VBS at Wellandport. And on to South River for another meeting.

Instead, we’re in Polson, Montana. Looking out at the scenic Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake.

What happened? Continue reading →

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October 8, 2019 · 8:49 am

Finding Purpose Following Failure

Last week we wrote about the extraordinary demonstration of compassion and forgiveness by Brandt Jean to Amber Guyger, the woman who shot and killed his brother, Botham Jean.

Now we learn that the Judge presiding over the case, Tammy Kemp, has been accused of “an abuse of her power.”

What awful act did Judge Kemp commit? Continue reading →

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September 6, 2018 · 6:03 am

Becoming Mission-Minded

Last night Norma Jean and I attended the mid-week Bible Study service at the Downers Grove church in suburban Chicago where my friend and former college classmate Steve Wolfgang preaches. After being out of the country for 25 days, it was good to be “home.”

Steve’s class focused on the mission of the church. As an assignment, he had asked the class to write a “mission statement” either collectively or individually. As someone who has worked with churches through the years in developing Biblical mission statements, I was interested in hearing what the class had to say. Continue reading →

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November 2, 2017 · 6:15 am

Five Lessons We Learn From the Jerusalem Church

Last night we concluded a meeting with the Northside church in Hillsboro, Ohio. It was special to return where we first began full-time preaching 47 years ago.

Our theme was WHAT MATTERS MOST based on Acts 2:41-47. Continue reading →

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May 19, 2016 · 5:09 am

Answering the Call of God

Called by God 2

When you’re a preacher you get some pretty interesting questions. Particularly from people who are not familiar with the church. One question received several times through the years, especially when we move, has to do with my “calling.”

“When did God call you to preach?”

“How were you called?”

“Did you feel called to move to Texas?” Continue reading →

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May 6, 2016 · 6:06 am

God’s Purpose For My Life

Your Purpose Green Road Sign Over Dramatic Clouds and Sky.

On Wednesday Ohio Governor John Kasich told reporters “Throughout my campaign I have always said the Lord may have another purpose for me.”

Kasich commented that those words always perplexed the pundits regarding his commitment in his quest for the Presidency. He said, “It shows to some degree how little they understand about life.”

The Governor then concluded his prepared remarks by announcing, “I have always said that the Lord has a purpose for me as he has for everyone. And as I suspend my campaign today, I have renewed faith, deeper faith, that the Lord will show me the way forward, and fulfill the purpose of my life.” Continue reading →

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November 5, 2013 · 6:04 am

Can We Be Like the Jerusalem Church?

RestoringFocus.2013

The 2013 theme of the Hickman Mills church where I preach has been RESTORING OUR FOCUS.

In yesterday’s post on “minister” I mentioned a different emphasis we had each month this year.  One of our new readers asked if I would list the other goals that we have been focused on for the year.  I thought others might like to know about the process in which we have been engaged.  Continue reading →

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September 10, 2013 · 6:16 am

How Can I Know God’s Will?

GodsWill

I was talking to a lady last week who was being evicted from her apartment.  She  expected the Judge to evict her in three days.  However, to her surprise,  she was given two weeks.

She suggested to me that it was God’s will.  God gave her an extra two weeks.  I’m not so sure that apartment manager thought it was the will of God for this woman to get two months of free rent! Continue reading →

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