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leadershiponfire

2025-06-13T23:06:20-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

How Leaders are Humbled by Ministry

Last updated on: June 13, 2025 at 11:06 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

Years back, I worked with a minister who was a great man of God. He was inspiring, energetic, and enthusiastic. He was ready to go, go, go. Then there was the other side of things: he wasn’t walking in humility. He didn’t listen well, because he thought he knew everything. Criticism was a sore spot, no matter how gently applied. As many good qualities he had, they weren’t tempered with humility. He thought he was the exception to the rules... Read more

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2025-06-12T22:48:11-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Personalizing Prison Ministry

Last updated on: June 12, 2025 at 10:48 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

In 2002, my ministry (then known as Apostolic Fellowship International Ministries) began publishing what would become Power For Today Magazine.  Back in those days, it was a simple six-page newsletter. It was printed without frills, mostly written by myself (we didn’t have a guest column at that time).  It was a basic update newsletter, informing people about things going on at our church with featured articles based on sermons I would preach. Wow, it was hard getting started. People were... Read more

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2025-08-08T18:15:03-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Seven Notable Youths in the Bible

Last updated on: August 8, 2025 at 6:15 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

August 12 is International Youth Day. This United Nations awareness day focuses on cultural and legal issues specifically affecting individuals aged 12-24. Though often overlooked in society, youth often face their own unique needs and challenges. While some brush off the issues of youth, the difficulties, stresses, and everyday life explorations can prove challenging for them. For this reason, youth ministry matters in the lives of Christian youth. It’s important that Christian youth have programs, education, and spiritual insights that... Read more

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2025-06-12T12:03:15-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Working With People You Don’t Like (and Vice Versa)

Last updated on: June 12, 2025 at 12:03 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

Getting along with others. The phrase alone makes us sigh. We love the idea of unity, but not when its application requires us to get along with others. In my ministry experience, I’ve truly loved some of the people I’ve worked with over the years. Some were good, important, fun, spiritual, and special in my life. We’ve all worked with people who were game changers, trail blazers, and had profound impacts on our lives and work. Some were leaders, mentors,... Read more

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2025-07-23T16:36:56-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Seven Ways to Keep Faith Strong in the Summer

Last updated on: July 23, 2025 at 4:36 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

If you’re like many out there, you’re in the middle of summer is a busy time. Fall is right around the corner, and that means preparing for back-to-school and cooler weather. Most like to get out and enjoy at least some of the summer’s warmth and sunshine while there’s still time. Between vacations, plans, trying to complete work, navigating kids’ schedules, and more, summer is frequently packed with various activities and adventures. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time and... Read more

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2025-06-03T20:57:08-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A Few Key Insights into Jesus’ Childhood

Last updated on: June 3, 2025 at 8:57 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

What was Jesus’ childhood like? Though not a constant question, this matter arises from time to time. It’s of interest to both Bible readers and non-Christians alike. As a major figure, Jesus of interest to many, thus his life is central to intrigue. What kind of child was He? Did He do all the normal things kids do? What about His relationship with His parents? Did He perform miracles as a child, or only as an adult. Did people know... Read more

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2025-06-03T16:58:41-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Learning to Choose What’s Better

Last updated on: June 3, 2025 at 4:58 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

The Biblical story of Martha and Mary is an interesting look at God’s word to overachievers in every age. Found in Luke 10:38-42, we see Martha, excessively preoccupied with serving and making preparations, as Jesus was their guest. Then we see Mary, Martha’s sister, seated at the feet of Jesus as He spoke and taught. Martha grew annoyed that Mary just sat there while she did all the work. As a result, she complained to Jesus. Jesus’ response to Martha... Read more

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2025-06-03T16:42:58-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Herod: A Journey Through Time and Power

Last updated on: June 3, 2025 at 4:42 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

If you’ve spent any time at all reading the Bible, “Herod” is a title common to the experience. If you’re anything like me, you probably assumed for the longest time that “Herod” was a name, and referred exclusively to one person. I was half right: Herod is indeed a name, but it’s not exclusively for one person. Would you be surprised to learn that Herod is actually a reference to an entire dynasty? There were approximately 15 different individuals in... Read more

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2025-07-23T17:01:32-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Best Bible Apps for Serious Bible Students

Last updated on: July 23, 2025 at 5:01 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

It seems like every time I go online, there’s a new app out there. This is especially true as Christian apps devoted to different aspects of our faith. Whether it’s apps full of downloadable sermons, church apps to keep track of events, or places for believers to meet, Christian apps are a great way to help one another stand in faith. If you’re interested in studying Scripture, there are many apps out there that can also help with that process.... Read more

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2025-06-03T16:57:16-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Discerning Wise and Foolish Behavior

Last updated on: June 3, 2025 at 4:57 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrates the importance of being ready when Jesus returns. In an immediate sense, it shows us the importance of wise behavior and the consequences of foolish behavior. A number of parables illustrate points much like this same one, often in connection with eschatological themes. Why is such important when we think about our relationship with God? Why is wisdom important – especially in light of foolish behavior? Words on the... Read more

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