Faith Articles Archives - Faith signal

Minister Allegations of Prophecy Fabrications

Patrick J — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:31:27 +0000

Bethel Church in Redding, California, has recently disclosed that it addressed allegations against Christian minister Shawn Bolz regarding the fabrication of prophecies, a matter that dates back over five years.

Led by Pastor Bill Johnson, the church indicated that it distanced itself from Bolz after he did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the concerns raised.

Around the same period, an employee accused Bolz of exhibiting behaviors that could be described as sexual harassment and contributing to a hostile work environment, as stated in a recent announcement.

Bolz, who had been a frequent minister at Bethel, has faced ongoing online allegations suggesting that he utilized social media data mining techniques to create prophetic messages. He has denied these accusations, asserting, “As a ministry, we would never condone nor engage in finding information online to prophesy over people.”

Concerns regarding Bolz’s prophetic practices first emerged in 2019 when some Christian leaders expressed suspicions that he was relying on publicly available information instead of receiving divinely inspired insights. According to reports from The Christian Post, these leaders presented over a dozen troubling examples, although Bethel’s leadership was divided on the strength of the evidence.

In response to the allegations, Bethel sought clarification from Bolz, meeting with him on two occasions. Each time, he denied the claims made against him.

Ultimately, Bethel made the decision to quietly distance itself from Bolz, ceasing to invite him for ministry engagements, removing his materials from their store, and issuing a clear warning regarding his conduct.

In addition to the concerns about his prophetic ministry, one of Bolz’s former employees alleged inappropriate behavior in the workplace. The church stated that they confronted him about these claims, to which he reportedly acknowledged that the behaviors had ceased.

Bethel encouraged the individual to pursue legal action, asserting that it had taken all possible steps based on the limited information available at the time.

Since then, Bolz has shifted his focus toward the realms of media and entertainment, stepping back from traveling ministry. In a recent statement, he reiterated his dedication to supporting prophetic ministry and fostering healthy relationships within the Christian community. More to come on this development

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Cultivating Patience: How Mindset and Communication Shape Success

Patrick J — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:44:05 +0000

In our fast-paced modern life, I’ve come to realize the importance of patience. The desire for quick results often leads us to neglect the essential role of patience. Whether it’s waiting for a promotion or nurturing personal growth and relationships, understanding and mastering patience is crucial. The ability to wait can lead to better results in both personal and business settings.

The Benefits of Patience: Patience is more than just waiting; it involves maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process. Research shows that people who practice patience have improved decision-making abilities and experience lower stress levels. Successful individuals, like author J.K. Rowling, attribute their achievements to their determination and knowing how to wait for the right opportunities.

Communication as a Tool: Effective communication can significantly ease the waiting process. It’s essential to convey our needs and expectations clearly in both personal relationships and professional workplaces. Here are some key points I’ve found helpful:

Expressing Career Goals:
- When waiting for a promotion, it’s important to communicate your career goals to your manager. This keeps you visible for future opportunities and ensures that your aspirations are known. Regularly discussing your progress and seeking feedback can also help you stay on track and make necessary improvements.
Transparent Conversations:
- Maintaining transparent conversations with family and friends is crucial. By openly discussing your feelings, challenges, and expectations, you can strengthen understanding and support during waiting periods. This transparency helps build trust and ensures that your loved ones are aware of your situation and can offer the necessary support.
Clarity in Communication:
- Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Whether it’s in a personal or professional setting, being clear about your needs and expectations can prevent frustration and disappointment. It also helps in setting realistic timelines and managing expectations effectively.
Active Listening:
- Effective communication is not just about expressing yourself but also about listening to others. Active listening involves paying attention, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully and in a timely manner. This helps in building stronger relationships and ensures that you understand the perspectives of others, which can be particularly helpful during waiting periods.

Scriptural Insights: I’ve also found that scriptural teachings, particularly from the Bible, regard patience as a significant virtue. James 1: Scripture advises viewing trials as pure joy because the testing of faith leads to developing perseverance. This teaching shows that patience involves both waiting and developing our faith and character.

In a world that demands quick results, adopting patience as a fundamental virtue is essential. Those who wait for good outcomes can find success if they maintain open communication with others and move through life gracefully. Patience should be seen as a conscious decision to have faith in life’s process and timing, rather than a passive condition.

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Tackle 4 Challenges Today

Patrick J — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:57:32 +0000

4 Challenges to Tackle Today: A Faith-Based Perspective

In our journey of faith, we often encounter obstacles that can hinder our growth and potential. Today, I invite you to tackle four challenges that can help you align your mindset with the promises of God. Let’s explore how faith can empower us to overcome these challenges.

