This Sabbath morning I began, as I often do, by reviewing my memory verse flashcards. Six of them, in particular, continue to challenge me. At times I’ve thought about setting them aside, but something in me resists that temptation. I sense that perseverance here is not without purpose—that perhaps the Lord has something to teach me through the struggle, something deeper than simply committing words to memory.
Alongside this, I’ve felt a stirring in my spirit once again. Much like I did toward the end of last year, I sense that the Lord is leading me into greater trust in the works of the Spirit. What this will look like in practice, I do not yet know. But I believe that God’s invitation is not always to understand first—it is to trust and obey. To walk faithfully, to keep showing up in the small practices of formation, and to let the Spirit lead us step by step. Buckle-up however. I do know that stepping into the works of the Spirit will offend our minds.
Casting the Net in Faith
This week I revisited prophetic words that were spoken over me on August 29, 2025. One of those words was a call to cast out the “fishing net” that rested on my arm. In obedience, I prayed and made the motion to send it out, trusting the Lord to bring those He has already called. My heart’s response is simple: by His grace and leading, I will care, serve, and do my best to walk in His will.
As I ponder this, I can’t help but wonder—could my vision of “rooms” and what lies ahead in this new season be too small? Perhaps. And if so, how much more reason to trust Jesus for the miraculous. When God moves in power, it becomes unmistakable that it is His work, not mine. I believe that when we at Formation Church step into our God-given Identity and Calling, it will be beyond anything we could imagine or accomplish on our own.
This conviction was confirmed again in my Scripture reading. 1 Timothy 1:18–19 leapt off the page, as Paul encourages Timothy to remember the prophetic words spoken over him so that he might hold fast to faith and a good conscience. I felt as though Paul could have been speaking directly to me.
The words shared with me in August echo in my spirit: The Lord is downloading vision and strategies. A new thing is coming, unique, reaching the next generation. It will stand against the status quo, even seem strange to some. A move of the supernatural will stir hearts. Greater evangelism will flow. Radical transformation will include healing—not only physical but emotional and spiritual. Bandages will come off. And the fish net over your arm must now be cast.
Wow. Get ready. Be ready. I believe God is moving—and He is inviting Formation Church to move with Him.
Testing Prophetic Words Through Scripture and Formation
As I’ve been reading Sam Storms’ Understanding Spiritual Gifts, I find myself processing my own experiences and reflections in light of God’s nearness and leading. One insight that has stayed with me is how to faithfully approach prophecy. Storms reminds us of three essential steps:
- Discern biblical alignment — measure the prophecy against Scripture as divine revelation.
- Test human interpretation — recognize that our understanding may be limited or imperfect.
- Test human application — consider carefully how, when, and if a word should be lived out.
This echoes the counsel of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22 (NLT): “Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”
This is why the Practices we’ve been walking in together—Scripture, Solitude, Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting, and Community—are so vital. They are not just disciplines in isolation; they form a way of life that keeps us grounded and attuned to the Spirit. As we live into these rhythms, “testing” prophetic words becomes less about a checklist and more about an intuitive, Spirit-shaped response that flows from a Christlike heart.
I am hopeful and excited about what God is preparing us for. I believe these practices are shaping us, step by step, into a community ready to discern, obey, and reflect Jesus in all things.