Tag: #relationshipwithGod

Paying it Forward: Part Two – Our Testimony Matters

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Last week, we looked at the relationship between Jethro and Moses and how a mentor’s wisdom can help us avoid burnout, as Jethro showed Moses how to delegate tasks effectively. This week, we examine how Moses helped lead Jethro to faith in God.

Moses helped lead Jethro, a Midianite priest, to faith through his testimony of the Lord’s work (18:1-12). Jethro had been caring for Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and his two sons while Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. This oral history of the Exodus served as Moses’s powerful testimony (Ex. 18:8).

Jethro’s response was to rejoice, bless the Lord, recognize Yahweh as the God of Israel, and offer burnt offerings as a profound act of worship (Exodus 18:9-12). This event is especially significant because it demonstrates the powerful influence of personal testimony and a non-Israelite’s acknowledgment of the God of Israel.

Not only did Jethro give Moses practical advice on leadership and governance, as we saw in last week’s blog, “Paying it Forward,” but Moses’ testimony also led his father-in-law to faith. Sometimes, accepting wise counsel is difficult, but it requires humility, as demonstrated by Moses, and recognizing our weaknesses to receive a more effective solution.

Similarly, personal testimony can inspire others. This shows how sharing what God has done in our lives can be a powerful way to lead others to faith or deepen their existing relationship with God. Note that before offering practical advice, the shared testimony laid the foundation of their relationship and Jethro’s spiritual growth.

Our relationship with God has a direct impact on our spiritual growth.

This direct connection emphasizes three essential elements that are key to growth, all centered on the relationship.

  1. Communication (Prayer and Scripture): A relationship requires talking and listening.
    1. Prayer is communicating with God—making requests, giving thanks, and confessing. Jesus consistently prioritized prayer, demonstrating that it is directly aligned with the Father’s will and power.
    1. Scripture involves listening to God by learning His character, will, and commands. Spiritual growth needs the ongoing nourishment and guidance found in His Word.
  2. Obedience and Trust: A strong relationship builds trust and encourages action.
    1. Moses obeyed God’s commands to go to Pharaoh, even when fearful.
    1. The disciples followed Jesus’ instruction to “Go and make disciples.”
    1. Our obedience to what God reveals in His Word naturally shows our trust in His goodness and wisdom, serving as the motivating force for spiritual growth.
  3. Presence and Solitude (The “Recharge”) involves setting aside focused, dedicated time for growth.
    1. Jesus often withdrew to be alone with God. This practice of solitude protects the relationship from being overwhelmed by the demands of the world (or, in a work setting, the demands of the job). This dedicated time encourages a deeper intimacy and dependence on God.

By intentionally cultivating this relationship—through communication, obedience, and dedicated time—we invite the grace and guidance necessary for genuine, lasting spiritual growth.

“Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8, ESV, Emphasis added).

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20, Emphasis added).

Amen, Amen

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

It’s a joy to share new knowledge. For instance, did you know that the English translation for Amen is truly or verily? In Jewish prayers, amen was used as an affirmative response to a statement of wish, affirming its validity. It’s like saying this is sure, valid, or so be it. As you know, using it at the end of a prayer is common.

According to The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, in the NT, Jesus used it at the beginning of His statements to affirm its validity. He prefaced His own words to proclaim the Kingdom of God is bound up with His person and emphasize the authority of what He said (Brand, 56).

You know all those verses that begin with truly, truly – that is really Amen, Amen. Jesus is God’s reliable and faithful witness. He is mentioned in Isaiah as the “God of Amen” (Is. 65:16, ESV) and is also called “The Amen” (Rev. 3:14).

This led me to think about my prayers. It is easy to get into a habit of repeating the exact words to God. I wondered about the importance of always saying ‘In Jesus’ name, Amen” at the end. John teaches that God will grant whatever we ask in Jesus’ name (John 16:23-24), and the ESV Study Bible notes say this is not a requirement (John 14:13). Still, effective prayer must ask for and desire the things Jesus delights in (I John 5:15). We are to seek God’s will, not ours. God is wiser than us. I will continue to pray in Jesus’ name. Still, it made me think about why I do it instead of repeating it mindlessly.

Prayer is the essence of communion with God—whether it’s a petition, such as The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6: 9-13), or the great examples in Psalm 86, proclaiming praise, asking pardon, or seeking communion (V63), protection (V57), retribution (V107), or healing (V6)—our words to our Abba are intimate conversations, sincere petitions, and thanksgiving. This communion brings us closer to God and fills our spirits with peace and fulfillment.

Prayer is not throwing words at God—like darts—hoping to hit the mark. We can talk to Him like a Friend and Father, trusting that He knows best, even if we don’t get what we ask for. Our priority is being with God. He is Jehovah—Jireh. The Lord will provide for our every need (Phil. 4:19). The important thing is to seek the Kingdom of God first, and then all things will be added to us (Matt. 6:33). When we don’t know what to say or ask for – the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Rom. 8:26).

Seeking the Kingdom of God continually means being cautious in our communications and actions. We shouldn’t try to make ourselves look good before men but humbly please God alone. Sometimes, our pride gets in the way, but we need to be alert to it and bold enough to honor God in all circumstances as God-pleasers—not people-pleasers. Let’s be inspired to seek the Kingdom of God first, and then all things will be added to us.

