Exercising Your Spiritual Senses: Walking With Jesus In The Marketplace

Presence Evangelism in Everyday Life

I was standing in the middle of a crowded Gulf Coast flea market, holding a plastic bag full of toothbrushes.

Ten toothbrushes for a dollar.

On paper, it looked like bargain hunting. In the Spirit, it was something else entirely. The air hummed with conversation and bartering, the smell of fried food drifted by, and somewhere in the midst of all that noise, Jesus was quietly orchestrating a series of divine appointments.

One lady lit up when she saw our “#Jesus” shirts and before I knew it, she was preaching louder and louder, her face shining as she shared how God had delivered her. Another time, a woman at the gate of that same flea market suddenly started confessing her faults and repenting right there in public. We had done what we always do – prayed, listened, and then simply “went” – but the Lord had done something much bigger than our simple obedience.

That tension right there – between everyday activity and supernatural orchestration – is where many of us struggle. We want to be spiritual, but we’re glued to our couches. We want to hear God, but we’re drowned in our own thoughts. We want to see miracles, but we never step outside the comfort of our routines.

In this post, I want to talk about exercising our spiritual senses – not as a theory, but from real-life encounters on the Gulf Coast: at flea markets, Walmart aisles, beach parks, and street corners. I’ll share how Jesus has been using these ordinary places to train me (and hopefully you) to walk in the Spirit, hear His voice, and love people with practical, prophetic, supernatural compassion.

If you’ve been wondering why your walk feels dry, why you’re not seeing the power of God, or why you rarely encounter the prophetic and supernatural, this is for you. The solution is not more theory. It’s “by reason of use.”

Walking In The Spirit, Not Just Knowing The Scriptures

When I hit the record button for that Coffee with Conrad episode, I opened with a couple of key scriptures that frame this whole conversation.

Paul writes:

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

(Romans 8:9 KJV)

And again:

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

(Galatians 5:16 KJV)

Paul knew the Old Testament backward and forward. He was a walking Bible scholar. But until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he did not have the Spirit. When the Lord knocked him off his high horse, he went from proud Saul to small Paul. He went from religious flesh to spiritual obedience.

That hits home for me.

In America, we have Bibles in every translation, sermons on every corner of the internet, and conferences for every niche. But are we walking in the Spirit, or just collecting information? Paul, the theologian, became Paul, the man who walked in the Spirit and wrote about it incessantly.

The turning point for him wasn’t more data. It was a real encounter with the living Jesus.

And that’s what I see over and over again – in my DMs, in the marketplace, on the streets.

Testimonies From Around The World – Real Persecution, Real Jesus

On social media I talk to people from all over the world now: New Zealand, Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines. It used to be mostly Americans and a few from England and Australia. Now my inbox is full of stories that honestly shake me.

I’ll get questions from Africa like, “Is it okay for our pastor to make us eat snakes and rats?” I have to read that twice. Then I look it up, and sure enough, there’s some truly bizarre, abusive stuff going on in the name of “ministry.”

Then there are the testimonies from those who came out of Islam. People who lost their families because they confessed Jesus. These aren’t movies. These aren’t Christian novels. I’m messaging the person directly. They’re telling me how their family disowned them, how persecution is their daily reality, and how Jesus met them anyway.

When you hear those stories firsthand, it changes how you see your own comfort.

Meanwhile, over here, I run into people who don’t want to share their testimony because they’re saving it for a book. Now, I’ve written mine – it’s in my book – but I also give that away when I can, and I talk about my testimony all the time. Freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8 KJV)

The more I hear about how Jesus helps people in these dire situations, the more I realize: I don’t have the luxury of staying silent. I must share the gospel. I must share my story. And I must be led by the Spirit when I do it.

Strong Meat And Spiritual Senses: “By Reason Of Use”

There’s a verse that I really want you to grab hold of. Write it down, memorize it, wrestle with it:

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

(Hebrews 5:14 KJV)

Notice that phrase: by reason of use.

Not “by reason of sitting on the couch.” Not “by reason of collecting sermons.” Not “by reason of scrolling through Christian memes.”

By reason of use.

We pray before we go out to minister. But it’s not a one-way speech to God. We’re not just throwing up petitions and then going about our day unchanged. We wait, like in Acts 13, ministering to the Lord and listening. Sometimes He gives clear direction. Other times, we don’t hear much.

But whether we get a lightning bolt or a whisper, there’s a foundational principle: the field still has to be worked.

Jesus told the parable of the two sons. One said, “I’ll go work,” but never did. The other said, “I won’t,” but then actually went and worked the field. The father justified the one who did the will, not the one who talked about it.

So even if our prayer time ends without a dramatic vision, we go. We step out. We work the field. And as we do, our spiritual senses get exercised.

You can’t learn to discern the voice of the Shepherd if you never actually follow Him into risky situations.

Scene 1: The Flea Market – Hashtag Jesus And Presence Evangelism

Let me take you back to that flea market.

We’re weaving through hundreds of people, picking up toothbrushes and socks for the homeless. The air is hot and thick, vendors are shouting deals, kids are running past – it’s just a normal Gulf Coast market scene. But in the middle of all this, the Lord starts “highlighting” people.

