On That Day

One day, everyone will give an account to God for their lives. Even believers will be evaluated by the Lord.

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, NLT)

The work that we do for the Lord, in our lives and ministries, will be evaluated and judged by the Lord Himself. Through fire, God will reveal what truly matters, what truly counts for eternity. 

On that day, when you look into His eyes of fire, when you hear His thunderous voice, how much money you made won’t matter. No worldly accomplishment will hold any value in itself anymore. On that day, our excuses will fail. Unable to even look up, you won’t be quick to assert the excuses that many hide behind: 

“I didn’t have enough time.”

“I didn’t feel it was the right time.”

“I was so busy. Surely you understand, Lord, why I couldn’t do what you asked me to do, why I couldn’t do as much as you asked me to do.”

On that day, we will give an account for how we invested or wasted our lives - in the very presence of the One Who gave us the precious gift of life. On that day, we will remember every wasted moment, every missed opportunity, every lazy decision. On that day, some will regret giving so much time to so many people and to so many things that were simply distractions from what mattered. On that day, many will regret investing so much into the things that become consumed in the fire of judgment. 

On that day, we will all wish we had done more.

On that day, we will all be both rewarded and convicted.

I want to live for what He will say to me, on that day.

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5 Valleys You Will Face

Biblically speaking, a valley can sometimes be symbolic for a difficult circumstance. But even in the valleys, God is with us.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4, KJV)

Elah

Consider the Valley of Elah. This valley is where David confronted and defeated the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2). This represents the valley of conflict.

Achor

Think of the Valley of Achor. This is the valley where Achon, who hid plunder in his tent (a symbol of hidden sin), was stoned to death along with his family. Achon paid a price for his disobedience. The valley where he was stoned was named after him (Joshua 7:26). The valley of Achon is the Valley of Consequence

Siddim

Then there’s the Valley of Siddim. Now Bible scholars debate on the exact location of Sodom and Gomorrah. But those wicked cities were either right in or at least near to the valley of Siddim. The valley of Siddim was also known to have slime pits (Genesis 14:1-3; 10). This is the Valley of Corruption.

Eschol

The Valley of Eschol is where some Israelites decided to settle instead of crossing over into the land that God had promised them. Promising to later join those who would continue on to battle, some made the choice to stay behind (Numbers 32:9). All of us will face the Valley of Choice.

Kidron

Finally, there’s the Valley of Kidron. The Valley of Kidron was the location of a cemetery (2 Kings 23:6). Graves can be symbolic for death, despair, and heaviness. Kidron is the Valley of Crushing.

The promise of the gospel isn’t a perfect life of health, wealth, and happiness. Does God prosper His people? Yes. Does God heal? Absolutely. Is the Holy Spirit the source of lasting joy? Of course. But this does not mean that the believer will never travel through the valleys of life.

We will face terrifying conflict, harsh consequences, tempting corruption, difficult choices, and character-building crushing. But even in these valleys, God is with us.

You never have to face conflict without God, Who fights your battles for you.

You never have endure consequence without grace, which can bring you out of trouble - even trouble you caused for yourself.

You never have to stand in the midst of corruption - corrupt systems, corrupt work places, corrupt people - without the power to resist the temptation of that corruption.

You never have to make a choice without the backing of divine wisdom.

You never have to endure crushing tragedies without the comfort of the Holy Spirit Who gives you the breath of strength and joy.

For you, there is no conflict without protection, no consequence without grace, no corruption without strength to resist, no choice without guidance, and no crushing without joy.

Even when you walk through the valley, even there, He is with you.

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The Joy of the Holy Spirit

Contrary to the cliche, the world does, in fact, give joy. If that weren’t the case, sin and selfish living would have no appeal whatsoever. But there is a major difference between the joy that the world gives and the joy that the Holy Spirit gives. The joy that the world gives fades quickly, but the joy that the Holy Spirit gives is everlasting.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17, NLT)

Some find joy in only their money. Some find joy in only their accomplishments. Some find joy in only the things which are offered by the world. But you and I find joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Because our joy is rooted in the Eternal Spirit, our joy lasts. When you find your joy in that which is temporary, the joy itself is temporary. For nothing can outlast its source. The things of the world fade, change, and become uncertain. But the Holy Spirit never leaves us, never changes, and is never unreliable. 

