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What Does it Mean to be Qualified?
By Tony Cooke
Paul advised Timothy, a young pastor, "...athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules" (2 Timothy 2:5, NLT).
In trying to avoid legalism, many have downplayed the idea of "rules," but there are definite guidelines involved in carrying out fruitful and effective ministerial service, and likewise, ignoring or violating such precepts can greatly diminish one's productivity and effectiveness, and ultimately affect their reward. Read this article by Tony Cooke.
A Call to Compassion - Watch it Connect You with Your Community
By Jim Graff
A destitute woman. A sick and desperate mother. A prodigal son; these were the kind of people Jesus exercised continual compassion toward. After demonstrating his great compassion in every synagogue and village of Israel, Jesus did something else.
He made it clear that he was calling His followers to live with this same compassion, bringing wholeness to every community in the world. The biblical word compassion describes more than emotion. It describes a motivation that cannot rest until the pain is relieved. Read this article by Jim Graff.
Re-Connecting with Your Spouse
By Steve and Jane Hutchinson
Many couples are disconnected not because they have poor communication; they have poor communication because they are disconnected. When you first met and were enjoying the infatuation stage, you seemed to connect at every level. This "connection" was actually lacked depth and maturity but is nonetheless part of the initial bonding of a couple. Do you think your communication skills were actually better then than now? Mostly likely it wasn't. Read this article by Steve and Jane Hutchinson.
Don't be a Blind Magoo! Get a Vision (Part 2)
By Marvin Yoder
The truth is, every person who is considered one of the "great people of the Bible" dared to implement and then act on the vision—revelation, guidance, prophetic insight—that God gave to them. Abraham dared to leave his country to go to another land. Moses became the deliverer of Israel.
Noah dared to build a boat according to God's instructions. David became a king. The disciples became fishers of men. Mary gave birth to the Son of God. Paul became a great missionary for Christ. Read this article by Marvin Yoder.
Health Care Reform and the Health Insurance Tax Credit
By Mark Helland
After months of partisan debate, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" became law nearly two years ago, on March 24, 2010. This act is widely considered to be the most significant piece of medical insurance reform legislation in the past thirty years. Known generally as "health care reform" or "Obama Care" it is also highly complex and controversial, with major implications for the U.S. economy. Read this article by Mark Helland.
Pre-Order Your Copy of "Qualified" Today!
Qualified: Serving God with Integrity and Finishing Your Course with Honor is now at the Publisher. If you've heard our material on Ministerial Excellence, Ministerial Ethics, Ministry Killers You Must Conquer, or Processing the Call of God on Your Life, you'll recognize some of the content in this book.
This material will not only encourage and challenge senior leaders, but it will be an excellent resource for training staff and volunteers in integrity, character, and ethics. Qualified will help believers become all God wants them to be, whether in the church or in the marketplace. It is scheduled for release no later than July, but you can pre-order your copy now.
Train Your People - Transform Your Church
Catch this video clip from Tony's "In Search of Timothy" video series. Learn more about the series and place your order.
Read all of our quotes by visiting our Quotes Page.
CONFLICT
"Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional."
- Max Lucado
ENDURANCE
"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory".
- Philip Yancey
INTEGRITY
"Integrity means that if our private life were suddenly exposed, we'd have no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed. Integrity means that our outward life is consistent with our inner convictions."
- Billy Graham
MONEY
"Riches should be admitted into our houses, but not into our hearts; we may take them into our possession, but not into our affections."
Pierre Charron
FAITHFULNESS
"When faithfulness is most difficult, it is most necessary."
- Unknown