The Danger of Being Well Equipped.

There’s an insidious danger in being “well equipped.” It’s the danger of trusting in the very tools, traditions, and truths we’ve accumulated rather than in the God who provides them.

This image of Jesus standing before a group of religious leaders—clothed in the garments of power, surrounded by the trappings of tradition—captures the tension perfectly. 

These men knew the Scriptures. They were trained, respected, and confident in their position. Yet when the Living Word stood in front of them, they couldn't recognize Him. Why? Because their trust was in their equipment.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

We all carry tools we’ve picked up on our journey: our knowledge, experience, training, or even our ministry routines. These things aren’t inherently wrong. But when we lean on them instead of leaning on the Lord, they become stumbling blocks instead of stepping stones.

The Pharisees weren’t evil because they studied Scripture or upheld tradition. The problem was their confidence had shifted. Their identity and authority were no longer grounded in a relationship with God but in their role, their robes, and their rules.

The apostle Paul had once been one of them. But after encountering Jesus, he wrote:

“If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more… But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” — Philippians 3:4,7

Paul saw it: trusting in our qualifications, knowledge, or even our past faithfulness can keep us from present dependence. In the Kingdom, being well equipped is not wrong—but trusting in our equipment rather than the Equip**per** is.

So let’s ask ourselves:
- Are we walking by faith today, or by familiar tools?
- Are we listening for the Spirit, or leaning on our past experiences?
- Are we resting in relationship or relying on reputation?

God’s strategic will isn't revealed to the most “qualified”—it’s revealed to those who trust Him enough to follow, even when they feel unequipped.

May we become people who lay down our pride, our platforms, and even our preparedness to walk in radical dependence on Jesus.

Let us not be like the well-equipped who miss the One they’ve been waiting for. Instead, let us be like the child who says, “I can’t do this without You, Lord.” Because in His presence, that confession becomes our greatest strength.

Walking by Biblical Principles vs. Walking in the Holy Spirit.

While biblical principles are foundational, they were never meant to replace intimate dependence on God. Instead, they serve as guardrails to ensure our relationship with Him stays on course. But living as a "Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint" means moving beyond just principles to a dynamic, moment-by-moment obedience to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God Over Our Own Understanding

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

This passage isn’t just about a general trust in God but about actively recognizing His presence and guidance in everything. If we truly acknowledge God in all our ways, it implies:

• Discerning His Presence: We must develop the spiritual sensitivity to recognize when He is leading.

• Understanding the Battle: There is another voice (the enemy, our flesh) trying to hinder our obedience. If we aren’t intentional about seeking God’s guidance, we may mistake our own reasoning for His will.

2. Jesus’ Example – Only Saying and Doing What the Father Revealed

Jesus lived in absolute dependence on the Father. He said:

• "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but only what He sees the Father doing" (John 5:19).

• "I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me" (John 8:28).

This is the essence of walking in the Spirit—not merely following biblical principles as static rules, but responding to the living voice of God. Jesus, though He knew the Scriptures perfectly, did not simply apply them apart from the Father’s direct guidance.

3. Continuous Dependence – Pray Without Ceasing & Taking Thoughts Captive

• "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). This means keeping an ongoing, active awareness of God's presence—not just saying prayers, but being in a constant state of listening and responding to Him.

• "Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). We must not let our minds operate independently from the Holy Spirit. Even good ideas, if they are not from God, can become distractions.

• "In that very hour, it will be given to you" (Luke 12:12). This reinforces the idea that the Holy Spirit is our moment-by-moment guide. We don’t have to rely solely on principles or past knowledge; God gives fresh revelation for each situation.

4. The Great Commission – Are We Making Disciples of Christ or Disciples of Ourselves?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20).

The danger today is that instead of making disciples of Christ, many churches and teachers unintentionally make disciples of themselves—reproducing their own understanding, methods, and theological systems rather than leading people into a living, Spirit-led relationship with Jesus.

• Biblical principles are good, but walking in the Holy Spirit is better.

• Principles can be learned, but the Spirit must be followed.

• Principles can be taught intellectually, but the Spirit must be discerned through intimate relationship.

Jesus didn’t send the disciples out with a systematic theology textbook. He sent them with the Holy Spirit. When we disciple others, our goal should be to lead them into a living, Spirit-filled relationship with Christ, not just teach them principles.

5. Fully Actualized Kingdom Saints – Walking in the Spirit

To be a fully actualized Kingdom Saint, we must:

• Acknowledge God in all our ways (Prov. 3:5-6). Recognizing His active guidance, not just assuming we know what to do.

• See and do what the Father is doing (John 5:19). Looking for His present activity and aligning with it.

• Speak what He is speaking (John 8:28). Not just teaching principles, but being led by the Spirit in what we say.

• Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Staying in constant communion with the Lord.

• Take thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5). Not letting our own understanding dictate our decisions.

• Make disciples of Christ, not ourselves (Matt. 28:19-20). Teaching others to walk with the Spirit, not just follow rules.

