Author of "Jim Martin's Encouragement Note" (https://xitter.gq/t.co/tOqNL2b1sj) encourager, believes the best is yet to come.
Memphis, Tennessee
Joined October 2007
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Perhaps one of the best things that I can do for my parents is to simply be thankful and full of gratitude. Most parents (yes, not all) I know simply did the best they knew how to do at the time.
Many ministers work very hard during the week. - serving, doing ministry, listening & being present w/others.- Sunday is typically more public for a minister, it is actually the continuation of days of ministry for these people. Thank God for the good people who serve churches.
I encourage some ministers to lighten up on the self-condemnation. Measuring yourself/your ministry against others are dead end streets. Your own worst critic may be your inner-critic. This is no path to joy or effectiveness. God's tender mercy is needed by those who serve him.
Most every preacher knows the pressure of the Easter weekend. More people present. More guests, etc. Yet, a preacher can place absolute confidence in the Jesus message of the resurrection. A refreshing message in a culture of conflict, cynicism, & fatigue. May God bless us all.
Psalm 23 continues to move me. The psalmist declares that God is enough & is supplying me abundantly with all that I need. It is far too easy for me to focus on scarcity instead of his generous abundance! I am his child and am experiencing abundant riches every day.
I asked my friend long ago, "Who are the best ministers in our tribe?" His answer: "Jim, you would not know them!" He then said, "Some of the best ministers in the nation have little name recognition & do not seek to be well known. They simply want to serve God."
May our homes be places of encouragement, and a blessing to our children. May they know that when they get home from school, their evening will not be full of yelling, cussing, fussing, and constant scolding. Some hear enough of this at school. May our homes be places of peace.
Your ministry is not always easy - in fact, ministry can be very, very hard. Be faithful and know that the Lord will stand at your side and give you strength (2 Tim. 4:17).
Some of the hardest working, most dedicated, asincere people I know are ministers. I'm thankful for these people who are giving themselves to Jesus and the churches they serve.
This Monday morning, "Jim Martin's Encouragement Note #99" will be published. You still have time to get this issue. Sign up here: jimmartin.substack.com
All across the nation, preachers are thinking & praying about Sunday morning. They will stand before a few, or even many & attempt to preach a very sacred & needed message. Let us all pray for these people & their families.
Know that the people who are teaching children in Bible School on Sunday mornings are doing such an important work. I am so thankful for the way they are helping to shape and form these children.
Pray, pray, pray, for those who are preaching on Sunday. Pray that these people might have clarity about what they should say. Pray for boldness, as well as a tone that is worthy of the Gospel.
I loved this book! So good for me to read this. Having lived in Florence, Ala. for some years, his reflections on growing up in Huntsville, Ala. were especially engaging. A beautifully written book with an important message for us alI.
amazon.com/How-Far-Promised-…
(2 of 2) Actually, however, he is putting on display how small and petty he really is. Instead of treating her with nobility and dignity, he is wrapped up in himself. As men of God, we are called to something much higher than this
(1 of 2) It is a small man who cuts down his wife. A small man is ready to be sarcastic about her good qualities instead of building her up. A small man makes passive-aggressive jokes at her expense. He may cut her down and belittle her.
One of the most important & powerful things I can do before my children (and grandchildren) is for them to see me esteem their mother. When I choose to affirm her, esteem her, build her up, & point out her good qualities, I am teaching my children how to treat their own spouses.
When I was a young father it occurred to me that my girls were going to take on some of my habits and behaviors. They will make choices they see me making. So -- if I don't want them to act or behave in a certain way, I would do well to get this out of my own life.