In this case, the actual presence of the Spirit of God upon Jesus stirred up a hunger for God in the people. That hunger brought a change in their attitudes without their being told it should change.
God never allows a storm without first providing the tools to calm the storm.
God has chosen to veil Himself in just the right measure so that our wills and intellects could be shaped by our allegiance to Him. He is there for anyone humble enough to recognize his or her personal need. He is also subtle enough to be ignored by those who are filled with themselves.
Once, while teaching a group of students about the importance of signs and wonders in the ministry of the gospel, a young man spoke up, saying, “I’ll pursue signs and wonders when I know I have more of the character of Christ in me.” As good as that may sound, it comes from a religious mind-set, not a heart that is abandoned to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
No one who discovers who God has made him or her to be would want to be anyone else.
When my need to appear right is greater than my desire to display God’s love, I will inevitably treat people with judgment, disrespect and harshness.
I have purposed to try to live in such a way that nothing ever gets bigger than my consciousness of God’s presence.
God’s job is to get me to Heaven. My job is not to go to Heaven; my job is to bring Heaven to earth through my prayers and obedience.
To say that we have the power to heal someone is inaccurate, but to say that we do not have the power to heal someone is equally inaccurate. We cannot heal anyone, but Christ in us can. We cannot set anyone free, but Christ in us can. We cannot save anyone from his or her sins, but Christ in us can.
When I feel fear, I know that the enemy is present, trying to keep me from stepping into my destiny in that moment.
Creativity is normal for any believer who is not influenced by anxiety.
As we give ourselves to serving our city for the sake of the city – not for the sake of our ministry, our church attendance or even the church attendance across the city – we find greater open doors of influence.
Heaven is filled with absolute, perfect, confidence in God. This world is filled with absolute mistrust. And you and I will always reflect the nature of the world we are most aware of.
There is no question that spending time with God changes our desires. We always become like the one we worship. But it’s not because we’ve been programmed to wish for the things He wants us to wish for; it’s because in friendship we discover the things that please Him – the secret things of His heart. It is the instinct of the true believer to search for and find, that which brings pleasure to the Father.
Many make the mistake of trying to grow their faith through striving and self-determination. This always leads to disappointment and frustration. It can also lead to presumption, which is counterfeit faith – and devastating. Use the measure of faith you have to discover Him for the sake of knowing Him. Increased faith is the result.
Show me how to carry Your Presence boldly, not trying to reduce Your truth in fear of offending people.
When the Church discovers who she is, she no longer wants to be rescued. There’s a big difference between being rescued from the big bad devil and being taken up for a wedding. And only one is acceptable for a believing believer.
If you want to kill giants, hang around a giant killer. It rubs off.
Rule with the heart of a servant, and serve with the heart of a king. This is how Jesus used His authority.
I read the last chapter and we win.
Keep in mind that if you do not give up the right to understand, you will not receive the peace that passes understanding.