American commercials tell us that self-worth and happiness come from what we can obtain. Our culture teaches us what is contrary to the kingdom of God--that joy comes from abundant possessions rather than abundant giving.

This concept finds its way even into our churches. We are instructed to give so that we can get more. The operative words there are so that.

Those who feign cheerfulness but in reality rejoice only in the thought of their "hundredfold return" will eventually hoard their blessings. But if you stop giving, you will certainly dry up as a Christian, and your vessel will be empty.

The widow of Zarephath must surely have hesitated to give her last meal to Elijah when he requested it (see 1 Kin. 17:8-16). But having given it in faith, she experienced a miracle. The oil and flour she needed were not exhausted.

The widow's miracle of multiplication continued as long as she continued to pour. Likewise, the miracle of abundant life continues in our hearts as long as we continue to spiritually pour out into empty vessels.

Are you looking for what you can get out of life or what you can pour out in life? Become a Spirit-spilled Christian and pour out into the lives of others. read more

10:20AM EDT 8/3/2010

When we come in the name of the Lord--not in our own names--people who reject us are rejecting the peace of the kingdom. Our hearts should weep over this.

God extends to the world His hand of mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation through the cross of Jesus Christ. If people refuse His gift, eventually judgment and condemnation will come upon them (see Luke 10:16).

When we are sent by God, we become Christ's voice, hands and feet. We are His ambassadors, His representatives. This is why we must be filled with His praises, His peace, His wisdom and His strength.

Wherever you go, speak the very words of God. Speak as if God Himself were speaking through you. As you develop a deeply intimate relationship with the Lord, His Word will flow out from your relationship with Him to the world.

It's not just the words you speak that will turn people to the Lord. It will be the power of the Holy Spirit that flows from your innermost being through your words that will bring life to others. read more

3:48PM EDT 7/6/2010

There is a substantial difference between being filled with the Holy Spirit and not being filled. The apostle Peter went through a period of stumbling, defeat and insecurity. But Jesus had promised the disciples they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them, and they would be His witnesses.

Peter lived that experience in the upper room where it says: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:2-4, NKJV).

For three years, Peter walked with Jesus and saw the most glorious moments of the Lord's ministry. But when Peter had to make a stand for Christ, he refused to do so. In the upper room, when he received the fulfillment of Christ's promise, the fullness of the Holy Spirit enabled him to become a faithful witness.

We do not change because we witness miracles and wonders, nor do we change because we attend a beautiful worship service. Only an upper room experience can transform us--a personal experience with Christ through His Holy Spirit. read more

11:42AM EDT 7/26/2010

Some christians beleive being Spirit-Led applies to only one aspect of their lives. But God wants us to be guided by Him in all areas.

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One day shortly before the November 2000 presidential election, I came home from work and found my son listening to sound clips on his computer that had been posted on Rush Limbaugh's Web site. The clips were recordings of the voices of women who, previously unsure about their choice for president, had de-cided to vote for Al Gore. Their reason? He had kissed his wife publicly before giving his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention!

"It made my knees go weak," one woman commented. Another said she nearly swooned when she observed Gore's public display of affection. Several admitted that the kiss alone had caused them to become avid Gore supporters. read more

7:00PM EST 3/31/2001

NEVER RESIST THE CONVICTING FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; EMBRACE IT AND COOPERATE WITH GOD IN TRUE REPENTANCE AND GRATITUDE. HE IS PREPARING YOU FOR GREATER USEFULNESS IN HIS KINGDOM.

During a regular prayer meeting, held in our home with my husband and three evangelists, I was praying for lost souls in the city where we lived, when I first asked God to "show me my heart as You see it." I wanted my motives to be pure, as we were engaged in extensive evangelism.

Immediately the Holy Spirit answered me by giving me a revelation of my heart as it related to bringing correction to others. He showed me that to some of the men in the room I had pointed out some small areas that required correction in their lives while never having seen the need to apply the needed correction to my own life. read more

7:00PM EST 3/31/2005

God calls us to live in communion with him by continually acknowledging his presence within.

The heart of your life as a Christian is contained in God's words to Abraham, "Walk in My presence, and you will be perfect." God's presence calms your spirit, gives you restful sleep and quiets your mind. But you must give yourself completely to Him.

It does not take much time to love God, to renew yourself in His presence and to adore Him in the depths of your heart. The kingdom of God is within you, and nothing can disturb it. read more

7:00PM EST 11/30/2000