RPM Ministries
When You Forget Why You Started—Fan the Flame
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” —2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) He sat across the desk from me, head bowed, shoulders slumped as he stared at the floor. Slowly, he lifted his head, looked me in the…
Read MoreThe Spiritual Power of “No”
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else…’” —Mark…
Read MoreThe Loneliest Seat in the Sanctuary
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) He was well-known, widely respected, and prepared to go on stage to speak. Backstage, he turned to me and quietly shared: “These people know…
Read MoreWhy 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 for others—offering encouragement,…
Read MoreMinistry Is Not a Stage—It’s a Sacred Trust
“… Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 (ESV) Ministry is a sacred calling—but in today’s results-oriented culture, it starts to feel like a performance. …
Read MoreFinding Lasting Peace in a Restless Age
“On that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in…
Read MoreRemembering What Liberty Really Costs
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke…
Read MoreLet Go and Know: Resting in God’s Sovereignty
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10 (ESV). When everything around us is chaotic, uncertain, unjust, and tumultuous—how is it possible to “be still?” Isn’t that an unrealistic expectation? Doesn’t it sound more like a comforting platitude…
Read MoreFacing Fear Through Silence and Trust
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” – Exodus 14:14 (ESV). Moses’ assurance that the Lord would fight for the Israelites, although well-intended, did not alleviate their fear. Trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s rapidly approaching charioteers and armed troops, their hope for deliverance and freedom quickly became…
Read MoreFearless at the Edge: Trusting God in Life’s Storms
“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in sea-storms and earthquakes, before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. – Psalm 46:1-3 (The Message). Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase…
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