Chaos can stir all around you. Tragedy can catch you off guard. Difficulties can test your faith. But in every moment, in every circumstance, you and I can be joyful. 

The Spirit-filled believer isn’t dull and lifeless. The Christian doesn’t have to be stoic and cynical. For from the believer bursts a joy that can dissolve the heaviness in any atmosphere. On the believer rests a divine light, a spiritual, life-giving magnetism - it is the everlasting joy of the Holy Spirit. 

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How to Welcome the Holy Spirit: 3 Keys

We know that we should welcome the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministries - but do we know how to welcome Him? Here are three simple keys to welcoming the Holy Spirit.

#1 Holiness

Consider His likes and dislikes.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30, NLT)

If the Holy Spirit loves me enough to be grieved by my disobedience, then it stands to reason that the Holy Spirit loves me enough to be pleased by my obedience. By living a holy life, you welcome His presence. This, of course, does not mean that the Holy Spirit abandons you when you fail. He doesn’t leave you because you made a mistake. This just means that when you live holy, the Holy Spirit feels at home in you.

Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Are you taking Him places He doesn’t want to go? Are you using His temple to do things that grieve Him? Do the things you watch and listen to remind Him of things that break His heart? To live holy is to live considerate of the Holy Spirit’s likes and dislikes.

#2 Awareness

Consider His presence.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. (John 14:16, NLT)

He never leaves us. His presence is always with us. So how often are you aware of His presence? What is the pace of your life? Do ever pause to consider the fact that He is with you? Is the pull of life more effective on you than the pull of the Spirit? The Holy Spirit invites us to know God, to pray, to read the Word - but, all too often, we are too busy to even consider what He is saying. If you want to welcome the Holy Spirit in your life, then don’t live so fast-paced that you can’t remain aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

#3 Obedience

Consider His voice.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14, NLT)

Sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit isn’t just about how clearly you hear Him but also about how quickly you respond when He speaks. Delay is disobedience. What is the Holy Spirit asking of you? What has He instructed you to do? What’s the delay? Radical, unconditional obedience is the mark of a truly Spirit-filled believer.

Holiness is living clean.

Awareness is living at a pace that allows for the consideration and realization of the Spirit’s presence.

Obedience is about taking bold steps of faith when the Holy Spirit speaks.

These are three of the many ways that you can welcome the precious Holy Spirit in your life.

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Could THIS Help You Discover Your Spiritual Gift?

Did you know that the Holy Spirit has given you a spiritual gift? The Bible says…

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT)

The Bible is clear: every believer has something to contribute to the body of Christ. However, many believers are confused or unaware of what their spiritual gifts are. If you are praying about or wondering about what spiritual gift God has given to you, I invite you to take the Spiritual Gifts test available at www.spiritualgifttest.com

It’s absolutely free and will only take a few minutes. While only the Holy Spirit can ultimately confirm your gift to you, you can use our test as a helpful resource. In fact, you can choose from three of the Biblically-based tests we offer.

The Spiritual Gifts test will assess your “power gift” - as written about in 1 Corinthians 12.

The Leadership Gifts test will assess your “leadership gift” - as written about in Ephesians 4.

The Service Gifts test will assess your “service gift” - as written about in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.

Again, it’s absolutely free. You can get started now by going to www.spiritualgifttest.com

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Holy Spirit: A Fire By Night

Just as the people of Israel were guided by a fire by night and a cloud by day, so the believer is guided by the Holy Spirit in uncertain times. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God dwelt in a tent. Today, He dwells in you.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, (1 Corinthians 6:19, NLT)

When you face trouble, He is there. The Holy Spirit faithfully abides with you. He will never leave you.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. (John 14:16 & 17a, NLT)

Though you may not always sense His nearness, He is there. Though others might abandon you, He is there. Though you feel alone at times, He is there. He is always there. 