1. Rewrite One Limiting Belief

Challenge: Take one thought that’s holding you back and flip it.

Faith Signal: Often, we let our doubts overshadow our faith. For instance, if you find yourself thinking, “I’m not ready,” flip it to “I’m growing into this.” Remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Embrace the truth that God is preparing you for what lies ahead.

Your Action: Write down your limiting belief and reframe it with a positive, faith-filled statement.

2. Journal Your Wins

Challenge: Every day, write down one thing you did well.

Faith Signal: Acknowledging our successes, no matter how small, helps us recognize God’s hand in our lives. Psalm 103:2 encourages us to “forget not all His benefits.” By journaling your wins, you cultivate gratitude and a positive mindset, which can enhance your faith journey.

Your Action: Dedicate a few minutes each evening to reflect on and write down your daily achievements.

3. Cut the Negativity

Challenge: Identify one source of negativity in your life and eliminate or reduce it.

Faith Signal: Negativity can cloud our vision and distract us from God’s purpose. Romans 12:2 reminds us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Identify a negative influence—be it a person, habit, or thought—and take steps to minimize its impact on your life.

Your Action: Make a conscious decision to distance yourself from negativity, replacing it with uplifting and faith-affirming influences.

4. Take a Bold Step

Challenge: Do one thing this week that scares you a little.

Faith Signal: Stepping out of our comfort zone is often where we find growth. Joshua 1:9 encourages us to “be strong and courageous.” By facing our fears, we demonstrate our trust in God’s plan for us. Taking bold steps can lead to incredible breakthroughs in our faith and personal lives.

Your Action: Identify one fear you want to confront and take a small step towards overcoming it this week.

By embracing these challenges with YOUR faith-based perspective, we can transform our lives and deepen our relationship with God. Remember, each step you take is an opportunity to grow in faith and strength. Let’s tackle these challenges together and witness the amazing things God can do in our lives!

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The Trust In Timing…Not Easy

Patrick J — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:39:54 +0000

Embracing Invisible Growth: Finding Strength in Stillness

When nothing seems to be happening in your life, yet everything is changing – this paradox holds one of life’s most profound lessons. It’s like standing in the eye of a hurricane: peaceful at the center while transformation swirls around you unseen.

The Invisible Growth

Have you ever watched a garden in winter? On the surface, all appears dormant, lifeless even. But beneath the frozen ground, roots are deepening, strengthening, and preparing for spring’s grand awakening. Our lives often mirror this natural phenomenon. During periods of apparent stagnation, we’re actually experiencing some of our most significant growth.

The Building Blocks of Faith

These seasons of stillness serve as spiritual weight rooms. Just as muscles grow stronger through resistance, our faith develops through moments when we can’t see the path ahead. It’s in these spaces between visible progress that our inner compass is calibrated, our resilience is forged, and our character is refined.

The Deceptive Nature of Progress

We live in a world obsessed with visible metrics – likes, shares, promotions, achievements. But the most meaningful transformations often occur in silence, away from the spotlight of public validation. Think of how a pearl forms: years of quiet development within an oyster’s shell, unseen until completion.

Finding Peace in the Pause

When you find yourself in such a season, remember:

Growth isn’t always visible to the naked eye.
Stillness can be a form of movement.
Faith strengthens in the waiting.
Understanding comes through patience.

The Power of Trust

Learning to trust the process when our eyes can’t perceive change is perhaps life’s greatest lesson in faith. It’s about developing an inner knowing that transcends physical evidence – a spiritual muscle that grows stronger with each moment of uncertainty embraced.

Moving Forward

In these seemingly static times:

Practice gratitude for the unseen work being done within you.
Journal your thoughts and feelings to track subtle internal shifts.
Embrace the silence as a teacher.
Trust that your story is still being written, even when the pen appears still.

The next time you feel stuck in life’s waiting room, remember: what appears as stagnation might actually be transformation in its chrysalis stage. Your faith isn’t just being tested – it’s being built, strengthened, and prepared for what’s ahead.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Perhaps it’s in these very moments of invisible change that we learn to truly see with our faith rather than our eyes or our feelings.

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The Shoes Or The Seed?

Patrick J — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 03:58:59 +0000

The Tale of Two Gifts: A Gardener’s Lesson

A young gardener received two gifts on the same day: a tiny seed from her grandmother and a brand new pair of designer shoes from her friend.

The Allure of Immediate Gratification

The shoes were sleek, polished, and immediately impressive. They gleamed in the sunlight, perfect and unblemished. Her friend had carefully selected them, matching her style precisely. She wore the shoes proudly that very afternoon, walking confidently down the street.