Sometimes it’s an inner nudge. Sometimes it’s like my attention is drawn to one person out of the sea of faces – almost like a spiritual “mouse pointer” hovering over them. I’ll think of the woman with the issue of blood: out of all the people thronging Him, Jesus felt one touch. Virtue went out. There was a connection.

That’s often how it feels.

We’re also wearing our “#Jesus” shirts, which stir up all kinds of reactions. Some people cross the street to avoid us. Some shove their headphones deeper in their ears and turn away. But then, every so often, someone says, “Hey, I like your shirt.”

Right there – that’s a door.

The fleshly American response is, “Oh thanks,” and keep walking. But I’ve learned that when two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, He shows up. When someone says they like my “#Jesus” shirt, they’ve just acknowledged His name. Sparks are flying in the Spirit, and I’ve learned to recognize that moment.

So this lady says she likes the shirt. I stop. We talk. She starts sharing her testimony.

And it’s powerful.

Her face lights up. She starts rapid-fire quoting scripture. Her voice rises as she describes how God saved and delivered her. For twenty to thirty minutes, she just goes. People slow down as they walk past, listening in. Some say, “Keep it up, God bless you.” Others just stand there, soaking in what she’s saying about Jesus.

I wasn’t the one preaching. Susan wasn’t either. This lady was. It was her testimony.

Meanwhile, there was someone nearby who was skeptical. She complained about contradictions – “You all say different things. Some of you talk Bible, some talk Spirit…” That’s where presence evangelism comes in.

You can argue doctrine all day. But when the Spirit of God is present, and a living testimony is going forth with fire, something shifts. This is why “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11 KJV)

When testimonies are shared in the presence of the Lord, people start feeling the conviction to repent, even with no altar call.

At that same flea market, near the gate, another lady just started talking to us. As she spoke, something overwhelmed her. She began confessing her faults, saying she needed to repent. We prayed with her right there in the gate.

No building. No pulpit. Just presence.

That’s presence evangelism: the Spirit of God manifesting in ordinary places, working through simple obedience and shared stories.

Scene 2: Walmart, The Parking Lot, And The Limping Man

Another day, we were driving to Walmart. I’ve made a personal challenge: every time I go to the store, at least talk to one person about Jesus. I’m crucifying my pride and comfort, trying to be “instant in season, out of season” like Paul.

We carry goodie bags in the “Holy Roller” – jackets, blankets, socks, wool caps, gloves, hygiene items, snacks, Bibles. Sometimes we hit a group of people and can’t go deep with each one – they get stuff, but not as much discipleship. So we look for “stragglers” too – those who don’t make it into shelters. With them, we can really dig into kingdom keys like forgiveness and breaking bitterness.

On the way to Walmart, we saw a couple on the street. We stopped, gave them goodie bags, and I talked with the man. He had been hit with heavy losses in his family. Grief had sunk into depression. Depression had led to self-destructive behavior. As he shared, I thought, “I know this territory.” I’d walked through panic attacks, grief, and tragedies myself.

I shared how Jesus had met me in my darkest hours, the scriptures He used to pull me out, and some of the kingdom keys that helped me break through. We prayed. We blessed them. I believe that moment put a crack in the darkness that was pressing on him.

Then we drove on to Walmart.

Now watch how God orchestrates.

We park the car. I get out. Ten feet from the vehicle, I see a man limping. I recognize him: Michael.

Michael is the man from a previous encounter tied to another friend, Dean – a cessationist brother who doesn’t believe the gifts of the Spirit are for today. Dean is a great guy, loves the Bible, and we talk about Jesus with him at the beach park. One night, because of something Dean said, we ended up at Wendy’s where we met Michael.

It was in the 20s that night – bitter cold – and Michael only had the clothes on his back. We gave him blankets, gloves, a scarf, and a jacket that cost about three dollars. That night, it probably saved his life.

Now, here we are in the Walmart parking lot. Michael limps by and says, “Dude, that jacket saved my life. I would’ve froze that night if it wasn’t for the stuff you gave me.”

We got to talk more, pray more, share more kingdom keys.

You can call that coincidence if you want. I call it Jesus ordering our steps.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…”

(Psalm 37:23 KJV)

Once again, by reason of use – by going, by carrying those bags, by being willing to be interrupted – God kept connecting threads we could have never woven ourselves.

Learning To Discern: Was That God, Me, Or The Devil?

Back inside Walmart, I was doing what I’ve trained myself to do: listening. “Lord, light someone up. Highlight someone. Give me something.”

He did.

One lady kept nearly running into me with her cart. Not once. Three times. At some point you’ve got to say, “Okay Lord, I’m seeing a pattern here.” So I stopped and asked, “Do you need prayer?”

We prayed for her, and in the middle of that prayer, the Lord dropped something into my spirit – a simple word, but specific enough to let her know that God saw her and cared. That’s what a word of knowledge often does: it reveals that the God of the universe is paying attention to one person’s situation.

That’s part of exercising our senses.

We have to learn to distinguish:

• Is that the Shepherd’s voice?
• Is that my own thoughts?
• Or is that the enemy?

