As I'm still reading through the book of Acts I came across the story of the slave girl who was following Paul around. As I was pondering the story God brought to my mind two other examples of hidden deception that are also recorded in the scriptures. It is so wise for us to study the enemy. When you're in a battle it is a matter of wisdom to watch carefully, discern what spirit is at work, and also to be sure we ask for the counsel of the Lord. Let's look together at those passages and see what we can learn for our "today" walk with Christ as we navigate this war with darkness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

I walked into my ministry building today sad over the state of the church. Sad over needless arguments. Sad over sin. Sad over deception. Just sad. But as I began to stare at a picture a dear friend gifted me at Christmas, Christ began to stir inside of me as He reminded me who He was. Maybe this will encourage you too. Keep your eyes on Jesus. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

I’ve been asked by several my thoughts on Jesus and women. I’ve also been asked lately if I’d write an article regarding women in leading roles within the church and my thoughts on the highly publicized vote regarding women in my former denomination, SBC. My simplified response is, “This is a matter of gifting not gender. You can’t remove the shepherding gift from a woman any more than you can remove the shepherding gift from a man. It was given when He formed us in the womb and is simply part of who we are. ” So, here goes a discussion with just some looks at the scriptures within the fullness of the Word, as well as some common sense points that might help us to understand Paul, and Christ, a little better. Ultimately, we will each be held responsible for how we’ve navigated this topic because, honestly, it’s gotten quite hateful and void of the fruits of the Spirit. We should each remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. added Note: I mention 4 daughters of the OT. They are daughters of Zelophehad and you can find them in Numbers 27 with vs 6 as a key verse: And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father's brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

I had decided to read through the book of Acts again. As I began to look into Acts 3 I found an encouraging message embedded in the meaning of the words in the gate called Beautiful. It lined up so well with our recent studies on Ecclesiastes 3 and how God has been speaking so much to us here about "seasons." Maybe it will encourage you also:) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

Psalm 84:5-7 has been so beautiful to me for some time. Yet, Christ seems to bring it back up this past week. The hidden pearls of this passage fall right in line with what we're learning about Eccl 3, Hosea 2:14-15, and other passages that seem to be His heart ministering to those in valley or wilderness seasons. There are some hidden treasures within this passage that should keep giving us hope for any season we're in. One significant gem is wrapped up in the phrase "passing through." A deeper look shows us it's not just a passing through... but a crossing over. Can we all say "Hallelujah" to that!!!!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

This past week a dear friend and spiritual mom went home to be with Jesus. I've been reflecting on how God placed her in my life exactly at the right time to walk with me through a valley, to pull out of me the gifts I didn't know I had, and to help me become who I was formed to be. I pray that as I share how her calling helped prepare me for mine, you will see that you, too, can leave this earth with a Kingdom legacy that has indeed touched many lives. Today I honor my dear Pat Self. I know she is tapping her feet to the melodies in Heaven and worshiping the one she spent her life serving. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

The last few weeks have been precious with Christ. It seems like He is moving swiftly in this season. Each day has held the most beautiful moments as I've watched Him touch the lives of many hearts in unique ways. I simply want to share some small moments that have blessed my own heart so much over the last few weeks so you, too, can learn to keep in step with the spirit of God. This life in the Spirit is real and, daily, there are real-life encounters with a precious Lord who is mindful of mankind. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

I had spent some time off last week leaning into the Lord. As I was watching a movie they began to speak Ecclesiastes 3. My ears perked up so I went to look again at this passage. I have felt the Lord stir regarding a shift of seasons yet I was able to ponder my various seasons in light of this passage. Looking within these precious words I could see each verse that has played out in various seasons of my own life. Perhaps it will give us comfort knowing there is a God who has let us know ahead of time that to everything there is a season. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

We discussed last night in our Equipped meeting that God always answers an honest cry. We had a beautiful time of Him breaking walls that had been made in our own hearts from one reason or another. Today I heard the Lord continue in the discussion in my own heart with the phrase, "The Walls My Heart Builds." He is wanting to help us drop our walls with Him. Some of our past experiences and even relationships have caused us to build walls not only keeping others out but Him out of what we think are hidden heart places. But Jesus sees them all and He inclines His heart to hear an honest cry. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support

There were times in my walk with God that I was always discontent. Sometimes it still tries to happen. The heart is so stubborn. God dealt with me on missing the "here and now" always looking at things I didn't have, or what He was doing in someone else, or just always looking to some other place I thought I should be. Then I learned that there is no other place you and I want to be other than the very place we have been graced for. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the320podcast/support