Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 It must have been quite an experience for the twelve disciples to have physically walked with Jesus in His earthly ministry. We would tend to think that having been with Him, there would be no doubt or unbelief. But we know that His disciples indeed did doubt that He was the Messiah. Thomas’ doubts were…
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.Romans 8:29,30 The Word of God is such a glorious and beautiful testimony of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Reading verses like these and others bring such encouragement…
And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. Exodus 30:25 How to anoint your home with oil. That was the article title on a well-known Word of Faith minister’s website. In this article, the author stated that believers are promised protection from calamity in life, based on Psalm 91 and the blood of Jesus. However, this protection is not instant and needs to be appropriated by…
For those who have spent time in the Charismatic movement, you may have heard someone use the label “having a religious spirit” or being a Pharisee. This is typically used with response to those who would question a leader’s beliefs or teachings or seemingly challenge the anointing on one’s life. I was recently listening to an online conversation between two individuals, one who calls himself an apostle to the nations and the other professing to be a prophet, which seems…
Years ago, I remember sitting in a local Starbucks across from a ministry leader, receiving tips and instructions on how to advance my ministry. This leader had offered to do this of his own volition, and prior to that meeting, I was excited yet not fully understanding what this conversation would entail. As we sat at that table, he began to explain the importance of consistent personal branding. He suggested that I offer paid e-courses on how to start a…
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 Recently, I was listening to a recorded conversation about deliverance ministry, and one of the individuals stated that she would not attend a church where deliverance was not performed on Christians because it was essentially a demon daycare. Another deliverance minister has stated that many pastors do not…
There is a saying when going from a bad situation to a worse one. It goes something like this: out of the frying pan and into the fire. I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to the issues surrounding modern deliverance ministry, but this is a growing issue in the charismatic and hyper charismatic movement. It is an issue worth addressing to help others. There is an appeal to personal experiences, regardless of if those experiences…
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and…
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 In the gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray, instructing them not to heap up empty repetitive…
The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be in until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel. Judges 4:7 When you hear someone say it is time for the Deborahs, Esthers, or Davids to arise, what emotion does this evoke in your thoughts? Truth be told, at one time or another, the thought of being the one to slay the giant or to receive the king’s scepter is appealing. The appearance of strength and power draws…