Why I Don’t Celebrate Christmas, but I Like the Christmas Season

I grew up pretty much like everyone else in America concerning Christmas.  My parents gave me gifts, we visited family, and I enjoyed the festivities.  However, after giving my life to Jesus and attending Bible college in New Orleans I began to learn about the “origins” of the Holiday and soon found myself not only…

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Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice!

Saul is Rejected As King Because of His Rebellion I wanted to write short a blog on the concept of “unholy sacrifice vs. humble obedience” as God gave it to me in my time of devotions today. Here are the verses: 1 Samuel 15:22-23,  22 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and…

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Seven Ways to Stay Focused in Ministry!

I have had the best dad in the whole world my whole life.  He has been faithfully serving the Lord from before I was even born, 40+ years!  When I tell my testimony it always starts with “my Mom at the kitchen table,” however, my Dad has always been the backbone of faith in our…

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Five Things I Learn About God, Myself, and Ministry When I Go Fishing!

I’m a Fish-Aholic Yes, it is true- I am 100% guilty, therefore I must confess, “My name is Joe Wyrostek and I am a fish-aholic.”  I’ve had many hobbies over the years, but there has only been one that has stuck with me through every phase of my life- fishing! Sad but true, I’m also…

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The Truth About Difficult Church People!

Funny, but true, over the last 10 days every one of the five pastors I spoke with all shared a concern about a difficult person in their church- and I would make six!  Thus, I thought I would share some of my insight I have learned about “hard to handle” people in the church over…

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12 Signs That You Are Running From God

I have been wanting to write something along these lines for awhile, but just have not had the chance lately.  I know some in my life may think I am speaking directly to them, however, the list of people I have seen run from God started within the first week of me being saved and…

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Five Things I Once Was…

Today, as I was enjoying some good Chicago pizza with an ole’ friend downtown- some things jumped into my mind. During our talk I was reminded of who I was when I first started ministry. I know it is easy for us as Christians to confess our past before Christ, but sometimes we give the…

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Six Things to Do After a Powerful Event!

I felt led to write about how to respond after a tremendous event like we just had over the last weekend at our “2011 Winter Retreat” and “Fire in the Winter Service!” Sometimes the devil, fatigue, trials, and confusion come to make us forget the experience or doubt its validity. Therefore, here are “Six Things…

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