Let me say this plainly: the devil is not going to tell you to go witness to someone and share a word of knowledge about Jesus. He is not going to lead you to preach the gospel, pray for someone’s healing, or give away Bibles and blankets in the name of Jesus.

When in doubt, step out.

There were also a couple of people that day I felt drawn to but didn’t manage to talk to. I missed those opportunities. I felt bad afterward. That’s part of the learning curve too. Sometimes we don’t “make the circumstances work” – we shrink back, or we get distracted.

But even our mistakes become training when we stay honest before the Lord.

That’s where another key comes in.

Confessing Our Faults And Bearing One Another’s Burdens

Toward the end of that sermon, I shared something I’ve been learning: a lot of us in America are self-centered, even in our Christian walk. We’re depressed, anxious, medicated, overwhelmed – but we stay isolated. We hide our faults. We put on the “I’m fine” mask and soldier on.

The Bible has a different prescription:

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

(James 5:16 KJV)

When we start actually talking to each other about our real struggles – “I’m depressed,” “I blew it,” “I should have witnessed to that lady and didn’t” – and we pray for each other, something happens.

There is healing in that place.

I’ve noticed something: when I take my eyes off myself and pray for someone else, healing starts working in me too. It’s like a boomerang effect. As I bear someone else’s burden, the Lord lifts mine.

Paul says:

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

(Galatians 6:2 KJV)

The “law of Christ” is the law of love. Jesus said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another…”

(John 13:34 KJV)

People will know we are His disciples, not by our podcasts, not by our conferences, but by the love we have one for another – the kind of love you can see because we actually show up, help, listen, give, and pray.

Paul continues:

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

(Galatians 6:10 KJV)

Opportunity is everywhere – at the flea market, at Walmart, on the beach, in the DMs, at the park bench. The question is: are we taking it?

Personal Reflections

I don’t share these stories as a guy who’s “arrived.” I share them as someone Jesus keeps lovingly dragging off the couch and into the harvest field.

There are days when I don’t feel like talking to anyone. Days when depression tries to creep back in. Days when anxiety whispers, “Just keep to yourself.” I’ve had panic attacks. I’ve had seasons of deep grief. I’ve seen what happens when we turn inward and let the darkness fester.

But I’ve also seen what happens when we go anyway.

When I challenged myself to talk to at least one person about Jesus every time I went to the store, I wasn’t doing it because I’m super-spiritual. I did it because I know my own flesh. I know that if I don’t set a target, I’ll default to silence.

In those moments, the Lord has gently corrected me:

• When I hesitated and missed someone He highlighted, I felt that inner nudge: “You could have gone. Next time, step out.”
• When I started to get proud about ministry “success,” He reminded me of Paul – from proud Saul to small Paul – and how the real power came when he humbled himself.
• When I focused too much on my own issues, He put people in my path whose suffering made mine look small, and yet they radiated faith and joy. That rebuked my self-pity.

I’ve also learned from the homeless brothers and sisters we meet. There was one man, Donald, sitting on a bench reading. He had this calm, content demeanor. As he talked about how God took care of him – in the cold, in hunger, in simple daily needs – I realized he was living out what Jesus said:

“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink… Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

(Matthew 6:25, 33 KJV)

He wasn’t a theology professor, but he was testifying to a living reality. God clothed him. God fed him. God sent people like us to bring what he needed at just the right time. When Susan gave him a full Bible to go with the New Testament he already had, he lit up. He wanted those Old Testament stories because he knew they help explain the New.

Standing there, I realized I was the one being discipled in that moment.

Jesus keeps showing me that the supernatural isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s a three-dollar jacket that saves a life. Sometimes it’s an almost-collision with a shopping cart that turns into healing prayer. Sometimes it’s a “nice shirt” comment that opens a twenty-minute impromptu sermon in the middle of a flea market aisle.

All of it flows from one thing: walking in the Spirit, not just talking about it.

Biblical References (Woven Into The Journey)

Here are some of the key scriptures that have been framing this whole journey, all from the KJV:

• Romans 8:9 – We are in the Spirit if the Spirit of God dwells in us; without the Spirit of Christ, we are none of His.
• Galatians 5:16 – Walking in the Spirit keeps us from fulfilling the lust of the flesh.
• Hebrews 5:14 – Strong meat belongs to those who, by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
• Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
• James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, pray for one another, and you will be healed; the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
• Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
• Galatians 6:10 – Do good to all, especially the household of faith.
• Revelation 12:11 – Overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
• Matthew 6:25–34 – Don’t worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear; seek first the kingdom and His righteousness.
• Matthew 10:8 – “Freely ye have received, freely give.”

These aren’t just verses to quote. They’re invitations to a lifestyle: spiritual, Jesus-centered, prophetic, supernatural – right in the middle of everyday life.

Key Takeaways

• Walking in the Spirit is not theory; it’s learned “by reason of use” as we step out and obey.
• Testimonies are powerful weapons – they carry the presence of God and help people overcome.
• Presence evangelism happens when the Spirit of God shows up in ordinary places through simple obedience.
• Our steps really are ordered by the Lord when we’re willing to move.
• Confessing our faults and praying for one another brings healing – both to others and to us.
• Bearing one another’s burdens and doing good, especially to believers, fulfills the law of Christ, which is love.
• The devil will not lead you to share the gospel; when you feel that nudge, step out in faith.

