Reading Resources to Encourage and Equip Your Soul
Richard Parrish Ministries provides timely blogs and articles to help you grow in your relationship with Christ. We encourage you to learn more and join us as we extend care for the soul.
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The Voices We Listen to Matter
One of the realities of modern life is that we are surrounded by voices. Some come from people we know and trust. Others come through news outlets, podcasts, social media, books, advertisements, and the steady stream of notifications appearing on our phones throughout the day. Silence has become a rare commodity. While we often think…
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The Formation of a Nation – and the Formation of a Heart
Reflections on Faith, Unity, and America’s 250th Year This year marks an important milestone in our nation’s history. For 250 years, the United States has existed as an independent nation. Anniversaries like this invite us to pause and reflect. They encourage us to look back with gratitude, acknowledge God’s faithfulness, and consider the values that…
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Making Space for God Isn’t Easy
Learning to Create Space for God My intentions are good. My follow-through does not always match my intention. Let me explain. I really want to spend time with God. That’s a good desire. But it is common for something to always get in the way – preempting my desire by distraction. It’s not a lack…
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Learning to Abide, Not Strive
Most of us know what it feels like to try harder. We try harder to be patient, pray consistently, stay focused – to be peaceful, faithful, and spiritually grounded. While effort certainly has a place in our lives, many people quietly discover something discouraging: Striving alone does not transform the heart. Effort may change behavior…
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Clarifying Spiritual Formation – What It Is and Isn’t
If you’ve ever heard the phrase spiritual formation, you may have wondered what it actually means. For some, it feels unfamiliar. For others, it sounds unclear – maybe even a bit intimidating. It can bring to mind structured programs, spiritual expectations, or the quiet pressure to “do more” in order to grow. For some, it…
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What Is Shaping Your Heart?
It happens – whether we realize it or not. From the earliest moments of life to the end of our days, we are being shaped. Most of the time, this shaping is quiet – almost imperceptible. We may not have the language to describe it, and yet it is real – steadily, patiently, and powerfully…
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Why Is Everyone’s Vineyard More Attractive Than Mine?
“They made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.” – Song of Songs 1:6b (ESV) Most in ministry recognize the importance of rhythm: prepare, preach/teach, lead, shepherd, pray, plan, care, respond – repeat. We’re also aware of how “life” continually disrupts our flow. As servant ministers, we are present…
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Waiting With Hope
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” – Romans 8:18-19 -(ESV). Waiting isn’t easy – and it’s rarely comfortable. Struggles, conflicts, and trials…
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April Mission Updates: Saturday, May 2
Where I am: Zaderaand surrounding villages, Armenia. Today in a sentence: A day of steady ministry – moving from village to village – where quiet conversations, shared meals, and the Word of God continue to strengthen hearts and renew hope. There is a rhythm to these days now. Roads that wind through hills and valleys.Villages…
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April Mission Updates: Friday, May 1
Where I am: Artashat – Vayk – Zadera Teaching in villages of Armenia Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day of teaching, travel, and fellowship in the mountain villages of Armenia. Pastor K and Lilit (my interpreter) picked me up early this morning for our drive to Vayk. I’ve traveled this road several…
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April Mission Updates: Thursday, April 30
Where I am: Artashat, Armenia Teaching at a pastor/leader conference today and a village church this evening. Today in a sentence: A full day of teaching ministry – strengthening leaders and encouraging hearts with the truth that fear does not define our faith. Today was a full and meaningful day of ministry. We began with…
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April Mission Updates: Wednesday, April 29
Where I am: Artashat, Armenia Meeting with Belarus representatives today. Today in a sentence: A meaningful day of conversation, unity, and preparation – reminding me that the Church’s strength is found in shared truth, not divided preferences. At 10:00 a.m., Pastor G and Pastor E arrived, along with two young men, to meet with me.…
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April Mission Updates: Tuesday, April 28