Another issue is that we must be reminded to pause before we speak. I pray for God to help me not react so quickly with offense or try to defend myself and say the first thing out of my mouth—which usually leads to tension instead of kindness and grace. A simple whisper – Jesus, help me or help me, Holy Spirit – does the trick. The hard part is being mindful of this before I speak.

Jesus said those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matt. 23:12). We can rise above the rest by lowering ourselves at Jesus’ feet. Let’s be bold and courageous enough to take a chance on looking bad before others—if it is righteous acts/obedience to God’s Word and character— we will be exalted in the end when it matters most.

Let us glorify God through acts of love in all circumstances, not just when it is easy. Amen.

Fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Gift of Reconciliation

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

According to The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, reconciliation is the bringing together of two parties, a change or exchange (Brand, 1337).

We can all relate to reconciliation in some form or fashion, whether it be our bank statements that we end up dumping a few dollars into ‘reconciliation discrepancies’ or those who spend hours painstakingly looking for a few cents. Then there are the number of marriages that chalk their divorces up to irreconcilable differences.

The stark truth is that, according to Divorce.com, a significant 57.7% of divorces are labeled as irreconcilable differences. It’s a call to action that some of these couples might have spent more time balancing their bank accounts for a few cents than nurturing their marriages.  

If any relationship merits this category, it would be humans with God after the Fall. Yet, in His profound love for us (Romans 5:8) and his unwavering desire to be in a relationship with His people (Hebrews 8:10), God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him by the gift of grace through Christ (2 Cor. 5:20, ESV).

There are two examples in the Bible where the person who hurt someone takes the initiative to reconcile the relationship (Matt. 5:24; I Cor. 7:11). The ESV Study Bible notes that the opposite is true about God. In our case, the injured party (God) takes the initiative to restore the relationship between Himself and humanity. This unexpected twist is the result of Jesus Christ bringing together God and man with the result of salvation (2 Cor. 5:19).

Only through this union are attitudes transformed, and we humbly and gratefully receive the gift of reconciliation God has already achieved in Christ (Rom. 5:11).

Still, suppose we don’t recognize our sinful nature and need for a Savior. In that case, we won’t seek God or the relationship Christ offers or receive the wonderful gift of reconciliation because of His love for us. Take a moment to reflect on someone you know who may need to hear the message of God’s love – or see it in how we show them love.

“For I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38, NLT, Emphasis added).

2020 Vision

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

There is a very large dog in our neighborhood who is so disciplined the owner doesn’t need a leash. He faithfully walks with or just behind the owner at every step, focused and unwavering from his path.

This dog is so big he could easily take out any dog in our hood in a single bite. But he doesn’t even bark back or seem to get distracted by anything around him.

Isn’t this the model of the ultimate Christian life? To be disciplined in our daily walk with Jesus. No leash…we are completely free. Yet, we choose to walk with Jesus and let Him lead us on the path He is preparing before us. Unwavering, even when life’s circumstances are thrown at us, we don’t get distracted.

We can put our complete trust in the One who created us for this journey. If we are putting our faith in Him and walking with Jesus daily, everything else falls into place.

I had the opportunity recently to hear a minister in another county speak about 2020 as it relates to our 20/20 vision. It piqued my interest. I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Even though God has been placing a message about the new year bringing new opportunities. It all makes total sense.

I believe we have the perfect opportunity with the new year to begin a new life with a new vision that aligns with our purpose; God’s purpose for us. You can see your vision, as it aligns with God’s, come to fruition; but it will take discipline and focus on a daily walk with Jesus. I hope this excites you beyond measure. It does me.

Are you asking God what He wants for you and… listening for the answers? I am speaking from experience here when I say this. We can pray about a situation and ask for God to help, but if we don’t trust Him with the outcome, whatever it is, it won’t manifest. But when we align with God’s will in our lives our vision and God’s vision for us becomes one in the same.

God wants complete control to lead you to your best life; to the calling He has for you. We can’t see the big picture; only God can. Will you trust the One who has the blueprints? If you are like me, your choices haven’t led to a life full of joy and peace. The key is being flexible and ready to move in any direction God wants for you. To know what God wants you must listen; the only way to listen is to be still. What have you got to lose? It is only UP from here.

How is your Spiritual health these days? Do a mental scan and see how many you can check off the list: In the word daily, being still, praying continually, thanking God/being grateful even in undesirable circumstances, ask God’s will in your life, surrender to Him every day, pray on your knees, humble obedience, ask for wisdom and discernment.


These are a few things you can implement into your daily routine for the ultimate Christian life and let your 2020 vision manifest. We can start planting the right seeds today that will grow into the life we want to harvest tomorrow.

I have never been a big fan of making New year’s resolutions. Usually those are never kept all year. I am not talking about something you start today and don’t continue throughout the new year. I am talking about the kind of daily disciplines that are life changing and last a lifetime. We can only do that with God’s help and guidance.

What footprints will you leave behind? It is not too late, there is still time to plant new seeds; and make better choices for a better life. Are you ready to learn more about having a closer relationship with Christ and implementing the disciplines it takes to get there? Faith Walk Ministries can help you determine your desired goals for 2020 and give you the action items for success while walking beside you on your journey. Contact angela@faith-walk-ministries.org for a free consultation.

Happy New Year! God loves you and so do I.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33