WORTH THE WAIT
Christmas is a wonderful time, but it is full of waiting. We wait for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. We wait for the time of a special Christmas program at church, or for a Christmas TV special to come on. We wait all year to get to sing Christmas songs, whether they are Christian or secular. We wait to open presents, and to see the look on someone’s face when they open a present from us. Sometimes we wait to see the reaction of a child to their first bicycle or a new puppy. We wait to put out our Christmas decorations and turn on the Christmas lights. We wait for the day the family will gather. We wait for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. We wait to celebrate our family Christmas traditions. We wait for the very warm, very wonderful feeling that comes at Christmas.
Waiting can be hard, but it isn’t so bad if you know you are waiting for something that is worth it. Sometimes those things that are a part of Christmas that we wait for disappoint us, but even so, they are things in which we find such value that we wait in joyful anticipation for them each year.
They are good things, and good things are worth the wait.
Part of what we as Christians do during the season of Advent is remind ourselves that we are in a waiting time, and also we remind ourselves what we are waiting on. Advent not only looks back on the coming of Christ 2000 plus years ago, but also looks forward as we wait in anticipation for His return. It is a chance to remind ourselves that we wait for something wonderful… something well worth the wait.
We wait for the return of Christ our Savior.
We wait for His presence here on this earth in bodily form. We wait for the culmination of the age of the beginning of His Kingdom reign on this planet. We wait for war to cease and for peace to come, as the Prince of Peace rules. We wait for restoration, for full redemption, for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We wait for the full triumph of justice and righteousness. We wait for the destruction of all that seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. We wait for the death of the final enemy called death. We wait for the chance to see Him, face to face. We wait for all to be as it was created to be.
Wait in faithfulness. It is worth the wait!
PARENTS PAVING THE WAY FOR GLOBAL IMPACT
When Norival's parents asked him and wife, Cristina, to join them in Paraguay, they were unaware of the seed that had been planted for God's plan just five days earlier! Check out how his parents helped pave the way for their life in missions.
TEN QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU SET GOALS
Setting goals works best when we take time to look back on the past, assess the present, and envision the future God wants for us. Check out these ten questions to focus your priorities and direct your resources in a way that glorifies God and gives the best results!
DOING CHRISTMAS
Christmas is a busy time of year, and often the true "reason for the season" is unintentionally pushed aside. Check out some ways to still do all the Christmas activities while shining Jesus' love to all!
FROM BILLY GRAHAM TO PETER
Has there been an unexpected event in your life that sparked a deeper passion for Christ? Find out how God's plan for Peter’s life in leadership was set in motion.
FIVE REASONS TO TAKE A GOALSETTING RETREAT
Great leaders set goals. Some of the best leaders even take time away from their activities to find a private place for an annual goalsetting retreat. Check out these five reasons you should plan your goalsetting retreat today!
A GOOD WAIT
As we begin the Christmas season, we are reminded of how Christmas is a yearly expression of the ultimate experience of waiting. As kids, we were waiting the entire month for Christmas morning but think back to the excitement of waiting waiting on the Savior!!
FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BROTHER JACK
Have you had an influential person in your life? Someone that helped pave the way for your spiritual walk? See how Brother Jack influenced one of ILI's International Directors, Jimmy.
Why You Should Be A Goal Setter
With a new year fast approaching, it is important as a leader to know where you want to go! Where do you want to take your team, family, or ministry? The time to set your “GPS” and focus on God-inspired goals for the future is now!
ADVENT: WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
It’s Advent. The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season has begun, but let's take a moment to slow down, pray, and prepare for the coming of Christ. Check out our guest post by Joshua Toepper reflecting on the meaning of the Advent season, which starts this Sunday.
THE CHALLENGE THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES
When an eight-hour bus ride leads to a challenge to dedicate your life to the Great Commission, amazing things can happen! Read how Wes and Joy Griffin, co-founders of ILI, were inspired by Mr. James Poole!
LEADERSHIP IMPLOSION
Do some of your leadership practices need to be evaluated? Check out these three things you may have to implode in your leadership if you want to grow and accomplish your vision.
RADICAL THANKSGIVING
It's easy to give thanks to the Lord when things are going well, but how often do we give that same thanks during rough times? Give thanks to the Lord, and pray without ceasing.
SIX QUESTIONS THAT CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LEADERSHIP
The best leaders are not the ones that have the right answers, but the ones that ask the right questions. Check out these six questions that may help improve your leadership and your team!
NOTHING WASTED
God gives us loss, rough circumstances, and trials so that we can over come them and redeem our experiences for His greater good! Is there something that has happened in your life you have been able to use to comfort others in Christ?
GOD'S WORK THROUGH AMITHA
Amitha felt she was doing God's work, but after attending a conference realized her personal intimacy with God was lacking. See what she plans to do to improve both her spiritual and ministry life.
ONE MAN
All it takes is one man (or woman) to take action, make an impact, and change history. What can you do to become a leader and make a difference for the kingdom of God?
When God Whispers
We all live busy, loud, hectic lives but have you ever just sat in complete silence? Sometimes it take stopping everything and sitting quickly to hear the whisper from God.
TIME MACHINE
Time is priceless. It can not be saved, bought, borrowed, or sold. What are you doing to make the most of the time you have been given?
Every year, believers around the world pause during Holy Week to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus. But why is Good Friday—a day of execution—called “good”?