Category: Interior Life

discernment scales justice

Discernment Guidelines Release The Spirit – Part 2

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Over the years I have experienced impressions through others (and myself) that were clearly from God and helpful, and others that weren’t from God. Using reliable discernment guidelines has been very important, even if there is a long learning curve. Last week we looked at the biblical idea of discernment and how discernment provides a safe place to release the Holy Spirit. This week we will look at some basic discernment guidelines that we can apply to hearing from God. In general, if a perception fits with the New Testament, especially the fruits of the Spirit, then we can consider if it might be from God. Otherwise, we shouldn’t consider it. This is probably the most basic of the discernment guidelines. It is especially important to keep in mind the virtues of the Holy Spirit. Anything from God will reflect His good nature. Just because a perception is good doesn’t mean it is Continue Reading →

discernment scales justice

Discernment Guidelines Release The Spirit – Part 1

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One of the questions I ask people before I give spiritual direction is whether they are open to supernatural ministry. This is because I sometimes invite God to give them impressions in a direction session. The most common response is something to the effect that they are cautious but open as long as there are discernment guidelines or wisdom applied to the situation. I suspect that the majority of Christians have this view, and it is a good one. Scripture is clear that discernment should be exercised in spiritual matters, not just spiritual gifts. Phil 1:9 states: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Thus, Paul desires that believers grow in discernment, presumably in every area of their spiritual life. I Cor. 2:14-15a further explains “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for Continue Reading →

sitting in heaven

We Have A Spiritual Resurrection Now

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Resurrection is a big theme in Scripture. In several striking passages the Old Testament promises resurrection to the righteous. Isaiah 26:19 states, “your dead will live; their bodies will rise.” (NIV) Daniel 12:2 prophecies, “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will wake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” See also. Isaiah 25:8; Dan. 12:3, 13; Hos. 13:14. Then in the New Testament, the resurrection of the body becomes the prominent hope for believers. I Corinthians 15 is the classic passage on our bodily resurrection. But is it possible that we have a spiritual resurrection now? There is something more about resurrection in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:6 states “[God] raised us up with him [Christ] and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (ESV) What an incredible statement! How is it that we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies? When Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

God Is Our Fortress – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalms 9:9 (NLT) In this world we will have troubles (John 16:33), but the promise is that God is our fortress in these times. What kind of fortress is God? He created the universe with billions of galaxies and trillions of stars. If he is our castle, our defense, when trouble or oppression comes, then who or what can break through that defense? Nothing. It is true that God allows suffering in this age of his inaugurated kingdom; he allows this for our Christformation and to shine his goodness to others. We must share in the sufferings of Christ. Yet in all these things, God is our fortress, and he still preserves our soul. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil [one]” (2 Thess. 3:3, NIV). He Continue Reading →

pitfall mud fall soldier

The Four Biggest Pitfalls Of Leadership (And Followship)

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Many years ago I was attending a really good church where the Holy Spirit was present and the people were genuinely seeking God. I was especially thankful because my previous church had just collapsed due to some unresolved issues between the pastor and the elders. Everything was going well at this new church, then one day I received a stunning message. The senior pastor had just left his wife and run off with the attractive worship leader, who left her husband to run off with the pastor.  The two of them had been spending a considerable amount of time together in ministry, and staff members expressed concern, but the pastor did not respond. This illustrates one of the big pitfalls of leadership. Over the years I have observed first-hand pastors and other leaders who fall into moral failure or severely restrict their effectiveness because of four different issues. Maybe there Continue Reading →