As unintuitive as it may sound, God loves waste. We’re not talking about just any kind of waste here. God loves it when people offer him wastefully extravagant acts of love and devotion. After all, God started the trend when He came and offered up Himself as an extravagant act of devotion on our behalf. God loves loving us extravagantly and He is most glorified when we respond in abandoned devotion to Him.

We have been studying the influence that one mercy-motivated intercessor can have upon the heart of God. In this, we looked at Abraham and then expanded our study to Moses. The Lord heard the intercession of Moses as he stood between divine judgment and Israel's sin, and he stayed in the place of intercession until God's Word concerning Israel came to pass. The cycle of Israel's sin and God's justice repeated itself time and again. In essence, it was always the same: Israel rebelled; God threatened destruction; Moses interceded; God forgave.

In this article, you will learn how to do the spiritual limbo. Like the popular party game, it’s all about seeing how low can you go? Instead of winning party favors, the spiritual version is all about winning favor with God. What you will need is a desire to experience more of God in your life and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make that happen. The path isn’t for the faint-of-heart. But, if you’re willing to make the journey, the reward can be exceptional.

Let me begin with a personal story to set some context for this discussion. In the 90’s, my career was taking off. I was writing for several technology magazines. I was producing television shows on technology. I was working with executives of many of the largest technology firms in the world.

Without fail, as long as we live in this world, pressures and heartaches will hunt the human soul, often springing upon us when we least expect them. Jesus, too, faced conflicts, but He did so from the perspective of one who lived in the fullness of God's Presence. For all He endured of spiritual warfare or frustration with His disciples or attacks from the Pharisees, His spirit always was full of life in abundance.

The desire to be acknowledged and appreciated by others is basic to human nature. Jesus Himself seemed somewhat troubled that, after healing ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17). Yet, while the need to be occasionally appreciated is not sin, it can become sin when we begin seeking recognition. We must determine that our service to mankind is guided by a higher, more focused obedience to God.

Here's the scene: You're in a battle with sickness, oppression or some similar need. However, you seek God and, in some way, the grace of God touches your life. Your victory may have come through a word or prayer or some other encouragement, but you absolutely know the Lord delivered you. Using the five smooth stones of divine grace, you defeated your Goliath.

What we define doctrinally as "salvation" is, in truth, the entrance, and then expansion, of Christ's Presence throughout our person. What we call salvation is, in truth, the beginning of God's glory in man. If you are a Christian, then Christ is in you; you are already in glory. You have been clothed with Christ, who is Himself the "radiance of [the Father's] glory" (Heb 1:3). The fact is, Satan knows you are a Christian, not simply because he heard you repeat a prayer at a church altar; the Devil sees what happened when you prayed: The glory of Christ entered your spirit!

To know Christ is to know His heart toward His church. Consider: On the night before Jesus died, the most somber night in His life, our Master presented His most lofty request to His Father. He prayed His disciples would be "perfected in unity" (Jn 17:23). Yet, the only unity the disciples knew that night was a common fear and a collective abandonment of Christ. Jesus told these soon-to-be leaders of the Jerusalem church that they would be known for their untiring agape love. But that night Christ's three closest friends could not remain awake with him even one hour while He agonized alone in prayer.

There will be no "knights in shining armor" in God's kingdom; our armor will have many dings and dents. No, no perfect Hollywood heroes will ride to save the day; just wearied saints to look to God and, in weakness, find Christ's strength. This, indeed, is the essence of God's kingdom: divine greatness manifest in common people.

The key to lasting happiness and real pleasure in this world is not found in seeking gratification, but in pleasing God. And while the Lord desires that we enjoy His gifts and the people to whom we are joined, He wants us to know that we were created first for His pleasure.

This video features Mike Bickle teaching about your self identity, your perception of God's identity and your perception of what God thinks about you at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri.

This great Christian classic unfolds the theme of Christ our Life. Nee reveals the secret of spiritual strength and vitality that should be the normal experience of every Christian. His fresh spiritual insights on the cross and resurrection of Christ have proven a blessing to many. The Normal Christian Church Life is a record of messages given during conferences held in Shanghai and Hankow. Watchman Nee spoke to his fellow workers on the principles in the New Testament concerning the practical arrangement of the churches, the ministry, and the work. This classic work unfolds the path of faith and presents the eternal purpose of God in simple terms.

