Poitras Ponderings: Recent Episodes
James Poitras
The Poitras family has many things in common. We speak. We write. We teach. We preach. We mentor. We lead. We counsel. We pray. We listen. We read. We learn. We encourage. We serve. We love. We interact. We enjoy. We hug. We each specialize in one or more of those areas but haven't got everything together. We strive! It makes for brilliant dynamics and a lot of fun. We are strong because we do life together.
But, in addition to all that. We pause. We ponder. We project.
It's a great mix we have in our lives. One more thing: we share. It's our joy to share the Poitras Ponderings!
Horace, the Roman poet, in 23 BC said, “carpe diem quam minimum credula postera.” We commonly hear the shorter version “Carpe diem” or“seize the day.” However, it can be more accurately translated as “pluck the day, put no trust in the future.”
After a brief holiday sabbatical Poitras Ponderings returns. Faith and faithfulness are things we desire deeply to attain. "What is the evidence of faith?" That's the question posed and pondered in this episode.
I'm often reading! This episode provides four book recommendations to consider if you are planning to buy a book for a friend or for yourself this Christmas.
The Thanksgiving edition. It's not just one day of the year. It's a lifestyle of Thanks-living.
This episode looks at the third indispensable ability to look for in ministry (leaders, missionaries, and team members). Flexibility is perpetually needed.
“There is a noticeable common thread in most successful people—they are teachable. And correspondingly the opposite is true—the unteachable are stunted, ineffective or lack measurable success” (Kathy Ferguson Litton, “Teachability: An absolute necessity for effective leadership”). A global representative recently said, "Teachability trumps talent!" I’ve designed and developed a teachability quotient exercise for you. Please take it by following the hyperlink below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflVQWUX6D2iqTPncpf99WUcgK8ljYg6sTMA5NOsft7uwvdmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link (Teachability) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflVQWUX6D2iqTPncpf99WUcgK8ljYg6sTMA5NOsft7uwvdmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link (Quotient ) If for some reason the shortened hyperlink doesn’t work then: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflVQWUX6D2iqTPncpf99WUcgK8ljYg6sTMA5NOsft7uwvdmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflVQWUX6D2iqTPncpf99WUcgK8ljYg6sTMA5NOsft7uwvdmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0)
Perseverance is persistence in doing something despite difficulty. Constancy is the quality of being faithful and dependable. Anthony Mangun said, “A good leader begins with an unwavering belief in what he is doing and refuses to quit, pressing on in spite of setbacks and roadblocks. Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. In a race, it doesn’t matter who starts, but who finishes. Those who persist, prevail.
This podcast episode takes a second look at the concept of "zones." Previously we looked at Sharon Britton's Blue Zone (to strive for) and the Red Zone (to stay away from). Carey Nieuwhof in his new book At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, & Priorities in Your Favor writes about the Green Zone, Yellow Zone, and the Red Zone. Find out about these zones by listening to a very brief look at each in this episode and pick up the book for further details.
The Apostle Paul in Acts 20:24 gives us three phrases for our daily climb. My Life. My Course. My Ministry.
In this episode, Jim is joined by his wife, Linda, to discuss the meaning behind Labor Day, and missionary experiences with children's ministry in Africa.
Are you living in the blue zone or the red zone? Find out in this episode. Susan Britton has come up with a fantastic visual or chart on this. She says it takes about seventeen seconds to shift from fight mode. This can be as easy as thinking about gratitude. Otherwise, we retrigger negative thoughts and feelings.
Quotations are powerful! They coach. They get points across quickly. They illustrate meaning or support an argument. They inspire. They encourage. A good quote speaks to us!
What does the obscure story of Mephibosheth tell us about ourselves? How do we progress from Nothingville to the King's table?
This episode highlights Soundtracks, a book by New York Times Best-selling author Jon Acuff. It compares it with a few Scriptures on "thinking." Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful?
General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, close to the end of his life, unable to attend their annual conference, sent a one-word message to thousands of gathered delegates. Just six letters unveiled their very foundation, the reason for existence, and part of their DNA.
We often think of the open door as being an opportunity to reach into a continent, country, city, or community. But, an open door could also be a single heart.
