Real Life with Jack Hibbs

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we continually ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power, we can be an effective witness, and an example of Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that we need to examine our own motives for growth. Is it to impress, or is it to serve, build, and glorify the Lord, Jesus Christ? Church growth begins from within. Before there is outward expansion, inward development is essential. 

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that church leadership is not about position or popularity, but about God's will for us, to embrace his character, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the Body Of Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we ask for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, it is something different. It's when we continually ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power so we can be an effective witness, and an example of Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when God comes upon us, He does so by the Holy Spirit. Our enemy, Satan, tries to fight this, and wants to leave us weak and without influence. But, when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, we become effective, powerful, and victorious in our calling.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when David was anointed with oil as the King of Israel, it wasn't because he was gifted. It was because God gifts those that He calls into service, and fills them with power of the Holy Spirit to carry out what He calls them to do.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that we often acquaint appearance with strength or weakness. So, when Samuel anoints David as king, it's God accomplishing His will, not through David's human strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that what matters to God is that His will is being done. The world looks at things differently, gossiping and twisting and turning the truth. But, when God is our influence, He reshapes our hearts, our priorities and our responsibilities.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel was weakened by Saul's ministry. But, in these deep, spiritual times where you are run by someone's powerful and damaging influence, an awakening by God can produce both a lasting and positive change.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Saul was the people's choice as king, but David was God's choice, and it troubled Saul to the point of jealousy. A jealousy that turned to rage.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that failure can be redirected when we repent and rebuild from the inside out. God is aware of our inner life, our motives and our needs. He patiently waits for us to humble ourselves, and come back to Him when our choices fail us miserably.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that a crisis reveals our true character. Saul relied solely on his own capabilities which tragically fell short. Saul's internal integrity doesn't match his outward reputation when he fails to do what the Lord has asked him to do.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that faith is not just belief, but action in spite of uncertainty. Faith can push you to do what seems irrational to others, but it's that very boldness that can change the outcome.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Saul behaves proudly over the victory against the Philistines, making rash vows, becoming emotionally led, and God resists Him.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when it comes to faith, there is boldness vs. hesitation. Jonathan acts boldly, stepping into danger when odds are against him. Saul, however, who was not a worshipper, lacked faith and becoming burdened by the situation chooses safety.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that whenever we run ahead of God, it doesn't end well for us. But, if we just worship, and wait upon the Lord, He will often move Heaven and earth on our behalf.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that just like in Samuel's time, our enemy Satan is alive and well ready to defeat us. But, if we are aware of the danger, and live dependent on God, a simple song of true worship can send the enemy running.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it was King Saul, and his failures as king, that led Israel's leaders and the people astray. They chose appearance over faithfulness. A kind of misplaced worship that leads to a decline in their relationship with God.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God delights in watching us grow spiritually, and loves to see us continue to learn His ways. So, in response, it's important for us to stay conscious of His holiness, His faithfulness, and His character.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God wants us to experience Him, as well as respond to Him. It's a two-way relationship. When we come to him, we can pray with confidence for our needs, for the needs of others and for those who do not know Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that, as Christians, we face spiritual warfare constantly. So, it's vital that we study the Word, and apply the Bible in our battles, knowing the right scripture down to the right verse for the right time.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that our enemy Satan doesn't want to kill us, he wants us to not fight against him. With fear and terror, he weakens us, even to the point of not standing together, and not sharing our faith with others.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that just as the people of Israel came together under Saul's leadership to rescue and protect the vulnerable, we need to realize that seeing injustice or suffering is not enough. We, too, must act with purpose and unity even at the risk of failure.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we demand things instead of resting in the things of God, we may find God, in His goodness, answering our demands. But, if we demand wrongly, we will also reap the consequences.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when things are going well, our minds immediately go to the trouble that must be coming. But, that kind of thinking is deceptive. God's goodness holds true in any kind of condition we find ourselves in.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that even though Israel wrongly asked for a king, God was still at work to bring to pass His divine will. What does that mean for us today? We can still come to God no matter what we've done and seek His divine will for our own lives.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that as we grow in Christ, we'll find that He is always involved in our lives. He will never leave us but will provide what's needed to carry out His will.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that even when things come against us, God is still there to lead us and guide us. God is so involved in our lives, that He will also use others to help provide what we need.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that we need to let go of the fear that keeps us paralyzed with uncertainty. We often overcomplicate what's in front of us to do, while God wants us to live with confidence, and follow in His path.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God will make things clear for us, but in the meantime, we simply need to focus on doing the right thing, right now, knowing that clarity will come from God, as we continue to trust in Him.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that living life the easy way is to make God real in our lives, and in the lives of our children. To talk about how great God is, how He leads us to His Bible, and how He encourages us to be involved in His service.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that the people of Israel eventually begin to understand the high cost of wanting a king. But, quick fixes rarely end well, and choosing to follow only God would have been the answer.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel's sons chose not follow God, and it affected both the community, as well as the nation. Living life the hard way separates us from God, and when trouble comes, we want a quick remedy, compromising our future, and the future of our children.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that despite the cost, the Israelites insist on what they want. Like other nations, they want a king to lead them. God eventually grants their request, but it's a sobering reminder for us to choose the easy way versus going against God's plan for us.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel knew the vital importance of creating a life of memorable worship that reminds us of all the things that God has done in our lives. The sacrifice of praise might be costly, but it is powerful enough to overcome our greatest challenges.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that as Israel cried out to Samuel in their terror over the enemy, we also need to be aware of our weaknesses. If we give fear and weakness over to the Lord, He will lead us forward, and be with us even in our most difficult of times.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that just as God desired Israel to do great things, He wants the same for our lives. He longs for us to understand His ways, and take a proactive position against pride, discontentment, and selfish thinking.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that, like Israel, it's only when we live our lives dependent on God will we have the victory. It's about creating a life of worship towards God, and the desire for victory over heart break and sin.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that victorious Christian living tragically escapes many believers. They're not told that trouble will come and that their faith will be challenged. The key is to learn from the mistakes Israel made by continuing to serve the Lord whole heartedly not just for a while, but through all our days we have on this earth.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it's only when we realize how powerful, and how holy God truly is, will we understand that God's presence is not to be taken lightly. We must learn from what Samuel said to the people of God, and that is to respect what is sacred or serious consequences may come upon us.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we do things that greatly displease the Lord, as did the Israelites during this time, both a warning and oftentimes a judgment will follow. But, this can make us realize the holiness of God, and the seriousness of staying in line with God's will for our lives.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that what we do for a living can project who we are. Israel's enemy worshiped a wooden statue. Sounds ridiculous today, but we can have gods in our lives, like influence, money, even beauty, or perhaps fame. The danger is not in what we do, but how it could take the place of God in our lives.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it's natural for us to trust in what we see. We can get lost in carved images, or material worship instead of giving God the glory that is due His name.