The Unassuming Seed

In contrast, the seed was small, unremarkable, and seemed insignificant—a plain brown speck nestled in her palm. She planted the seed in a quiet corner of her garden, unaware of its potential.

The Passage of Time

Weeks passed, and the shoes began to scuff, their shine fading with each step. Eventually, they would be discarded or forgotten. However, the seed slowly transformed. First, a tender shoot emerged, followed by roots spreading underground, and branches reaching skyward.

A Lasting Legacy

Over time, the seed grew into a fruit-bearing tree that provided shade, nourishment, and beauty for decades—long after the shoes were gone.

The Moral of the Story

This parable whispers a powerful lesson: True value isn’t always found in what appears impressive at first glance, but in what has the potential to grow, change, and create a lasting impact.

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Sitting Still With It.

Patrick J — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:56:40 +0000

Sitting with Our Battle: Keeping Faith Through Obstacles

Hey there, friends! Today, I want to share something personal: how we can draw on faith to sit with our pain rather than run from it. Instead of reaching for a beer, a cigarette, or other distractions, what if we embraced our challenges with faith?

The Power of Presence

Let’s start by emphasizing the importance of being present. It’s crucial to embrace our feelings—even the messy ones. By opening ourselves up to sadness, anxiety, or frustration, we facilitate discovery and healing. Faith can be our best ally on this journey, inviting us to be present and compassionate rather than critical.

Faith as Our Rock

Faith serves as a comforting hug during hard times. It guides us through the storm, providing solace when we need it most. I’ve witnessed this firsthand in my life!

A Little Story Time

Let me share a quick anecdote. Two years ago, I was guiding a class of children at a summer camp. One camper had a troubled history—he was expelled the previous year! I initially felt apprehensive, but we faced some rough patches that week. By the end, I was so proud of him—and he was proud of himself! Years later, he wrote me a touching letter, thanking me for believing in him. He graduated high school with honors and is now heading to college. Talk about a full-circle moment!

How to Avoid the Elephant in the Room

Let’s be honest: while it might feel good to shove our problems aside, this often leads to deeper issues later on. Whether it’s drinking, smoking, or simply running away, these habits can be tough to break.

The Long Game

We should confront our challenges head-on. When we do, we heal and grow. The story of that camper illustrates how overcoming difficulties can lead to phenomenal changes.

How to Sit With Your Worries: Steps for Dealing with Your Concerns

So, how do we come to terms with our difficulties? Here are some suggestions:

Prayer and Meditation

Spend time in your faith daily. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply reflecting, find what brings you peace. Learn more about the benefits of meditation here.
Journaling
Grab a pen and paper and start writing. Document your feelings and how your faith helps you through tough days. It’s a powerful way to process emotions! Check out journaling techniques here.
Lean on Your Community
Don’t hesitate to reach out! Share your struggles with friends or your church community. Sometimes, talking it through is all you need. Explore community support resources here.

Finding Hope and Growth

We must endure our challenges, as they often lead to profound growth. By facing our shadows, we become more open to connections and wisdom.

A Little Reminder

Remember that camper I mentioned? His journey taught me the importance of small steps. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger or a kind word to a friend, we can all make a difference.

So, let’s commit to sitting with our discomfort instead of running away. Our faith can guide us through life’s roughest moments, helping us heal and reconnect with others. Let’s be grateful for our experiences, no matter how rocky!

Share Your Thoughts!

How has faith helped you navigate life’s challenges? Leave your stories below and inspire each other on this journey!

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Thanksgiving Survival Guide: The Faithful Win!

Patrick J — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:18:33 +0000

Never Stop Being Thankful: A Thanksgiving Survival Guide

Okay, let’s be real. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday – it’s a spiritual obstacle course that tests your patience, faith, and ability to not throw a turkey across the room.

I’ve survived enough family gatherings to know that Thanksgiving is basically a masterclass in faith, forgiveness, and strategic wine consumption.

The Challenge Accepted Moment
A few years back, I was that family member who decided to take on the ultimate Thanksgiving challenge: cooking the entire meal while managing family drama that could rival a prime-time soap opera.

Challenge. Accepted.

Let me break it down for you:

The Turkey Situation
Picture this: Me, standing in the kitchen, talking to a 20-pound turkey like it’s my therapy session. “Lord,” I whispered, “if you can help Moses part the Red Sea, you can help me not burn this bird.” Spoiler alert: Divine intervention works – mostly.

Family Drama: Level Expert
When Uncle Phil starts his political rant and Aunt Karen begins critiquing everyone’s life choices, I’ve learned to take a deep breath and remember: Jesus dealt with 12 disciples. I can handle my crazy family for one meal. I hope.

