Persecution, pain and sacrifice. The words just sit in your mouth like a stone. They conjure neither happy thoughts nor hope, though they were the vehicle for our greatest hope, joy and peace. They are also the key to unprecedented revival. Today in our society, looking out for someone other than yourself is almost taboo,…
When it comes to expectations, there is often a thin line between genuine fulfillment and intense frustration. Full of passion and power, expectations inform our approach to every area of life, including relationships, church, politics and our own personal development. They can propel us toward great joy—or into great devastation. The difference-maker isn’t whether or…
“What do you do when you believe even God has abandoned you?” I looked into the face of the man who asked me that question. Tears were running down his cheeks, and his eyes were filled with anguish and shame. His question shattered my heart. It is a myth that being in ministry means you…
Proverbs 24:5 says, “A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.” Knowledge is power. This aphorism is true in nearly every area of life, but it is life-altering when it comes to the things of the Spirit. Knowledge of the Holy Spirit is the believer’s greatest power. It is one thing…
This past week at the Dream City Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, I heard a compelling message titled “There’s a Freak in Your Future” from a friend of many decades, Denny Duron. I found myself crying, jumping to my feet and shouting throughout the powerful sermon, but one phrase has been echoing in my spirit since…
There are many things that don’t last that are nonetheless incredibly important. Take showering, for example. Showers don’t last permanently. We shower, we sweat, we stink and we repeat. It is what it is. The effects of a shower don’t last forever, but showers are still necessary, especially if we are going to be around…
What does it look like to save the lost? Is it evangelism, bringing the life of our risen Savior to those still dead in their sins? Or is it discipleship, teaching rescued souls how to live abundant lives, walk in joy, grow deep roots and be eyewitnesses filled with the power of Holy Spirit to…
Are you a dangerous believer? When I meet people while traveling (which is nearly 45 weeks a year) they will ask me, “What do you do?” I almost always answer, “I create danger.” That is not an answer most people expect so then they ask, “What does that mean?” I say, “I motivate followers of…
When I am tired and hungry, I want a Snickers candy bar for emotional comfort and a Five-hour energy drink to keep me going. Snickers is right: “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” They built an entire marketing strategy around that tagline, and it was incredibly successful, in great part because of its relatability. When…
The Roaring 2020s in the life of believers will be marked by breakthroughs and brokenness before God. This is not a good news/bad news scenario. The outcome of both our miraculous breakthroughs and our painful brokenness will be the same: the voice of the Holy Spirit roaring through mighty men and women of faith who…