Captivated

Written by Clay Millener, Executive Director Have you ever been encouraged to “keep your eyes on the prize?”  Perhaps you heard this as you were going through a season when distractions and difficulties seemed to be constantly assaulting you on that path to the ultimate goal or reward you were pursuing.   What are the “prizes” you are contending for in your life right now?  A degree?  A promotion?  A romantic relationship? A championship of some sort? A year-end bonus? A dream vacation or big screen TV? It’s an important question because the promise of prize often enables us to press through the adversity.  [...]

Written by Daniela Kerekes, Captivated Int'l Board Member Perhaps the first thing many people think of when they hear that God is an “all-consuming fire” is judgment.  But let me tell you from personal experience, there is SO much more!  Not too long ago, I served at a camp hosted by Christ for all Nations (CfaN) where I had a life-changing encounter with God and the reality of His fire.  One night, one of the team leaders taught about the fire of God, and as he spoke, I felt a stirring in my spirit.   At the end, he called everyone to the front [...]

“…and his voice was like the roar of many waters.” Revelation 1.15 Have you noticed that certain voices seem to carry more weight or “gravitas” than others? When I think of famous voices, the first name that comes to mind is James Earl Jones—the actor who did the voice of the original Darth Vadar in Star Wars. He could read a simple grocery list, and people would be on the edge of their seat. The sound of someone’s voice can be an incredibly powerful force in our lives. It can make you cringe and cower; it can lift you up and inspire great things. A [...]

“…they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator…” Romans 1.25 Have you ever been misunderstood? Misrepresented? Mischaracterized? Falsely accused?  It’s a uniquely painful experience, one that never feels good.  I think it’s safe to say we have all been through experiences like that.  And, if we’re honest, we’ve also been the ones who have misunderstood, misrepresented or made unfair judgements about other people. Ironically, perhaps the most misunderstood person in the universe is the One who created it.  As I was pondering this unfortunate reality, an image came to my mind of God sorting [...]

When something or someone has captivated you, there’s a tangible, almost irresistible draw—like gravity drawing an object toward earth.  Though we may not always recognize it, we are moved by that which captivates us.  Sadly, few of those things which captivate the world today bring lasting joy, peace and purpose.  In the end, there is little satisfaction.  Even in the Church, so many people believe relationship with Jesus is all about being commanded by God rather than captivated by Him.  Many live in a world of ought to and should have, duty and obligation, rather than being driven by a sincere love and devotion, awe [...]