DG Shipton

Author: dgshipton

  • The Eternal Messiah

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    dgshipton
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  • Code Word: Ministry or Service

    Code Word: Ministry or Service

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    dgshipton
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    There is a place for servanthood in the Christian life. We are all asked to sacrifice by Jesus for the Kingdom of God. However, when we spiritualize terms like “ministry” and “servanthood” to cover for lower pay, disrespect of position, or simply to miss expected reward we are manipulating the terminology.

  • What is Your Purpose?

    What is Your Purpose?

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    dgshipton
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    The Lighthouse Keeper There is an old story of a lighthouse keeper, who is given the job of keeping the light lit on a rocky shoreline. Each month the government unloaded barrels of oil for the lighthouse, so the keeper could warn ships passing by. One day a poor widow came to the keeper in…

  • A Call and Purpose

    A Call and Purpose

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    dgshipton
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    Jesus looked at Simon, as Simon had just hauled in his greatest catch ever, and called him to “Come follow me.” Imagine, you’ve just pulled in the largest haul of your life. You’ll be able to fill the market place and make a great amount of money for your wife and extended family. You might…

  • You Are Called

    You Are Called

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    dgshipton
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    We have a portion of Scripture held dearly by most churches, at least in words. Jesus left this last command: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). Matthew writes, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (28:19a). Who is Called to the Mission? The mistake of many Christians is believing…

  • Mark a Gospel of Action

    Mark a Gospel of Action

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    dgshipton
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    The Gospel of Mark is often considered the first Gospel written, and scholars tell us that it was written about 70-75 A.D. A Gospel to the Persecuted This was after the first major persecution in Rome under Nero. It also is after the Temple was destroyed in the Jewish rebellion of 70 A.D. Mark is…

  • The Lost Art of Communication

    The Lost Art of Communication

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    dgshipton
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    Complaining seems to be a way to pass time in our world today. Everyone seems to take a side on every issue. Everyone seems to enjoy arguing with others over some of the silliest things, often things that really don’t matter so much in the end. I realize I’m no different. I have to admit…

  • Serving is the Job

    Serving is the Job

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    dgshipton
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    Leading The Flock When it comes to leading the flock people can choose to take on leadership positions for a variety of reasons. Some people get in to a leadership position out of selfish drives or at least focused more on ones self and not other we are leading. Others may take on leadership roles…

  • Snowflake

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    dgshipton
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    Gently drifting down from the heavens the crystal descends. It pirouettes on light flowing breezes shimmering in the dim light. Then a tour en l’air as a gust of energy raises the crystal back to the heights. Then falling like a star from the sky it plummets back toward the earth. Caught by the hand…

  • Avoid the Avoidance Trap

    Avoid the Avoidance Trap

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    dgshipton
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    I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of people in a variety of leadership and management setting over the years. One of the things that most have in common is avoidance at times. There are a variety of reasons and settings that people will use avoidance. I’ve seen outright avoidance of restaurant managers…