At one point or another, all of us will face the night. When you’re living through the night season, He is a fire that goes before you to light the way. In the darkness of confusion, He burns bright. In the cold of tragedy, He comforts you. 

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18, NLT)

So when you can’t see ahead of you and all seems lost, when your heart aches and your faith is tested, when life casts a shadow, the Holy Spirit is the fire by night. 

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The Rain of Judgment

God is love. And because He is loving, He must righteously punish evil. There is coming a day of judgment, when God will judge the world.

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5, NLT)

Because God is merciful, He is giving us time to turn from our evil ways. Stubbornly, arrogantly, people persist in their sin. They mistake God’s patience for God’s absence; they mistake God’s mercy for God’s permission. 

36“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:36-39, NKJV)

Like in the days of Noah: people were living life as usual. Calamity fell upon them unexpectedly, from seemingly nowhere. So it will be in our day. Many will be busy with their usual living - people will be marrying, graduating, raising families, starting businesses, indulging in pleasures, and carrying on with life as they know it. 

Then the rain of God’s judgment will begin to fall. Thankfully, God has provided a way of escape. By putting your faith in Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross, you, like Noah, can find shelter from the rain. 

May we turn from our evil ways and embrace God’s free gift of salvation.

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Purified for a Purpose

Where would you be had the Lord not rescued you from sin? Think of all the Lord has brought you through, and consider this truth: God delivered you unto a divine destiny.

25“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. (Ezekiel 36:25-27, NLT)

Whatever your past, God has a future in mind for you. You are a recipient of God’s cleansing touch, and that touch has removed your guilt. Let go of the shame of yesterday, and, with gratitude toward God, step into newness of life.

You may feel as though you have been disqualified from being used by God, but remember this: Those who have been touched by the glory of God can be used for the glory of God. You have been purified for a purpose. 

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Faith and Fire

If you were told that the promise of the gospel was a perfect life, then you were lied to. Certainly, God blesses and protects His children. But trials and troubles are not just unavoidable - they’re necessary for your spiritual strengthening and growth. Here’s what the Bible says:

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:7, NLT)

Just as fire purifies and tests gold, so trials purify and test your faith. When the pressure is on, when there seems to be good reason to doubt, when troubles come from every side, when you don’t know how you’ll make it - that’s when the nature of Christ is made manifest in you. Fire reveals and eliminates impurities from gold. Trials expose and correct the impurities of heart, mind, and motive. 

When the temperature rises and you feel as though you’ve reached the breaking point, if you’ll trust the Lord, He will make good use of the testing. Not a moment of sorrow, anguish, or pressing will be wasted by the masterful hand of God. 

When gold is under fire, the refiner will watch the process. He will patiently wait. It’s not until he can see his reflection in the gold that he knows it has been purified. Likewise, in every trial, as those flaws in our character and nature are burned and melted away, God sees that the trial has served its purpose when He can see Himself in you. 

So when the testing of your faith comes, and it will, just remember that, in the end, you will be that much more like Jesus in every way. Tried by fire, made like Christ.

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Can You Lose Your Salvation?

Can you lose your salvation? That’s an interesting question that’s been debated for quite some time now, and there’s no way to settle the debate in a short article like this. So rather than answer the question directly, I want to come at this topic from a different angle - a practical application of the Scripture.

For starters, we should note that the Biblical argument could be made for both positions. 

There are verses that seem to indicate that one can lose their salvation, like this selection of verses:

4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6, NLT)

Of course, even that verse can be debated, as there are some who feel they can interpret that verse to mean something else.

And there are verses that seem to indicate that one cannot possibly lose their salvation. For example, take a look at this verse:

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, (John 10:28, NLT)

And with this verse also, there are alternative ways to interpret it.

Both sides of the debate seem to have their explanations, context clues, and reasons why the other side isn’t getting the interpretations right. 

Those who say, “You cannot lose your salvation,” will tell you that you’re dishonoring Christ’s sacrifice by implying that His death on the cross wasn’t enough to eternally secure the soul. Those who say, “You can lose your salvation,” will tell you that you’re dishonoring Christ’s sacrifice by implying that people can “abuse” God’s grace. Those who believe in eternal security will say you put too much emphasis on man’s ability. Those who don’t believe in eternal security will say that you are giving people a license to sin.

