MinTools Blog Equips for Church, Ministry & Walk with God

Effectively Prepare for VBS Through Prayer

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Vacation Bible School can consume a lot of time and energy that can yield minimal eternal good if we don’t effectively prepare for VBS. Effectiveness doesn’t come through picking a great theme, a lot of fun activities, enthusiastic teachers and workers, etc. but rather by the power of the Lord at work in and through it. Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing of eternal value (Jn. 15:5). Because He is the Vine and we are the branches, we find our sustenance and strength in Him to bear fruit. He must therefore be a critical part of our preparation if we want VBS to truly be effective.

4 Critical Steps to Effectively Prepare for VBS Through Prayer

When we truly believe what Jesus said, that apart from Him we can do nothing, then we will take steps to make sure seeking after Him in prayer becomes a part of all we do. Consequently, these four steps will be the most critical steps you can take in preparing for Vacation Bible School.

STEP 1: Envision what VBS can be through prayer.

STEP 2: Envelop the whole process in prayer.

Step 3: Enlist the prayer support of others right from the start.

Step 4: Engage the entire congregation in praying for VBS.

Wherever you are in the planning process for this year’s VBS, it isn’t too late to implement these critical steps.

Get Help Planning Your Vacation Bible School

Check out the Vacation Bible School Ministry Manual for some specific points under each of the above steps. This resource will help you have a more impacting VBS with prayer as a core need. It also give six other suggestions to maximize the time and effort put into this program.

Lining Up with God: How to Come into Alignment with God

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

In a previous post we looked at what Proverbs 3:5-8 teaches us about what lining up with God means and why it matters. We need help to maintain such a dependence on Him that we wholeheartedly yield to His ways instead of relying on our own thoughts and pursuing our own agendas.

3 Resources We Have for Learning How to Come into Alignment with God

God isn’t going to command us to trust Him with our whole heart and fail to show us how. Here are three resources He provides for us.

1) Congruence with the Word of God

We have a written, authoritative, reliable Textbook.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:9-11)

Since God knows more than we do and since His ways are best, it only makes sense to line up with what He says. In addition, lining up with God by adhering to His Word comes with PROMISED RESULTS.

The precepts and principles in the Bible provide a grid through which all else must be filtered because of whose Word it is and the life-changing potential it brings.

Lining up with God by living congruent with His Word makes it all worthwhile because we know He will use it in some way.

2) Consistency with the Character of God

We have a living Example to follow who is our sure foundation.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. (Is. 26:3-4)

We can’t always find a specific verse that addresses every situation in life or every decision we must make. Sometimes we must look at principles in His Word. Sometimes we must look at God Himself … His attributes. God will never ask us to do anything inconsistent with His character. When we keep focused on God, we are PROMISED PEACE.

When we make decisions or respond in ways consistent with the character of God, we are standing on a solid foundation (Ps. 40:2-3).

Lining up with a God who is all we need, and not simply submitting to a set of commands, provides a confidence that takes us to a higher level.

3) Controlled by the Spirit of God

We have a Helper within us to teach us and guide us.

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:15-18)

Where are we going to get the wisdom we need to make the most of every opportunity? The Holy Spirit came to live within us as our Counselor (Jn. 14:16, 26). Where are we going to get the power we need to do what we know we should do? The Holy Spirit came to live within us as our Power source (Acts 1:8; Eph. 3:16; Gal. 5:16).

As wine can take over and control a person, so we need to be filled with the Spirit of God (Eph. 5:18). Our part is to walk with, or live by, the Spirit, to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25). When we do, we get what we need — PROMISED PERSPECTIVE AND POWER.

Lining up with God seems possible because we know we are not on our own.

So, “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him …” (Prov. 3:5-6). He makes lining up with Him not only worthwhile but also possible. He promises to give us what we need to do so.

Lining Up with God: What It Means, Why It Matters

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a good reminder of lining up with God and not relying on ourselves or human wisdom.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

What Lining Up with God Means

If we break down the above verses, we can better grasp what’s required to align with God.

1) Trust in the Lord.

We need to see God for the Great God He is. We’re not going to line up with someone we don’t hold to be true, right, and worthy of following.

2) Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

We can’t be on again and off again in our pursuit and expect to remain in alignment with Him. God is a worthy standard to follow all of the time and in every way. Consequently, there isn’t any area to withhold our trust in Him. He won’t let us down so we’re safe to wholeheartedly pursue His ways.

3) Lean not on your own understanding.

We trust Him as One with unlimited understanding, who is always right. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isa. 55:9) so it’s foolish to “be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7). We have limited understanding and we can be wrong.

4) In all your ways submit to him.

Even when we don’t understand God’s ways, we still align with Him. We don’t pick and choose which of His ways to follow.

