I LOOK FORWARD TO 2022!!!!
It is easy to see the world as an unmitigated disaster… yet some of us are seeing the world as a glorious opportunity to serve people so they might know about the marvelous yet scandalous grace of God that is available to all. Some are worried about the future of the Kingdom of God. I am not. The work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is unstoppable. Many are turning away from idolatrous forms of cultural and political Christianity. People are tired of fabricated religion and many in this post-Christian culture are being drawn to the amazing person of Jesus and His movement that is not based on politics, fear, and rage.
I am finding open doors locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. These are redemptive windows. I am believing that our best days are ahead. My dream is for walls to break down between Political, Business and Faith Leaders. Where trust filled relationships develop … anything is possible. I tell leaders all the time that things can happen in Jesus that can never happen through pure politics.
Yes, 2021 was hard. Trouble is around every corner. However, wherever there is Jesus, there is hope. May we each love, live and lead well in the coming year. I look forward to 2022!! Happy New Year.
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Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures, which reaches out to political, business and spiritual leaders in the New Orleans/Baton Rouge region and beyond. Michael is engaged in relational outreach and discipleship, teaching, coaching, writing and speaking. His non-profit helps leaders think through the “Big Questions” of life and thrive as a whole person: spiritually, relationally, physically and emotionally. Michael wants leaders to not only win at politics or career, but at life. He often serves as a “non-political” friend to people in the halls of leadership.
Michael has spoken at political and community events, has preached at both megachurches and small churches, and has lead retreats and workshops on topics including: influence, leadership, global mission, faith and politics, faith and vocation, courage, hope, and dealing with disaster. He has been featured on such programs as Fox and Friends and Fox Business Risk and Rewards, Moody Radio and Christianity Today.
Michael holds a Business degree from the University of Maryland, a Master of Divinity degree from Capital Bible Seminary (Lanham, Maryland) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Church in Covington, Louisiana for 11 years, and formerly served for 15 years at Forcey Bible Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he helped launch the Touch Global Crisis Response Ministry for the Evangelical Free Churches of America, and wrote two books – DISASTER: Betting the Farm on God in Life’s Storms and Stories from Katrinaland.
Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna. They have one son, Jonathan who is married to Patricia, and have a beloved grandchild. Donna and Michael reside in Mandeville, LA. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, reading and traveling. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.”
Article Published with Permission
Photo By Gerd Altman is Published With Permission – Pixabay
I agree. I have noticed in the last 6 months while watching various news channels of all the people that are giving up their time and money helping others out. I have posted several religious views via Facebook and the Nextdoor and get likes or responses in agreement of what I said. More on Nextdoor. One thing I would like to see on this website is maybe a one line prayer is added about the subject that is being said.
Good Morning Patrick! Thank you for your response and for your suggestion. This being our beginning year we have not posted everything we plan to do. We have to take it one step at a time. We have a lot of exciting plans but will implement them when the timing is right. One of the things we will be doing in the next few months is to add a daily devotional. These will have a prayer attached with them. Again, thank your for following us. We are praying for your spiritual growth and hope that you will be encouraged by the articles we post. God Bless!
Thank you for these encouraging thoughts Michael. The last two years has seen great changes in our world with trials that no one would have imagined previously; because of this I think we live in a more spiritually aware world, which annoys Satan and his cohorts. In this we have great opportunities to share His love to those we meet who are in need. May we freely share where we can!