“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) “Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.” (MSG)   Real wisdom does not begin with experience, but with a holy life. To be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit; impartial and sincere — that is the origin of wisdom that comes from above. Without these elements of character, great…

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11   The baptism of repentance is the first great qualifying step. It was not the ministry of Jesus, but the ministry of John. The baptism that Jesus brings is a baptism in the Holy Spirit and a baptism in fire. Only those willing to be immersed in the spirit and the fire are able to follow him. He accepts and loves all who would come to him – but to follow him…

The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep … therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. (John 10:2, 7-9)   My children understand that Jesus is the shepherd, but they have forgotten that he is also the gate. The gate is the one entrance that the sheep go through each day, moving from the safety of the sheep pen to the dangers of the…

“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3)   Every person who truly follows me begins this journey by means of the spirit, but so many try to complete the journey by means of the flesh. This is not speaking of the sinful flesh but of the willful flesh: when a person tries to complete my calling in his own strength and resources. This, more than anything else, is what has caused my church to become ineffectual and without influence in the world. The sin of the flesh is not the problem today, it…

“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you; he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7-8)   Your faith is not measured by your certainty, nor is it measured by your feelings; it is only evident in the life of the one who is determined to ask. When you cry out, you are not begging nor are you convincing or commanding … you are obeying. You have not because you ask not. This…

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,” (Hebrews 1:1-3)   In the past I spoke to people about what they should do in order to please me, but in these last days, I speak through my Son about who I am that you might know me. I want all people to see me more clearly, for…

The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:7-8) Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. (MSG)   If you are determined to love deeply you cannot really fail in our walk together. You do not have to have every answer, nor do you have to impress the people around you, for…

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalms 94:18-19)   My unfailing love will always be your support, a solid rock underneath your feet and a secure path on which you can climb higher. I do not despise your anxiety when it comes, I bring consolation and joy. I want you to learn how to put your faith only in my love for you. When you put faith in anything else: your expectations based on what I might have done in the past, you can be shaken, but when you completely rest upon…

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)   When you number your days, you begin to appreciate the inestimable value of every day that I give you. That is where a heart of wisdom can be found. True wisdom is not simply an accumulation of knowledge, it is learning to treasure the simple things that are to be found in every day. There are many clever and talented people who lead foolish lives because they have not learned to number their days. This is the heart of wisdom and this is the secret of great contentment. Place a high value upon…

And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view! (Psalms 84:5-7 MSG)   Your life is ever becoming a road on which I choose to travel. The more that you yield your life to me, the more I will move within your life each day, touching every dwelling place that the road of your life passes. Never forget that your road is climbing ever upward, and one day it will reach its…