Reading Resources to Encourage and Equip Your Soul
Richard Parrish Ministries provides timely blogs and articles to help you grow in your relationship with Christ. We encourage you to learn more and join us as we extend care for the soul.
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What Fear Reveals About What We Trust
Someone once shared with me that there are 365 commands in the Bible telling us not to fear. While I’ve never personally verified that number, I do know that “fear not” is a recurring reminder throughout the Bible. I’ve yet to meet a person who has entirely escaped fear. It’s something we all experience. The…
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Christ’s Strength at Work Within Us
“For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” – Colossians 1:29, ESV Even responsibilities God entrusts to us can become tiring. We may begin with clarity, enthusiasm, and a sincere desire to obey. But over time, the work may require more of us than we anticipated. Our energy…
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Discerning What to Carry
“Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’” – John 21:22, ESV Not everything I am capable of carrying has been entrusted to me by God. That truth sounds simple. We may even acknowledge it. But living that truth is…
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A Capacity for Christlikeness
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV My desire is to live in a way that reflects Christ, but my actions do not always resemble Jesus. I remember a time when…
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The God Who Works Within Our Limits
Last week, we considered what happens when life’s demands exceed our capacity. Moses discovered that even faithful people can carry too much. Jethro’s words – “You are not able to do it alone” – were not a condemnation of Moses’ weakness. They were words of grace, allowing him to acknowledge what his weariness was already…
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When Demands Exceed Our Capacity
Have you noticed? Demands often exceed our capacity. Just check your email inbox: promotions insisting you need the latest… another request to meet… and reminders that you have not replied to previous requests. For some individuals and small businesses, the pressure is far more serious as expenses exceed income. And for some of us, keeping…
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The People Who Walk With Us
One of the greatest misconceptions about spiritual growth is the belief that we can do it alone. Many of us value independence. We appreciate the ability to solve our own problems, carry our own burdens, and quietly work through our own struggles. While there are certainly seasons when solitude is necessary, Scripture consistently reminds us…
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Stories: The Language of Belief
I’m aware that the strongest voices shaping me are often the conversations taking place within my own heart. When a conversation doesn’t go as I expected, I can quickly begin wondering if I’ve said something wrong. A mistake revives an old narrative, and the looped message tries to convince me: “I always seem to fail.” …
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The Habits That Shape Us
Small Choices. Lasting Formation. I believe there is a tendency to underestimate the power of small things. Dramatic moments and significant decisions are much more noticeable. We celebrate major accomplishments and life-changing events. Yet much of life is shaped not by a single moment, but by thousands of small choices repeated over time. The same…
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The Voices We Listen to Matter
One of the realities of modern life is that we are surrounded by voices. Some come from people we know and trust. Others come through news outlets, podcasts, social media, books, advertisements, and the steady stream of notifications appearing on our phones throughout the day. Silence has become a rare commodity. While we often think…
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The Formation of a Nation – and the Formation of a Heart
Reflections on Faith, Unity, and America’s 250th Year This year marks an important milestone in our nation’s history. For 250 years, the United States has existed as an independent nation. Anniversaries like this invite us to pause and reflect. They encourage us to look back with gratitude, acknowledge God’s faithfulness, and consider the values that…
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Making Space for God Isn’t Easy
Learning to Create Space for God My intentions are good. My follow-through does not always match my intention. Let me explain. I really want to spend time with God. That’s a good desire. But it is common for something to always get in the way – preempting my desire by distraction. It’s not a lack…
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Learning to Abide, Not Strive
Most of us know what it feels like to try harder. We try harder to be patient, pray consistently, stay focused – to be peaceful, faithful, and spiritually grounded. While effort certainly has a place in our lives, many people quietly discover something discouraging: Striving alone does not transform the heart. Effort may change behavior…
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Clarifying Spiritual Formation – What It Is and Isn’t
If you’ve ever heard the phrase spiritual formation, you may have wondered what it actually means. For some, it feels unfamiliar. For others, it sounds unclear – maybe even a bit intimidating. It can bring to mind structured programs, spiritual expectations, or the quiet pressure to “do more” in order to grow. For some, it…
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What Is Shaping Your Heart?
It happens – whether we realize it or not. From the earliest moments of life to the end of our days, we are being shaped. Most of the time, this shaping is quiet – almost imperceptible. We may not have the language to describe it, and yet it is real – steadily, patiently, and powerfully…
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Why Is Everyone’s Vineyard More Attractive Than Mine?
“They made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.” – Song of Songs 1:6b (ESV) Most in ministry recognize the importance of rhythm: prepare, preach/teach, lead, shepherd, pray, plan, care, respond – repeat. We’re also aware of how “life” continually disrupts our flow. As servant ministers, we are present…
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Waiting With Hope
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” – Romans 8:18-19 -(ESV). Waiting isn’t easy – and it’s rarely comfortable. Struggles, conflicts, and trials…
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April Mission Updates: Saturday, May 2
Where I am: Zaderaand surrounding villages, Armenia. Today in a sentence: A day of steady ministry – moving from village to village – where quiet conversations, shared meals, and the Word of God continue to strengthen hearts and renew hope. There is a rhythm to these days now. Roads that wind through hills and valleys.Villages…
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April Mission Updates: Friday, May 1
Where I am: Artashat – Vayk – Zadera Teaching in villages of Armenia Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day of teaching, travel, and fellowship in the mountain villages of Armenia. Pastor K and Lilit (my interpreter) picked me up early this morning for our drive to Vayk. I’ve traveled this road several…
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April Mission Updates: Thursday, April 30
Where I am: Artashat, Armenia Teaching at a pastor/leader conference today and a village church this evening. Today in a sentence: A full day of teaching ministry – strengthening leaders and encouraging hearts with the truth that fear does not define our faith. Today was a full and meaningful day of ministry. We began with…
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April Mission Updates: Wednesday, April 29
Where I am: Artashat, Armenia Meeting with Belarus representatives today. Today in a sentence: A meaningful day of conversation, unity, and preparation – reminding me that the Church’s strength is found in shared truth, not divided preferences. At 10:00 a.m., Pastor G and Pastor E arrived, along with two young men, to meet with me.…
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April Mission Updates: Tuesday, April 28
Where I am: Artashat, Armenia Meeting Lilit today. Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day of preparation, partnership, and reconnecting with my Armenian family. I had a good night’s sleep and awoke to discover that my head cold is improving. Thank You, Lord. This morning provided a quiet space for study and preparation…
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April Mission Updates: Monday, April 27
Where I am: Yerevan – Artashat, Armenia Leaving Yerevan for Artashat. Today in a sentence: Reunited with my Armenian family – reminded again that love speaks clearly, even without words. At breakfast this morning, David and Anastasia once again greeted me with kindness. These dear people have become familiar faces over the years, and it…
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April Mission Updates: Sunday, April 26
Where I am: Yerevan, Armenia Worship & Ministry at Pastor Natalia’s church today. Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day of worship, ministry, and fellowship – despite a fading voice and weary body. Hovo, Hasmik, and their three small children picked me up at the hotel at 10:00 a.m., and we made our…
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Rev. John Fairchild
Pastor, Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church
Deacon Richard Kijewski
Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
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