A fig tree died for not being productive out of season. Paul instructed Timothy that he must be instant in his obedience to the demands placed on him by Jesus (2 Timothy 4:1-5). In fact, we must be ready both when the demanded fruit is in season and when it is not. All the good fruit we bear is supernatural. The power of the Holy Spirit makes us capable of […]
Category Archives: Discipleship
Fruitfulness 1
Fruit is normally only available when it is in season. If there is a watermelon growing in South Carolina in February, it is because there is an artificial season being created in a hot house. Even in an artificial climate, the process must still be followed for the production of fruit. A plant must be planted. It must grow until it can produce flowers. The flowers must produce pollen, and […]
The Trinity
I had a conversation with a young man recently about our God’s nature. We were discussing the theology that he had been taught as a child and examining it in light of Scripture. His instruction regarding the identity of Yahweh and how to interact with Him was that we could only interact with Jesus, could not presume to approach His Father, and that the Holy Spirit is not really a […]
Costly Freedom
If you want to enjoy freedom, you must purchase a ticket to it. Jesus purchased a ticket for your entrance, but you must purchase your own ticket if you want to enjoy living your freedom. He is to you the Door, and He must also become to you the Way. The basketball players who actually become professionals are the ones who are willing to trade their lives as they know […]
Tents and Temples
Tabernacles and temples have been raised up and cast down through the ages, and for different reasons. The tabernacle built in the desert was put away when the first temple was built to replace it. Temples were destroyed in judgments of the nation of Israel’s descendants. Jesus once said that His temple would be torn down. He promised that, when it was, He would rebuild it in three days. He […]
Courage and Trouble
As you do what you do regarding ministry, you need courage or you are probably not fully engaged in what you are called to do, especially the first few years. Being afraid of making a mistake socially, spiritually, or doctrinally is appropriate, but allowing that fear to stop you from doing the work is not appropriate. Evangelist, teacher, prophet, whatever your gift is, as you learn to listen to the […]
Truth From Jesus
A good word from Jesus to meditate on: Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in Me; about righteousness, […]
Don’t Give Your Enemies Bullets
When you sense that you are being attacked by spiritual enemies, allowing these things to fill your heart is like paying to ship ammunition to your abusers:• Self-pity• Fear• Bitterness• Condemnation – of yourself, or others• Pride• Being offended They are likely to appear in your heart, and to reappear after you throw them out. Don’t stop throwing them out. The power to throw them out is instead allowing your […]
What is the Spirit Saying?
Without regard for how the Wuhan virus was created or by whom, without regard for how many corrupt professional politicians are using it for what corrupt purposes, and without regard for what changes it effects in our economy, our social interaction, or our system of healthcare, the most important question we could (and should) be asking is, “Lord Jesus, what are you saying to us in this context?” We should […]
Holy Cardiology!
What do you own? The things that we accumulate are measures of our values. They measure our values with regard to both property and relationships. Many people are hording toilet paper right now because they were mis-influenced by fear or fear mongers or simply people who were entertaining themselves by watching the fearful clamor. Their closet contents mark them as fearful, greedy, or stingy. Some people have huge piles of […]