Growing in Christian Maturity
Stories and Articles
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Sermon on the Mount 
Bible Study
"How to Survive Ungratefulness -- and Vanquish It with Thanksgiving," The Joyful Heart, March, 2004. Advice for Christian leaders who are under-appreciated, taken for granted, and criticized.
"Take the Handle Off the Broad Street Pump," Herald
of Holiness, February 1, 1986. Also in Seek, June 14,
1987, pp. 6-7. On protecting the well-springs of our lives from
pollution, Proverbs 4:23.
"The Story of the Sterile Food Tree," The Joyful Heart, November 21, 2001. A parable of Thanksgiving in the midst of adversity and change.
"Seeking," reflections on seeking the Seeking God. June 17, 2001.
"Don't Cling to the Firewood," The Joyful Heart, Issue 16, November 27, 1999. Thoughts on courage and faith in the midst of change.
"Walkers," The Joyful Heart, Issue 11, January 7, 1998. Thoughts on discipleship and walking with God.
"Will You Lead Us In Prayer?" How to minister as you pray in public. The Joyful Heart, Issue 9, November 6, 1997.
"Does Your Church Run a Spiritual Sweatshop?" Here's a message you'll never hear your pastor preach, but one you and other church leaders need to take very seriously. The Joyful Heart, Issue 8, October 27, 1997.
"Lord, You Can Use My Boat," The Joyful Heart, Issue 7, October 3, 1997. A short story of the call of Peter dealing with the stewardship of all we possess.
"The Miracle in These Hands," a short story, first appeard in The Joyful Heart, Issue 5, April 2, 1997. A retelling of Peter's healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, from Acts 3:1-11.
"The Most Unexpected People," The Joyful Heart, Issue 1, July 14, 1996. A retold story designed to help believers be willing to obey the Spirit to witness to others.
"The Cutting Edge," Evangel, August 9, 1987, p. 7. Also
in The Gem, January 3, 1988, pp. 6-7. We need to keep our
lives as sharp as saw-mill blades.
"The Healer without Latex Gloves," The
Loomis News, August 11, 1994, p. 8. Point: Jesus did not isolate
himself from sinners, but loved and cared for them.
"The Great Earthworm Race,"
Sunday Digest, April 25, 1993, pp. 6-7. Also in Evangel,
August 22, 1993, p. 7; Standard, September 19, 1993, pp.
1-2 A humorous piece about seeking God's direction in our lives.
"Leaving the Nest," Live, February 15, 1987,
p. 4. Also in Standard, May 31, 1987. A short piece about
God's care over migrating birds and migrating humans.
"The Power of Drip-Drops," Message
of the Open Bible, September 1992, p. 13. On the building
value of godly habits in the Christian life.
"Leaving Old Skins Behind," Evangel, October
11, 1992, p. 8. Also in Message of the Open Bible, July-August
1993, p. 19. Compares lizards shedding old skin to Christians
letting go of old ways.
"Apply Fertilizer Liberally," describes
a step-by-step way to establish a quiet time.
"The God of the Little Problems," an encouragement that
God wants us to talk to him about the most mundane parts of our
lives.
"Meaning in the Workplace," taking Christ to work with
us can transform the way we view our jobs.
"Light and Delicious Christians" comparing bread rising
to Christians maturing.
"A Lesson in Love," thoughts on loving real jerks.
"Should Wives Go to Church without Their Husbands?"
I conclude they should, even if their husbands won't attend with
them.
"Be Quiet and Let Me Bless You," how I learned house
construction from my laymen.
"Roundup® Straight-Up" Getting rid of the thorns
that choke off our spiritual life.
"Level Foundations," lessons from a construction error
to getting it right from the bottom up in constructing our lives.
"Don't Pay the Price of Counterfeit Forgiveness,"
Moody Monthly, October 1985, pp. 106-108. Reprinted in
Seek, October 26, 1986, pp. 4-6; Vista, September
13, 1987; Pathways for Young Adults Student Guide, December-February
1994-1995, pp. 28-32. Point: We often fail to forgive, because
we misunderstand what true forgiveness really is.
"Kindness Begins at Home," working out principles of
Christian kindness in our own families.
"God's Man at Bearcat Tool & Die,"
Evangel, May 1, 1988, pp. 1-4. Also in Standard,
September 18, 1988, pp. 4-6. Story of a convert working out his
new-found faith in a factory setting.
Copyright © 1985-2007 Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor
joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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