Pressing Through Fear

pressingthroughfear1It is often said that without the Apostle Paul, much of the doctrine of the Church would be absent. This executioner of Christians, turned faithful witness of Jesus, wrote most of the New Testament and is known for his seemingly fearless and bold witness that took him around the known world to plant churches when the Church was in it’s infancy. Yet, despite the courageous portrait of this great man of faith, we know that Paul faced fear just like the rest of us.

I am almost certain that many will consider the above statement to be provocative and some will take exception. After all, Paul faced imprisonment, torture, and death on many occasions. How could someone go through all of that and still be such a powerful witness if he struggled with fear?

Continue reading “Pressing Through Fear”

Are You a Watchman? Part 3

watchman3Previously, we discussed several responsibilities of the role of watchmen. You can review those articles here:

Are You a Watchman? Part 1

Are You a Watchman? Part 2

We have learned that the same way that we need men and women guarding the natural areas of our lives, we also need spiritual watchmen to provide warning for our souls. Today, we will discuss three more responsibilities to consider as we learn more about the role of spiritual watchmen.

Continue reading “Are You a Watchman? Part 3”

Are You a Watchman? Part 2

watchman2Previously, we discussed two responsibilities of the role of watchmen. You can review that article here:

Are You a Watchman? Part 1

Today, we will discuss three more responsibilities to consider as we learn more about the role of spiritual watchmen.

Continue reading “Are You a Watchman? Part 2”

Are You A Watchman? Part 1

watchman1Terrorism, disease, blight, domestic violence, home invasions… It seems that threats are everywhere and the need for watchmen has never been greater.

In the same way that we need military, police, border guards, hospitals, homeland security, etc. to guard the natural areas of our lives, we also need spiritual watchmen to provide warning for our souls. Most people receive little to no training on how to see these kinds of dangers that can come our way.

Centuries ago, during a time that was particularly desperate and dangerous, God spoke to Ezekiel:

“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.” – (Ezekiel 33:2-7 NASB)

Continue reading “Are You A Watchman? Part 1”

Pluck & Plant

pluck&plantHave you ever felt like God was asking you to go against the grain?

Several years ago, someone decided to “help” the fiery evangelist Billy Sunday with his delivery. “Billy,” they said, “you’re rubbing the cat the wrong way.” I’m sure that their intent was pure. In their minds, if Reverend Sunday would simply stop offending people, and make them feel more comfortable, he could be more effective and successful. Unperturbed, Sunday replied, “If the cat would turn around, I would be rubbing him the right way.”

The Prophet Jeremiah never knew Billy Sunday, but I’m sure he could empathize with the sentiment. Jeremiah was called by God to speak a message that was almost completely opposite of the one being spoken by nearly every other prophet in the land.

Continue reading “Pluck & Plant”

Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 4

BiblicalKeysPt4In Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 we discussed the first nine Biblical Keys of hearing God’s voice. You can review those articles here:

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 3

Today, we are going to discuss the final three keys to seeking and hearing God’s voice in our lives.

Continue reading “Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 4”

Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 3

BiblicalKeysPt3In Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1 and Part 2 we discussed the first six Biblical Keys of hearing God’s voice. You can review those articles here:

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2

Today, we are going to discuss the next three keys to seeking and hearing God’s voice in our lives.

Continue reading “Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 3”

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2

BiblicalKeysPt2In “Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1” we discussed the first three Biblical Keys of hearing God’s voice. You can review the article here:

Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1

Today, we are going to discuss three more keys to seeking and hearing God’s voice in our lives.

Continue reading “Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2”

Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 1

BiblicalKeysPt1Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27 (NASB).

This being true, why do so many people have trouble hearing from God? The answer is a lot simpler than you may believe.

In the very first chapter of the very first book of the Bible, God spoke. The transforming power of those first few syllables have not since failed to impact every aspect of the universe. Despite Adam’s sin and exile from the Garden, God continued His plan for mankind through the promise and fulfillment of His Son. John 1 clearly identifies Jesus as God’s Word made flesh. He has always provided a way for us to hear Him.

Continue reading “Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 1”

How’s Your Gratitude?

GratitudeHow’s your Gratitude? We can all use a tune-up from time-to-time, and even if you need a complete overhaul, God is more than willing to help.

Research Scientist Dr. Barbara Fredrickson studied the role of gratitude in our daily lives. It might not be surprising that she observed a direct correlation between Gratitude and Joy. It is easy to imagine that joyful people have a lot to be grateful for. What she actually discovered however, was more profound. She discovered that it was not joy that made people grateful, rather it was being grateful that led people to joy.

Continue reading “How’s Your Gratitude?”