God has placed deep longings in the heart of every human being. We all long for beauty, for greatness, for fascination, for intimacy. We all long to be enjoyed, to be whole-hearted, to make a lasting impact. Many of us have been taught to deny these longings. We've been told they are not of God. But the problem is not the longings -- they are given of God and cannot be denied. Problems only arise when we attempt to fulfill godly, legitimate longings in ungodly, wrong ways. Only God can fulfill the longings He has given to us. Only God can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. When we realize our longings are godly and God wants to fulfill them, we find freedom and joy. We experience intimacy with God in ways we'd never thought possible.

This article explores some of the deep truths found in the Hollywood movie starring Eddie Murphy Coming to America. We go on a journey exploring how this son of a king reveals some profound things about the purpose for the human race. The author proposes that this film's storyline actually represents God's plan and purpose for the human race. It points out the parallel's between this film and what scripture reveals about our reason for being.

Have you lost some of what once caused you to hope and dream beyond your limitations? This short and simply article considers the impact that lost dreams have had on your life. It's message is inspirational. It challenges you to reconsider your dreams and to believe in that which is bigger than you. Dreams serve a purpose of casting vision, focusing our efforts and moving us against the flow of apathy.

This article discusses the situation in which many find themselves. They have their desires, but they feel that their duties and responsibilities keep them from ever having those desires met. It is seen through the Hollywood film Sense and Sensibility. It explores some truths portrayed through this movie.

This article looks at what happens when fear and hope collide through the Hollywood film The Shawshank Redemption. It considers what happens when you discover that you have allowed yours fears to imprison you. Will you break free or will you surrender to the fate of fear's control over your life? It's a short article but makes some interesting points for your consideration.

This article is designed to bring encouragement and conveys the preciousness of life and how we need to breathe in as much life as possible rather than waste a single moment. You may click the Email a friend link at the top of page to direct it to a friend. A link to a downloadable flash version is also listed at the bottom of the article.

This article is designed to give you a high level overview of the dynamics at play in an addiction. It provides a foundation upon which other articles will build. It discusses some strategies to gaining victory over past addictive patterns that have robbed you of life. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, this may be a good starting point for understanding some of the keys involved.

This is a short article meant to give you encouragement that how you are in control and you have the incredible opportunity to live life in a meaningful way starting any moment that you so choose. If you are in need of encouragement about your life, you may find it helpful.

This article introduces the concept that you have been given a false sense of worth from others. It is the starting point for exploring your true worth and beauty. It challenges you to step outside of the box and see your true self from a different and higher perspective - God's. It goes against the grain of common social thinking that bases worth and value on many transient but worthless things.

Seize from every moment its unique novelty, and do not prepare your joys.

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.

This article explores a possible explanation for the reason why you are alive and breathing on planet earth right now. In it, we explore the unique worth and value of who you are. This article helps you think outside of your boxes and to see yourself outside of the mundane and ordinary. It helps you get a higher perspective on the unique value that is you. Beware, you may just experience an epiphany along this brief little journey.

This article is designed for someone who is struggling with difficult circumstances and is losing hope. It is a simple message and yet a much needed one in challenging times. In addition to text, it includes stunning graphics to set the tone for the message.

"In the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it" (Isa. 2:2). Today, in the very context of our lives and times, the first stages of this Scripture are being fulfilled. Throughout the body of Christ, leaders and intercessors are uniting in unprecedented ways. Indeed, the house of the Lord is being established. How significant is this? In the history of the church there has never been a time when Christians from so many backgrounds came together as we do today. Our pattern has always been to divide and then criticize those with whom we once associated. Yet, today this trend is being reversed! God is establishing His house.

When I first came to Christ, the Lord gave me a dream about my future. I thought that everything the Lord said was supposed to occur immediately; I didn't know of the work of preparation and dying to self, of learning patience and maintaining vision through testing that would occur before God's promise would find fulfillment. Consequently, I was filled with ambition. Ambition is the first motive that arises in the spiritually immature. I was like the disciples who, a few days after Jesus' resurrection, were already asking, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom" (Acts 1:6)?

Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

In this article, you will learn how to do the spiritual limbo. Like the popular party game, it’s all about seeing how low can you go? Instead of winning party favors, the spiritual version is all about winning favor with God. What you will need is a desire to experience more of God in your life and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make that happen. The path isn’t for the faint-of-heart. But, if you’re willing to make the journey, the reward can be exceptional.

Let me begin with a personal story to set some context for this discussion. In the 90’s, my career was taking off. I was writing for several technology magazines. I was producing television shows on technology. I was working with executives of many of the largest technology firms in the world.

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.

It’s a good idea to periodically assess where you are at in your journey and evaluate whether you’re making the kind of decisions and progress needed to accomplish what’s most important. Amidst all the busyness and demands of life it becomes so easy to stop differentiating focus and purpose from distraction and busyness. I’m reminded of the football coach Vince Lombardi who upon realizing his team was missing the forest for the trees started a team meeting with, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” We all need to get back to the fundamentals regularly, lest we miss the point of it all.

This article explores some of the deep truths found in the Hollywood movie starring Eddie Murphy Coming to America. We go on a journey exploring how this son of a king reveals some profound things about the purpose for the human race. The author proposes that this film's storyline actually represents God's plan and purpose for the human race. It points out the parallel's between this film and what scripture reveals about our reason for being.

There will be no "knights in shining armor" in God's kingdom; our armor will have many dings and dents. No, no perfect Hollywood heroes will ride to save the day; just wearied saints to look to God and, in weakness, find Christ's strength. This, indeed, is the essence of God's kingdom: divine greatness manifest in common people.

This article is designed as a brief introduction to the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding love as well as a practical guide to help you take steps forward in putting those teachings to practice in your life. By the time you finish, you will have a basic understanding of how to experience the unconditional love of God and to allow His love to change you and empower you to love others unconditionally. As this article is simply an introduction, it is intended to be a springboard that leads to additional studies and practical steps to bring His love into your everyday life.

The key to lasting happiness and real pleasure in this world is not found in seeking gratification, but in pleasing God. And while the Lord desires that we enjoy His gifts and the people to whom we are joined, He wants us to know that we were created first for His pleasure.

Here's the scene: You're in a battle with sickness, oppression or some similar need. However, you seek God and, in some way, the grace of God touches your life. Your victory may have come through a word or prayer or some other encouragement, but you absolutely know the Lord delivered you. Using the five smooth stones of divine grace, you defeated your Goliath.

Last week we discussed how Ham's sin of exposing the shame of his father, Noah, led to Noah's curse upon Ham's son, Canaan. Noah saw in Ham a character flaw that would be passed on to Ham's children. The specifics of this curse would be that, from generation to generation, Ham's descendants would become the "servants of servants." Why would they abide in this economic slavery? Simply because one who habitually disrespects, shames or exposes the weaknesses of those in authority over them simultaneously disables their ability to advance in life.

Intimate relationships cannot substitute for a life plan. But to have any meaning or viability at all, a life plan must include intimate relationships.

This is a word about depression and how you have the ability to regain control of your emotions, thoughts and thereby your life. No matter what has happened to you in the past, those things do not define you, your worth, or your future. It offers some simply ideas to challenge the way you think and how those thoughts affect your life and future.

In the long run, we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving.

We cannot attain the approaching glory of God if we do not esteem the living glory that is here now. Indeed, many speak of the last great moving of God's glory. However, at this very moment the Presence of the Lord is accessible to each of us. Yet, our goal is not merely to know about God's glory, but to enter His Presence and abide with Him forever.

In this article, John defines the 4 primary stages of our spiritual journey. He provides insights to help define in which stage you are currently in, the characteristics of each stage and what typically causes someone to get stuck in one of those stages. We all start out in stage 1 along our journey. Most people get stuck along their journey in one of the first 3 stages. Few make it all the way to stage 4. This article will help you discover how to get unstuck in whichever stage you find yourself and advance into the next stage of spiritual maturity. Click the title above to read this fascinating article.

Jesus defeated Satan in Gethsemane on the cross, not by directly confronting the devil, but by fulfilling the destiny to which He had been called. The greatest battle that was ever won was accomplished by the apparent death of the victor, without even a word of rebuke to His adversary!