Conclusion and Call to Action

If you’re waiting to “feel ready” before you step out, you’ll be waiting forever.

Paul didn’t start out as the polished apostle. He started out blind in a house on Straight Street, trying to process what had just happened on the road to Damascus. From there, he walked it out.

In the same way, you and I are not going to become spiritual heavyweights by sitting on the couch, scrolling through feeds, and nodding at sermons. Strong meat is for those who use their senses. Discernment grows when we push past awkwardness and talk to that person. Faith grows when we offer to pray. Love grows when we give the three-dollar jacket or the bag of snacks and the Bible.

Jesus is already at Walmart. He’s already at the flea market. He’s already on that park bench. He’s already in your DMs. He’s waiting for His body – you and me – to show up and agree with Him.

So let’s get off the couch.

Let’s ask the Lord to light someone up, and then let’s go talk to them. Let’s wear our faith on our sleeves – or on our shirts – so that one “nice shirt” turns into a twenty-minute move of God. Let’s confess our faults to each other, pray for each other, and watch healing flow in both directions.

If this stirs something in you, I want to invite you to stay connected. Subscribe, follow, share, and jump into the conversation. Share this post with someone who needs a nudge off the couch and into the harvest.

We’re learning together how to dig deeper and go higher in Jesus.

Action Items

• Pray before you go out. Ask the Lord to order your steps and “light up” at least one person for you to talk to every time you leave the house.
• Set a simple challenge. Commit to speaking to at least one person about Jesus every time you go to a store or public place.
• Carry something practical. Keep a small “goodie bag” (snacks, hygiene items, a New Testament) in your vehicle so you’re always ready to bless someone in need.
• Share your testimony. Stop saving your story for “someday.” Tell at least one person this week what Jesus has done for you.
• Find a confession partner. Connect with a trusted believer, confess your faults, and pray for each other regularly so that healing can flow and your spiritual senses can grow stronger.

Being Jesus‑Centered: From Noise to Knowing

 From Chaos to Clarity

Keeping Jesus at the center is more than a motto—it is the narrow path that leads from noise to knowing, from scattered effort to Spirit‑led fruit. The invitation is simple: make Christ the focus, and the Father will reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). The way is clear in Scripture, lived by the saints, and verified in the secret place where the still small voice cut through the storm (1 Kings 19:12).

A Compass in Your Hand, Not a Blueprint on Your Desk

We often plead with God for a blueprint, but the Spirit gives a compass (John 16:13). A blueprint tries to eliminate dependence; a compass requires it. Blueprints tempt us to walk by sight; a compass trains us to walk by faith. When our mind is stayed on the Lord, we are kept in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). When our eye is single—fixed on Christ—our whole body is full of light (Matthew 6:22). The early steps may feel small, but obedience in the small makes us trustworthy in the much (Luke 16:10).

Consider Abraham. He went out “not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). He traded blueprint‑certainty for compass‑communion. Every altar on the way was a reminder: God leads those who wait on Him. Our altars today are those quiet appointments with Jesus—Scripture open, heart surrendered, pen ready. There we learn His voice so well that even if the number changes, we recognize the Caller (John 10:4–5, 27).

Kingdom Connections: Sparks that Start Holy Fires

God knits lives; He doesn’t merely stack tasks. A simple call with a hungry brother or sister can become a “kingdom connection”—the kind Nehemiah felt when a burden for Jerusalem became blue‑flame purpose (Nehemiah 2:12). When like‑minded believers compare notes, shared hunger amplifies holy boldness. We remember the “generals” of faith—Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, the reformers God raised up—and we’re stirred: “Do it again in my day, Lord.”

Notice what happens when walls are rebuilt: families take their section, set a watch, refuse distraction, and keep a weapon in one hand while they work with the other (Nehemiah 4:17). Jesus‑centered people are wall‑builders: they repair breaches in thought‑life, time‑use, and community habits. They post watchmen over their eyes and ears. They labor with prayer and proclaim the Word while they work. Revelation tends to land on sites under construction.

Rocks of Revelation: What They Are—and What They Are Not

When Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He identified revealed truth as the bedrock (Matthew 16:16–18). “Rocks of Revelation” are not private inventions; God’s Word is of no private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20–21). They are Spirit‑quickened illuminations that transform a known verse into known reality. Hearing plus doing cements the foundation (Matthew 7:24–25). Without obedience, light leaks; with obedience, light compacts into rock.

Think of three movements:

• Read: Take in the text as it stands.
• Rehearse: Meditate, mutter, memorize, and pray it back to God (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2).
• Respond: Do the next faithful thing the verse implies (James 1:22).

As these repeat, “aha” moments multiply. The Spirit who authored the text guides us into the truth the text already carries (John 16:13). Faith rises from hearing the Word (Romans 10:17), and love compels the doing (Galatians 5:6).

Kings Who Search: The Honour of Holy Curiosity

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). Jesus called the kingdom treasure hid in a field (Matthew 13:44). Hidden does not mean withheld; it means reserved for seekers. The tools of the mine are ordinary—pen, paper, prayer, patience—but the ore is priceless. The Father loves to meet us in the dig. Knock becomes open. Seek becomes find. Ask becomes receive (Matthew 7:7–8).

