What kind of person are you?

 "to the one who overcomes, to him will I give ..." (Rev.2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:26; 3:5; 3:12; 3:21)

How often do you provide God the opportunity to share His Heart and Mind with you?

Psalms 139:17-18 NLT

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 

I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! 

And when I wake up, you are still with me!”

Whose power... whose weakness?

My power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

A Desperate Heart and Rest?

"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." 2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB1995 

The story of David at the beginning. He ran for his life after his wife warned him her dad, King Saul wanted to kill him. He did some crazy things and ended up in a cave by himself. See Psalm 57:1-4 attributed to David in the cave.

A desperate heart is a heart that God will reveal Himself to. "You will find me when you search for me with all your heart".Jeremiah 29:13

Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Colossians 3:15 — "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

In the presence of the Lord, there is peace. 

John 14:27 CEV "I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid."

 Phil. 4:7 CEV "Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel."

ERV  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Who is the Holy Spirit? 

John 14:15-27. “If you love me, keep my commands. 16. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, 17. the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 

23. Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

26. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind[e] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

the space you occupy

Right now "where" you're at.

Can you be led without following?

The question "Can you be led without following?" is a deeply spiritual one that touches on the essence of the Christian walk. The following Bible verses all point to the importance of a personal, active relationship with God through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Let's start with the foundational truth found in Proverbs 3:5-6:

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Recognize Him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight."

Trusting in the Lord is not a passive act; it's an active commitment that requires us to lean on His wisdom and guidance.

Jesus says in John 10:27-28:

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish."

He describes His followers as sheep who listen to His voice and follow Him. The act of listening implies a relationship; the sheep know their shepherd's voice because they have spent time with Him. Following is the natural outcome of listening; it's an action that demonstrates trust and obedience.

Notice the phrase "I know them." This is not just about us knowing God; it's about God knowing us. Listening implies a close relationship, and following is the natural outcome of listening. Trust and obedience are intertwined.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:14-16:

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."

Paul speaks about being led by the Spirit of God. Being led implies a willingness to follow. The Spirit doesn't force or coerce; He leads. The text also emphasizes the relational aspect of this leading: we are children of God, and the Spirit testifies to our spirit about this relationship. This is a profound form of guidance that goes beyond mere rule-following; it's a relationship that brings about "adoption to sonship." Being led by the Spirit is the ultimate form of trusting God. It's a relationship that goes beyond mere rule-following; it's an adoption into God's family.

Jesus warns in Luke 6:46-49:

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? [...] The one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation."

Jesus warns about the danger of calling Him "Lord" without putting His words into practice. The act of listening to Jesus' teachings is not enough; one must also act on them. This is akin to following after being led. The foundation of the house is a metaphor for a life built on the teachings of Jesus, which can only happen if one follows Him.

And in Matthew 7:22-23:

"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

Being known by God is the essence of true faith. It’s a sobering reminder that religious activities like prophesying and performing miracles are not substitutes for a personal relationship with Jesus. The key phrase here is "I never knew you," emphasizing the relational aspect that is missing.

Tying It All Together

Being led by God is an active, relational experience that requires our trust, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6. It's about walking in sync with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, and made possible by the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. Trusting God fully is the key to being effectively led by Him. Biblical Faith can be defined simply by the concept of a Father and Child relationship, where His initiative of guidance, provision, and care is met with our response of trust and obedience.

So, can you be led without following? The biblical answer is a resounding "No." To be led by God, we must actively trust Him and follow His guidance, leaning not on our own understanding but on His infinite wisdom. And in this journey of trust and obedience, we find the joy of not just knowing God, but being known by Him.

This relationship is not passive; it requires active listening, following, and obedience. It's not enough to merely be aware of God's leading or to acknowledge Him as Lord; one must also follow through with action.

This is the essence of what it means to be "led by the Spirit."

Jeremiah 7:23 (ESV) “But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.”

