God Can Resurrect Dead Dreams!

God Can Breathe Life Back Into Your Dreams

This morning, something incredible happened on my prayer walk. As I was getting some quiet time with the Lord, a revelation hit me like a bolt of lightning.

I woke up with this strange feeling, like there was something I needed to remember. Then, I saw a crumpled piece of paper – a prophecy that God had given me way back in 2002! It was dirty, stained with coffee, and looked like it had been through the wringer. But there it was, a forgotten dream the Lord had placed on my heart.

Here's the thing: that dream felt dead. It had been years, and nothing seemed to be happening. My mind started racing with doubts: "Why hasn't this come to pass? What went wrong?"

But then, as I continued my walk, I noticed something else. I was standing at a beautiful spot, but there was a small stream separating me from the other side. My new shoes were nice, but I didn't want to get them dirty by crossing. It made me realize that sometimes, we hold ourselves back from what God has for us because we're afraid to get a little messy.

The Bible tells us in John 12:24: "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."  Just like that seed, our dreams may seem to die, but that's often just the beginning. It's in the letting go, in the surrendering to God's will, that true growth can happen.

Maybe you're feeling like your dreams are fading away. Maybe you've received a word from God that feels lost in the noise. But friend, I have good news for you:  God can resurrect dead dreams!  He can breathe new life into those forgotten desires. 

The question is, are you willing to keep walking with Him? Are you ready to let go of your own plans and trust in His perfect timing? 

Our relationship with Christ is the fuel that propels us forward on that narrow path. It may be difficult, there may be obstacles, but just like Paul in Acts, knowing the reward that awaits us can give us the strength to keep going.

So hold onto hope.  Don't give up on your dreams. God is working behind the scenes, even when you can't see it. And remember, with Him, anything is possible.

Is 'Name It and Claim It' Biblical? A Deeper Look at Faith

Believing God over Our Desires: A Deeper Look at Faith and Scripture

Hey everyone, fellow Bible lovers! Conrad here from Conrad Rocks. Today, I want to delve into a topic that's been stirring in my heart: faith and how it intersects with our desires. 

There's a whole movement out there about "believing to receive," and listen, there's truth to that. But brothers and sisters, we gotta be careful not to take it out of context! 

False Prophets and the Importance of Relationship (Jeremiah 14:14-16)

The Bible warns us about false prophets who speak lies in God's name (Jeremiah 14:14-16). These folks haven't been sent by Him, and their pronouncements are based on their own hearts, not God's will.  This is why cultivating a relationship with God is crucial. We can't just claim things and expect them to happen. True faith comes from knowing and trusting the Father (John 10:27). 

Following Jesus' Example: Dependence on the Father (John 5:19)

Jesus is our ultimate example. He only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). This highlights the importance of seeking God's will and aligning ourselves with His purposes. 

Hearing God's Voice: Reading Scripture Prayerfully

Many use Mark 11:23-24 to justify "naming and claiming." But hold on! This verse, like any scripture, needs to be understood in context. Verse 22 emphasizes having faith in God, not some formula. When we pray, we need to truly believe God hears us (John 14:14).  Imagine asking your Dad for a car. You wouldn't believe you could have it if he hadn't said yes, right? 

The Danger of Bible Chopping (Job 22:28)

Some point to Job 22:28, but this verse is part of a larger story. Job's friend, Eliphaz, is wrong! We see this later in Job 42:7. The Bible's message is a whole; we can't just grab a single verse and ignore the rest (Psalm 119:160). 

True Faith vs. Selfish Desires (Romans 4:17)

Romans 4:17 speaks of Abraham's faith. He believed God, who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence. But here's the key: Abraham wasn't acting on his own desires. He was trusting God's promises.  We, as God's children, have His characteristics, but we operate under His authority and in His will (Romans 8:1). 

Beware of Misusing Scripture (James 4:2-3)

James warns us about the dangers of lust and selfish desires (James 4:2-3). We can't ask God for things that fuel our greed. Remember, Jesus said we shouldn't ask for things we'll use for our own lusts (James 4:3). 

Friendship with the World vs. Friendship with God (James 4:4)

James also reminds us that being friends with the world makes us enemies of God (James 4:4). When we prioritize worldly desires, we distance ourselves from Him. 

Building a Relationship with Christ: Transforming Our Desires

The good news is, as we grow closer to Christ, our desires begin to change. We start to see things from His perspective.  Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight ourselves in the Lord, and He'll give us the desires of our heart. But when our hearts are transformed by His love, our desires become aligned with His will. 

Beware of Prosperity Preachers (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

There are those who preach a message of wealth and prosperity using twisted scripture (1 Timothy 6:9-10).  True godliness isn't about riches (1 Timothy 6:6). Jesus Himself warned against the deceitfulness of riches (Mark 4:19). 

The Big Picture: Eternity Matters Most

Life on earth is fleeting. Our focus should be on eternal things (2 Corinthians 4:18). Let's not get caught up in chasing temporary desires. 

This topic is vast, and there's so much more to explore. Keep digging deeper into God's word, and may He guide you on your journey! 

Why I don't watch Television

 

Is Television Taking Over Our Minds?

Today I want to talk about something I get asked a lot: why I don't watch television.

I originally unplugged from TV back in the 90s, and let me be honest, I'm not perfect. I still enjoy Netflix and the occasional movie. But something struck me when I was reading Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (KJV). 

I realized I could sing along to jingles and recite commercials better than scripture! It freaked me out.  I was being programmed by the world.  After some research, I learned about a study that showed television puts your mind into a state similar to hypnosis, making it receptive to suggestion.  Basically, the constant stream of images bypasses critical thinking, and you end up believing what you see. 

Think about it - how often can you tell which news channel someone watches based on their opinions?  It's scary, but television can program your way of thinking without you even realizing it. 

James 4:4 says: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (KJV). That's pretty strong language, but it's true!  We are called to be different in this world. 

Our minds are like sponges, absorbing what's around us.  Are we filling them with the things of God or the things of the world?  James 1:27 tells us "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (KJV). 

Television can also weaken our faith.  For example, if we have a headache, instead of praying, we might just reach for a pill because that's what we've seen on TV.  The Bible tells us that "the just shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) [3]. 

Instead of filling our minds with "garbage" (Philippians 4:8), shouldn't we be focusing on what's truly good and right? [5]. 

Listen, I'm not saying I'm perfect. I do indulge occasionally. But I challenge you to be mindful of what you consume. Let's prioritize things that will build our faith, not weaken it. 

What are your thoughts? Does television play a role in your faith walk? Share your thoughts in the comments below!