Practical mining looks like this: select a short passage (for instance, Matthew 5:1–12). Read it aloud. Paraphrase it in your own words. List three questions. Pray the text line by line. Sit quietly. Write down what the Spirit brings to mind that accords with Scripture. Then do one small thing today because of what you saw. Often the payload drops after the fifth or fifteenth hammer‑strike, not the first.

Guard the Eye Gate, Tend the Inner Cinema

Jesus warned that a “single eye” fills us with light, while a bad eye fills us with darkness (Matthew 6:22–23). Attention is allegiance. We become what we behold (2 Corinthians 3:18). Guard the outer eyes—screens, headlines, images—and the inner projector—imagination, replay, fantasy. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Holiness is not grim behavior management; it is love’s focused gaze. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Clean hands follow a clean heart (Psalm 24:3–4).

One simple rule reclaims enormous ground: Word before world. Prioritize Scripture before news, notifications, or social. The Shepherd’s voice should set the day’s keynote. Add two quiet windows—10 minutes mid‑day and 10 minutes evening—to breathe, be still, and listen (Psalm 46:10). These aren’t productivity hacks; they are proximity habits. Near Jesus, the noise lowers and the light lifts.

Cut the Noise, Turn Up the Word

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Even good religious input—sermons, podcasts, music—can crowd out the voice that calls our name. Saints like Wigglesworth modeled radical simplicity: Scripture first and most, and frequent prayer. We can imitate the spirit of that devotion even if our reading list includes a few solid helps. The point is volume: which voice is loudest, longest, and latest in your day?

Try a 7‑day media fast from one channel that tends to linger in your head. Replace it with slow, repeated readings of a single chapter. Add prayer walks where you speak a verse in rhythm with your steps. Notice how discernment sharpens and stray thoughts lose stickiness.

The Rim, the Center, and the Return

Picture a spinning plate. At the center, forces are minimal; near the rim, they are strong. Sin, selfish doctrines, and distracted living tend to pull us outward. The further we drift, the stronger the drag. That is the feel of backsliding. But the return begins with one word: repent. Turn. Take a center‑step. Open the Word. Whisper the name “Jesus.”

Return patterns matter more than rare mountaintops. Build a fast path back to the center: confess quickly (1 John 1:9), replace the lie with a verse, and act on one small nudge of obedience. Over time, you’ll live so near the pole that the rim has little leverage. The world’s centrifuge weakens where Christ’s gravity is strongest.

Exercised Senses: Discernment by Reason of Use

Solid food belongs to those “who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Discernment grows like muscle—under load. Start with doable obediences. If you sense a prompt in the store—encourage, pray, give—do it humbly. Keep a simple log of nudges, actions, and outcomes. Patterns will emerge: which impressions align with Scripture and bear peaceable fruit (James 3:17)? Which arise from fear or flesh?

Don’t be surprised that God trains you in ordinary places. The point is not platform but proximity. Sheep know the Shepherd’s voice because they walk with the Shepherd daily (John 10:4–5, 27). When you miss it, repent. When you hit it, give thanks. Either way, keep walking.

Redeeming the Time—for Their Sake

“See then that ye walk circumspectly… Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Time is seed. When we waste it, harvests are lost—for us and for others. Your family, fellowship, and neighbors may be reading your life before they read your Bible. “Let your light so shine before men” that they see and glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16). A Jesus‑centered life is not self‑improvement; it is cross‑bearing love (Luke 9:23) that blesses those within your reach.

Consider the quiet evangelism of consistency. A parent who returns to the center after failure teaches repentance. A coworker who refuses the gossip stream models purity of heart. A neighbor who carries Scripture on a walk and a prayer in their pocket shifts the spiritual climate of a street. Revival rides in on a thousand ordinary obediences.

Practices That Keep Jesus at the Center

1. Word Before World

   Open the Gospels before you open your phone. Read one chapter aloud. Ask: What does this show me about Jesus? What step can I take today? (Joshua 1:8.)

2. Two Quiet Windows

   Set 10 minutes at mid‑day and 10 minutes in the evening. No input. Breathe a simple prayer: “Speak, Lord; thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9). Jot what comes that accords with Scripture.

3. Thought Replacement

   When a vain imagination rises, answer aloud with Scripture: “It is written…” Bring the thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Stay with the verse until peace returns.

4. Obedience Reps

   Treat prompts like reps. Small, frequent obediences build spiritual reflexes. Review weekly: Where did I obey? Where did I delay?

5. Weekly Fast from Noise

   Choose one channel to mute—news, music, or social—for 24 hours. Replace with prayer, psalms, and a walk with Jesus. Journal any rocks of revelation that drop.

6. Watch the Gates Together

   Invite a trusted friend or spouse to ask you weekly: What captured your attention most? What did you behold? What did you obey? Mutual watchfulness strengthens walls (Nehemiah 4:9).

7. Sabbath Delights

   Delight yourself in the Lord one day each week with unhurried Scripture, fellowship, and kindness (Isaiah 58:13–14). Rest clears static; joy tunes the heart.

