Month: July 2026

Give Yourself

This past week I had the opportunity to hike in the backcountry in the mountains for the first time this year. Hiking is a reflection opportunity for me and at one point in redirecting my wandering mind to His presence and purpose I was drawn to what Paul wrote to Timothy.

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Timothy 4:14–15 (NKJV)

6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)

 While these words were written to Timothy, something else Paul wrote tells me it applies to our lives as well, in this case it is the correction of the direction of thinking and instruction or training in righteousness, right thinking lead to right actions.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

Paul obviously thought that Timothy walking in his gifts and calling was important because he addressed it in both of these short letters to Timothy. Equally important to the growth of His body is us walking in our gifts and callings. Obviously, we first need to know what gifting we carry, then we need to heed Paul’s injunction to Timothy. I am focusing on the latter.

In 1 Timothy Paul highlighted three things we can summarize as follows regarding our gift.

  • Pay attention to what we have been given.
  • Meditate, reflect deeply on the use of the gifts we carry.
  • Gives ourselves fully to seeing the gift(s) exercised.

Then in 2 Timothy Paul directed Timothy to ‘stir up’ his gift. Let’s address that aspect. The ESV translates the phrase as ‘fan into flame.’ I don’t know about you, but I like a wood fire, and we have a wood fireplace in our home. In the winter when the fire begins to die down a poker, appropriately named, can be used to poke the coals and look for ones that are still red hot even if the fire is dying. More wood can then be added and a bellows used to direct air onto the hot coals until the added wood bursts into flame. This is what Paul was communicating to Timothy and by extension us. He said a similar thing to Archippus, highlighting the need to pay attention to his calling.

17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 (NKJV)

When I was a child the Doris Day show was popular. If you have never heard of it don’t worry. The show began with Doris singing a song, ‘que sera sera whatever will be will be.’ It is expressed in first Spanish then English. It was very popular; however, it reflects not faith but fatalism. It is akin to the idea, “If God wants me to do X He will make it happen.” That is not what scripture teaches. Paul is telling us that to fulfill our calling and purpose we need to pay attention, focus on it and develop it.

Now to the practical part, some reflective questions.

  • Do you spend time reflecting on and developing the gifts He has given you?
  • Can you envision yourself doing what He has called you to do?
  • Are you taking practical steps to use your gifts to build up the body?

What will be is what we partner with Him to accomplish. Let’s seek to reflect on and be faithful with what He has called us to.

In closing a song from Brian Doerksen who stepped from time into eternity earlier this week. His music touched generations for decades and this song seems appropriate to our calling to partner with Jesus in stewarding well what He has given to us.

Light The Fire Again | Brian Doerksen feat. Marika Siewert | Live Performance

A Threefold Cord

The heading of course comes from Ecclesiastes.

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV)

We will look at the implications and importance of a New Testament threefold cord in this hour, but first some context. To paraphrase Amos, I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet (Amos 7:14). However, I can discern the signs of the times. Historically revivals and awakenings have been preceded by very spiritually dry and dark times. We have been in such a season for some time. We have also had many people prophesying a major move of the Spirit for literally decades now. Are we heading into one? There have been encouraging signs, the Asbury revival/move of the Spirit in recent years being one. I don’t know if a move of the Spirit is imminent, I pray it is, however whether it happens in six months or six years our responsibility is to be ready. That I know. If we want to succeed in passing a the final test in a course we don’t open the textbook for the first time the night before the final exam. So, let’s look at an aspect of preparing for a move of the Spirit.

 A regular part of my prayer life is a prayer for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge, a threefold cord. Let me explain the source and why it is likely important for you as well. Paul presented it this way.

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV)

You may have noticed my pairing of wisdom, understanding and knowledge with the apostolic, prophetic and teaching gifts. Whether or not we believe in these offices for the contemporary church, my prayer is for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge because of how Paul prioritizes them.

 When it comes to the pairing of wisdom, understanding and knowledge, we see it in two places in Proverbs.

19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3:19–20 (NKJV)

3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3–4 (NKJV)

Wisdom is foundational to building, think of the church as His building, not ours. Understanding is necessary to further establish the church, a business undertaking or a marriage/family and knowledge is required to flesh out and sustain an undertaking, again whether it is the church (His people not a building), a business venture or a marriage. Note, these are illustrative not exhaustive and in referencing the need for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge I am primarily thinking of the church but to use another example, they are equally required for good government.

Let’s break the three down further. I have often said that wisdom is applied knowledge without including understanding. Understanding is comprehending the meaning of knowledge or information. Let’s use a practical illustration. Imagine standing in the middle of an intersection. A large truck is heading straight toward you. Knowledge is knowing or being aware that the truck is coming. Understanding is recognizing the implication, ‘if I don’t move, I will be run over.’ Wisdom, our applied knowledge, is moving.

Now let us use some wisdom and apply this to the church in terms of a move of the Spirit. The term waves or moves of the Spirit has often been used so we will use the wave analogy. If I discern and know that we are in a place of dryness, and have been for some time then I need to consider what that means. From the perspective of teaching, there is a need to recognize that this wave is going to have an impact. Our understanding points us to where the wave is heading to prophetically announce and declare it. Apostolic wisdom would be going to the place where the wave will arrive and gathering the body to meet it.  