But think about it. Why does either opinion matter if God is the ultimate judge? Consider this scenario. A man goes to a church, publicly commits his life to the Lord, but then continues a lifestyle of sin. Those who believe you can lose your salvation will look at that man and say, “He lost his salvation!” Those who don’t believe you can lose your salvation will look at that man and say, “He was never truly saved in the first place.” But they agree on this: that man needs Jesus. 

For all of the debating that surrounds this topic, what have we gained? And what’s the point if we all agree on the practical application of Scripture? Simply put, whether you’re a once-saved-always-saved believer or you believe that one can lost their salvation, we agree on this: All sinners need saving, and ultimately God will justly judge.

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How to Never Backslide: 5 Keys

Following Jesus is a lifelong commitment, but many believers are afraid that they won’t make it. Worried about the temptations and distractions that are offered by the world, some fear that they may… backslide.

Now that word “backslide” is an interesting word, because it’s come to mean different things to different people. Arguing that Christ would never let them go, some would say that true believers would never return to their old ways - while others think it’s possible for believers to once again be ensnared by the world because of their own free will. Whatever you believe, and no matter where you stand on that question, it should be your desire to remain committed to Christ for life.

19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” (2 Peter 2:19-22, NLT)

So whatever you believe about the state of a backslider, the Scripture makes it clear that it is possible for believers to have major spiritual setbacks. 

That doesn’t mean that backsliding is to be expected. Sadly, some modern church teachings seem to imply that “backsliding” is a normal phase in the Christian journey. It’s not. Saying, “I’m in my backsliding phase,” as a believer is the equivalent of saying, “I’m in my cheating phase,” as a spouse.

So how can you prevent yourself from falling into spiritual decline?

Here are 5 simple keys:

#1 Read God’s Word Faithfully

If you practice the spiritual basics, you can avoid spiritual crisis. The Word of God is your first line of defense against spiritual decline. 

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. (Matthew 7:24, WEB)

#2 Pray Consistently 

The strength of your spiritual life is directly proportionate to the consistency of your prayer life.

Never stop praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)

#3 Attend Church Regularly

It’s not possible to fulfill all of the New Testament commands without the connectivity of believers. You cannot love, honor, encourage, or make use of your spiritual gifts in isolation. Gathering with other believers will help to keep you spiritually sharp.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)

#4 Repent Immediately 

When you make a sinful mistake, it’s important that you correct and turn from that sin immediately. By living a lifestyle of constant correction, you can avoid becoming deeply entrenched in sin.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NLT)

#5 Evangelize Passionately 

Seeing others receive Christ can inspire greater levels of appreciation for salvation. Evangelism will keep you on the spiritual cutting edge. Christ Himself received spiritual satisfaction upon witnessing the conversion of the woman at the well.

32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (John 4:32-34, NLT)

By continuing to practice the fundamentals of the faith, you will continue to grow in spiritual strength. Through the practice of spiritual basics, you avoid spiritual crisis.You don’t have to settle for up and down, back and forth commitment. You can live in the constant flow of surrender to the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to lose ground. By walking in simple, daily obedience and trust toward God, you can know with confidence that you will never backslide.

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No More Excuses

Rightfully, we think of Moses as a powerful servant of the Lord, a hero in the faith. But, like many of us, when Moses was called, he responded to God’s commands with excuses.

9Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” 11But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” 13But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” (Exodus 3:9-13, NLT)

We have the tendency to disqualify ourselves. When God gives us a mission, we recount our mistakes. When God gives us an assignment, we hide behind our imperfections. And while it might seem humble to count yourself out, think of the arrogance of saying, “I know better than God.” Think of the audacity of saying, “God’s power within me isn’t enough to make up for the flaws within me.”

I love the Lord’s response to Moses.

God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NLT)

In other Words, all that He is, the all-encompassing, eternal Being - God Himself - has sent you. Whatever you lack, He doesn’t give; whatever you lack, He is. Whatever your shortcomings, you can go because “I AM” goes with you. No more excuses. Go. Respond to the call of God.