"Life hacks" is a newer phrase for "household helpful hints." In this episode, Jim Poitras shares ten quick life hacks, from her personal experiences, on how leaders should be treated.
We live in a society that desires instant results, instant gratification, that wants and gets immediate results, and quick service. When it comes to communication through teaching, speaking, writing, and preaching I prefer my Mental Crockpot. Take time, toss in new materials, collect various ingredients, figure out what not to toss in the pot, learn how to integrate, increase creativity, and so much more included in this brief podcast episode.
To "seek" means to go after something, forsaking all others, and to pursue. In life, what are you seeking? Who are you seeking? The Faith Chapter tells us "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). What are you earnestly, energetically, persistently seeking? Seek His face and not just His hand in your life.
We've just had our Father's Day weekend. The best Dad of all is our Heavenly Father. He's absolutely able to do anything!
Ever feel like you miss the mark with the test of trust? In this episode Jim is joined by his wife, Linda, to discuss the topic. God allows "tests" to bring out the best in us. The adversary sends "temptations" in an attempt to bring out the worst in us. "Trust" is a basic Christian principle or attribute, but one that seems difficult to develop.
God counts on believers to do three things. He trusts you. Check it out in this podcast episode.
God loves it when He can trust us to be part of the Big Picture of what He is doing. Step up to an adventure of a lifetime. We are workers together with God.
We love it when God does great things for us like answering our prayers. But, God loves it when He can factor us into the picture and equation.
Project and plan leading up to an event. Reflect and evaluate after an event. Check your gauges!
We all have at least three categories of experiences in life. There are things we store away. Others we give away. And, unfortunately, still others we need to throw away.
A year ago was our final week of normal. We've learned many things through the past year. We certainly got much better at Zoom meetings, online streaming, and wearing masks. This episode reveals a little tip on decision-making gained through experience.
Sometimes we suffer from identity in crisis. We have a quest for identity. To be identified for what we do and who we are. We want to be remembered. Step in from offstage: Simon of Cyrene. Noted in three of the four Gospels. No matter which account you read they basically say the same thing. But don’t mention all that much, really. Why mention him at all? Maybe to teach a little about remaining anonymous. He isn’t special. He does what others could have done. He’s mentioned performing the type of task most of us wouldn’t remember. “Many of us spend too much time trying to be unforgettable or do something remarkable. We feel resentment creeping into our gut when our efforts go unnoticed" (Sean Palmer).
Life is too uncertain, the battle too strong, and situations too stormy, to journey through it without an encourager or two or more! This podcast episode looks at the biblical character of Barnabas and the host's personal experience and the recent loss of two amazing encouragers in his life, and the lives of others, Sister Ella Rhoads, and Sister Evangeline Rodenbush. Both of these precious ladies leave behind so many memories and a godly example worthy of emulation. Sister Evangeline Rodenbush's celebration of life is happening the same day as the release of this podcast episode. She loved limitlessly, cared courageously, prayed perpetually, defended definitely, mentored meticulously, encouraged extravagantly, believed best, and was a forever friend, first-class! Let us faithfully follow her extraordinary example!
Thomas was referred to as Didymus or called "the twin." He is considered skeptical and has been nicknamed Doubting Thomas. Yet, he wasn't the only one to ever doubt Jesus or His resurrection. His name only appears eight times in Scripture and four of those only in lists. Out of great doubt concerning the resurrection came great revelation. Could we be considered a twin to Thomas in our viewpoint and perspective? Probably so, but also remember that Thomas was committed, courageous, loyal, passionate, and chosen.
Does it take an audio voice, a lightning bolt, or a crash of thunder to hear the voice of God? Are we deaf by choice? Scriptures on the Roman Road will lead you into global evangelism.
Father (thankful for who He is) Faith Family Friends (including those I mentor) Fellowship (my church, close churches, our pastoral family) Food (Provision, the Word of God) Flow (of the Spirit) Fruit of the Spirit/Gifts of the Spirit Future (events coming up) Fight (Spiritual Warfare, Whole Armor of God)
Got a vision, plan, proposal, what next? How do you move things from your head, lips, hands to approval by your leadership and acceptance by others? Poitras provides ten possibilities or pointers.