Scripture Memory—Fuel for the Inner Fire

Hide the Word in your heart to resist sin and sustain focus (Psalm 119:11). A simple rhythm:

• Pick one verse that answers your present battle.
• Write it on a card. Read it morning, noon, and night.
• Speak it while walking. Sing it while driving. Pray it before sleep.
• Use a looped audio recording to repeat it for five minutes.

Over days, the verse becomes a sword in your mouth and a shield for your mind (Ephesians 6:17).

Prayer that Listens as Much as It Asks

Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). In prayer, mix Scripture, silence, and simple petitions. A pattern:

• Start with a psalm. Read slowly.
• Be still two minutes. Attend to the Lord.
• Present specific requests for wisdom, love, and boldness.
• Wait again. Note impressions that match the Word.
• Close with thanksgiving. Return to silence for one more minute.

This trains the soul to notice the Shepherd’s nudge in the day’s noise.

Family and Fellowship: Keeping the Center Together

The center holds stronger in community. “Exhort one another daily… lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Share rocks of revelation with your household group or a faithful friend. Pray in agreement. Carry another’s burden. Correct in meekness. Celebrate obediences. Community keeps us near the pole when our legs are wobbly.

When the Plate Spins Hard: Trials and Temptations

Hard seasons do not mean God is distant. Often they mean He is deepening roots. Count it joy when you meet trials, knowing they produce steadfastness (James 1:2–4). Use trials to practice center‑steps: Word before world, quiet windows, thought replacement, obedience reps. The enemy’s winds test the house; obedience on the rock stands (Matthew 7:24–25).

Action Items (This Week)

• Pick a Gospel chapter to read aloud daily; start with Matthew 6.
• Schedule two 10‑minute quiet windows. Protect them like appointments.
• Choose one verse to memorize for mental warfare (2 Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6–8). Speak it three times daily.
• Do three “obedience reps” you can log: encourage, pray for, or help someone.
• Fast one input for 24 hours and replace it with psalms and a prayer walk.

Final Word of Hope

Jesus is the Center because Jesus is Lord. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Keep your eye single, your ear attentive, and your feet obedient. The light will grow, the noise will fade, and your life will become a lighthouse for those still at the rim. “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

Escaping the Coffee Table: The Spiritual Pursuit of Jesus Beyond Sunday Morning

 Faith Must Be A Daily Pursuit

Where Muddy Footsteps Become Prayer

You hear that? That is the sound of freedom. It’s the call of a bird I can’t quite name, echoing through the cold, damp woods of Mississippi, right next to the Pascagoula River. For months, the deep freeze and relentless rain have kept me indoors, locked in a subtle, psychological cage. I’m out on a prayer walk right now, navigating around great big mud puddles, trying to keep my socks dry and my feet warm. But even the risk of a cold, wet toe is worth this escape.

Because let's be honest, we all have that internal, nagging chaos. You’re trying to connect with the Lord—you’re trying to settle into that quiet place—but your mind is a perpetual to-do list flashing red. My house is no different. I love my home, but if I stay too close, I’m close to the chores, you know? Just a few feet away are the dirty dishes, waiting to be scraped and scrubbed. Down the hall is the vacuum cleaner, silently reminding me that the carpet hasn't seen action in days. And then there's the ever-present, gravitational pull of the internet—a distraction magnet disguised as a tool. Even when I manage to get into a dedicated mode of prayer, this constant, low-grade agitation is always there: Oh yeah, the trash has to go out.

That, my friends, is the pain point for so many believers. We want the supernatural life of Christ, but we’re so entangled in the "natural" demands of our world that we keep Jesus relegated to a shelf. We put Him on the spiritual coffee table. He's there, available, a comforting presence, but we only pick Him up when there’s a crisis. Uncle Joe is sick? Time to go do the Jesus thing! But what happens when the immediate need passes? He goes right back down, and we return to our worldly routines, trusting Mammon, trusting Tylenol, trusting our own strength, until the next fire breaks out.

But what if I told you that the life of supernatural and sustained faith isn't about running to Jesus during the fire, but walking with Him before it even begins? That’s what I’m out here seeking right now. I’m striving to get a mile or two away from the constant noise so I can focus a little bit more on doing the Enoch thing—to simply walk with God and develop the kind of sold-out faith that makes the miraculous a daily reality. This is how we escape the 'coffee table' mindset and start living the life we were truly designed for.

The Enoch Walk and the Faith That Conquers

My prayer walks are a substitute for the "prayer closet" Jesus spoke of. I don't have a literal closet, but I need the separation. I need the space where I can’t just run over and fix something that needs fixing. I covet that relationship with Enoch, who, after walking with God for 365 years, was simply taken. The King James Bible says, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24 KJV). Think about that depth of relationship—a daily, unrelenting pursuit of the divine presence that transcended the normal bounds of earth.

That kind of spiritual commitment makes people uncomfortable, especially today. But as I was recently reading a gem of a book about Smith Wigglesworth, the "Apostle of Faith," I was reminded that this kind of radical, sold-out life is not an isolated phenomenon in history.

