The calling of the prophet Isaiah is quite dramatic, to say the least. But in the midst of this strange story, there is actually a pattern of an encounter with God that leads to a calling. And that pattern can be quite helpful for all of us as we determine what it is that God is calling us to.  ..read more

Some of Jesus' last words to the disciples were, "Go and make disciples of all nations, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...but, first, wait."  He wanted them to wait to receive the gift and power of the Holy Spirit who, in turn, gave them the ability and boldness to make those disciples in ways they never could have imagined. Just as the fire of the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples, that gift is meant for us, too, if we have surrendered all of ourselves to His will and way.  Are you willing to allow that fire to forge the relationship with the Spirit that transforms y ..read more

It took Elijah three years to be shaped and prepared in the "forge." It required obedience, and listening--the most important component to prayer.  ..read more

Trial by fire is necessary for many, but we often miss out on glorifying God because we can't take the heat! We bow down. Conform. And what we fail to see is that God uses those fiery experiences of life to purge and purify us. The fire doesn't destroy--it burns out the impurities. It refines us. And when you're in the fire for His sake, you'll discover that you're never alone in the flame ..read more

Spiritual formation is about God moving us, improving us, making us stronger, giving us purpose, and showing us what love looks like. When we become comfortable, we put ourselves at risk without realizing it. But Jesus models for us what it looks like to be sharpened, and it's not for position, authority, or title. We are sharpened to serve! Let's stop striving under our own efforts and begin thriving in the purpose to which our refiner has created us ..read more

We were created for community, and faith leads us into a relational process of formation where God uses our failures, struggles, and experiences to shape us until we find our place and purpose within our faith community. It's also in our gatherings that we are shaped. Our shared worship, in our accountability to one another, and within the safe spaces where we can be honest, vulnerable, and transparent... all of it resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ ..read more

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Relationship with God requires growth, nurturing, and development. This growth shows itself as we move from reaching others to making disciples, and our character is forged over time--often through fiery trials. But allowing God to purify us is the first step toward transformation, and only when the Refiner sees a clear reflection of himself is the process complete.  ..read more

Christ forgives, redeems, and is still making old things new. Bring your empty jar, everything you have been, and claim who you are in Christ! For God has renamed you, there is a spring of water inside you, and He is doing a new thing!  ..read more

What we "believe" is what we build our lives around--our time, our money, our priorities, our hopes. Belief is critical, for belief born out of conviction is what compels us to be different, allowing a spring of water to well up inside us and spill out. So our question today is simple... do you believe ..read more