If we take this further, imagine the wave has arrived and much is taking place. Teaching knowledge would tell us that things have shifted in the spirit realm and will impact the church. Prophetic understanding would lead us to recognize the need to respond appropriately and apostolic wisdom would be both teaching and directing teachers what to teach and when.

These are some simple examples, and because I believe there is something coming, I want to exercise wisdom and seek His heart for what to study in this season of preparation. Thus, I will continue to pray for apostolic wisdom, prophetic understanding and teaching knowledge as I seek to find my place in what He is doing today. Please join me!

A closing interjection, while we may pray for a move of the Spirit, church history tells us that they are messy, often opposed by the established church and require significant adjustments on our part to follow His leading. Are we ready?

An Indwelling Christ?

Raise your hand if your life feels busy. As a retiree I find it a truism that it is hard to book time with a retired person because they are too busy! We are enculturated to do, not so much to be. In writing this I thought of a line from an old song, ‘Looking for love in all the wrong places.’ In my mind I refocused it to ‘looking for life in all the wrong places.’ Jesus said that for us He is the way, truth and life (John 14:6). Thus, we need to know how to encounter the life that He offers.

This leads me to wonder how aware are we of an indwelling Jesus. In our busy lives we need to experience Him as our source of peace because as Christians we are all called into an ongoing relationship with an indwelling Jesus. This is expressed in a number of places in scripture, some of which I have included below. We start with Ephesians 3.  

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Ephesians 3:14–20 (NKJV)

Here Paul expresses his desire for the believers in Ephesus. He wants them to;

  • be strengthened in their inner being,
  • experience Christ dwelling in their hearts through their faith in this reality, and
  • be rooted and grounded in love that they may know the fullness of His love.

This desire is also expressed by Paul in 2 Corinthians.  

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV)

Included in 2 Corinthians is more of the how. Internal transformation and a deepened relationship come about through intentionally beholding Him because we encounter “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Practically if we put Ephesians 3 together with 2 Corinthians 3 and 4, we start by praying along with Paul that we would be strengthened in our inner being, then by faith we spend time just focusing the gaze of our heart upon Him. One way we can do this is through time alone in His presence. In the gospels Jesus demonstrated a habit of getting alone to seek His Father’s face. We can also train our hearts to behold Him as we go about our daily activities. Whether that is commuting, having a cup of tea or coffee or sitting in a meeting at work, a portion of our attention can be attuned to His presence. This may just be a subtle awareness but it is something we can train our heart to do if we have faith in what the scriptures say about His indwelling.  

Is this easy? Not in my experience. Is it doable and fruitful? Yes, in my experience. I have succeeded at it to varying degrees over the years and am highlighting it again here because I think we are in a season where we need to better know both His heart and His voice. After all, Jesus is waiting for us to avail ourselves of His indwelling presence and purpose.

A song that expresses our desire to know an indwelling Christ is Eagles Wings by Hillsong. Enter into it.

Bing Videos

How’s Your Heart?

I have written about our hearts on more than one occasion, but due to the importance of the subject it is worth revisiting. After all, according to Paul it is the organ of faith.

10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10 (NKJV)

Paul also noted that our faith is activated by hearing.

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Thus, what we hear affects our beliefs. Paul isn’t expressing a formula here; he is echoing what Jesus taught. After all, not everyone who heard Paul preach and teach responded with faith. However, his sharing of the gospel opened the door to an expression of faith. The importance of the heart in this process is why Solomon wrote the following.

23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

Due to its importance in our lives we are all called to guard our hearts. The Hebrew word translated as ‘keep’ in the NKJV is translated as ‘watch’ or ‘guard’ in other versions. All three options carry the idea of being alert and paying attention to the condition of our hearts. Jesus pointed to our heart as our ‘vault of values’ our capacity to treasure things, either things of this life or the things of the Spirit.

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)

Which now leads us to the parable of the sower. It is found in Matthew 14, Mark 4 and Luke 8. In Mark 4:13 Jesus in essence said understanding the principle of sowing and reaping was foundational to understanding His other parables. Now we have the parable both given and explained by Jesus so there is no mystery. The seed is God’s word and the soil is the condition of our heart. Luke recorded it this way.

15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

Our fruit bearing capacity is tied to the exercise of patience and having a ‘noble and good heart.’

The obvious need is to understand what having a noble and good heart entails. If we look at how people responded to Jesus, we see Nicodemus coming with questions in John 3. He came with honest questions, a noble and good heart. In John 12 we see Mary coming and anointing Jesus with precious perfume and wiping His feet with her hair, a noble and good heart. In Luke 19 we see Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, repenting of his sins in response to Jesus, a noble and good heart. The commonality among the three stories is a willingness to lay down their agendas and ideas and submit to Jesus’ presence.  

For more specific instructions on how to develop and maintain a noble and good heart we have clear instructions in Proverbs 4.

24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:24–27 (NKJV)

Solomon tells us to walk in integrity, speak the truth, keep focused on the right things and pay attention to the general direction of our life and avoid evil. Given that, how’s your heart?