I know it’s a strong picture and title for a pastor to use. Especially, when he’s not talking about physically picking up arms, but rather fighting a war of ideas. I believe the strong language of this blog series and the force of the war imagery is necessary because this battle carries weighty resonating consequences. […]
Declaration of War II: Churches Are Not Prepared, I Want to Help Read More »
I’m declaring war against an epidemic in America. No more timidity. No more holding back. There is too much on the line. What is at stake is too important. If you follow Stand Firm Ministries or anything I’ve been up to the past couple of years, then you have heard my story. And I know, it’s yada,
Declaration of War: People Are Leaving the Faith, I Want to Help Read More »
Have you ever winced upon learning that a long-time friend has left your church? Even harder, did your friend appear to doubt much of what he or she used to believe about God, the Bible, Jesus Christ, the Church, and the Christian faith? If so, how did you respond? That’s a tough question to answer,
Love No Matter What Read More »
If you have read any of my posts or books, or if you have heard me speak, then you have heard me say that as individuals and churches we need to be prepared. And you have heard me say that pastors need to prepare their congregations. So, the question then becomes—in what areas do we prepare? Good
8 Realities American Churches Must Be Prepared to Face Read More »
By inviting a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance to tell his or her story, we learn more than a set of facts. If we listen carefully, we end up learning how they think, feel, and relate to others. Even more importantly, a bond is formed when we resist the temptation to talk and instead simply hear that person’s
What’s Your Story? Read More »
“We’ve set an appointment for you to come back next Monday to review the results of your biopsy. In the meantime, we need to set an appointment with a surgeon.” A whole week? A surgeon? The doctor continued to share the specifics with my husband. Attempting to shake the fog of the anesthesia, I tried
We’ll Know More Monday Read More »
“Whatever you do, don’t let go,” my cousin, Judy, turned and called back to me. “Grab two fists full of mane, grip hard, and hold on.” “But I can’t swim,” I shrieked, wide eyes staring at her back. “Don’t worry, I can. If anything happens, I’ll dive in and save you,” she said.
Whatever You Do Don’t Let Go Read More »
The tassels on each end of the golden honor chord, bright against the black collegiate gown, swayed slightly with each step. She paused, took a deep breath, and waited for what came next. As our daughter’s full name was announced, followed by, “Bachelor of Science, Missions, Magna Cum Laude,” Marinna crossed the stage, shook the
Uncertain About What’s Next Read More »
My pulse increased. The whooshing in my ears deafening. My mind ran wild with jumbled details and I sensed the walls closing in. Grr. Grr. Grr. Completely overwhelmed with too much to do and not enough time to get it all done, I felt a full-blown meltdown brewing. To make matters worse,
Sometimes We Must Let Go to Hold On Read More »
Roots to Stand Upon Posted on Apr 11, 2018 by Rita Halter Thomas in BLOG, Faith Builder, Hold On Stories, Spiritual Prepping 10344 “Oh, yay! I will finally have roots,” our eight-year-old daughter squealed. I remember well that day in 2004. My husband and I felt God calling us back to Arkansas from the Midwest, so once our direction became clear, we
Roots to Stand Upon Read More »