Blogs

Have you ever thrown a party? What if you planned a party and did all the preparations and sent out invitations, and no one showed up? Would your feelings be hurt? Do you recall the story in which I did this? What was my response? Rather than cancel the party I sent my servants out to find new guests; anyone who would come. Where do you see yourself in this story? Were you on the invitation list? Were you one of the invited guests who found an excuse not to come? Were you one of the poor who the servants sought out to come at the last minute?

Do you understand that transcendence and imminence are both valid aspects of your faith, and both are important? The transcendent refers to things above, to overarching and universal truth, and there are principles that are always true as a comprehensive narrative. But a faith built on cosmic abstractions is not enough, and so imminence is the other foundation of your faith. This can be described as the incarnation. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, as the only begotten of the Father. Do you describe your faith as a relationship?

What have been your most profound learning experiences? There are different methods of teaching, and lecture is among the most common, and the same concept is called preaching in a religious context. Another method is conversation. Lecture is a powerful way for a knowledgeable person to present information, but it is a passive experience on the part of the audience. Have you ever had your mind wander?

We all ask, "What is my purpose for living? I want to do something meaningful! I want purpose to flow from my heart, my gifts and calling, and my God-given destiny. How can I know God’s calling and destiny for my life?"

How about we examine twelve light-posts which guide us along this wonderful path to the understanding, and then fulfillment, of our destiny. It is a path that shines brighter and brighter until the dawning of the full day (Prov. 4:18, 23; Jn. 7:37-39). That would mean, even though God knows it, it will take us a number of years to see it and then walk it out.

I hear the Lord saying, “Just be who I have called you to be. Just do what I have called you to be. Just be who I have called you to be. Just walk the path I have called you to walk. As you move in total obedience you shall eat the good of the land. As you walk in total obedience you will find that I am strengthening you every step of the way. As you step forth on the path I have laid out for you I will cause my favor to go before everywhere you go. 

I see the heavens open, and a wave of divine glory descends toward the earth. It is fiery and gold, like hot lava pouring forth. It splatters across the earth. As it touches the earth, revival fires burst forth as flames bringing light to the darkness around them. 

Is it possible to bestow a spiritual gift from one to another? The Bible says yes.

LaWanda – O Jesus, precious Lord,  All my words fall short.  I’ve got nothing new.  How could I express all my gratitude?  So I throw up my hands and praise you again and again, cause all that I have is a hallelujah, hallelujah.  I know it’s not much, but I’ve nothing else fit for a King, except for a heart singing, ‘Hallelujah, Hallelujah.  O Jesus, how I praise you!  My heart overflows with gratitude for who you are, Hallelujah!  And all you do, Hallelujah!  I’ve nothing else Lord, save these “Hallelujahs” from the depths of me.

Are you concerned about your safety? You are in a way that you may not be aware of. Do you constantly read the emotional landscape and ask yourself if it is safe? You do this without thinking about it, and quickly assess those you are with for what you can say and what topics are off the table. You have experienced emotional constriction from being around those for whom you feel you must tiptoe through a minefield. You have also experienced the safe presence of those truly gracious and loving souls who accept as much of your authentic self as you are willing to reveal. Which do you prefer?

The Bible speaks of the laying on of hands for the healing of the sick, but do you believe that prayer works at a distance as well? This was not always understood to be true. A Centurion came to me asking for healing for his servant and I offered to come but he said that wasn’t necessary and I could just speak the word to accomplish it. He was right, and I marveled at his great faith to know something that only a few comprehended at that time. Although most believers would affirm this in principle do they demonstrate this in practice?