Jesus said, "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye" (Matthew 7:1-3)? The context of this passage addresses and challenges how we handle several issues such as judging, critically over analyzing, and hypocrisy. The most riveting part, for me anyway, is when Jesus stated, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye?" Why do we look at the speck? Notice that Jesus doesn't condemn the ministry of "speck removing." He stated, however, that the obscurity must be removed from our own eyes first so we would be able to accurately see the issue needing to be removed from our brother. Therefore, revealing the true motive in our heart concerning the person and the speck that we identified.

The Bible talks about how good and pleasant it is when believers dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). In the book of Acts, we read how the early believers were together and had all things in common (Acts 2:44). There is healing and provision in biblical community, not to mention the joy of deep, authentic relationships. Biblical community provides opportunities for spiritual growth, discipleship, equipping, and deployment into the harvest fields to reach people for Jesus.

Have you ever thought about your life being a spiritual prototype?

The Bible speaks to the subject of our lives being an example for others to follow. In 1 Timothy 4:12 we read, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” Titus 2:7-8 says, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” Our lives are to be so beyond reproach that absolutely nothing can be found in us that would diminish our witness for Christ; absolutely nothing!

Are you willing to believe despite criticism?

Have you heard of John Kirby or Alexander Garden? What about Bishop Lavington? There might be a few who recognize these men, but most would not. Perhaps you are familiar with Shaphat and Igal? Most likely, you are not. Interestingly, each of these individuals was a critic of their peers and generally, people don’t remember critics. Sadly, some critics would not have any kind of ministry if they didn’t live to criticize others.

Who or what are you in bondage to?

In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called" (Eph. 4:1). At the writing of this letter to Ephesus, Paul was a prisoner in Rome. It’s believed during this time period that Rome was under the rulership of Nero. He was consumed with power and feared subversion so much that he had his own mother, sister, and wife put to death. Much of Rome was burned by fire due to Nero’s desire to rebuild Rome’s edifices with his own statue carved into each. The Senate summoned Nero to a trial where he was to be tried, convicted, and executed. Yet, Nero was so evil and twisted that he lied and convinced the Senate that the Christians were responsible for setting fire to the city; and, Nero made them believe that Paul was the chief arsonist.

What are you giving your ears to?

In the context of sowing seeds, Jesus made a statement that I’ve been pondering for months. He had just finished teaching on a parable about a farmer who had dispersed seeds across the ground. The seeds represent the Word of God according to Jesus (Luke 8:11)and there is no greater truth source than the Word of God (John 17:17). The Word is impervious to time, and while grass withers and flowers fade, the Word of God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

In Acts 1:4, Jesus tells those who had assembled with Him before His ascension to return to Jerusalem and “wait for the Promise of the Father.” They followed His instructions and returned to the upper room and tarried there. Acts 1:14 says, “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

For over seventeen years I’ve had a garden. My garden is a sanctuary for me; a place of encounter where Jesus and I talk about many things.So often I plant something in the ground and then wonder if the seed will germinate and produce a harvest. Some seed doesn’t promise a harvest until weeks later, so the anticipation seems much greater in the waiting. Seed is likened to an impartation of the Word sown into our hearts.

The apostle Paul urges us to pursue love, desire the supernatural, but to especially desire the ability to speak prophetically (1 Corinthians 14:1). When we prophesy, we are speaking what we’ve heard the Holy Spirit say. We’re not speaking our words, but we are speaking words given to us through the Holy Spirit. Truly, all followers of Jesus hear His voice (John 10:27). If we hear His voice, then we can speak what He’s saying. Jesus lived and ministered speaking only what the Father spoke to Him (John 12:49-50). If Jesus operated in that manner, then we’re to do the same (see Luke 6:40). Holiness is Christlikeness, isn’t it?

God is awakening His Church, but not without its challenges.

We are less than a week away from the National Awakening (Prayer Conference) in Arlington, Texas, where there will be 1500 people gathering from all over the United States and also from other countries. The very first Awakening conference was nine years ago in a little building in Fort Worth, Texas. It was launched because Corey Jones, pastor of Crossroads Tabernacle, heard the call of God to lead a prayer conference. Despite his reluctance, nearly seventy people gathered for the first prayer conference at his church. I don’t believe he had any idea at the time that one day so many hungry people would assemble to cry out to God.