Last week we discussed the importance of having the integrity of quoting our sources, when possible and within reason. It is something we should care about in order to maintain the highest standards of integrity.

     I have never purposely plagiarized anything, and most of my research was done for the sake of my own understanding. I was not even thinking about using some of the information I researched in my teachings or later used in my writings, so I failed to record where I found much of the material. I also never learned some of the better skills...

There is a perception among many who seek the gift of prophecy that it will come by a big download from heaven with little or no effort on their part. There are examples of this in Scripture; however, they are the exceptions, not the rule. Most who were called as prophets were devoted seekers of knowledge and understanding—they were lovers of the truth enough to seek it. In the case of the truly exceptional ones, such as Isaiah and Daniel, they excelled in their breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding beyond possibly anyone else in their times. It is...

The Great Commission was to make disciples, not just converts. This is defined as teaching them to observe everything that He has commanded us. Therefore, the true disciples of Christ will no doubt have a Christian worldview, which means to perceive the world as Christ does, through His eyes. However, studies have shown that as many as 65 percent of Americans claim to be “born-again Christians,” but as few as 6 percent actually have a Christian worldview. How can this be? Obviously, we are only making converts, not disciples.

     This may also be reflected in how only about...

Certainly our ministry titles have a place in helping the church understand the ministry we have. However, the overuse and misuse of spiritual titles has terribly devalued our spiritual currency in recent times. It is hard not to meet anyone in ministry now who does not claim to be an apostle, bishop, or prophet. It has become so outlandish that when I see those whom just call themselves “pastor,” I immediately have respect and trust for them just because of their modesty.

     Even so, we are in a time when these ministries are being restored to the church,...

We see in Revelation 2:20 that Jezebel “calls herself a prophetess.” We must beware of those who are so small spiritually that they have to promote themselves or seek to use high titles for recognition. I have been privileged to know a few who walk in true prophetic ministries of biblical stature, and not one of them was concerned about being known as a prophet. As Leonard Ravenhill once told me, “You don’t have to advertise a fire.” If you have the goods, you do not have to promote yourself. Jesus said in John 7:18: