Blog | Greater Formation

The Measure of a Mature Faith

accountablity correction encouragement guidance legalism maturity performance success Mar 14, 2026

What does it look like to be maturing in faith?

That’s an important question. And many people answer it by creating a list—attributes to develop or behaviors to master. The thinking often goes something like this: the more we understand, and the better we perform certain spiritual practices, the more mature we must be.

But there’s a danger in that approach.

The focus can slowly turn inward. Without realizing it, we can begin to think that spiritual maturity is mainly about us—about what we know, what we say, and what we are able to do.

When that happens, our faith can quietly drift into something we manage apart from God and His active work in our lives.

Some of the very things that look spiritual on the outside can actually become self-referenced rather than God-responsive.

If a community rewards that kind of living for long enough, it can slowly become legalistic. Instead of helping people grow in freedom, it can begin to build subtle forms of spiritual bondage—even discouragi...

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Choosing Stillness in a Noisy World

avoidance connection control encounter guidance Feb 23, 2026

We are so full of chatter.

Noise presses in from every side—opinions, opportunities, distractions, demands. Life can start to feel like a barrage, and before we know it, we’re reacting more than choosing. Pulled here and there, we may feel slightly out of control. God isn’t really guiding our lives—not because He’s absent, but because we’re not slowing down enough to notice or respond.

And the beat goes on.

So how do we step off this treadmill of shallowness?

One simple, difficult, and deeply transformative practice: intentional silence.

Silence creates space—for connection with your real self (which can feel unsettling at first), for encountering the real God, and for learning to speak and live with greater depth, clarity, and authority.

When we intentionally slow down, step away from the noise, and allow ourselves to be still, things begin to surface. What has been hidden or dormant in us often rises to the top. This isn’t always comfortable. In fact, much of our busyness may b...

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Listen Up ... God Still Speaks

discernment growth guidance listening to god obedience scripture Jan 17, 2026

Does God Still Speak? … And Can You Hear Him?

Have you ever met someone who says they hear from God?

Maybe they talk about sensing His direction or making decisions based on what they believe He’s heard Him say.

Sometimes those people feel a little out there.
Other times, they feel intimidating—as if their closeness to God highlights something you’re missing.
And if you’re honest, you might feel tempted to quietly dismiss the whole idea.

Don’t.

Jesus was clear: “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27).
That statement wasn’t reserved for prophets, pastors, or the especially spiritual. It was spoken to ordinary followers. To people like you.

God speaks. He always has.

Scripture is filled with His voice—thundering in Psalm 29, guiding prophets, stirring hearts through dreams, signs, and moments of revelation. Ultimately, He spoke through Jesus and through the written Word. And today, He still speaks—through Scripture, people, prayer, worship, images, thoughts, and gentle in...

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"How to Know If It’s Really God Speaking"

alignment counsel direction god's voice god's will guidance obedience transformation Apr 19, 2025

Is That Really God Speaking? Here’s How to Know.

Have you ever paused and wondered, “Is this really God speaking to me?”
Maybe you sense Him nudging you in a certain direction—or correcting, guiding, or prompting you to take action. But how do you know if it’s really His voice and not just your own thoughts?

Discernment starts with asking the right questions:

Does it align with Scripture?
Is it consistent with godly counsel from trusted voices?
Are those in spiritual authority affirming it?
Does it bring peace, or does it feel condemning and heavy?
Is it drawing you closer to God and deeper into obedience?

When the answer is yes to these, it’s a strong indicator that God is indeed speaking.
But let’s go deeper.

At the core of God’s voice is always this truth: You are His beloved.
Everything God says—whether to correct, direct, or encourage—flows out of your covenant relationship with Him. You're not a servant earning approval. You're a son or daughter resp

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Step Up Your Game in 2025!

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"How You Start Your Day Determines Your Day"

While this isn’t always true, it’s a solid modern proverb that carries a lot of weight.

A good night’s sleep is a gift—a supernatural reboot built into God’s design. During sleep, our brains undergo a chemical cleansing, refreshing both our minds and bodies. Why waste those gains? Starting your day well is an opportunity to set the tone for everything that follows.

Taking this seriously can be a game-changer. It’s not a magic formula, but over time, it can help protect against depression, boost productivity, and increase your sense of clarity and purpose.

Scripture reminds us of the fresh start available to us each morning:

“The Lord’s compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
David sang, “Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.” (Psalm 57:7-8)
Even Jesus modeled this habit: “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went to a secluded pla

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Are You Positioned to Hear From God?

afraid bible circumstances comrades dreams enemy guidance hear god's voice holy spirit impressions listening mature obey prayer prophecy receive scripture visions Jul 17, 2022

What do people mean when they say they “hear God’s voice?” Can everyone hear God? Do people have the same capacity and/or ability to hear the Lord? Does the Lord “speak” more often or more clearly in some places and at some times than others?

The book of 1 Samuel notes, “In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.” (1 Sam. 3:1). Apparently, there are different dispensations regarding the frequency and clarity of God's communication. Approximately 3,100 years ago the people of God were not experiencing much of the revelation of God. Then Samuel was born, and God started communicating boldly through the prophets.

In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews begins, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe.” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecy. It all...

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