As a speaker in citywide and regional prayer conferences, I am often asked to unmask the "spiritual power" opposing the body of Christ in the conference region. City leaders and intercessors have even asked if I knew the "name" of the principle spirit that is resisting the church in their area. "Do you want to know the name of the most powerful spirit opposing most Christians?" I ask. Eager faces respond affirmatively. "It's Yahweh."

Without fail, as long as we live in this world, pressures and heartaches will hunt the human soul, often springing upon us when we least expect them. Jesus, too, faced conflicts, but He did so from the perspective of one who lived in the fullness of God's Presence. For all He endured of spiritual warfare or frustration with His disciples or attacks from the Pharisees, His spirit always was full of life in abundance.

This great Christian classic unfolds the theme of Christ our Life. Nee reveals the secret of spiritual strength and vitality that should be the normal experience of every Christian. His fresh spiritual insights on the cross and resurrection of Christ have proven a blessing to many. The Normal Christian Church Life is a record of messages given during conferences held in Shanghai and Hankow. Watchman Nee spoke to his fellow workers on the principles in the New Testament concerning the practical arrangement of the churches, the ministry, and the work. This classic work unfolds the path of faith and presents the eternal purpose of God in simple terms.

Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

God has placed deep longings in the heart of every human being. We all long for beauty, for greatness, for fascination, for intimacy. We all long to be enjoyed, to be whole-hearted, to make a lasting impact. Many of us have been taught to deny these longings. We've been told they are not of God. But the problem is not the longings -- they are given of God and cannot be denied. Problems only arise when we attempt to fulfill godly, legitimate longings in ungodly, wrong ways. Only God can fulfill the longings He has given to us. Only God can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. When we realize our longings are godly and God wants to fulfill them, we find freedom and joy. We experience intimacy with God in ways we'd never thought possible.

What we define doctrinally as "salvation" is, in truth, the entrance, and then expansion, of Christ's Presence throughout our person. What we call salvation is, in truth, the beginning of God's glory in man. If you are a Christian, then Christ is in you; you are already in glory. You have been clothed with Christ, who is Himself the "radiance of [the Father's] glory" (Heb 1:3). The fact is, Satan knows you are a Christian, not simply because he heard you repeat a prayer at a church altar; the Devil sees what happened when you prayed: The glory of Christ entered your spirit!

This article focuses on a message of divine love. It is designed for the person who is struggling with understanding his/her needs for love and acceptance (and not feeling either). It goes below the surface of the obvious and considers some important principles about your real identity and worth.

The battles we face are often intense times of weakness, distress and confusion. If the events of our lives were charted upon a graph, these would be the lowest points. Yet, God is no less with us during difficulties than at other times. In fact, these valleys are often as much the plan of God as our mountaintop experiences. There is a story in the Bible which speaks plainly to this truth. Israel had recently defeated the Arameans in a mountain battle.

If you want to be truly successful invest in yourself to get the knowledge you need to find your unique factor. When you find it and focus on it and persevere your success will blossom.

As unintuitive as it may sound, God loves waste. We’re not talking about just any kind of waste here. God loves it when people offer him wastefully extravagant acts of love and devotion. After all, God started the trend when He came and offered up Himself as an extravagant act of devotion on our behalf. God loves loving us extravagantly and He is most glorified when we respond in abandoned devotion to Him.

In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, "All it needs is light!" Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are "formless and void" and God, just as confidently, is still saying, "All they need is a little light!" Remember: it's the Lord's responsibility to create and our responsibility to submit to His creating.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 from the Lord, the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:17). There are, perhaps, many evidences that tell us the living presence of the Lord is near, but the most prevailing sign of God's Spirit is seen in the transformation of those surrendered to Him. True Christian liberty does not mean we have freedom to do what we want; in God, it means we have freedom to do what He wants. We have freedom to change.

This article explores the question of whether everyone will go to heaven. It begins the discussion by considering some of the implications of human freedom of choice and what it reveals about God's strategies. The issue of heaven and hell and brought into focus through some practical examples of how our free will works in this reality. These concepts are put into the perspective of God's plan for the human race.

This article explores some of the deep truths found in the Hollywood movie starring Eddie Murphy Coming to America. We go on a journey exploring how this son of a king reveals some profound things about the purpose for the human race. The author proposes that this film's storyline actually represents God's plan and purpose for the human race. It points out the parallel's between this film and what scripture reveals about our reason for being.

