“Without revelation, the people cast off restraint.” ~ Proverbs 29:18

Do you believe that?

Without fresh words from God, or eternal words refreshed by God, we tend to go all bonkers. Another translation puts it this way: “Without revelation, the people perish.” Perish. Wither. Curl up and fall asleep and die a slow death because we’ve forgotten why we’re here and what we’re supposed to be doing with ourselves.

We need revelation like we need food. Which is why Jesus insisted, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Is that how you live? Hanging on every word that comes from God’s mouth like your spiritual survival depends on it?

Me either.

Never mind hearing, have you even bothered listening lately?

Today I sat down with Jesus in my living room, journal open to a fresh page and my iPad YouVersion Bible app waiting to tap and swipe me into God’s word. I began with a longing: I’ve been cyber stalking Steven Furtick from Elevation church and Steven’s faith and courage have been rubbing off on me. Stirring my soul. So I prayed, asking God for the spirit of Steven Furtick.

Please understand, I don’t want to be him. Just more like him.

“What spirit is that?” Jesus asked me (‘Cause if you hadn’t noticed, Jesus asks a lot of questions for someone who is also the Answer).

He then led me to II Timothy 1:7, where Paul says, “You have not been given a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and a self discipline.” I parked there for about an hour, studying the words, pulling them apart, putting them back together. I’ll tell you about it sometime, Lord willing. What I will share is this: When the text says, “self-discipline,” that’s a pretty liberal translation. What it literally means is “a saved mind.”

The mind of Christ.

A mind set on what the Spirit desires.

A mind set on heavenly things, not on earthly things.

A mind attuned to revelation.

It’s there. In my DNA, given to me by God. My flesh wars against this godly focus, but it’s there.

And this morning, it was glorious.

On my birthday, too.

41.

God help me.