Author: John W. Crowder
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Stars of Hope
We usually don’t even notice them anymore. I guess that’s to be expected, because they have been hanging there for over a decade now. Those wooden stars have just become a part of the backdrop of our community. There are dozens of them scattered throughout town. Each one is unique, powerful, and beautiful in its…
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Top Ten Things Your Pastor Is NOT Thinking About 5 Minutes Before Worship Begins
10. Last week’s committee meeting 9. Next week’s committee meeting 8. That issue you’ve been thinking about all week so you could bring it up the next time you saw the pastor 7. Paper towels in the men’s room 6. The name of that couple who sat behind you two weeks ago 5. The most…
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Old Testament Summary
Reading the Old Testament can be challenging sometimes, because it is not always chronological and it contains a variety of genres. That can make it difficult at times to understand the context or the purpose of a particular passage. A few years ago a teenager who was leading a Bible study during lunch at his…
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“Ain’t Nothing As Over As Christmas”
The holiday has passed. The festivities have ended. Wrapping paper which once hid wonderful mysteries and adorned thoughtful gifts now clutters a cold floor. The stockings that were hung by the chimney with care now lay empty and forgotten on the hearth. The guest room is empty once again. The house is strangely quiet and…
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Thanksgiving: Motivations and Methods
Psalm 100:1-5 (English Standard Version) 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.…
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If
I recently came across an old note written in my grandmother’s hand. The words on that old, yellowed sheet of paper reveal a timeless wisdom: If you want to dodge wrong, do right.If you want to jump high, don’t live low.If you want the world right, start with yourself.If you must publish someone’s faults, publish…
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Our Place
The instruments are quiet.The final notes have faded.The last amen no longer echoes.The room changes when the people are gone.It’s just You and me at Your house. The emptiness of pews and aisles make You seem even closer.In the stillness I sense You moving.In the silence I hear You speak.Thank You for meeting me here
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Plumb Lines for Ministry
(Except for some minor revisions, this article first appeared in Common Call Magazine, published by the Baptist Standard.) When Six Flags Over Texas started its second season in 1962, one of the most popular attractions was “Casa Magnetica,” also known as “The Crooked House.” It was so popular, it remained active longer than most attractions…
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Intentionality
One of the life skills I am trying to learn is INTENTIONALITY. Instead of hoping a friendship will develop, I have to take steps to create friendship. Instead of waiting for a particular group to make me feel accepted, I have to make connections and build bridges. Instead of waiting to forget my failures, I…
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A Rational Response to a Perceived Attack
To avoid making things worse with our own emotional reactions, leaders need a rational way to process a perceived attack and determine how to respond.
John W. Crowder 