Wigglesworth’s life, much like his quotes, challenges your entire belief system. He was married to a woman who was a powerful preacher long before he was, and they had an understanding so deeply prophetic it’s almost unbelievable. She once told him—and this is a conversation I want you to truly think about—that one day she was going to be preaching, and God was going to take her, kind of like He took Enoch. I’ve heard many sermons and read countless books, but a wife speaking to her husband about her own supernatural transition is on another level. And one day, it happened. He found out his wife had expired, and she had indeed died while preaching. Wigglesworth’s ultimate response to this monumental moment of grief and loss? To praise God and start praying in tongues.

This isn’t callousness; it’s faith shored up. This is the fruit of a relationship so deep with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 KJV), that even death itself is viewed through the lens of God's perfect will, rather than human tragedy.

I've seen this kind of unwavering faith in my own mentors, like Garry and Nancy Nesbit: The more sold out you are, the more miraculous your life becomes. God does miracles for those that believe, and the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17 KJV).

What Does it Mean to Really "Believe" God?

This is where we must examine our American-style, comfortable, convenient faith. When people in our society say they believe God, what are they actually saying? Is it a mental acknowledgment of a historical fact, or is it a complete transfer of authority over their daily life?

Jesus gave us the metric. “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). The fruit of your life shows the health of the tree trunk of your being. Jesus said, “Make the tree good, and his fruit good.” (Matthew 12:33 KJV). For over a decade, I’ve been praying and pondering the passage that says, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). I think I'm on to something here: our belief system is revealed by what we watch, what we consume, and what we prioritize. Just a little bit of the world makes us dark, compromises our focus, and contaminates our "single eye."

We are called to be living sacrifices, which is our reasonable service to God, every minute of every day (Romans 12:1 KJV). But we don't do that. We treat Jesus like the coffee table accessory, accessing Him only when the storm hits. We quote John 3:16—“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)—and we think the work is done. But James drops a hammer on that easy-believism: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14 KJV).

Are we going to trust in Mammon, which is the spirit of wealth and comfort, or are we going to take no thought for tomorrow and say, “Give us this day our daily bread... Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:11, 10 KJV)? This is the crux of the battle. It is a reasonable service to be a living sacrifice, to say, “Lord, ordain Your will for me today.”

Shoring Up Your Theology Before the Fire

Our value system comes to light when the house is on fire. What do you run for? What is your most prized possession? The time to shore up your values, your theology, and your faith is well before the fire comes.

I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When faced with the king’s fiery furnace, their faith wasn't a sudden burst of courage; it was a deeply ingrained, already settled theology. They knew the truth: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18 KJV).

They were shored up. They were rooted. They had already died to their fear of man and their desire for earthly preservation.

That is why we must get worded up now. When you run across a situation in your life, what is your first response? Do you fall to your knees in prayer, or do you run to the nearest worldly resource? When you’re in a trial, do you think immediately, “What does the Word say about this?” James tells us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5 KJV).

We often submit to our worldly allegiance—our world’s alliances and supposed "theologians"—instead of looking for biblical solutions to our problems. I’ll admit I’m a hypocrite in this area. It’s so much easier to pop some Tylenol than it is to pray and rebuke a headache in the powerful name of Jesus. But in my own life, when I’ve been forced to choose, I’ve seen the supernatural power of resistance.

Personal Reflections: Warfare and the Loss of Identity

I have encountered firsthand the reality of demonic attacks, the kind that manifest as physical illness. I know about night terrors, which I discuss in my book Overcoming Night Terror, where the enemy attacks you through fear and sleep paralysis, making you unable to speak. But there were a few times, usually around 3:00 in the morning, when I would suddenly get violently sick—flu-like symptoms came upon me like a thunderclap. I just knew in my spirit it was a demonic attack, even though the physical symptoms were real.

It was just like when Jesus laid hands on Peter’s mother-in-law, “and the fever left her.” (Luke 4:39 KJV). The demonic thing left.

Instead of grabbing a Theraflu or some other quick fix, I got on my knees. I started praying, and I started commanding the enemy to leave. I asked the Spirit of God for everything I needed to wage war. I knew to persist in that spiritual warfare. We have to be diligent, “having done all to stand, stand therefore...” (Ephesians 6:13 KJV). Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down every high imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV).

The Voice That Was Stolen

I remember one specific time, I was about to go live on a radio show—a major, real-time broadcast. The clock was counting down, and I was minutes away from starting. And dude, right before the show, I lost my voice. I mean, I could feel my pharynx swell up. My voice was just gone.

I kind of laughed, because I knew this wasn't natural. It came on too quick. It was a clear demonic attack designed to block the message God wanted to share. Sometimes, God allows us to go through these things so that we can learn. Do not despise the chastening of the Lord, because those He loves, He chastens, corrects, and instructs in righteousness (Proverbs 3:11-12, 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

So, with the clock still ticking down and my voice completely shot, I grabbed my guitar. I started worshiping. In my spirit, the words finally erupted out of my mouth, even if they were barely audible at first. But by the time I had to do the show, I was 100%. The enemy was defeated through the simple, supernatural power of worship and persistent faith.

These battles taught me that my old identity has to die daily. Paul said, “I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV). He also said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). We've got to let that grain of wheat fall to the ground and die, or it will produce nothing (John 12:24 KJV). So many of us are desperately trying to hold onto our old identity, but the true Christian life begins when you surrender it completely and say, It's not I that lives, but Christ that lives in me.

