John-Michael Becker
Something You Will Never Regret…
Something You Will Never Regret… Years ago when I was 18 years old and a 1st year in college, I was challenged by my house church leader to read 4 chapters of the Bible a day. He set me in an accountability group with two other guys to make sure we all kept up…
Christmas Secret Angel
Christmas Secret Angel Since Christmas of 2007, every year Jubilee Church visits my children’s home to spend time with the kids and to give gifts to each and every one of them. My kids look forward to their visit every year. This year I had the volunteers arrive at 11am to organize them, prepare…
We Do a Good Job Here, John
We Do a Good Job Here, John In the summer of 2001 when I was 19 years old I worked as an electrician’s helper at a school being renovated. Our work was 6am – 2pm and I did a lot of grunt work: setting up outlets/electric boxes, bending pipes, running wire through those pipes,…
It’s Always Worth the Struggle…
It’s Always Worth the Struggle… One of the most difficult things for the youngest kids at the children’s home to understand is when momentary pain is necessary. Whenever doctors come to give the kids shots the little kids will scatter as if monsters had invaded. In their young minds they can’t comprehend that the shots…
Contending Versus Straining
Contending Versus Straining Learning the difference between “contending” and “straining” is very important. A core value of the church I attend (New Philadelphia) is “Contend For the Kingdom.” What that means is when we intercede for different topics we stand on God’s promises and the leadings of His Spirit and pray in faith. For…
Stop Being So Defensive
Stop Being So Defensive Nobody learns from someone who is being defensive. It’s impossible to never make mistakes in life, so what is important after making a mistake isn’t hiding it or explaining it away, but rather admitting it and learning from it. The sad thing is that in many societies there is fear of…
Overcoming Addiction
Overcoming Addiction Over the years I have counseled so many different people that have struggled with addictions, particularly regarding their purity. Addiction makes you feel like a slave to what you can’t stop doing. It can also make you feel like an animal, living for your urges and unable to think rationally about them. …
The Favor to Get Stoned and the Blessing to Be Crucified
The Favor to Get Stoned and the Blessing to Be Crucified In a lot of Christian circles there is talk that we have the favor of God upon us and that because we are the light of the world we should be bringing a shift in the atmostphere wherever we are. My heart resonates…
Tyranny of the Urgent…
Tyranny of the Urgent… Is a great mini book about stewarding time (by Charles Hummel). Here is an excerpt from the book… “For me hardware stores have a strong attraction. I am fascinated by the variety of tools and gadgets. Suppose that today I need a new electric drill for an important home project…
Testimony of the girl who inspired Oak Tree Project
Testimony of the girl who inspired Oak Tree Project (our new scholarship/mentoring program for orphans who desire to attend college)… My earliest childhood memory is when I was around five years old living at a home for babies. At the age of six, I was moved to an all-girls children’s home and grew…