by Dr. Paul Chappell | Jan 2, 2013 | Media/Resources, Ministry Leadership, Spiritual Leadership Podcast
If there is one word that describes a new year, it is opportunity. Here at the beginning of January, we look forward to a year of unused days to fill for God’s glory. And yet, if there is one word that describes the landscape in America right now, it is hostility. Our...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Jan 1, 2013 | Christian Life
Physiologically, a fresh calendar suggests a fresh start. But realistically, January 1 cannot obliterate the needs and burdens of December 31. What can you do practically to renew your soul for the new year? Look to the cross. There is no challenge in the Christian...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 31, 2012 | Christian Life, Media/Resources
For the past several years, I have written daily devotions, available through email and web, to encourage growing Christians in their walk with the Lord. Last year we revamped and relaunched this service to make it more helpful, practical, and easy to use. This year,...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 29, 2012 | Media/Resources
As I review and recap the past year in preparation for the new year, I usually take a few moments to review the posts on this blog. My goal is always that upcoming posts would be encouraging, edifying, and helpful. Reviewing last year’s posts in order of those...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 28, 2012 | Family
Terrie and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our new grandson, Chandler Paul Mordh. Chandler was born December 27 and weighed seven pounds, nine ounces. His mom is doing great (for which we are very thankful), and his older brother is ecstatic. This C-section...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 26, 2012 | Ministry Leadership
I decided years ago that December 26–31 would be filled with more than Christmas dinner leftovers. Yes, this is a time of year to enjoy the season and celebrate, but I have found that it’s a wonderful week to get ready for the year ahead. Typically, I begin jotting...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 24, 2012 | Christian Life
Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions—without enjoying what is behind the wrapping—the gift. Quite simply, Jesus is the gift of Christmas. And, with Paul, we exclaim, “Thanks be unto God...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 22, 2012 | Christian Life, Ministry Leadership
The story is told of a struggling community who called an open town meeting to discuss their financial straits. Included in the group of a couple dozen people at the meeting was a stranger. No one knew him, and no one paid him any attention. In fact, once when he...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 19, 2012 | Ministry Leadership
What do you envision your sphere of leadership and ministry looking like twelve months from now? If you desire for it to be different in any way than it is now, you must plan for it. Vision is an often-misunderstood concept. When a spiritual leader seeks to develop...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 15, 2012 | Ministry Leadership
Sometimes you read an entire book for a single illustration or paragraph. Such was the case for me recently in reading Dangerous Calling by Paul Tripp. The paragraph below is worth the entire book. I urge you to read it slowly: It is only love for Christ that can...