Biblical References: The Pursuit and the Word

We are in a never-ending pursuit of Jesus. Every time I get a little closer to Him, I only notice how much further I need to go. I read the life of Wigglesworth, and I know that I am nowhere near where I want to be. The way we draw closer to Him is through the Word. Jesus is the Word, and the Bible is the physical manifestation of that truth.

We need to treat the Word of God as more important than our necessary food. I encourage you to read the King James Version (KJV), the Authorized KJV, or the New KJV. While I’m not here to start an argument over translations, I must warn you that some paraphrases and versions omit or water down key verses, and they simply do not say the same thing. The spirit and the Word agree, and we need the full counsel of Scripture.

The Spirit of Truth actually guides us into all truth (John 16:13 KJV). We must continually read the Bible, like food for our spirit. Wigglesworth apparently had the habit of reading the Word every time he ate physical food. That’s a man who truly grasped the meaning of Matthew 4:4 (KJV): “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

If we desire this closeness with God, we must heed the call to hunger and thirst: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6 KJV). We are commanded to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 KJV). We have to give up the stuff of the world for God in this process.

You must get worded up before the trial comes. It may seem like a journey of a thousand miles. You may look at the Bible and think, "Oh my gosh, it’s such a huge sword, I can’t even lift it!" But just start. The successful Christian life begins with reading the Word of God, not having to depend on asking someone else every time you have a question. Yes, iron sharpens iron, and we must fellowship (Proverbs 27:17 KJV), but that does not give us an excuse to be biblically ignorant. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6 KJV). That’s why many are sick and have fallen asleep—because we are not discerning the Lord’s body (1 Corinthians 11:30 KJV). We need to know why that is happening!

Key Takeaways

The path to a life where the prophetic and the supernatural are normal is a daily, intentional walk, not a Sunday-only appearance.

• Get Away: Create a "prayer closet," whether it’s a physical room or a prayer walk in the woods, to escape the distractions (dishes, internet, chores) that keep your mind dual-focused.
• Choose Life: Stop treating Jesus like a coffee table accessory only to be used in emergencies. He requires a living sacrifice, every minute of every day (Romans 12:1 KJV).
• Examine Your Fruits: Your belief system is revealed by what you prioritize. Make the tree good by having a single focus (Matthew 6:22 KJV).
• Die Daily: Embrace the crucifixion of your old identity so that Christ can truly live through you (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
• Word Up: Get rooted in the KJV Bible before the trial comes. Hunger and thirst for righteousness more than your necessary food (Matthew 5:6 KJV).

Conclusion and Call to Action

Right now, standing here with the sun rising up in the East, casting the trees’ shadows over the river, it's quiet. I can hear the traffic in the background, but it's distant. It's not as prevalent as the noise of the chores and the internet. I can get off with God. And what I'm thinking is this: as we grow closer in our relationship with Christ, you see a huge, undeniable gap open up between truth and the "fake truth" the world offers.

It’s frustrating to see, but we are supposed to work the field. We're supposed to put our hand to the plow and plant seeds. We are called to share this good news.

It is an awesome experience to talk to people about Jesus and share testimonies—and listen to theirs. Sometimes, I’ll look for an older gentleman at the coffee shop or the park, someone with some gray hair and experience, and I'll start talking to them about Jesus. You’ll see their face literally light up. They begin to share the things the Lord has showed them, and you’re having church right there. When two or three are gathered together in the name, nature, character, and authority of Jesus, He is in the midst (Matthew 18:20 KJV). You feel His presence; you sense it. And when you leave that conversation, you’re pumped up. You are motivated to do more.

Be about Jesus, man. It is an exciting life. You get to see amazing things. It’s truly exciting to see someone's face change because of Jesus, and you are right there when the shift happens. I hope you catch this ball of excitement I have in my heart for the things of God. It's a never-ending, spiritual pursuit of the King, and the payoff is eternal.

If this post has touched you, please consider sharing it with your friends and family on social media. Dig deeper and go higher! You can find more of my thoughts on this pursuit of the prophetic life and read about my battles in spiritual warfare at ConradRocks.net.

Action Items

• Schedule Your Enoch Walk: Intentionally carve out a time and place—away from your house, away from your chores, and away from your screens—for dedicated, uninterrupted prayer. Make the daily walk with God a non-negotiable part of your life.
• Pick Up the Sword: If you haven’t already, commit to reading a reliable version of the Bible (like the KJV). Do not wait for a trial to begin; start getting worded up now so that you are shored up in your theology before the fire comes.
• Replace the Pill with Prayer: Next time you have a minor physical affliction, challenge yourself to get on your knees and rebuke the attack in Jesus' name before you reach for the medicine cabinet. Start exercising your faith in the small things to prepare for the big ones.
• Read the Canon: To understand more about escaping the enemy’s tactics, pick up my book Overcoming Night Terror or delve into the spiritual truths in OPEN YOUR EYES. Use my prior posts on ConradRocks.net to gain context.
• Initiate Fellowship: Engage a fellow believer, especially an older one, in a conversation about Jesus. Be the one to ask them what the Lord has been showing them. Be about Jesus and watch how the Spirit ignites both of you.