Memorize verses that have helped you. They will do you even more good if you have them ready the next time you need them.

The Great Commission of Christ is, in fact, the mission of the local church. As Christians, and especially as local churches, Christ’s last command must be our first priority.

From the time the Apostle Paul uttered the words, “What wilt thou have me do?” until a Roman executor severed his head from his body—he was a missionary. The gospel to the entire world was his goal. The Lord Jesus was his passion.

You cannot be a recluse and be effective as a pastor. If you are called to a shepherding role of ministry, you must be actively engaged in healthy relationship building you want to be eternally effective. Ministry, and life for that matter, is all about relationships.

Our recent Journeys of Paul tour was full of highlights for me. But perhaps the most impactful locations we visited were on the island of Crete, where Paul left Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5).

These are affectionate words—little children. I know we like to think we are all “grown up” but sometimes we need to be reminded that God sees us as His children—precious and loved by Him. However, our position as God’s children doesn’t give us permission to remain immature in the faith.

I remember the days before there was GPS. I would order road maps from AAA, or purchase a Thompson Map. I would study the map to get a clear idea of how to reach my destination. In every situation, the road map got me to where I needed to be.

We know that God’s Word is profitable in every area of life and ministry (2 Timothy 3:16). But how often do we purposefully give it entrance into our lives?

In writing to one of his converts, Gaius, John commended him for many things. First, John was pleased that Gaius knew the truth. If we are to be true to God, we must know the truth. In our day with so many tools available to us, there is no reason for any Christian in America to be ignorant of the Word of God. It is vital for our spiritual growth that we read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Bible.