Recently, I heard the Lord say that greater shaking was ahead and that this is a crucial time to possess the Spirit of the fear of the Lord. I came across an article I had written and sensed that it was time to republish it: Fear can be either good or destructive, depending on who—or what—is being feared. We never need to fear the enemy or any circumstance when we are walking within the will of God. However, if we step outside His will, fear becomes a warning signal. God created fear as a protective mechanism to keep humanity from harm. In this sense, fear can serve a redemptive purpose by drawing us back to God and producing obedience.
Leadership is about justice and justice is using that leadership (influence) for the good of others. This has been my leadership methodology for years and it has been tested in the fire! Years ago, I was grieving over being taken advantage of over and over again. I hurt because I was surrounded by takers who were self-absorbed in their own needs and never genuinely caring for me. I would trust their words of loyalty, commitment, and partnership until I was slapped in the face with sudden, heartbreaking betrayals.
Last week I asked you a question. What are you not seeing? Now I want to ask you something harder and that is What are you becoming in order to hide it? I am asking as in my experience of working with humans I have come to understand that the moment we can't see something true about our lives, we start building an illusional version of ourselves that will never have to face it. If you can't see your fear of failure, you become the person who never tries anything new. If you can't see your loneliness, you become the person who stays perpetually busy.
Some teachings don't just inspire us—they recalibrate us. They rewire how we think, how we steward, and how we respond to opportunity. The parable of the talents is one of those teachings. It is not poetic encouragement. It is a Kingdom operating system. A mandate that reveals how Heaven views growth, responsibility, and trust. Jesus does not present stewardship as optional. He presents it as foundational. If we desire Kingdom authority—spiritually, relationally, or financially—we must first understand this truth: increase never precedes responsibility. It follows it.
Steve and I have been in Costa Rica for the last week, relaxing and praying into 2026 and what the Lord has for us. Early this morning, I received an encouraging text message from one of my friends. It felt like a wink from God, confirming one area of my calling. As I've been thinking about my dear friend who sent the text, I've also been thinking about the different gifts we might give our friends. Beyond physical gifts—although those are wonderful—there are other gifts that encourage the soul. They offer a sort of life-support system. They refresh and revive the weary soul.
It has become common knowledge that water is essential to the human body and that the body can survive without water for only about 3 days, sometimes a bit longer, but that is typically the range. In addition to providing blood circulation and temperature regulation, water is also essential for the removal of toxins from the kidneys and the functioning of the brain. Hydration is essential for maintaining physical and mental performance throughout the day, ensuring that bodily systems function efficiently.
He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him. (2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV) We can only know Christ after the Spirit, so that Christ for us in this dispensation is spiritual in the sense that all that we know of Him or can have to do with Him can only be in the Spirit. "Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer." (2 Cor. 5:16).
Our culture convinces us that we must be known by our achievements, influence, or the size of our following. Public figures boast of their accomplishments trying to prove their clout and ability to wield power with other movers and shakers. Even in the church, leaders and influencers can fall into this trap by measuring success by their relational alliances, media assets, or their ability to generate impact online.
As I lay flat on my back, I knew I was fighting for my life. My breath came in snatches. My lungs were filling up with fluid, and I felt like I was drowning. I felt as if an elephant was sitting on my chest. I was very weak, but I lifted my arms as far as I could, bending them at the elbows. Clinching my fists, I shouted with barely a whisper, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17, KJV). But at the same time, I didn't understand why this was happening. I had been free of this infirmity for quite some time. "Lord, I thought you healed me of this?"
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! - Galatians 5:22-23 You may not know it, but when you gave your life to Jesus, all the fruits of the Spirit were planted inside you in seed form. Through the Spirit you can experience joy and peace in every circumstance, no matter how difficult or painful. You may not be a naturally patient person, but you can call on the Spirit within to produce patience. If you're battling unhealthy behaviors, like an addiction or some kind of bad habit, the Holy Spirit can give you the ability to resist the devil and make healthy choices.
Follow Up