Pro Tip: Gratitude is your secret weapon.

Moments of Humor:
• Burned rolls? Call it “artisan charcoal bread”
• Dropped the turkey? Declare it a “modern deconstructed feast”
• Pie looks like a geological experiment? Rename it “abstract culinary art”

The Real Thanksgiving Miracle
It’s not about the perfect meal. It’s about the moments between the chaos. The laughs. The stories. The understanding smile when your son has a meltdown or your grandma forgets who you are – again.

Faith. Humor. Family.

That’s the real Thanksgiving recipe.

My point? You never know the impact of your attitude. From saying a kind word to holding space for family chaos, every moment is an opportunity to practice grace.

Thanksgiving Survival Mantra: “Lord, give me strength… and maybe an extra glass of wine.”

Seriously. Never stop being that person who can laugh through the chaos, love through the challenges, and find gratitude in the messiest moments.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what faith – and family – is all about.

Amen. And pass the gravy.

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Rollercoaster Of Mental Wellness.

Patrick J — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:58:32 +0000

Supporting Friends Through Mental Health Challenges: A Faith-Based Perspective

Let’s talk about something that’s becoming more and more common in our fast-paced world – mental health challenges. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can really show up for our friends and family members when they’re struggling. You know what’s amazing? When we combine our faith with our desire to help, we can create this incredibly supportive and understanding environment for those we care about.

The Power of Really Listening (And I Mean Really Listening) I’ve learned that one of the most powerful things we can do for a friend who’s struggling is simply to listen – and I don’t mean just nodding along while thinking about what’s for dinner! It’s about being fully present, letting them know they’re heard without judgment. Think about it – when was the last time someone truly listened to you? It’s such a gift to create that safe space where someone can just… be.

Getting Practical With Our Help Here’s something I’ve discovered – sometimes the biggest way to show love is through the smallest actions. When someone’s dealing with mental health challenges, even the everyday stuff can feel overwhelming. Maybe it’s helping them tackle that pile of laundry that’s been staring them down, grabbing groceries when you’re already at the store, or showing up with their favorite comfort food. These aren’t just tasks – they’re ways of saying “I see you, I care about you, and you’re not alone in this.”

Getting Professional Help (Because We Can’t Do It All) Look, as much as we want to be Superman or Superwoman for our friends, sometimes the most loving thing we can do is acknowledge when they need more help than we can give. I’ve been there – watching someone struggle and wanting to fix everything myself. But here’s the truth: encouraging them to talk to a mental health professional isn’t giving up – it’s giving them another tool in their toolbox. Maybe offer to help them find someone, or even sit with them while they make that first call. Trust me, just having someone there can make that scary first step feel a lot less intimidating.

The Power of Prayer (It’s More Than Just Words) You know what’s beautiful about faith? It reminds us we’re never really alone. When I pray with friends who are struggling, something powerful happens. It’s not just about the words we’re saying – it’s about creating this sacred space where hope can grow. Sometimes we don’t even need words – just sitting together in that quiet moment of connection with God can bring more peace than any advice we could offer.

Faith Can Move Mountains

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Riding the Rollercoaster Together Here’s something nobody tells you about supporting someone through mental health challenges – it’s rarely a straight line from struggle to success. Some days will be great, and you’ll think “We’ve got this!” Other days… well, let’s just say progress might look more like getting out of bed or answering a text. And you know what? That’s okay. Your job isn’t to fix everything – it’s to be that consistent, steady presence saying “I’m here for all of it.”

Building Your Village Remember that old saying “it takes a village”? Well, it’s true! I’ve seen the amazing things that can happen when people connect with others who get what they’re going through. Maybe it’s a faith-based support group, a weekly coffee meetup, or even an online community – the key is finding those people who can walk alongside them (and you) on this journey.

The Heart of It All Let me wrap this up with something I’ve learned through my own experiences as a parent of special needs children: supporting someone through mental health challenges isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being real, and letting your faith guide you in loving them well. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s beautiful, but it’s always worth it.

Remember, every small act of kindness, every prayer, every “I’m here for you” text – it all matters. You might not see the impact right away (trust me, I’ve been surprised years later by how much little things meant to people), but your presence and support can be the light someone needs to find their way through the darkness.

And hey, if you’re reading this while supporting someone through their mental health journey – you are a blessing to them. Faith can move mountains and you may just be that source to help keep faith, there are no mistakes in who you meet.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

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Veterans’ Mental Health: Priority 2025

Patrick J — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:13:32 +0000

With 2025 rapidly approaching, the focus on veterans’ mental health has never been sharper. All of our valiant warriors have sacrificed so much, and we owe it to them to be more proactive about helping them stay mentally healthy.