Today, Pastor Jack asks us, “How does the meaning of Ichabod apply to us today?” The sins of our fathers and past generations can be broken when Christ comes into our lives. Heaven is possible, and we can be set free from sin when our Savior is Jesus.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Ichabod is a name that brings to light the tragic moment when God's presence departs from Israel. It was God's judgement to awaken His people from their trust of outward rituals and symbols to a sincere devotion of God, Himself.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we put God first, spiritual victories will come, our carnal flesh will not defeat us, and we will have a positive impact for Christ. But, when we put our trust in ourselves, or in the external world, the opposite will happen. Like a slow backward slide, our embittered heart will have no spiritual future.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we remove God from our lives, there is no spiritual awareness, no thought of His presence, and no spiritual dependence on Him. Some think that without human strength, we're weak. But, trusting in the power of God is what makes us strong.

Today, Pastor Jack reminds us that when we allow God's glory to depart from us, there will be no spiritual worship, or influence about the things of God. Worship creates a tender heart towards spiritual things that our children need to witness, or they, too, will become complacent.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that true spiritual worship of God is not only scriptural, but also Christ exalting, renewing and truly humbling. When we consider the Heavens, how can we not want God's glory to fill our hearts and minds?

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that when we have no appetite for the Bible, we end up investing in our own desires. Samuel experienced this firsthand while dealing with a corrupt priesthood. So, just as God led him to do, Samuel warned the people to come back to worshipping God or face the consequences.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that a true Christian wants to see God's glory displayed in their lives. So, how do we keep from growing cold in our relationship with the Lord? One thing we are to do is to stay in God's Word. The Bible has a way of keeping our spirits fed, and our faith strong.