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You Are a Miracle

Your life is a sign from God to those who do not yet believe. 

Daniel, along with three other Jewish young men, was taken captive by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. During his time as a captive, Daniel was given food rations by King Nebuchadnezzar. There was an issue there. The food that was presented to Daniel was forbidden. For Daniel, to eat the food of the king was to dishonor God. So Daniel declined.

But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. (Daniel 1:8, NLT)

Daniel eventually convinced the Babylonians to honor his request. Here’s what he told them:

12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” (Daniel 1:12-13, NLT)

Note the boldness of Daniel and then ask yourself this pressing question: “Could I say the same?”

Could you tell people to examine your life to prove that God’s ways are better? Does the way you live testify of God’s higher standard? Does the way you behave attract others to the path of truth?

As someone who has been forgiven of sin, as someone who has had their nature transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are a miracle. Your faith is proof of God’s existence. 

Indeed, your life is a sign from God to those who do not yet believe. 

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Other-Worldly Beings

All too often, the believer will trade the supernatural for the superficial, the sacred for the mundane, the heavenly for the earthly. One might object, “When have I traded the heavenly for the earthly? I would never do such a thing.”

Yet it’s done on the daily. When one takes no time to pray but has plenty of time for scrolling through social media, a trade is made. When one consumes hours of media yet reads not one word of Scripture, a trade is made. When one chooses to say “yes” to a sinful temptation and rejects the power to live holy, a trade is made. When one remains silent about the gospel and instead chooses to blend in with everyone else, a trade is made. Choices are made between the eternal and the temporary.

Everyday, we must choose to either live as citizens of this earth or as citizens of Heaven.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. (Philippians 3:20, NLT)

We’re not from here. Literally speaking, the believer is an other-worldly being filled with God’s divine power, the Holy Spirit. So we must choose. For what world are we living? In what world are we investing? From which world do we derive our identity? 

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17, NLT)

You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. (James 4:4, NLT)

Of course, we exist in this world, but that doesn’t mean that we are to move with the patterns of this world.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2, NLT)

Choose a world. Jesus came not to bring peace but a sword - to divide His sheep from the goats. To which world do you belong? 

To invest your life in a temporary world is to embrace temporary life, but to invest your life in an eternal world… is life eternal. We are not of this world.

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Bold As Lions

Sin produces cowards. If you lack boldness in your life, consider the possibility that the lack of boldness may have come about as a result of a lack of righteousness. Here’s what the Bible says.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1, KJV)

When someone is living righteously, they have nothing to fear. Despite what superstitious preaching might try to make you think, the believer who walks in holiness before God does not need to live in paranoia, constantly wondering if some demon has gained influence over them. Despite what culture might teach, the believer who lives in righteousness before the Lord doesn’t need to be afraid of people. 

What can demons of darkness do to the one who walks in the light? What can mortal man do to the one who has gained the favor of Eternity Himself? 

When you live righteously, demons can’t deceive you and people can’t pressure you. Devils can’t handle you, and culture can’t cancel you.

When you live righteously, free of guilt, you can go before God in bold confidence.

21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. (1 John 3:21-22, NLT)

When you stand righteously, you stand boldly before God. When you stand boldly before God, you live confidently before everyone and everything else.

Truly, the believer has only one concern: obedience toward God. Righteous living liberates the believer from all ungodly fear. So if there is any sin in your life, take this as a sign from God. Repent before the Lord of all sin, and allow the Holy Spirit to make you holy. All believers can be truly free from the immorality, the ungodliness of cowardice.

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What is Speaking in Tongues?

What is speaking in tongues? What is actually happening when you’re exercising this powerful gift? Why does it strengthen your spirit so effectively?

As a believer, you have a deep connection with God.

10But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, NLT)

On a 24/7 basis, whether you’re aware of it or not, your spirit is fellowshipping with God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, Who knows God perfectly, communicates with your spirit.

Now consider these three realities:

#1 The Holy Spirit prays for you

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. (Romans 8:26, NLT)

That verse is not directly referencing the gift of speaking in tongues, but it is connected.

