Most of us who lived through the post 911 years are at least somewhat familiar with the capture, trial and execution of Saddam Hussein. What many people aren’t as familiar with is how this tyrant came to power in the first place. His entire tenure of leadership was marked by terror, abuse, and domination, and not surprisingly it began in
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Joe, a leader at First church, was charged with finding a company to repave the church parking lot. His college buddy had recently started a paving company and Joe secretly wanted to help his friend build up his business. Though Joe knew about previous less-than-honest dealings that his friend was involved in, he presented the company in a positive light,
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The other day as I was driving I saw a billboard advertisement for a new church. The sign simply stated the name of the church and the words, “Not your mama’s church.” At first I chuckled but then as I began thinking about the implications an unsettled feeling came over me. I had to wonder, what was wrong with my
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Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts. Proverbs 21:2 (NASB) I walked into the crowded room hoping to find encouragement for what I was thinking of doing later that evening. I had felt the need to go meet up with some old friends and share my new-found relationship with Christ with them.
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And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (KJV) Christmas was a big holiday when I was growing up, but there is one tradition in particular that stands out to me. Every year before our Christmas dinner,
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1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. I woke up this morning to the news of another alleged megachurch leadership scandal. It happens so regularly anymore we have become accustomed to the nauseating pattern. Accusations are made and corresponding dismissals issued. Public relations maneuvers and
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Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:31 (NLT) I was perturbed. It was frustrating enough that the mechanic couldn’t tell me why the red warning light had come on in my car. But in addition, he rattled off a long list of other items he said needed immediate attention. He was willing to
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Sitting in the airport terminal I couldn’t help but overhear the cell phone conversation of the man sitting directly behind me. Apparently returning from a business trip this jerk was clearly proud of his accomplishments. He was loud and caustic as he spoke about the stupidity of his boss who, I’m sure, had no idea how he was being taken
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Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1-3 (NLT) When I was a college, I had a part-time job helping out some homeowners. They usually had me assist with yard maintenance or some other home upkeep repairs, and I really enjoyed the
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One thing I observed about the Mafia having grown up in a Chicago suburb was that they knew how to lead. No one ever questioned this. Most of their methods however, involved fear and intimidation. One thing’s for sure, their variety of leadership always got the job done, at least until the Feds caught up with them. I think it
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