Jonathan Herron

Dealing with Infertility

One of the most taboo subjects in the Church is wrestling with infertility.

1 in 8 couples will discover they are infertile, meaning there are a lot of people in our pews silently suffering.

To that end, we recently addressed this topic in a raw and real venue with both myself and my wife taking the stage.

 

 

Overcoming Rejection

Have you ever felt rejected?
Have you ever been cut out of a friendship circle?
Has a church wounded you deeply in the past?

If so, this message might be encouraging and helpful.

#FromPainToPurpose

 

How to Navigate a Break-Up or Betrayal

Back when we launched Life Church in 2013, I gave a message that summer on navigating a break-up or betrayal.

I recently stumbled upon my message notes from that Sunday and thought I’d share them here, for what it’s worth!

- Paul and Barnabus part ways in Acts 15:35-38.  If break-up and betrayal could happen to the Gospel All-Stars, it can and will happen to you and me!

 

- Followers of Jesus are not promised rainbows, skittles, and unicorns.  You WILL have troubles and heartaches!

 

- You can't please everyone but you can keep reconciliation as your goal.

 

Step One in a Betrayal or Break-Up: Your REACTION determines your REACH.

 

- Jesus gives very practical instructions in Matthew 18:15-17 on how to deal with people who have hurt you: go to the person quickly, privately, and humbly!

 

- Verse 17 does NOT advocate shunning.  Who Would Jesus Shun?

 

- "But they deserve to be shunned."  Really?  Even if everything you say about this person is true, are you treating them the way Jesus would treat them? If someone is acting like a pagan or tax collector, how would Jesus approach them...?

 

- Jesus always walked TOWARD people, not AWAY!

 

- If someone is taking shots at your children, I'm sorry, but that is demonic.  You are never more like Satan than when you accuse and you are never more like Jesus than when you advocate and forgive!

 

- Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us to deal with our issues TODAY.  Don't allow "little" beefs to get bottled up over time or you will explode like a volcano.

 

Step Two in a Betrayal or Break-Up: Nobody wins when you trash talk.

 

- Have a beef?  Don't blab it on Facebook... go to the person and get it resolved!

 

- If you are a man or woman of God, you do NOT have permission to accuse or slander.

 

- If you are a son or daughter of the Most High, honor and integrity are your shield.  Even if you are accused and innocent, it is not necessary to defend yourself in the public square (I am speaking from EXPERIENCE here!!).

 

- Ephesians 6:12 tells us that if they have flesh and blood, they are NOT our enemy!  The Enemy is the enemy!!

 

Step Three in a Betrayal or Break-Up:

Moving on doesn't mean you've stopped caring; it means you can't change it.

 - Always keep the Welcome Mat out for reconciliation but never for condemnation.

 

YOU'VE GOTTA FAIL IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED

Did you know that the average small business owner fails 2.7 times before finally reaching success? That means they have to publicly fall flat on their faces and lose everything over two times before they learn all the secrets necessary for full-time success! The term “Overnight Success” is an oxymoron.

I believe the same is true in ministry: you’ve gotta FAIL if you want to SUCCEED!

In failure:

• You learn how not to treat the people you lead

• Discoveries are made in scheduling and planning for major events

• Emotional IQ is enhanced and increased

• Persistence is stirred up for later reliance

• WHO you can trust and count on during tough times is revealed

• Humility is accepted as the pathway to greatness.

If you are currently experiencing or feeling failure, GREAT! It’s a necessary prerequisite to achieving greater ground for Kingdom expansion! Keep your chin up, your head low, and your posture as a servant-leader. In Christ, the best is yet to come!

 

Join Me at My New Site

All new content can be found at JonathanHerron.com/blog -- come join the adventure.