Watchman Nee once said about our salvation that many of us have taken the saving work of Christ as a life jacket – we are no longer sinking in our sin, but we are also still in it. In this place, we are neither living nor dying. What we should be pressing in to receive should look more like a life boat – by this work of Christ’s salvation in […]
Category Archives: Discipleship
Gambling
Some people waste their lives gambling, hoping to hit a jackpot by winning against luck. If Jesus tells you the numbers to play, its no longer gambling. Its provision. He is not likely to tell you to buy a lottery ticket, but living your life without His advice at every turn is like playing the lottery or a slot machine and expecting to win. They are designed to make you […]
Map and Compass
If I have a map, having a compass will help me use it. If I don’t know where I am on the map, having a compass is still valuable. I could find my way somewhere simply by staying on a straight course. Having a map with no compass to offer a sense of direction would be like having a Bible but no influence from the Holy Spirit.
Stand Out
Make some decision today that only a believer in and follower of Jesus would.
Two Non-Kingdom Ditches
Calvinism and Armenianism are both daughters of Roman Mythology. They argue about the destructibility of our eternal lives and our relationships with our Father. Calvinism’s argument is that we cannot become “un-saved” by sinning. Armenianism argues that if we fail to follow God’s rules, He will throw us in hell even if we have been born of Him. One is influenced by the Roman myth that unless a Roman priest […]
Finding Balance
We want people around who always agree with us. We need people around who are balanced in their strengths: both strong and weak, both militant and healing, both wise and foolish, both speed and patience, both volume and quietness. We need someone near who is not stuck in one or the other of any of those categories, and therefore can be led of the Spirit in whichever way He blows […]
First, Peace
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible ®©) You are not likely to receive much information or wisdom or instruction from the Spirit of Jesus if you are not allowing Him […]
Building
…we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1 English Standard Version ®©) A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. (Proverbs 24:3-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible ®©) Knowledge puffs up, but Love builds up. If Wisdom builds, Knowledge fills.
Next
Solomon was capable of building Yahweh’s first earthly temple because his father laid out the plan and procured the material. Elisha was capable of doing twice as many mighty works as Elijah because Elijah took him in as a son and poured his life into him. Joshua was able to lead the Israelis into the land of promise because Moses allowed him proximity to his leadership and to Yahweh’s presence. […]
Fear of Problems
Do not dread trouble; dread uselessness. A piece of flint only has the power to create a spark when it is struck by a piece of iron or another rock. An irritating piece of grit can become a beautiful pearl if it isn’t ejected.