The Brand Factor

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The Brand Factor

“…is not this a brand plucked out of the fire” (Zech. 3:2, NKJV). by Terrie Ruff

He introduced himself with authenticity and simplicity that drew us in. He rolled up his sleeves, knelt before the congregation, and washed the feet of our Head Elder, expressing his desire to work together in his new assignment. As the Elder wept, so did we. What humility. What powerful love in action— “The Brand Factor.”

There was no embroidered robe or loud motivational speech, the manuscript from which he read with power and freshness, took us from the ordinary to the extraordinary. He lovingly, yet boldly challenged us to change! He called sin out and asked us to evict it from our lives— “The Brand Factor.”

The God-given phrases: “Stop wanting to be a Christian, be a Christian!” This powerful, practical application resonated with all of us, bridging the generational divide for the reception of the gospel. His sermons linger in our hearts long after he released them from his animated voice: “Don’t miss this! Are ya listenin’ ta me? Aww, you missed it. Listen ta what I’m fixin’ to tell ya, don’t miss this! Get this now! Ha, Ha, Ha, Amen, Amen!” And with his head leaning to the side, his hand raised upward, he shouts out, “God alone is Sovereign!” He sways from side to side, with heels clicking in motion, and we are silent. Then with rousing enthusiasm, he challenges us, “Aww, you missed it, that was a shouting moment!” and before we can respond, he shouts out a confirming, “ha, ha, and Amen!” and we join him in a united Amen! — “The Brand Factor.”

And in the end, he reminds us, “When I leave, it is my desire that you are closer to God than when I came.” What a special “brand” of pastoring we have in Pastor Troy Brand. A “Brand” plucked from the fire just for us and we are grateful. We are blessed to have been affected so profoundly by “The Brand Factor.”

God knows exactly what and who we need and sends them our way at the perfect time. Whoever that person is in your life, celebrate their special type of “brand!” Let them know the difference they have made in your life and strive to be a special “brand” in the lives of others.

About The Author Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

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