Are You Still Holding Tight to Your Nets - Part 1
Many of you may have heard the quote, “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” This is exactly what occurred when Jesus began his public ministry and called his disciples. Remember, Jesus did not put up a sign saying “help wanted”. He did not ask the disciples to come to him and showcase their “skills” or to convince him that they should be considered his disciples. Right at the start, we see Jesus approach his disciples in a way that is completely counter to how our performance-based culture works.
The calling of the disciples actually began with Jesus finding and pursuing them and inviting them to follow him. Jesus stepped into their world, met them where they were, just as they were, and called them out of their current life and into a life of following him. Jesus was not focused on what they could do for him; he was focused on what he could do through them.
When God Speaks Through Dreams
Dreams have the power to scare, bring joy, hope, confirmation, warnings, and even insight into the future.
Satan can come to attack us in our dreams, whether through our own doing from open doors (unrepentant sin, ungodly beliefs, etc.) we have allowed in our lives, or from spiritual attacks because of what we are doing for the Lord. On the flip side, God can also come (and often does if we are paying attention) and speak to us through our dreams, giving us warnings, confirmations, encouragement, addressing sin, or revealing the future.
The Beauty and Purpose of the Wilderness
The wilderness is difficult for us, but purposeful to God. We see hardship; God sees a proving ground. In the wilderness, he removes what isn't from him, draws us near, increases our faith, and teaches us full reliance.
Despite its isolation, the wilderness is where intimacy with God is found. He wants us to seek him there and move into the next chapter he has written for us.
Know Your Season and Identity to Receive Your Promised Land
We all experience seasons of preparation, yet often miss their purpose, focusing on resistance rather than on what God is teaching us.
Too often, we follow in the footsteps of the Israelites and get comfortable in something that was either never meant for our lives or meant only for a period of time. When God shows us the new path He desires for our lives, we resist moving forward because of the unknown or even hard work that lies ahead, and choose to stay where we’re at, even if it means a continued life of bondage, slavery, or a life that is less than what God designed us for.
Tune Into God’s Voice and Tune Out the Opposition - Part 2
Last week's Part 1 post for Tune into God’s Voice and Tune Out the Opposition focused on hearing and recognizing God amid competing voices. We began with Nehemiah and his principles for tuning into God and following His call. Similarly to radio, we can “tune in” to whichever station we choose, but it requires action on our part.
Today’s Part 2 focuses on the essential challenge of engaging in spiritual warfare and shutting down opposing voices and distractions to remain steadfast in God’s plan, drawing practical lessons once again from Nehemiah’s story.
Tune Into God’s Voice and Tune Out the Opposition - Part 1
Many voices compete for our attention daily: the Lord (Holy Spirit), our own thoughts, other believers, the devil, demons, and people influenced by the enemy. Each of these voices has a different source and intent.
With so many voices, we can feel pulled in different directions. Yet we have the authority and discernment to choose which to hear and which to ignore.
Turn Aside
Sometimes we must step off our current path to meet God, experience his presence, and follow his plans.
From the Valley of Death to a Superbloom
Superblooms are a great illustration of what God does with the story of our lives, marriages, prodigal children, family, business, church, health, etc.
Is It Wisdom Or Is It Fear?
In what areas of my life do I call caution wisdom, when it may really be fear in disguise?