Paul Clark Writing on this subject is not easy for me, actually I am somewhat frustrated. Why! Looking back over the years I have observed too many Christians who began their spiritual journey “on fire” for Jesus, but somewhere along the line due to various circumstances these believers moved however gradually away from a deep … Read more
Paul Clark “How priceless your faithful love is. Important and ordinary people alike find safety in the shadow of your wings. They eat well because there is more than enough in your house. You let them drink from your river that flows with good things” (Psalm 36:7-8) “The greatest test of spirituality is how one … Read more
Paul Clark Matthew 13:33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Anyone who thinks small plants are unremarkable, have never seen them break through hard asphalt. (Unknown) Jesus regularly used … Read more
Paul Clark “I want everyone to like me real bad I want everyone to approve of me ‘Cause when they disapprove of me it makes me feel so sad” (Song lyrics by Randy Newman) “If you want everyone to love you, go sell ice cream, don’t revitalize churches.” (Ed Stetzer) In our first church plant … Read more
Paul Clark “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4) “The biggest risk is not taking any risk … In a world that changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. — Mark Zuckerberg After being in the ministry … Read more
Paul Clark “You are the most difficult person you will ever lead.” (Bill Hybels) It is imperative that you and I grow in our leadership skills as men and women called to the ministry. As you know, there are a multitude of perspectives and ideas in viewing leadership development. Several years ago, I was made … Read more
Paul Clark Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will. (Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) Looking back over the past year, some great things happened to you and me in our ministries, at work and in our families. At the same time, let’s be honest, there were certain … Read more
Paul Clark “Encouragement is oxygen for the soul” (Rick Godwin) Recently I read a sign in big bold letters that was posted on Facebook: “Wanted: Encouragers.” At the bottom of the sign in very small print: “We have a surplus of critics already and do not need anymore.” (The World) The people that you and … Read more
Paul Clark “I have never met someone who is deeply compassionate at their core that has not experienced extreme pain in their life.” – Steve Donaldson Right now you are possibly dealing with overwhelming challenges in local church ministry as well as in your very own family? Here is a powerful scripture that has … Read more
Paul Clark Recently, my wife Mechthild asked the rhetorical question, “Does it really matter what we preach and teach?” It seems too often our hearers behave like the “kingless” children of Israel described in Judges, when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (17:6b KJV). In over 35 years of ministry, … Read more