Walk in God’s Power and Strength
Do you want to walk in God’s power and strength, or do you want to go for it in your own strength? This is a question we must each honestly ask ourselves. If we want to walk in God, we must learn to positively respond to His commands and directions. We must also be willing to say, “No” to lesser things.
A.W. Tozer gave students at Wheaton College 5 important “Don’ts” that can help strengthen us and prevent “spiritual leakage” in our lives. Let’s take a moment and consider them together.
1. Don't trifle with sin
There is no need to waste our time/lives with things that don’t satisfy and that actually make our spirits sick. Don’t slow down to even play with sin. Keep moving ahead, living full wholesome lives and obeying His positive commands.
2. Don't steal God's glory
We must not be overly concerned about people’s view of us. If we live well and give proper respect to God’s provision,...
Is Anything Blocking Your Blessing?
Are you having trouble accomplishing what you think God wants you to accomplish?
Are you having difficulty getting free from any bondage or addiction?
Are you having a tough time connecting with God?
The enemy may be hindering you!
This may sound like a hyper-spiritualization to some. However, we live in a spiritual world, and the enemy is a factor in the game. The good news is that his impact is often limited if our lives are in sync with God’s truth and leading.
Proverbs 26:2 reads, “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”
In other words, the activity (cursing) of the enemy cannot “stick” to us or have lasting impact if there is no spiritually legal basis for his assault. The sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus sets us free from the haunting impact of the enemy – unless our lives are spiritually out of order.
When we live outside of God’s healthy and clear life-boundaries, we place...
Helping One Another Align With God
Do you walk through life with your head held lower than is needed? Are you hindered or tangled up by accusations, misunderstandings and/or sin? Have you somehow come to believe that this marred, somewhat hopeless life must be all that God has for you? Deep down – often deeper than you'd like to go – do you feel harassed and helpless?
It might be that you have tried to address your “stuff.” Possibly you’ve acknowledged your need and/or errors to God, and even tried your best to change and walk in a better direction. Yet, somehow, you keep finding yourself back in the mud. The enemy may taunt you with Scripture, saying, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)
Often the way out of bondage is simple, but a little scary. We may need to involve others in the process. James encourages us to "confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed. The...
Don't Be Fearful ... Be Free!
“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free!” (Galatians 5:1)
The apostle Paul was convinced that Jesus came to set people free from the bondage of religion. Religion – in this sense – refers to the constant concern about doing things rightly, and the guilt that accompanies falling short on a regular basis.
In Romans Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “Falling short” is the human condition. And, the consequence/wages of that sinful condition is death – death of our souls, and eternal death.
Unaddressed sin dulls our souls and makes our spirits lifeless. However, we must be reminded again and again and again that “the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Religion tempts us to try to justify ourselves by our actions or intentions. Freedom in Christ releases us from self-justification, so we can be honest. We don’t need to dig...
Are You Thirsty?
How alive are you?
How abundant is your life experience in God?
The New Testament starts with the book of Matthew, but the first Gospel written was most likely the book of Mark. It reads, “The beginning of the Good News about Jesus …” It then starts with the ministry of the John the Baptist – the one who Isaiah prophesied would prepare people to receive Jesus, the Messiah.
John called everyone to repentance – to turn from their sinfulness – their self-referenced, self-promoting, self-protecting and self-justifying lives. John the Baptist proclaimed a new spiritual season in the Messiah that had two powerful stages:
1. Turn from sin and receive fresh forgiveness from God.
Baptism (emersion) in water would be the sign of this spiritually cleansing reality.
2. Look for and be alert to the Promised One – Jesus, the Son of God.
Baptism (emersion) in the Holy Spirit will be the reality of this new life.
As we consider...