We flip the script this week as our guest, Dan MacLeod, shares nuggets of wisdom and guidelines on hearing the Voice of God. He identifies the principle of spiritual patterns provided in God's Word. There is a pattern that God uses to speak to us. Complexities of ministry require us to be able, with clarity, to discern the voice of God at times of great distraction.
This is the last installment for the next while in the "I Have a Story Series." We often get fearful of witnessing, feeling we are responsible for conversions. That is God's work. Count conversations, not conversions. Give your voice over as an active witness of the Lord's goodness in your life. Water it with prayer. Leave the results to God!
The Innkeeper in the Christmas story often gets a bad rap. But, that shouldn't be the case. He gave the best he had to give. Jesus never requires more of us than we are able to give!
Here is the remainder of the great books mentioned by the host. Living out of the Overflow (Richard Blackaby) Together is Better (Simon Sinek) Good to Great in God's Eyes (Chip Ingram) 10 Power Principles for Christian Service (Warren Wiersbe) The Bumps are what You Climb On (Warren Wiersbe)
You've heard it said, "Leaders are readers." In this episode the host tells of his top five books recommended this season. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Barbara Robinson) Shofar Blew (Francine Rivers) Tale of Three Kings (Gene Edwards) Preaching with Freshness (Bruce Mawhinney) The Mind of a Missionary (David Joannes)
Host Jim Poitras started 2020 believing it would be the best year ever. Guess what? It was! Each day we wake knowing this is the day the Lord has made. Days turn into weeks. Weeks into months. a Year is an accumulation of the individual days the Lord has made. Not all are good. Not all are bad. But, mixed together we are able to count our many blessings and be content. "Content" and "contentment" are keys words in this podcast episode.
Two hurricanes right on top of each other swept through Central America leaving unbelievable damage. CSi has been working to assist the Philippines after the typhoons there. Now they are attempting to rally support for Central America and have already given some funds. Mike explains how creatives can become helpful in missions and talks to us about unorthodox trails. One can give through http://www.compassionservices.org/ There you can give to Central America or to the Philippines. If interested in specifically giving to Guatemala: Giving can be done via Global Cause: http://igfn.us/vf/Thompson?fbclid=IwAR0w1W9IkQWOgU6WhxXEegC21TG1u-VUi3ZRHSKW0WlI3rfnm5PlhuuUXbU (http://igfn.us/vf/Thompson) Use the Donation: Miscellaneous This account is set aside for Disaster Relief
This week Linda reads for us "Information Please." This is an impacting, heartwarming story from Chicken Soup for the Soul. A small act of kindness, or a short word of encouragement, could very well impact a life for a lifetime. Like is said,, "to the world you may be one person but to one person you may very well be the world."
Sometimes a sermon and its illustrations crawl through an open window to your heart and takes up residence in your soul. It becomes the sermon you never forget.
I have this theory. All sermons work together, the good ones and the not so good ones, to craft me into who I am and direct me to who I ought to be.
Here's the roadmap. The purpose of the Poitras Ponderings Podcast is to provide encouragement, edification, and exhortation to all of us on the Christian journey in whatever stage or role we find ourselves in on the trip. a. So, if you are wondering what I’m up to, or aiming at, that’s it! I know it’s broad but I’m not a very good archer so I need a big target for ultimate success. b. Everyone likes to start out on a trip knowing the destination and the stopping places along the way. c. Otherwise, like it was said in Alice in Wonderland, I believe: "if you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there." 2. So, I want to give you a heads up on what will be happening in PPP World over the next few months. 3. Illustrations. I used to visit different events and conferences in Africa and would start my speaking with, “I have a story!” a. Mixed in there somewhere was “Whether in the spirit or out of the spirit I cannot tell OR whether here or there I cannot tell.” b. The PPP producer/engineer and his good wife probably remember both of those little tidbits. 4. So, we are embarking on an illustration-driven series of podcast episodes. a. Pulling some of my favorite memories from the past, presenting them in the present, promising to be a blessing to your future. b. I know they say illustrations shouldn’t overpower your preaching or teaching or speaking. c. But illustrations open the window for an understanding of whatever topic is being hammered a way at. They help us drive a well driven nail into whatever is being said. d. Illustrations can be remembered long after all the details of the message are gone and can remind you of what the point was in the first place.