Why Alignment with God Matters

To know why it’s important to line up with God, look at the results in Proverbs 3:6-8.

1) He will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:6)

We have sure footing.

2) This will bring health to your body … (Prov. 3:8)

We find strength and stability.

3) This will bring … nourishment to your bones. (Prov. 3:8)

We have the sustenance needed to remain strong.

We’ve considered what it means to line up with God and why it matters. Look at the next post for how to come into alignment with Him.

The Process of Providing Christian Nurture

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

When we love God, we want to grow more and more in that relationship. That love spills over into love for others which leads to wanting them to know Him better too. God’s Word provides us with help about the process of providing Christian nurture.

3 Points to Remember about Providing Christian Nurture

Whether for ourselves, or to provide Christian nurture for others in the Church, the following three points should guide the process.

1) Christian nurture is a life-long process. We never stop learning.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Phil. 3:12)

2) The growth process is developmental. Not everyone will be at the same place.

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity … (Heb. 6:1)

3) Nurturing our walk with God should happen in different settings. Each setting adds a different layer to the growth process.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (1 Tim. 4:13)

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:16)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)

You’ll find these points listed in the Church Purpose Ministry Manual which looks at Christian nurture, taking time to get to know Him better, as one of the ways to express our love to God.

For resources about some venues for Christian nurture, go to:

The “Omni-” Nature of God

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

By definition, God is the One of whom there is no greater. None can compare. None can compete. The “omni-” nature of God, that is, the God of the Bible, demonstrates how He meets this definition.

The “Omni-” Nature of God According to Scripture

The Omni- Nature of God According to Scripture
The Bible presents us to a God who is omni- (all) — all knowing, all powerful, and always present.

1) God is omniscient. — all-knowing

Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? (Job 37:16)

… the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. (1 Chr. 28:9)

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. (Ps. 139:1-4)

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. (Ps. 147:5)

Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? (Isa. 40:13-14)

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. (Isa. 42:9)

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isa. 46:9-10)

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Rom. 11:33)

If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 Jn. 3:20)

2) God is omnipotent. — all-powerful

Is anything too hard for the LORD? … (Gen. 18:14)

The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power … (Job 37:23)

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. (Jer. 32:17)

I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jer. 32:27)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Rom. 1:20)

3) God is omnipresent. — always present, seeing everything

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31:6)

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth. (Ps. 33:13-14)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Ps. 139:7-12)

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (Prov. 15:3)

“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. (Jer. 23:24)

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:13)

Implications of Having an Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent God

As an “omni-” God, He is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anyone or anything. He has it all, knows it all, sees it all, and can do it all.

God isn’t dependent on us. We are dependent on Him. God doesn’t owe us anything. We owe Him everything. See: 1 Chron. 29:13-14; Job 41:11; Acts 17:25; Romans 11:35-36

Learn more about the “omni-” God of the Bible in the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download. Get to know the attributes of God including the kind of God it would take to create the heavens and earth. Also discover how each member of the Godhead works on our behalf. You’ll find five different alphabetical listing for each of these renderings of who God is as well as suggestions for reflection and taking it further.

For More about God: Theology Resources

The Attributes of God

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center

“When you’re tired and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep ….” The song suggests a good alternative for sleepless nights, especially if we direct thanksgiving to God for those blessings. Another possibility? List the attributes of God going through the alphabet, from A to Z.

When referring to God’s attributes, we’re speaking of the character of God, the traits or qualities that make up His nature, or being. To be God, He must be the sum total of all these traits, all the time, without fail.

Attributes of God from A to Z

Here’s my alphabetical list. Be aware that it only gives one attribute for each letter but other qualities could be listed for many of the letters.

A – Almighty

B – Boundless

C – Compassionate

D – Dependable

E – Eternal

F – Faithful

G – Good

H – Holy

I – Immortal

J – Just

K – Kind

L – Love

M – Merciful

N – Never-Failing

O – One

P – Perfect

Q – Qualified

R – Righteous

S – Sovereign

T – True

U – Unchanging

V – Victorious

W – Wise

X – X-traordinary

Y – Yahweh

Z – Zenith

Order the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download for this alphabetical listing in a format you can print that also includes a brief definition for each term and Scripture verses that point to those attributes of God. The resource also encourages you to respond to who God is and suggests a plan for focusing on each attribute.

You’ll also find another listing about Our Creator God from A to Z in the above resource with traits showing the kind of God it would take to create the heavens and earth. In addition, it includes an alphabetical listing for each member of the Godhead pointing to what God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit do and what they distinctly provide for us.

Responding to Who God Is

Consider making up your own alphabetical list describing how you feel or what you think about our great God. The more we get to know this God who is all of the above plus more, the more we will revere and trust Him. We will find Him to be enough. We will want to serve and worship Him with our whole being for He is worthy.

For More about God: Theology Resources