#2 Your Spirit is one with the Holy Spirit

But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. (1 Corinthians 6:17, NLT)

Your spirit is one with the Holy Spirit. So whatever He prays, your spirit prays.

#3 When you pray in tongues, your spirit is praying.

For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying. (1 Corinthians 14:14, NLT)

So if my spirit prays what the Holy Spirit prays, and if my spirit prays when I speak in tongues, then that means that when I pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit is praying for me, through me. The surrendered syllables and sounds that are released when I pray in tongues carry upon them the Holy Spirit’s very own intentions and meanings.

When you pray in tongues, you declare aloud in the natural realm that which the Holy Spirit groans in the spiritual realm. When you pray in tongues, you pray perfect prayers, crafted by the Holy Spirit. You pray with His power, according to His will, surrendered to His leading.

The Holy Spirit wants to pray aloud for you, and when you pray in tongues, you give Him that voice.

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Watchmen on the Wall

In the Bible, watchmen were individuals who were assigned to watch over a city or a military base. Usually, watchmen would be posted on a high wall or tower, so that they could see the enemy coming from long distances. The watchman’s primary assignment was preventing surprise attacks from surrounding enemies. Were the enemy to attack, the watchmen would sound the alarm.

Biblically speaking, you are a watchman on the wall. 

Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths.’ (Ezekiel 33:4-6, NLT)

As spiritual watchmen, you and I have been assigned to preventing attacks of the enemy. We sound the alarm by proclaiming the gospel message, and the need is urgent. 

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1, KJV)

We are the watchmen of the night, the spiritual light in darkness. Though each man and woman is held personally accountable by God, you and I have the responsibility to preach the gospel to them.

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16, KJV)

Don’t abandon your post. Don’t neglect your assignment. Don’t allow the enemy to take the city. Sound the alarm. There is a very real threat out there, and we must lovingly warn all. Be a watchman over your home, over your community, over your school, over your workplace. God holds us each responsible for our assignments.

This is a spiritual battle for souls. Take your position, stand strong, and preach the gospel. The hour is late, and time is running out.

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Remnant Rising

Let he who has eyes to see, see. Let he who has ears to hear, hear. In this hour, God is cleansing His house. 

For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? (1 Peter 4:17)

A distinct line is being drawn. While many are conforming to culture, others are standing strong for what is true. A remnant is rising.

24 Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. 26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. 27 “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ (Matthew 13:24-27)

Indeed, from where did all the weeds come? From where have deception and division come? From where have demonic doctrines come? The enemy has attempted to sow these things in the Church. There are those who look like us, talk like us, and pretend to believe the Word of God like us. But we can rejoice and rest in the fact that God himself will take care of it:

28 “‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. “‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked. 29 “‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” (Matthew 13:28-29)

Ultimately, it’s God Who will judge, God Who will separate the wheat from the weeds. We need to only wait and see. And while the final judgment comes at the end of all things, there are certainly seasons - even now - when God will clean house. 

What we’re seeing today is a separating, a revealing of truth. Truly, God is cleansing His Church. It is being revealed who truly believes the authority of the Word over the opinions of the world. It is being revealed who esteems Christ over culture. Take note. Sadly, many of the churches bowing to the systems of the world today could very well be the ones bowing to the system of the anti-Christ when it has fully come. 

For now, we just watch God do what He does. Who bows to culture? Who participates with the world’s systems at the cost of obedience to God’s Word? Who softens the message? Who winks at sin? God will bring separation.

This prophetic message is both a warning and an encouragement. Get ready. God is cleansing His house.

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Can Every Believer Pray in Tongues?

Can every believer pray in tongues? What does the Bible actually teach on this topic? To answer this question, let’s first look at the portion of Scripture that seems to indicate that not all believers can pray in tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:29-30, KJV)

At first glance, that verse seems to indicate that the gift of speaking in tongues is not for every Christian. Paul’s line of rhetorical questioning communicates a clear message, right? Well, as with all Scripture, context and study are key. 