Let’s face it – military-to-civilian transition is no cakewalk. It’s more like trudging through a minefield, from PTSD to depression and anxiety. But the good news is: we’re starting to acknowledge these facts and take steps.

No longer should it constitute an act of weakness to ask for help. The attitudes are changing dramatically, and more veterans are empowered to seek help when they need it. It’s about time, right?

One area is the utilization of the benefits of telemedicine from the privacy of their homes, where mental health treatment is easy to find. No more long trips to the VA for a quick check-in – it’s all on your screen, AND PRIVATE!!!!

But that’s not just therapy anymore. Yoga, art therapy, mindfulness – you name it. It is a process that is increasingly as heterogeneous as our veterans themselves. It’s as if we are finally realizing that there is no universal mental health model.

One of the most uplifting trends is the proliferation of veteran-to-veteran support networks such as Wounded Warriors or Valor Lakes . Who better to tell you how different our vets’ life is than someone who stepped in them? These peer support groups are revolutionizing the fight against loneliness and enhancing mental health. Also Lifeline for Vets is a valuable first step resource to help mitigate any immediate help – (888) 777-4443

And what of the families? The effects of service go well beyond the veteran, and I’m glad that more attention is now paid to spouses and children. We have stronger families, and better veterans.

Looking forward, to 2025, we need to see even more innovative solutions. Virtual reality therapy? It’s already in the works. Increased investment in mental health services? YES! Better coordination between different agencies? ABSOLUTELY a need.

The twist, though, is that we’re no longer treating symptoms. We’re focusing more on prevention and resilience. It’s as if we’re finally discovering that prevention really does make a cure.

In the march toward 2025, we have one important thing to say: we don’t want our veterans mentally ill. But it’s no longer a matter of preaching about their sacrifice – now we need action, solutions and an obligation to make sure that all veterans get the resources they need to succeed in civilian life.

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The Ties That Bind: The Wins

Patrick J — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:11:52 +0000

Have you experienced that moment when someone reminds you of your birthday without hitting Facebook’s reminder button or the generic posting on Social Media? Or when your friend brings over your favorite cup of coffee just for no reason? These times – it’s just pure magic. They’re the fabrics that knit our friendships together into something truly wonderful, and frankly, they deserve more time than we normally pay them.

Let’s focus on those milestones. We are all well-acquainted with birthdays, but what counts is how we revel in them. Not everything needs to be monumental – there’s nothing quite like that midnight text “Happy Birthday, you rock!”. These celebrations? They aren’t parties – they’re deposits in our bank of friends that continue to yield dividends.

As far as tradition goes, let’s talk about traditions. Whether it’s your annual “Friendsgiving” where everyone brings their greatest culinary disaster, or that monthly lunch where you resolve all the world’s problems (or at least try). They’re not mere routine meetings – they’re your friend’s moves, the gravy that renders your friendship unique. But believe me, these traditions become the stories you’ll laugh about years later.

What about the things we say – or don’t say. “I’m proud of you.” You handled that amazingly. “Your insight is legendary.” Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. These are not just compliments; they’re verbal high-fives that make someone’s day. And the best part? They’re free!

What we don’t often consider: not all celebrations involve confetti and a party (although, frankly, that would be pretty cool). Perhaps your friend finally decluttered their garage after three years of talking about it. Celebrate it! Or they learned how to churn out the perfect grilled cheese. That’s worth a victory dance! These small wins? They’re the foundations of greater achievements.

And here’s the kicker – when you become that other person who gets people on their pedestal, it works. It spreads. Just like the time you cheered for your friend’s new blog and they’re suddenly supporting their cousin’s art show, who in turn supports their neighbor’s landscape project. You’ve just set off a celebration ripple! Like letting someone out in traffic, it pays forward.

So here is my challenge to you: Be that party starter. Be the friend who sees the silver lining, who delivers the cupcakes by surprise, who sends the appreciate you text. Because in an increasingly burdened world we need more people that can let the light into the good.

But, you know, it doesn’t matter how big the party is – it’s just coming out and saying, “hey, I’m over here, and this is what you’re doing.” Those moments? It is they who transform everyday friendships a solid base brother or sister.

And trust me, just like that letter years later I received from the summer camp camper, you never know how your small gesture of joy might resonate in someone’s life. So don’t hesitate – be that person who makes others happy. More of that kind of pleasure is needed in the world.

You are friends. It is okay to support each other.

P.S. So if you’re reading this and have a friend who you feel has to be celebrated right now – yes, here’s your invitation to text or call. Go spread some joy!

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