The Believer's Need for Continuous Engagement with God's Presence

"the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."   2 Chronicles 16:9

Here are some relevant Bible verses about a believer's need to continuously engage with God's presence:

• "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) This verse encourages believers to cultivate an ongoing attitude and practice of prayer, speaking to and connecting with God throughout the day.
• "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4) Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate the need for believers to remain closely connected to him in a constant, intimate relationship.
• "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8) As believers purposely seek closeness with God, He promises to reciprocate and meet them. An ongoing engagement with His presence is pictured.
• "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7) Relying on God's presence empowers believers to overcome sinful habits and live righteously.
• "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) An ongoing step-by-step spiritual walk with the Holy Spirit enables believers to defeat sinful desires and behavior patterns.

The connection between these verses is that they all point to the importance of a believer's continuous, close connection to God through spiritual practices like prayer, obedience, and moment-by-moment reliance on the Holy Spirit's presence and power. Engaging with God is not meant to be a sporadic or peripheral part of the Christian life but an ever-present reality.

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of constant, intimate communion with You. Help me to pray to You unceasingly, conversing with You all throughout my day. I want to abide in Your presence like a branch attached to the vine, bearing spiritual fruit only through my deep connection to You. I draw near to You now, believing You will meet me here. Empower me by Your Spirit to overcome sinful habits and walk closely with You, step by step, in loving obedience. Transform me increasingly into the image of Jesus as I remain engaged with Your presence continuously. To the praise and glory of Your amazing grace. In Jesus' name, Amen." rb

Before they entered the promised land?

Israel "circled" around in the wilderness.

Knowing God's Strategic Will begins with understanding "The Gospel" message.

The Gospel, meaning "good news," lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It encompasses the profound truths of salvation, the lordship of Jesus Christ, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.  Here are some key aspects of the Gospel, and the supporting Scriptures that highlight their significance.

I. Salvation: The Gift of God's Grace 

The foundation of the Gospel is salvation, a remarkable gift made possible through Jesus the Christ and His accomplished work on the cross. The concept of salvation is a personal experience, looking at the significance of repentance and faith. Scriptures such as Acts 4:12 and Ephesians 2:8-9 underscore the exclusive role of Jesus as Savior and the undeserved nature of God's grace.

II. Lordship: Surrendering to Jesus Christ 

The Gospel extends beyond salvation to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Recognizing Jesus as Lord requires surrendering our will to His and allowing Him to rule over every aspect of our lives. This vital relationship between Jesus as Savior and Lord is seen in scriptures like Acts 3:19 and Romans 10:9 which highlight the call to repentance and confession of faith.

III. Transformation: A New Creation in Christ 

Central to the Gospel is the transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This transformative work results in believers becoming new creations in Christ, experiencing a renewing of the mind and heart. Passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 12:2, emphasize the ongoing process of conforming to Christ's likeness and living according to God's will.

IV. Grace and Forgiveness: The Depths of God's Love 

Within the Gospel, we encounter the boundless grace and forgiveness offered by God. Examining Scriptures such as Ephesians 1:7 and Titus 2:11, we dive into the immeasurable depths of God's love, understanding that forgiveness and redemption are available to all who embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior.

V. The Great Commission: Sharing the Good News 

The Gospel compels believers to share its transformative message with others. The significance of the Great Commission, as conveyed in Matthew 28:19-20, emphasizes the responsibility to make disciples of all nations. It underscores the role of every believer in spreading the Good News and inviting others into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: The Gospel encompasses the profound truths of Salvation, Lordship, Transformation, Grace, and the Commission. Through the gift of salvation, we are reconciled with God, experiencing His unmerited grace and forgiveness. Embracing Jesus as our Lord enables a radical reorientation of our lives, surrendering to His authority. The transformative work of the Holy Spirit shapes us into new creations, aligning our thoughts and actions with God's will. Understanding and receiving God's grace empowers us to live in freedom and extend His love to others. These "Strategic Truths" apply to all who are "Born Again" of the Spirit.

"Peace" is an indication of "God's presence" in a believer's life.