“In many ways the success of preaching depends upon the success of the illustration. An idea without an accompanying illustration is like an airplane without wings; the idea is not going to fly. The most successful preachers soon discover that illustrations have a way of personalizing the message, of attaching an address to it. As preachers, when we fail to use illustrations, it's the same as writing a lengthy letter but failing to address the envelope before mailing it" (W. Floyd Bresee).
Want to spice up your prayer life a bit? Host, James Poitras, gives some pointers in this episode. Have a prayer partner, prayer time, and prayer place. Try: Praying the Word Prayer Walk (in the Sanctuary) Prayer Journal Prayer Proclamations Playlist Prayers Prayer Texts, E-mails, Cards On-the-spot Prayers
October is Pastor's Appreciation Month. Everyone needs the voice of a godly pastor in their lives. I’m thankful for the near perfect pastor God has given me. Not only is he a fantastic, fabulous preacher, he's not afraid to set an example and is willing to do anything to move the church forward. He has a broom and a dust pan in one hand, a Bible and a microphone in the other. Do something to appreciate your pastor today. You will be glad you did. And so will he or she. In fact, they may just preach a little better next Sunday because of your kindness.
Hermeneutics Made Simple. Herman who? Herman what? Every Bible reader is a Bible interpreter. We process God's Word into our lives through observation and application. This podcast episode presents the SOAP Bible Study Method. So simple. So applicable. So sustainable. Scripture (what verse sticks out to you). Observation (what do do you think about the verse?) Application (How do you apply the verse to your life?) Prayer (How can you pray concerning this, for yourself and for others?) Using Hebrews 11:33-35, Poitras does a quick study using the SOAP Method of Bible Study. You've heard of Faith Hall of Fame, of Faith Hall of Heroes. But this podcast episode deals with Faith's Hall of Gain.
Based off the Pareto Principle we understand the law of the vital few, that in just about any church, twenty percent of the people do eighty percent of the work. How do you move people from the serve-us mindset to a service mentality; from being a spectator to a participator? That is the struggle for many of us in ministry leadership. This podcast episode not only poses the problem, but provides some answers on what can be done.
Dedication and devotion are the foundation of commitment. The Apostle Paul, Romans 12:1-2 encourages and begs us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. How do I know the will of God for my life? 1. Present myself as a living sacrifice 2. Refuse to be conformed to this world. 3. Allow myself to be transformed by the renewing of my mind 4. This allows me to prove the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God The biggest competition to do the will of God is a four letter word: L.I.F.E. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did” (Mark Twain).
Host Linda Poitras reaches back into the recesses of memory and unfolds for us some Miracles in Missions she experienced through twenty-nine years of missionary experience in Africa. Despite unsettling circumstance God was the shield, protector, and provider.
Great tidbits with host, Jim Poitras. Stuff like "Right decisions done repeatedly over time compound success." "God has not called us to compete with one another but to complete one another." And the foundational premise for this episode: "I want to be better today than I was yesterday."
Jim and Linda journey into their past and nostalgically recall how they ended up as Rev. and Sis. Jim Poitras. It's a God-orchestrated story that unfolds thousands of miles away from home, in a populous Nigerian village. They were working individually for the Lord, and found they could be stronger together. Snail mail, motorbikes, apostolic greetings, prayer, and fasting help tell the story. The bottom line: Seek first the kingdom. Get the priorities right and all that is needed is added. So, just keep your head on straight. God's best is on the way!
Enjoy the story of the call of our speaker this week, Linda Poitras. Willingness. Availability. Yes. Banquet date gets a rain-check. Praying meeting in the ladies' restroom. Alaska. Little church and the spot where she heard God's direction. That's great because she had an amazing journey. Unusual. Sometimes uncharted and many times, unknown. All night on a bench in the airport. Watched over by a doctor from India/ No phone. No telegram. Just elbows to get on the plane the next day. Taxi down a dirt road. Where is this guy taking me? Only a post office box for the missionary. Hours later: Arrived. Slept seventeen hours. "Is she dead?," they thought! No, but found the place where God knows she fit. Learned to listen to His voice when He said and says go, do, speak! God makes the call. Have sense to answer.
