Blessings Unlimited

By John E. Manning

My purpose and goal for this book is to help anyone who might be in need of finding answers to the questions facing them. This has been my desire for 50 years in the ministry. The length of the ministry is a qualifying factor, plus the wide range of involvements have given me proof of success in helping people who sought out or were present under my ministry. I found out a long time ago, this ministry is much more than standing behind a pulpit. Some of the rewarding parts of the ministry for me have been one on one conversations, small groups in teaching sessions and larger assemblies in funeral services and congregations.
My personal approach in every aspect of the ministry is to help people see themselves as God sees them in His Word; then help them see themselves to identify their problems. Drawing from my education and experiences, I see people through eyes of concern and compassion; not as judge and jury. I attribute any and all of my success to a God given grace and understanding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463407704

John E. Manning

Born and raised in Alpena, Michigan. Graduated from Alpena High School in 1953. Work Experience: Factory work, road construction, graduated from two Bible Colleges, followed by 50 years in the ministry serving in several capacities: Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Pulpit supply, 3 interims, Radio ministry, and served 2 pastorates for 30 years.

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© 2011 John E. Manning. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 7/19/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0770-4 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0771-1 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011908618

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

All Scriptures used are from the King James Version.

Contents

Purpose of This Book

Preface

In Memory and Dedication

Chapter One:

Looking Back for the Future

Chapter Two:

The Blessing of Being Used of God

Chapter Three:

Some Questions That Need to be Answered

Chapter Four:

What God Has Done

Chapter Five:

From Whence Cometh my Help?

Chapter Six:

Leading People to Christ

Chapter Seven:

Printed Tracts

Chapter Eight:

Funerals

Chapter Nine:

Personal Faith for Greater Achievements

Thoughts to Ponder

Special Thanks

Purpose of This Book

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My sole purpose of this book is to share my 50 years of experiences and service in the ministry, to which God has called me. Furthermore, I want to share some suggestions and helps that many have found beneficial in their situation and service for the Lord. The book comes as a request and my own desire to help people. My testimony is that it works for me, and I pray it will work for others who seek help and are willing to apply themselves. I write not as an authority or judge; just a concern to assist people to help others.

Three Developed Reasons

1.   To express to others my concern for people. God uses people to convey His work of love to mankind. May the reader be encouraged to enter an area of Christian service.

2.   My aim is to use my 50 years of service in various ways that God has directed and blessed, to help others.

3.   My goal is to help people to see that life is important and too valuable to waste. Christian service produces a life of happiness and pays eternal dividends.

Preface

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Writing a book never crossed my mind when I was younger. However, a few years ago, I was asked by different people if I would give it some thought. People seemed interested in many experiences I had shared in services and general conversations. Now that time is more available, my desire is to put some suggestions in printed form. The many involvements in the ministry while being used of God, have given me many blessings, and hopefully these experiences can help others as well.

I am not attempting to be an authority or even the final word. My prayers and desires are to help others to know some of the ways God has seen fit to use a common man like myself. If this book will move the reader to service for God, or greater service, then everyone will win.

In Memory and Dedication

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I would like to dedicate this book in memory of my brother, Ralph Manning, who went to be with the Lord in 1971, and to his wife, JoAnn, who is still serving the Lord as this is published. They have been influential and supportive; more than words can describe.

Chapter One:

Looking Back for the Future

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One day in the year 2009, I said to my wife of 47 years, I’m going to make a written copy of my Christian involvement while my mind is still working well. To my amazement the list became longer than I realized. Now, looking back over nearly 50 years of Christian service, I was surprised to have a good degree of personal satisfaction. Fully aware of the fact, that only when I stand before the Lord will I know for sure what was done well enough for His approval and reward. The blessings have been manifold, with many bumps to remind me, that it is only what God does through a person that causes success to display itself.

Sharing this list has no purpose for bragging rights on my part. Happily, and with some pride, it proves what a forgiving, loving God can do with a stubborn individual like me. No one is more fully conscious of God’s mercy, love, and grace than this writer. God’s mercy has been made more wonderfully evident, as the life of conversion and His empowerment was not accomplished by one calling or one act of surrender.

Being a recipient of God’s mercy, love, and grace has increasingly developed with prayer, Bible study, and much involvement with many people. Many times on the path of my life, the question was asked, and