The Bible often associates peace with the presence of God.  Peace is considered a fruit or result of God's presence in a believer's life. Here are some relevant passages to consider:

• Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
• John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
• Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

While these passages suggest a connection between peace and God's presence, it's important to note that the Bible also acknowledges that believers may experience trials, tribulations, and periods of unrest. Peace in the biblical context doesn't necessarily mean the absence of conflict but rather an inner tranquility and trust in God despite external circumstances.

A sign of our times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuQyxXfqwiM

Do not let yourself be decieve!

The Bible, especially the New Testament, contains verses that communicate the idea of "Do not let yourself be deceived."

Here are some key passages:

• Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV): "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.'"

• Mark 13:5-6 (NIV): "Jesus said to them: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many.'"

• Luke 21:8 (NIV): "He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.'"

• 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV): "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

• Ephesians 5:6 (NIV): "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient."

• 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NIV): "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction."

• 1 John 3:7 (NIV): "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous."

These verses serve as a reminder to remain vigilant and discerning to avoid being deceived by false teachings or individuals claiming to be the Messiah.

When I think about deception, I also think about being distracted from the truth. There are ways that I can let myself be distracted so that I do not pay attention to the truth?

Some common distractions include:

• Personal biases: We all have our own biases and preconceived notions that can prevent us from seeing the truth objectively. It's important to recognize these biases and challenge them to avoid being misled.

• Emotional reactions: Emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment and distract us from the truth. Practicing emotional regulation and self-awareness can help in making more objective decisions and recognizing the truth.

• Peer pressure: The opinions and beliefs of those around us can greatly influence our own thoughts and actions. It's crucial to think critically and independently, even when faced with peer pressure, to avoid being swayed from the truth.

• Sensationalism and misinformation: With the prevalence of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it's easy to be inundated with sensationalized headlines and misinformation. Always verify the sources of your information and question the credibility of the news before accepting it as the truth.

• Busyness and overstimulation: Our modern lives can be filled with distractions, from work to social media, which can prevent us from focusing on the truth. It's important to make time for reflection, meditation, or prayer to stay connected with the truth.

• Materialism and worldly desires: Pursuing material wealth and worldly success can distract us from the truth and lead us away from our core values. Maintaining a balance between personal, spiritual, and material growth can help keep us grounded in the truth.

• Ignorance and lack of education: A lack of knowledge or understanding can prevent us from recognizing the truth. Continuous learning and seeking knowledge can help us stay informed and make better decisions.

• To avoid being distracted from the truth, it's essential to develop self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and a willingness to challenge your own beliefs. Stay informed and seek knowledge from reliable sources, and make time for self-reflection and spiritual growth.

When we are considering the truth as found in the Bible, there are specific ways you can avoid distractions and stay focused on the biblical teachings:

• Regular Bible study: Engage in consistent Bible reading and study to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures. This will help you stay focused on biblical truth and prevent distractions from other sources.
• Prayer and meditation: Regularly praying and meditating on the teachings of the Bible will help you maintain a strong connection with God and keep your focus on His truth.
• Fellowship: Surround yourself with fellow believers who share your commitment to the truth found in the Bible. This supportive community will help you stay focused and strengthen your faith.
• Discernment: Develop your discernment skills to differentiate between biblical teachings and distractions that may lead you away from the truth. This includes examining your own biases, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and consulting with trusted spiritual mentors.
• Prioritize spiritual growth: Ensure that your spiritual growth remains a priority in your life. This may involve setting aside time for personal devotion, attending church services, or participating in Bible study groups.
• Guard against worldly distractions: Be aware of the potential distractions that can lead you away from biblical truth, such as materialism, secular entertainment, or unhealthy relationships. Make conscious choices that align with your commitment to the truth found in the Bible.
• Share your faith: By sharing your faith and biblical knowledge with others, you reinforce your understanding of the truth and create opportunities for growth and learning.

By focusing on these practices, you can strengthen your connection with the biblical truth and avoid distractions that might lead you astray.