The Dinnerbell for the Lost

The Gospel was never meant to be words alone. In Epistle to the Romans 15:18–19, Paul writes that Christ worked through him “by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders.” Miracles were not a side note—they were part of preaching the Gospel effectively and leading people to obedience. The full Gospel includes both proclamation and demonstration.

Scripture shows two primary ways miracles happen.

First, there are faith-activated miracles. Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes by hearing the Word. As the Gospel is preached, testimonies are shared, and bold prayers are offered, faith rises in hearts. Jesus often said, “According to your faith be it unto you.” Paul called people to act, and as they responded, power was released. Faith creates an atmosphere where miracles can manifest.

Second, there are anointing-operated miracles. These do not depend on the recipient’s faith but flow from the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, it was not Lazarus’ faith that produced the miracle—it was the authority and anointing of Christ. At times during worship or prayer, the Spirit moves sovereignly, bringing healing and deliverance.

The gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12—gifts of healing, working of miracles, special faith, words of knowledge—operate under this anointing. They are given to glorify Jesus, never the vessel.

Gratitude, Obedience, and the Strategy for Lasting Victory

VLN Dinner

Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a weapon. It is the antidote to bitterness and the fuel for generosity. When gratitude governs our hearts, selfishness loses its grip, and with it the “every evil work” that selfishness produces. A grateful heart stays soft, teachable, and aligned with God’s purposes.

True victory doesn’t come from following popular opinion or charismatic personalities. As Ashley Daugherty said, don’t be led by popular opinion. Allegiance to personality will always fail, but allegiance to God never does. Obedience to God is actually low risk and high reward. The risk may be that people walk away, but the reward is far greater: pleasing God Himself. That is success.

This requires a shift in perspective. There are seasons when God gives a new assignment, and the old is gone. Scripture reminds us to forget the former things. We cannot face today’s calling with yesterday’s mindset. People don’t need comfort—they need truth. And when we walk in obedience, God promises that no one will be able to stand against us.

But there are obstacles. A critical spirit, a defeated attitude, or a bitter heart will stop progress. It’s hard to take ground when you’re constantly taking offense. Victory begins with vision—seeing what God wants to give you and seeing yourself the way your Father sees you. Without vision, people perish.

Then comes action. Say it—because life and death are in the tongue. Stop it—cut off what feeds the flesh. Start it—step forward in faith. Stick with it—because consistency brings breakthrough. Don’t stop at six; finish the task.

Stay surrendered to God, stay surrounded by Him, and walk in continual victory.

Living A Quiet Faith in A Loud World

We live in a world filled with constant noise—opinions, arguments, and endless demands for attention. Faith is often expected to be loud and visible to be considered genuine. Yet the Bible tells us faith is steady, rooted, and often quiet. Scripture reminds us that God often works most powerfully in stillness.

Jesus modeled a quiet faith. Though crowds surrounded Him, He frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). He did not strive for recognition or defend Himself against every accusation. Instead, He rested in the will of the Father, fulfilling Isaiah’s words: “He will not shout or cry out, or raise His voice in the streets” (Isaiah 42:2).

A quiet faith is not passive or weak—it is deeply rooted. It reflects a heart that trusts God fully, even when obedience goes unnoticed. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 encourages believers “to live quietly and to mind your own affairs,” reminding us that faithfulness is often found in daily, unseen obedience. Likewise, Proverbs 17:27 tells us that wisdom is revealed through restraint, not volume.

In a culture that urges us to react, Scripture calls us to listen. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). God’s voice is often gentle, as Elijah discovered when the Lord spoke not through wind or fire, but a soft whisper (1 Kings 19:11–12).

When we walk humbly with God, our quiet faith becomes a testimony. Our peace, patience, and love point others to Christ. In a loud world, a quiet faith doesn’t fade—it shines.

Surrender Over Resolutions: Inviting God into the Year Ahead

Victory at the Gym

How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming now that it is mid-January? Are the gyms empty again by now? We often find ourselves feeling pressured to improve and fix what feels broken in our lives. We are encouraged to set new resolutions, relying on our own discipline to create change. However, these resolutions often fade quickly, leaving us feeling discouraged and stuck in a habit. However, scripture reminds us that transformation doesn’t come from discipline in our own ways, but from trusting God's plans for our lives. Proverbs 16:1-3 says, 

“To humans belong the plans of the heart,

    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,

    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

    and he will establish your plans.”

Biblical surrender isn’t giving up - it’s placing our plans, expectations, fears, and timelines into God’s hands. It is choosing to trust Him even in uncertainty. Jesus modeled this when He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” When we release our need for control, we invite God to lead us in ways that are wiser and more loving than our own. Surrender shifts focus from what we can accomplish to what God desires to do with us. 

Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. 2026 is the year to leave what is behind us behind, and persevere with confidence - seeking out the will of God in all situations, and pressing on to trust Christ in all things. 

As we step into this new year, perhaps the invitation isn’t to create better resolutions but to open our hands and hearts before God. Daily surrender frees us from pressure and replaces it with peace, knowing that God is faithful with what we place in His care. When we seek Him first, He promises to guide our steps - one day at a time. 

This year, may we walk forward not striving for perfection, but trusting the One who already holds our future.