Conclusion: The Harder but Higher Path

“It’s much harder to walk in the Holy Spirit and only do what He wants us to do.” But that is the path of true discipleship. Principles are easy to apply in our own strength, but true faith requires radical dependence on God’s voice.

This is the core of God’s Strategic Will—to bring us into a relationship where we walk in His guidance, provision, and care every moment. Being a Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint means being fully yielded to His Spirit, trusting Him completely, and letting Him direct every step.

The Prophetic Power of Testimony: Revealing God's Heart and Mind

"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10)

When we hear the word "prophecy," many think of predicting the future. While biblical prophecy does include foretelling, it is just as much—if not more—about forth-telling: revealing God’s heart and mind to His people right there, right then.

 Luke 22:11-12 "And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

The prophets of the Old Testament were not just predictors of future events; they were spokespersons for God, calling His people to repentance, trust, and obedience. In the New Testament, we see an even deeper connection between prophecy and testimony. Revelation 19:10 declares: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

This means that when we testify about what Jesus has done, we are engaging in a prophetic act—revealing His presence, power, and purpose in a way that invites others to encounter Him personally.

Prophecy as Sharing God's Heart

Paul exhorts believers to: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Why is prophecy emphasized? Because prophecy edifies, encourages, and comforts (1 Cor. 14:3). True prophecy expresses God's heart—His desires, His warnings, and His love for His people.

Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah were not just predicting events; they were revealing God's grief over sin, His longing for repentance, and His promises of redemption.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

This same prophetic purpose is fulfilled when believers share their testimony of what God has done in their lives.

"Come and See" vs. "Go and Tell"

In the Gospels, two powerful invitations emerge:

1. "Come and See"

When Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus, he simply said, "Come and see" (John 1:46). Similarly, the Samaritan woman told her town, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did" (John 4:29).

2. "Go and Tell"

Jesus often instructed those He healed or transformed to share their experience: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19)

After the resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Both invitations apply to us today. Our testimony invites others to "come and see" what God has done, and it commissions us to "go and tell" how His grace has transformed our lives.

Your Testimony as a Prophetic Invitation

When you share your testimony, you are not just recounting past events—you are revealing God's active presence in your life. The Holy Spirit uses personal testimonies to convict, encourage, and draw people to Jesus.

“If all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)

Your testimony can be a doorway for the Holy Spirit to speak into the lives of others.

Conclusion: Walking in the Prophetic Power of Testimony

To prophesy is to declare God's truth—His heart, His mind, and His redemptive work. Your testimony is a prophetic tool in God’s hands, revealing Christ to a world in need.

When you share what He has done and is doing in your life, you fulfill the calling to speak forth God's heart, bringing others into an encounter with Him.

So, let your life be a living prophecy. "Come and see." "Go and tell." Let the testimony of Jesus be the spirit of prophecy in your life, pointing others to the One who saves, transforms, and restores.

Identity

Your past does not define you. But God uses your experiences to equip you with insight and understanding.

Hebrews. 2:18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Before the beginning.

Time and space did not exist. Because information transference was instantaneous

The Excellent Way has two witnesses.

Truth shall be established by two or more witnesses.

The foundation of the excellent way is established and brought forth by two witnesses. And those who bear witness to that truth in their lives are the "more".

The excellent way? I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus also said He would send the comforter

Walking in God’s Strategic Will? Trust, Follow, and Submit.

Every born-again believer should desire to walk in God’s guidance, provision, and care, but how do we know we’re truly aligned with His will? "Three key scriptures" —Deuteronomy 31:8, Proverbs 16:9, and Revelation 3:7—offer clarity on trusting, following, and submitting to God's direction.

1. Trust: God Goes Before You (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

God leads the way before we even step out. Fear and discouragement come when we focus on the unknown, but faith reminds us that God has already prepared our path. Walking in His fullness means trusting that He has gone before us and made provision for what’s ahead.

2. Follow: Yield Your Plans to God (Proverbs 16:9)

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

We are called to plan with wisdom, but true spiritual maturity means staying flexible to God’s direction. Sometimes our plans change—not because we failed, but because God is leading us to something better. A Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint walks in faith, allowing God to adjust their steps for His purpose.

3. Submit: Trust the Doors God Opens and Closes (Revelation 3:7)

“What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”

God is in control of opportunities. When He opens a door, walk through it. When He closes a door, trust His wisdom. Many struggle with closed doors, but what if they are actually divine protection? Submission to God’s will means accepting both the “yes” and the “no” with faith.

Conclusion: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Guidance

• Trust that God has already gone before you.
• Follow by yielding your plans to His direction.
• Submit to the doors He opens and closes.

This is how we walk in the fullness of God’s will—not striving in our own strength, but moving in step with His divine plan.