Host Jim Poitras is out-classed this week with the appearance of a very special guest as he discusses life verses, life, priorities, and life matters. You'll enjoy this podcast episode. It was a lot of fun.
This is a bonus everyone. It goes along with the Personal Promises episode. I've been praying and texting this morning. Several friends are going through the fire and need encouragement. I hope this bonus episode will give that little nudge today.
It's a perfect time to reclaim a few of the 7,487 promises in God's Word for us; some conditional, some unconditional, some both!
It's easy to get frustrated by the fast-changing and fluid environment that we are part of. It impacts every area of our lives: personal, spiritual, social, and even our work lives. It plunges us to unprecedented levels of flexibility and frustration. It's so difficult to set goals during the pandemic. Have you ever tried sprint goals? Run the full speed at the short distance. "Sprint goals" entail a set period of time, typically two to four weeks, which specific tasks must be completed. It really works!
Host Jim Poitras reflects and speaks from his heart concerning personal spiritual growth. Since God has planted eternity in our hearts, he asks "How is your eternity garden growing?"
This episode with co-host, Melinda Poitras, and special guest Barron Longstreth, lead pastor of The Church Today, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is especially geared to those in ministry endeavoring to find the rhythm or reality between humanity and spirituality. It is filled with nuggets, some of which, I've already incorporated into my preaching, teaching, and personal life.
This week we flip the script with a discussion led by Cylinda Nickel, the Executive Director of Compassion Services International, Melinda Poitras, Secretary of MK Ministries, co-host of the Poitras Ponderings Podcast, and author and host of "He Said, She Said" podcast, along with Candra Poitras Fiorini, a licensed professional counselor. The discussion is based on tidbits learned from Living in the Overflow, a highly recommended book written by Richard Blackaby. The trio looks at the spiritual life of Elijah, his showdown and spiraling to emotional, physical, spiritual, distress. Candra gives excellent tips on how to deal with exhaustion, emotional struggles, isolation, and desolation. Melinda and Cylinda also add their ministerial perspective.
Jim Poitras is joined by son-in-law, Zach Fiorini to discuss the effective team's culture code. We are safe. We are close. We share a common future.
We all go through stage, shifts, and seasons of ministry. This episode provides an overview through multi-generational perspectives.
Angie Clark, the author of A Kintsugi Parable, and Cori Smith, Youth President of Washington State join me in this interview. "Kintsugi, a Japenese traditional method of pottery repair, offers a unique way to examine the reality of brokenness in the life of a believer."
Cylinda shares experiences of how God was at work, through people, through God, building a medical support system, while she was in a coma for two and one half months. Cylinda amazingly was very active in the coma and so was everyone around her. An active imagination? God at work? Both? You decide! Remember, though, God has the final say. Approach this with an open mind and heart. She is now the Executive Director of Compassion Services International. We are called to GO in one form or another. Here is the contact information: Compassion Services International Phone: 501.628.8404 Email: CNickel@compassionservices.org Web: compassionservices.org
Cylinda Nickel encountered a brain aneurysm in late 2017. This interview charts her miracle story and recovery. She spent over two months in an induced coma. The Waymaker saw her through as praying people interceded in every corner of the globe. It was a profound riveting joy to interview a miracle.
Sometimes God speaks in the wind. Other times He speaks through the voice of the birds. Other times He speaks when you are shut in with Him, away from all the distractions. Climb out the rut. Escape the freeway of the rat race. Pull up a lawn chair and be shut in with the One that often speaks with the still, small voice. Can you hear him? Above the wind! Above the sound of the birds. He is speaking. Will you listen?
This episode looks at the present pandemic and a word emerging from it: "unprecedented." Solomon stated in Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun. True? False? Let's take a closer look!
Pause. Ponder. Project as we look at six podcasting professionals behind the Poitras Pondering podcast. They are who, where, what, when, why, and how. We are also joined by our co-host Melinda Poitras for her first time. You'll enjoy this! I promise!
In the midst of the storm may very well be the best time to step out of your comfort zone, follow the Lord's instructions, and become a Wave Walker.
Welcome to Poitras Ponderings podcast where we pause, ponder, and project. We are off on a journey of becoming the best version of ourselves we can possibly be. Thanks for joining on the trip. Fasten your seat-belts. It's the journey of a lifetime.