Where I am: Artashat, Armenia Meeting Lilit today. Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day of preparation, partnership, and reconnecting with my Armenian family. I had a good night’s sleep and awoke to discover that my head cold is improving. Thank You, Lord. This morning provided a quiet space for study and preparation…
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April Mission Updates: Monday, April 27
Where I am: Yerevan – Artashat, Armenia Leaving Yerevan for Artashat. Today in a sentence: Reunited with my Armenian family – reminded again that love speaks clearly, even without words. At breakfast this morning, David and Anastasia once again greeted me with kindness. These dear people have become familiar faces over the years, and it…
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April Mission Updates: Sunday, April 26
Where I am: Yerevan, Armenia Worship & Ministry at Pastor Natalia’s church today. Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day of worship, ministry, and fellowship – despite a fading voice and weary body. Hovo, Hasmik, and their three small children picked me up at the hotel at 10:00 a.m., and we made our…
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April Mission Updates: Saturday, April 25
Where I am: Yerevan, Armenia Looking forward to seeing Pastor Natalia and her leaders today. Today in a sentence: After a long day yesterday, I was grateful for a slower morning and meaningful reconnection. After a full day of travel on Friday, I welcomed a more leisurely start to the morning. I made my way…
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April Mission Updates: Friday, April 24
Where I am: Tashkent – Istanbul -Yerevan Closing retreat session in the morning, then travel to Armenia for the next leg of the mission. Today in a sentence: A meaningful close to our retreat in Uzbekistan, followed by a long and humbling day of travel to Armenia. After checking out of the hotel, we traveled…
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April Mission Updates: Thursday, April 23
Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Uzbek Pastors/leaders retreat Today in a sentence: I was up early (6 a.m.) to study and prepare for today’s sessions. Yesterday’s teaching on fear and faith seem to resonate strongly with our pastors and leaders. Whether we are in Uzbekistan or Arizona, fear is something we all encounter. There was…
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April Mission Updates: Wednesday, April 22
Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Pastor/Leader Retreat Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day – traveling to the retreat, reconnecting with pastors, and stepping once again into the sacred work of listening, encouraging, and teaching. Oleg picked me up at the hotel at 9:00 a.m. for the hour-and-a-half drive to a secluded…
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April Mission Updates: Tuesday, April 21
Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Looking forward to reconnecting with our pastors and leaders in Uzbekistan this week. Today in a sentence: My flight arrived on time and I cleared passport control smoothly. I arrived at my hotel around 1:30 a.m – ready for rest. I awoke at 8:00 a.m. and had a light breakfast,…
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April Mission Updates: Monday, April 20
Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia to Baku, Azerbaijan, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan Beginning “leg 3” of my mission. Today in a sentence: Grateful for what God has done in Georgia, I now step forward into the next leg of this mission journey with a renewed sense of purpose. My time in Georgia has been deeply rewarding-…
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April Mission Updates: Sunday, April 19
Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia Looking forward to meeting Bishop Oleg today. Today in a sentence: A full day of ministry, meaningful connections, and a growing sense that God continues to guide each step. I slept well last night and woke up at 6:00 a.m. local time. It seems that my internal clock is beginning…
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April Mission Updates: Saturday, April 18
Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia Grateful to arrive safely in Tbilisi and begin reconnecting with pastors and leaders in a place that has become deeply meaningful to me. Today in a sentence: My departure from Athens was delayed for 2 hours, and by the time I arrived in Tbilisi, it was nearly 4:00 am. After…
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April Mission Updates: Friday, April 17
Where I am: Athens, Greece Today in a sentence: Grateful for deep rest and a quiet day to reflect and prepare for what lies ahead. When I woke up this morning, it was already 10:30 a.m.-nearly 10 hours of sleep. That’s almost unheard of for me, and a clear reminder of how much I needed…
Read More Hear from pastors, leaders, and learners who have been impacted
Rev. John Fairchild
Pastor, Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church
Deacon Richard Kijewski
Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
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