Are you trusting, following, and submitting to God's strategic will in your life? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Good things come in threes

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Romans 14:7 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

When you understand how these two scripture verses relate, you will have the knowledge needed to become the person God created you to be. They align beautifully with God's Strategic Will and the concept of "walking in the fullness of God's guidance, provision, and care." The verses highlight the twofold dynamic of God's relationship with us: His “initiative” toward us and our “response” to Him. 

Here's how these fit:

1 Corinthians 13:13 – God's Initiative

Faith: God initiates a relationship with us by offering salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is not merely intellectual belief but a trust that is awakened by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hope: God's promises, rooted in His character and sacrificial love, give us hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 15:13). This hope sustains us, reminding us that God's plans for us are redemptive and eternal.

Love: God's love (agape) is the foundation of His initiative. His love is demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial death (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). This love calls us into a transformative relationship with Him.

Romans 14:7 – Our Response

Righteousness: As we trust in Christ, we are justified (declared righteous) and called to live in obedience to His will (Philippians 2:12-13). This obedience flows from a heart transformed by love and trust.

Peace: Peace with God is the result of our reconciliation through Christ (Romans 5:1). This peace also flows into our relationships with others (Matthew 5:9) and sustains us in life's trials (Philippians 4:6-7).

Joy in the Holy Spirit: This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and comes from experiencing God's presence and provision in our lives. It is not dependent on circumstances but on abiding in Christ (John 15:11).

How This Fits God's Strategic Will

God's strategic will is that we:

Know Him: Through faith, hope, and love, we enter a relationship with Him, experiencing His initiative toward us.

Walk with Him: Through righteousness, peace, and joy, we align our lives with His will, responding in trust and obedience.

Reflect Him: As we walk in the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care, we reveal His kingdom to the world (Matthew 5:14-16).

The unity of “Spirit”, “mind” and “action” is the overarching framework I emphasize in this blog.

Other Related Verses

Several Bible passages expand on this theme of God's initiative and our response:

God’s Initiative:

John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

2 Peter 1:3-4: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."

Our Response:

Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Romans 12:1-2: "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Walking in Fullness:

John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."


Philippians 4:19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 3:15-17: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

This perspective ties directly into God's strategic will by emphasizing the relational nature of faith and the transformation that results from trusting God's initiative and responding with obedience. The interweaving of faith, hope, love and righteousness, peace, and joy captures the fullness of life in Christ and reflects His kingdom to the world. By anchoring your life in these truths, you truly walk in the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care.

Truth becomes Deception!

"Truth of biblical principles becomes Deception when separated from the leading of the Holy Spirit".

You know biblical principles inside and out. You apply so many of them in your life and you reap the biblical promise, "Walk in my ways and it will be well with you". You speak the truth and people's lives are change. And you know how far you fall short. Yet it appears God uses you. So, you justify your practice of sin and excuse it away by what you see as God using you despite your sin. And your blindness leads many. 

By Grace, through Faith

By Grace, Through Faith: Reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 encapsulates the essence of living 'by grace, through faith.' As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s guidance, acknowledge His hand in our lives, and walk in the fullness of His grace. This reflection is especially important in recognizing how God’s wisdom has shaped our journey.

1. Grace in Proverbs 3:5-6

Grace is God’s initiative—His unmerited favor that guides and sustains us. In Proverbs 3:5-6, God’s grace is evident in His promise to ‘make straight your paths.’ This isn’t something we achieve through our own efforts; it is God’s loving provision, ensuring that we walk in alignment with His will.

Key Verse: 'In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.'
Reflection: Consider moments in your life when everything seemed to fall into place. How might these have been examples of God’s grace at work?

2. Faith in Proverbs 3:5-6

Faith is our response to God’s grace. It requires us to trust Him with all our heart, even when we don’t fully understand His plans. Leaning on our own understanding often leads to pride, but faith invites us to surrender and acknowledge God’s wisdom.

Key Verse: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.'
Reflection: Are there times when you relied on your own understanding? What happened when you chose to trust God instead?

3. Recognizing God’s Wisdom in Your Life

Many of the wise choices we’ve made in life were not solely our own doing. God’s Spirit often provides wisdom in our thoughts, guiding us toward decisions that align with His will. Yet, we may not always recognize this as coming from Him.

Questions to consider:
  1. Can you think of a time when you made a wise decision and later realized God’s hand was in it?
  2. How can we become more aware of God’s guidance in our daily lives?
  3. How might acknowledging His role deepen our gratitude and faith?

4. Living "By Grace, Through Faith"

Walking by grace through faith means continually trusting in God’s wisdom and provision. It also means acknowledging His work in our lives, not just in the big moments but also in the daily details. Here are practical steps:
Acknowledge: Start each day by placing your trust in God’s guidance.
Reflect on His Grace: Take time to recognize His hand in your past decisions and successes.
Share Your Testimony: Encourage others by sharing how God’s grace and wisdom have shaped your life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that God’s wisdom is far greater than our own. When we live by grace, trusting Him through faith, we experience the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care. Let this truth inspire you to continue walking closely with Him.