Consider these points:

Firstly, Paul lists several other gifts in that key selection of Scripture. Are all teachers? No. But the Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 3:15 that all believers should be ready to teach about their faith. So there’s a clear difference between having the gift of teaching and just being able to teach. Are all workers of miracles? No. But there’s a difference between the gift of miracles and experiencing miracles in one’s own life. Do all have the gift of healing? No. But the Bible teaches us in Mark 16:18 that all believers will be able to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. So there’s a difference between the gift of healing and a believer being able to lay hands on the sick and believe for a healing. The same reasoning would apply to the gift of the evangelist. Not every believer is an Ephesians 4:11 evangelist, but every believer should evangelize. 

So is the Bible contradicting itself? By no means. It’s clear that there’s a difference between a gift, which is a public and focused area of Spirit-enabled grace, and an everyday act of faith. Likewise, there’s a difference between the personal prayer language of the believer and the gift of tongues used in public Church settings (Along with the gift of tongues interpretation.) 

If the verses in 1 Corinthians 12 actually taught that the gift of tongues is not for every believer, then the same verses would also have to mean that not every believer can believe God for miracles, believe God for healing, or, if we applied the same logic to Ephesians 4:11, that not every believer can evangelize. 

The second point to consider about 1 Corinthians 12:29 & 30 is simpler. Note that it asks, “Do all speak with tongues?”, not “Can all speak with tongues?”

So can all believers pray in tongues? Here’s what Paul says:

I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:5, NLT)

Why would Paul the Apostle wish for something that was contrary to God’s will? And, if that wasn’t the will of God, why would the Holy Spirit allow that wish to be permanently recorded in the inerrant Word of God?

In Acts 2:4, the Holy Spirit didn’t discriminate. All spoke in tongues.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4, KJV)

And Peter clearly taught that all believers could do the same.

This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:39, NLT)

What promise? What is for all who have been called?

And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. (Acts 2:33, NLT)

That promise, for all who have been called, was both seen and heard. What was seen and heard? They saw them receive the Holy Spirit. They heard them speaking in tongues.

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For the Sake of Souls

While the world calls our attention to various causes and reforms, there remains a cause which is most important to the Father - that is the cause of souls. The cause of souls is different than any other cause in that it impacts eternity. 

For over 18 years, this ministry has remained steadfastly focused on winning souls. We win souls and build believers through events and media. Our ministry spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit through teachings, sermons, videos of God’s power in action, podcasts, blogs, worship productions, an online Bible training program (The Holy Spirit School), and international events. Millions watch the content. Thousands have been saved, healed, and filled with the Holy Spirit. And hundreds of Christian leaders are being trained and raised for ministry.

In this hour, the Holy Spirit is on the move. This thriving, growing, effective ministry is His doing. And He’s just getting started. This is only the beginning. 

The future is bright. The harvest is ready. So I invite you to join this important cause. If you’ve looked around the world in frustration, if you’ve wondered if anything can be done to push back against the darkness, if you’ve longed to be a part of something that’s making a real difference in this world, then here’s something you can do, right here and right now, to make a real difference for the Kingdom of God. 

For the sake of God’s glory…

For the sake of humanity…

For the sake of a generation…

For the sake of souls…

Right now, I want to present to you both a challenge and an opportunity to be a part of something that can truly change the world. 

As we approach the close of 2020, I am inviting you to invest your year-end donation into this evangelistic healing ministry. We’re focused, effective, and, most importantly, obedient to the Holy Spirit. Make a contribution yourself or from your business or organization. 

Make a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter by Clicking Here

You can give from anywhere in the world, with almost any currency. Our donor system will even accommodate gifts made of cryptocurrency and stocks.

Though I believe that God will bless the giver, remember that we don’t give to get. We give because we love the Lord and because we believe in the cause of souls. Join hands with thousands of other supporters from around the world. Together we can do more than we could ever do alone.

Click Here to give a one-time gift

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Partner with this growing, effective ministry today. Together, let’s win souls. Thank you for your support. I don’t take it for granted. May God bless you, and remember, nothing is impossible with God.

- David Diga Hernandez

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