Category Archives: Personal Journey

Is the Future Uncertain?

By Mike James | Published: June 13, 2012

Do you have fear when you think about the future or confidence and hope? Many people I talk with today including church leaders look in despair toward the future. None of us can predict the future. Often someone will have a minute of fame by being on the news or on the internet with a [...]

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I Picked Guitar with Chet Atkins

By Mike James | Published: May 5, 2012

Anyone who has ever picked up a guitar has heard of the late, great Chet Atkins. He is a guitar legend. In many ways he helped popularize the guitar like no one else. He played a style that many of us have sought to copy called “finger or thumb style” guitar. An interesting side note [...]

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8 Marks of a Genuine Disciple

By Mike James | Published: March 2, 2012

Aubrey Malphurs, in his book, Strategy 2000: Churches Making Disciples for the Next Millennium, discusses eight areas of what makes a genuine disciple.  This list or any list depicting lifestyle and behaviors is an outward response of an inward commitment to Jesus as Lord. This is not a legalistic exercise but can help us examine [...]

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Get Your Joy Back!

By Mike James | Published: January 26, 2012

One of the most obvious evidences of our walk with Christ is joy. The word joy appears 218 times in the Bible. Deep joy should be a constant quality in the life of a follower of Christ. Happiness is more dependent on your circumstances. Things go well at work or you get a raise you [...]

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Pass the Pie

By Mike James | Published: November 21, 2011

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The Lord be exalted!” Psalm 40:16 Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I really love turkey and pie and all the traditional food that makes up thanksgiving, fellowship with family, a few days off, [...]

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Top Four Leader Character Qualities

By Mike James | Published: August 3, 2011

A recent survey was published in a book by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner called, The Truth About Leadership. They asked each respondent to select seven characteristics out of twenty. These percentages represent respondents from six continents so it was a fairly large data base. Here are some of the highest percentage ratings [...]

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Change Your Life, Grow in Christ

By Mike James | Published: January 6, 2011

A new month, a new year, a new day, a new chance to change your life and grow in Christ! What goals have you made for this year? Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” From this simple verse let me suggest four major areas [...]

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11 for 2011

By Mike James | Published: December 29, 2010

Eleven Suggestions for 2011 1. Read the Bible consistently. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” We need to experience God’s love and faithfulness to us every morning. Set aside at least 15 minutes each [...]

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Shepherds or Firemen

By Mike James | Published: December 14, 2010

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for [...]

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10 Post Thanksgiving Ideas

By Mike James | Published: November 26, 2010

Ok we all over did it at the table. I could not resist three desserts, chocolate pie, pecan pie, and fresh apple cake. So what now? How do we keep the true spirit of thanksgiving going? Here are a few post thanksgiving suggestions. 1. Get out and walk! You will feel better and see things [...]

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