mgpcpastor's blog

reports, reviews, thoughts, news (and fun) posted by Gary Ware


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Ten Characteristics Of Leaders Who Last (via Chuck Lawless at Thom Rainer)

Chuck Lawless expands on these personal observations about leaders who last at Thom Rainer’s blog.
They ring true to my experience. (Number 4 notwithstanding.)
Unsurprisingly, they are also qualities which benefit anyone who cultivates them as part of their lives.
In addition to Lawless’ explanations of these points in the original post there are some very helpful suggestions in the comment thread.

  1. They begin with a determination to finish well.
  2. They always have a vision bigger than they are.
  3. They take care of themselves spiritually.
  4. They take care of themselves physically.
  5. They invest in their family.
  6. They treat people well.
  7. They share the workload.
  8. They do not let discouragement set in.
  9. They have genuine friends.
  10. They have learned to laugh.


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The Hymn Sing – Live Album By Indelible Grace Available Free At Noisetrade

Indelible Grace are again making their live album, The Hymn Sing, available as a free download at Noisetrade.
The download contains a couple of bonus tracks which were recorded at the event but have not been released as part of this album till now.
If you haven’t taken the opportunity to pick up a copy of this when I’ve featured it before (here) and (here) or haven’t heard about Indelible Grace before, have a listen and then avail yourself of Indelible Grace’s generosity.
Here’s an embedded player of the album from their bandcamp site, or you can listen at Noisetrade.


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Lord, Reign In Me / Over All The Earth – Sunday Songs

Lord, Reign In Me / Over All The Earth by Brenton Brown is a thoughtful song which combines a sense of consecration with a recognition of God’s rule in every area of Christian life.
I like it because it’s more uptempo feel never slips over into triteness, but helps emphasise the sentiments of the lyrics with a sense of resolution.
There are a few versions of lyrics floating around, but I think these are pretty much the main ones.
1.
Over all the earth You reign on high
Every mountain stream, every sunset sky
But my one request, Lord, my only aim
Is that You’d reign in me again
Refrain.
Lord, reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
‘Cause You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
2.
Over every thought, over every word
May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord
‘Cause You mean more to me than any earthly thing
So won’t You reign in me again
Refrain.
Lord, reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
‘Cause You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
Repeat refrain.
Lord, reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
‘Cause You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
Won’t You reign in me again
Won’t You reign in me again

Words and music by Brenton Brown
(c) 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/EIRE)
All rights reserved.

Here’s a youtube featuring Brown’s rendition.


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Westminster Confession Of Faith – Lord’s Day 24

Westminster Confession Of Faith – Lord’s Day 24

Chapter 15 – Of Repentance Unto Life (Cont.) (Paragraphs 4-6)

IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation; so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.
V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins, particularly.
VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof, upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy: so he that scandalises his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended; who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.