This is a story of God's work of redemption in the life of an average man named John Tisdale. Here he shares his personal journey of searching and finding what he's been looking for his whole life. It is written in somewhat of a poetic style and uncovers the author's heart-felt cry to experience the touch and transforming power of God into his life.  It is obvious that it was written in the wake of a profound encounter with the Lord in which God reveals Himself and the result is a repentant heart to goes even lower in the awareness of God's glorious majesty.

This is an Encouragement Gram (or e-gram). It is designed to be sent to loved one who may be in need of some encouragement. This e-gram conveys a message of the great love of a magnificent God who sings over us. This is the HTML version. You may click the Email a friend link at the top of e-gram page to direct it to a friend.

This article explores the question of whether everyone will go to heaven. It begins the discussion by considering some of the implications of human freedom of choice and what it reveals about God's strategies. The issue of heaven and hell and brought into focus through some practical examples of how our free will works in this reality. These concepts are put into the perspective of God's plan for the human race.

This article walks the reader through a process of discovering the power bitterness has in robbing us of freedom and life. When we are trapped under its influence, we have difficulty finding lasting freedom. This journey takes you through some basic concepts of forgiveness and then walks you through practical steps to takes to find freedom from bitterness. It should help you get some handles on how to take steps out from under the heavy burden of unforgiveness on the road to inner healing and wholeness.

We cannot attain the approaching glory of God if we do not esteem the living glory that is here now. Indeed, many speak of the last great moving of God's glory. However, at this very moment the Presence of the Lord is accessible to each of us. Yet, our goal is not merely to know about God's glory, but to enter His Presence and abide with Him forever.

This is a review of a movie through the lens of spiritual insights. This article considers the conflict that arrises when freedom and captivity collide. It is shown through the Hollywood film First Knight. It explores how passion and desire drive us toward the matters of the heart and yet barriers often keep us enslaved to so much less than life has to offer.

Have you lost some of what once caused you to hope and dream beyond your limitations? This short and simply article considers the impact that lost dreams have had on your life. It's message is inspirational. It challenges you to reconsider your dreams and to believe in that which is bigger than you. Dreams serve a purpose of casting vision, focusing our efforts and moving us against the flow of apathy.

The desire to be acknowledged and appreciated by others is basic to human nature. Jesus Himself seemed somewhat troubled that, after healing ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17). Yet, while the need to be occasionally appreciated is not sin, it can become sin when we begin seeking recognition. We must determine that our service to mankind is guided by a higher, more focused obedience to God.

"In the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it" (Isa. 2:2). Today, in the very context of our lives and times, the first stages of this Scripture are being fulfilled. Throughout the body of Christ, leaders and intercessors are uniting in unprecedented ways. Indeed, the house of the Lord is being established. How significant is this? In the history of the church there has never been a time when Christians from so many backgrounds came together as we do today. Our pattern has always been to divide and then criticize those with whom we once associated. Yet, today this trend is being reversed! God is establishing His house.

In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, "All it needs is light!" Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are "formless and void" and God, just as confidently, is still saying, "All they need is a little light!" Remember: it's the Lord's responsibility to create and our responsibility to submit to His creating.

This article discusses the situation in which many find themselves. They have their desires, but they feel that their duties and responsibilities keep them from ever having those desires met. It is seen through the Hollywood film Sense and Sensibility. It explores some truths portrayed through this movie.

We began this book by asking you to consider what the civilized world would be like without the United States. Now, I'm going to ask you to consider a world with America in revival. I do not mean a revival merely of emotional religion, but a deep revival, born of genuine Christlikeness in the church. Picture America experiencing a Christ awakening, where a priesthood of mature believers join the Lamb before the throne of God's grace; where the Lamb is offered as sacrifice for America's sin, God receives the sacrifice and, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, He heals our land.

Last week we discussed how Ham's sin of exposing the shame of his father, Noah, led to Noah's curse upon Ham's son, Canaan. Noah saw in Ham a character flaw that would be passed on to Ham's children. The specifics of this curse would be that, from generation to generation, Ham's descendants would become the "servants of servants." Why would they abide in this economic slavery? Simply because one who habitually disrespects, shames or exposes the weaknesses of those in authority over them simultaneously disables their ability to advance in life.

Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

It’s a good idea to periodically assess where you are at in your journey and evaluate whether you’re making the kind of decisions and progress needed to accomplish what’s most important. Amidst all the busyness and demands of life it becomes so easy to stop differentiating focus and purpose from distraction and busyness. I’m reminded of the football coach Vince Lombardi who upon realizing his team was missing the forest for the trees started a team meeting with, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” We all need to get back to the fundamentals regularly, lest we miss the point of it all.

As Christians, we spend too much time battling basic, elementary battles: "Am I truly saved?" "Am I really forgiven?" "Is there really a heaven?" God has so much more for us. He seeks to form in our thought-life the very mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit comes, not just to give us goose bumps and chills, but to restructure our attitudes and perceptions until we think with the thoughts of Jesus Himself.

Without fail, as long as we live in this world, pressures and heartaches will hunt the human soul, often springing upon us when we least expect them. Jesus, too, faced conflicts, but He did so from the perspective of one who lived in the fullness of God's Presence. For all He endured of spiritual warfare or frustration with His disciples or attacks from the Pharisees, His spirit always was full of life in abundance.

This is a word about depression and how you have the ability to regain control of your emotions, thoughts and thereby your life. No matter what has happened to you in the past, those things do not define you, your worth, or your future. It offers some simply ideas to challenge the way you think and how those thoughts affect your life and future.

This great Christian classic unfolds the theme of Christ our Life. Nee reveals the secret of spiritual strength and vitality that should be the normal experience of every Christian. His fresh spiritual insights on the cross and resurrection of Christ have proven a blessing to many. The Normal Christian Church Life is a record of messages given during conferences held in Shanghai and Hankow. Watchman Nee spoke to his fellow workers on the principles in the New Testament concerning the practical arrangement of the churches, the ministry, and the work. This classic work unfolds the path of faith and presents the eternal purpose of God in simple terms.

To know Christ is to know His heart toward His church. Consider: On the night before Jesus died, the most somber night in His life, our Master presented His most lofty request to His Father. He prayed His disciples would be "perfected in unity" (Jn 17:23). Yet, the only unity the disciples knew that night was a common fear and a collective abandonment of Christ. Jesus told these soon-to-be leaders of the Jerusalem church that they would be known for their untiring agape love. But that night Christ's three closest friends could not remain awake with him even one hour while He agonized alone in prayer.

The key to lasting happiness and real pleasure in this world is not found in seeking gratification, but in pleasing God. And while the Lord desires that we enjoy His gifts and the people to whom we are joined, He wants us to know that we were created first for His pleasure.

When I first came to Christ, the Lord gave me a dream about my future. I thought that everything the Lord said was supposed to occur immediately; I didn't know of the work of preparation and dying to self, of learning patience and maintaining vision through testing that would occur before God's promise would find fulfillment. Consequently, I was filled with ambition. Ambition is the first motive that arises in the spiritually immature. I was like the disciples who, a few days after Jesus' resurrection, were already asking, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom" (Acts 1:6)?

One of the great errors of the church is to set its faith and standards by yesterday's achievements. Many promises must yet be fulfilled before Jesus returns. The Bible tells us that the church will not only experience "perilous times" in the last days (2 Tim 3:1 KJV), but seasons of renewal and restoration (Acts 3:21). Consequently, in the midst of worldwide conflicts, the kingdom of God on earth will continually be restored and renewed until it is conformed to the kingdom of God in heaven! Plan on seeing new harvests and expressions of God's glory and power. We should expect to see wonders which our fathers did not see (Acts 2:19-21)! Yes, and let us also trust that the promises we fail to achieve, our children will possess.

Jesus defeated Satan in Gethsemane on the cross, not by directly confronting the devil, but by fulfilling the destiny to which He had been called. The greatest battle that was ever won was accomplished by the apparent death of the victor, without even a word of rebuke to His adversary!

This very short article brings encouragement that you have the ability to control your life by working in conjunction with God's efforts. The strength and courage needed to break free is within your reach. It is designed to get your thinking about the power of life and death that is in your hands.

Seize from every moment its unique novelty, and do not prepare your joys.

In the long run, we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving.