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New Year… New Approaches(?), Part II
A food bank that doesn’t give out any cans??
What if food banks are making people dependent on short-term solutions, focusing only on symptoms while dismissing long-term answers and/or underlying problems?
Watch this interview with John Klein Geltink about a different way to help!
Read MoreOvercoming Spiritual Roadblocks; Devotion #11 – Eyes On Jesus
We fix our eyes upon Jesus because he is the author and the finisher of our faith. Jesus is our Redeemer, Saviour and Lord. As our attention is focused upon him, he will give us the guidance and direction we need to run the race well, and he sends the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what he calls us to do.
Read MoreOvercoming Spiritual Roadblocks; Devotion #9 – Mindsets, Worldviews & Strongholds
Close your eyes and imagine a piece of pizza with all of the best toppings on it.
So, did you see pineapple on your pizza? For some people, pineapple goes on pizza, and for others it does NOT belong there. People have different mindsets when it comes to pineapple and pizza.
Together, a series of mindsets form a worldview, which influences how we see and react to our surroundings. Most of the time, we are not conscious of the mindsets that make up our worldview. Just as we don’t go through life constantly aware of whether we believe it’s appropriate to have pineapple on pizza – until confronted with the issue.
Overcoming Spiritual Roadblocks – Devotion #8; The Dynamic Duo in Ministry
There is a vital relationship between prayer and action, which is essential for any kind of ministry that advances the Kingdom of God. Prayer needs to be a foundational component of the work that is done, and it needs to be ongoing to sustain the ministry work.
The story of the battle at Rephidim (Exodus 17) is a beautiful illustration of how prayer and action work together to advance God’s kingdom…
Read MoreArtistic Expressions of Diakonia
The Greek word ‘diakonia’ means service among others. This is where the word Deacon comes from.
One aspect of my identity relates to being a deacon and doing diaconal ministry. It gives me life and is an expression of my faith and worship. For many deacons, that expression is the hands-on work of mercy and service with others in the church or community. It is the practical experience of caring for others, working with others and working towards transformation when tackling issues of injustice.
In the last year, I have done more silent reflection, journaling, writing and especially poetry writing. I would suspect that many of you have been doing things differently too, and finding ways to connect and express Christ in you.
Read MoreOvercoming Spiritual Roadblocks; Devotion #5 – Praying With Authority
We can approach God’s throne with confidence because we have the authority of his children (Heb 4:16). We have the authority of access, and we have the authority of request.
But how is this possible?
Read MoreBC Youth Centre Provides a Safe Harbour with Help of NewGround Partnership
Mission Youth House, also known as MY House, in Mission, BC, is a collaborative initiative to provide a place for youth to eat, shower, do laundry, access medical care and other services and receive help from caring adults. Mission Hills Community CRC has been a key partner in providing counseling to staff, prayer support, financial donations and volunteer support. In order to grow the ministry and move more into the spiritual transformational work within the ministry, they knew they needed some help.
Enter NewGround…
Overcoming Spiritual Roadblocks; Devotions #4 – “Letting God Speak”
When we listen to the directions on a phone app, we have to listen and follow the directions we receive, and they guide us to where we need to go. Similarly, as we listen to the Lord in prayer, He guides and directs us in the best route.
But how do we hear God’s voice when we pray?
Read MoreOur Top 10(+) Blog Posts of 2020
Because last year was such a unique year AND because here at Diaconal Ministries we like to do things just a little bit differently, we are presenting our Top 11 Blog Posts of 2020.
Read MoreOvercoming Roadblocks in Ministry
Over the course of the next 10 months or so, we want to make deacons aware of the realities of spiritual roadblocks that can show up in ministry AND help them deal with these kinds of challenges. To do this, we are producing a brand new set of devotions, which will be rolled out once/month on our e-Quip Diaconal Blog in 2021. The focus of the devotions will be how the Holy Spirit equips and empowers deacons (and all believers) to do the work of ministry and advance the Kingdom of God. We will be building up a ‘spiritual’ toolbox of resources for deacons…
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