Everyone has a story to tell and I believe when we take time to listen to others, we can get a glimpse of similarities and moments that can help us grow and reflect on our own journey applying new truths and even lessons. In a world where it seems to keep spinning out of control, I hope you can find some safety in knowing that you are not alone in this fight...in this walk as difficult and challenging as it may be. We are not meant to walk alone and especially, walk wounded without a way out or some relief to the one thing that brings the ultimate hope. I hope you will hear something in this story that will bring you some comfort.

Understanding that even the historical church dealt with these false teachers helps us begin to see that it is very important to read and know the word not on a level that is mystical and leaves logic out, but one that involves logic and faith. I understand how hurt and loneliness can cause you to be skeptical, but in that truth is seeking to be understood and used as a way out of despair. My hope is that you will hear something that causes you to wonder enough to search it out. Don't give up and don't give in, there is so much to win in knowing and understanding a worldview tied to the creator of this marvelous world.

Resources:

Long4Truth Youtube channel: Are you hearing God's Voice. https://youtu.be/Gbwe5vsmGPU

Clark&Geisler. Apologetics in the New Age

Colossians 2- John MacArthur Bible Commentary

Spiritual warfare is something that I had misunderstood and practiced so many heretical ways to deal with things that may have just been normal circumstances or consequences from choices. I am slightly embarrassed at how I was so quick in believing all these steps and prayers that promised to ward off evil and help me to be victorious. This isn't an easy subject to delve into, but it does shed light to all those "manmade religions"....before you go fighting anything, make sure you are equipped with the truth. It will be the one thing that holds all the power in a struggle. Knowing the finished work of Christ Jesus is key and resting in that truth will keep us from "running against the wind". 

Resources: 

Spiritual Warfare: https://youtu.be/-TGqj2R7izk

Oh how easy it is to get pessimistic and want to just give up on understanding why the word of God even matters. The truth is we have to know authentic evidence and how it works to build an understanding of the world around us. Understanding this truth brings the only hope many can grasp. I get a little sentimental on this one so excuse the sniffles. The words stranger and loneliness have become something that many are struggling with and my heart is for you to get better and to know I see you. Sometimes it may be easier to talk to a stranger, but many times its just easier to know you are not alone. We have to hope again. It isn't easy work to unravel all our misconceptions, but it is worth it.

Resources:

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity 

Our first Mystic Monday episode gives a bit of background from Calvary Bible Church and distinguishes how "God told me" is misused and abused in many circles today. Although we hear many use this phrase, we must be cautious in taking the advice or directions given. I was taught we were to be listening for God, but the clencher is many times that was outside of the written Word of God. Do you ever wonder why so many of these HVG- Hearing Voice of God (term from Jim Osman) speak from personal experiences more than the Bible? Why is it they can take a scripture here and there and form their own message? Let's begin to dig a bit deeper in to their philosophy and understand where yours is rooted also.

Added to the resources is Right Response Ministries, not shared in podcast but might shed more light to this. My Saturday Spotlight Resource Justin Peters is being interviewed and helps show other doctrines these leaders are a part of. It has really helped open my eyes and I pray it does yours also.

Resources: 

What God says about charismatic theology, prosperity gospel and continuing prophetic revelation? DTBM. https://youtu.be/AyZbP8h1Ec0

Jim Osman, God Doesn't Whisper. Overview found on : https://youtu.be/7SwI-tcIyFQ

Right Response Ministries. Stop Saying "God Told Me": https://youtu.be/ceCWqOb77ms

Sometimes we have certain beliefs and maybe traditions we follow without really understanding the origin. As a former "Word of Faither" I started seeing some personal biases and questioning why I believed things I was participating in. Praying for people in the hospital is not bad in itself, but understanding how prayer is supposed to function can be tricky. I do not dig deep with this at all- after all it is just a spotlight of a resource that has shed some light for me, but I encourage you to do so! 

Resource:

Link to Session 1 : Justin Peters Clouds Without Water