Character to Carry the Gift – A Core Value from James W. Goll
A river without banks is just runoff water. The charismata, Holy Spirit gifts, without character are a raft heading into swampy waters. But when character is shaped in the image of Christ Jesus, then the presence, power and authority of the Holy Spirit have an effective course through which to be channeled. Four Characteristics of Authentic Prophetic People Here are four aspects of prophetic people who continuously pursue an intimate and godly walk with Christ: 1. They Are People of Genuine Faith Abraham was captivated by God with a vision and purpose. But Hebrews 11:8–10 indicates that he stepped out, “not knowing [...]
10 Essential Guardrails for Hearing God’s Voice
In the journey of hearing God’s voice today effectively and accurately, you need the practical and personal work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus clearly told his followers that those who hear His words and put them into practice are wise! “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24–25 To avoid error [...]
Investing in the Generations – A Core Value from James W. Goll
God Himself always thinks and acts generationally. Therefore, each generation of Christians, and especially leaders, need to see themselves as a bridge that builds on the past, lives in the present, and plans for the future. Part of the mind-set of a bridge generation requires recognizing and taking responsibility for passing on a solid legacy of faith and godly values to the next generation. Just how important is this “generational transfer”? One of our most critical needs today in the Church is that we renew our commitment to “generational transfer,” which is passing on to the next generation not just principles, theology, [...]
Are You Waiting on God, or Is He Waiting on You?
Hearing God’s voice today is a very natural act, but it requires the activity of a supernatural God. Scripture is clear that there is a reward for waiting upon the Lord, but have you ever wondered if He is waiting upon you? “Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 There is no automatic-pilot setting that guarantees that you will hear. One truth is that if you do nothing, you will receive nothing. But the seeming opposite is also true: [...]
Personal Update from James W. Goll
A Values-Centered Life Personal Update from James W. Goll “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…” Colossians 3:23 It really does matter what we do with our life. After all, we only have this one life to live. But it also matters how you do what you do and who you do it for. We really do want our lives to matter. Right? To do so, we must live our life in light of eternity. Let me share one short vivid dream with you, before I turn the corner and move into a Special [...]
Ever Feel Overwhelmed?
Ever feel overwhelmed with life, society, dysfunctional relationships, let alone the foreboding knowledge of coming wars and rumors of wars? Along with many other prophetic voices, I declared that 2020 was a dress rehearsal of things yet to come. To describe the emotional impact of the last several months, I would call it: “living life in a pressure cooker!” So how do we navigate life in the midst of chaos and times of uncertainty? Sometimes we try to go it alone or we run away from the very people that we need. When we get overwhelmed, we may tend to become fearful [...]
Answering Your Call to Courage and Honor
Today, across the globe and right in our own back yards, there are enemies on the rampage tearing apart society at every corner. It's time to rise up in courage and honor, and face down the intimidation. Scripture gives us a strong admonition found in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Instead of the word “fear”, it could be better translated, “cowardice”. It is time for you to throw off that dreary spirit of cowardice and intimidation and arise in boldness to be all [...]
National Day of Prayer: 70 Years of Prayer for America
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 NKJV The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our rich heritage. Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation for a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. A [...]