Hope resides in every circumstance, past and present, and it holds the power to change everything. When a believer decides to make their own way, it renders the spirit that works out the hope, helpless. Whatever bothers or irritates a person is created to bring salvation and redemption to that individual. Gifts are enclosed in all situations that are created by the Father.
“Get up” is a common phrase used throughout Scripture. The Greek word for “get up” is anistēmi, and it means to rise up, to raise up from the dead, or to bring to life. The words “get up” are not a command; it’s an invitation, and it requires action on our part. In this invitation, it points to a pilgrimage, moving us away from what is no longer needed in our life and forward on a path which leads us…
It’s the time of year when we start pruning our landscape plants. Trees, shrubs, vines, fruit plants, and roses all benefit from this care. We usually start by cutting away anything dead, diseased, damaged, or disruptive. But pruning isn’t just about removing what’s unhealthy. Sometimes, even healthy growth can be unproductive, so we prune away what hinders successful plant growth. This helps the plant become as fruitful and productive as possible. When pruning, meditate on the verses in John 15:1-6….
Journaling continues to gain prominence. Churches are hosting classes, various ministries emphasize its value, and specialized Bible studies and programs regard journaling as a vital spiritual discipline. After the shocking and heartbreaking loss of several family members, journaling became an immersive process, meticulously capturing every minute detail, feeling, thought, and activity of each day. Eventually, the practice often felt daunting and exhausting. Over time, new vitality was brought to daily reflections. Entries should remain concise, focusing on essential details and…
From The Collected Works of Watchman Nee, Volume 37 Should we bear testimony? Yes, but with care and purpose. Paul and many believers have testified, but there is a difference between sharing for others’ benefit and delighting in talking about oneself. Our goal should be to help others, not to enjoy hearing our own voice or to turn testimony into casual conversation. When the Lord leads, we should testify to help, not to boast. Paul, for example, hid his extraordinary…
Paul told the Corinthians, “To boast is necessary, though indeed not expedient.” He admitted that sharing his spiritual experiences was not profitable for him, but he did so for the sake of others. Paul only spoke of “visions and revelations of the Lord” because some doubted his apostleship and there were foundational issues in the church. Our attitude should be the same: not seeking attention for spiritual experiences, but sharing only when truly necessary. Paul did not share all his…
When Deep Calls Unto Deep, Part II – Deep Roots From The Collected Works of Watchman Nee, Volume 37 The Lord’s parable of the sower teaches how people receive God’s word. Some seeds fall on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. These represent different ways people respond. The rocky ground has only a thin layer of soil, with rocks underneath. Seeds that fall there grow quickly at first, but when the sun…
When Deep Calls Unto Deep, Part I From The Collected Works of Watchman Nee, Volume 37 Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calls unto deep.” Only a call from the depths can provoke a response from the depths. Nothing shallow can ever touch the depths, nor can anything superficial touch the inward parts. Only the deep will respond to the deep. Anything that does not issue from the depths cannot touch the depths. Others can respond deep within to only what issues…
What is the Spiritual Journey? It is a path which leads through the maze of personal motives, behaviors, attitudes and corresponding actions that seeks to liberate the believer from constraints, oppressions and confinements. It finishes with the believer living the God-kind of life (zoe), partnering with God to bring heaven to earth. Published in 2009, “The Road Home Is A Long Journey” book explains the seven significant events occurring in the life of Jesus. Each believer who wishes to fulfill…
Recently, I listened to myself praying. I was stopped in my tracks when I really gave weight to the words I was saying and the attitude that I was projecting. I was actually begging God, pestering Him to provide me with an answer to something I desperately wanted from Him. “Importunity” in prayer means “persistent and urgent requests, demands, or solicitations, often to the point of being troublesome or annoying.” It implies tireless pleading for something, resulting in shameless persistence….