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All (19) Mike Winger (19)
Mike Winger idea 2018-02-14

Critique: what Johnson did in Weaverville is not wrong as an imaginative exercise, but calling it prophecy crosses a theological line

Mike carefully distinguishes between the legitimate practice and the mislabeling

Bill Johnson prophecy false prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2017-12-27

Introduction: A Christian framework for New Year's reflection with seven practical tips

Opening of Mike's first-ever live stream. He introduces the topic as something he has done personally each December for a few years with significant life impact.

New Year's resolutions spiritual disciplines annual review
Mike Winger idea 2017-12-27

Tip 1: Look back before you look forward — December as a 'hilltop' for perspective

First of seven tips. Mike uses a journey/landscape metaphor to describe the value of year-end reflection.

Matthew 7:14 spiritual disciplines self-examination perspective
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-11

Counsel for Christians experiencing unexplained spiritual doubt and attack

Response to a viewer (Christian Regal) who is experiencing doubt that does not seem to stem from any intellectual problem — it feels like an attack.

2 Corinthians 12:10 spiritual disciplines spiritual warfare doubt
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Fasting: the question is better framed as "is it good?" rather than "must I?"

Q&A from Sweet Eats 2 about whether Christians should fast

Christian ethics spiritual disciplines fasting
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Fasting's primary purpose is denying the flesh and gaining mastery over physical desires, not achieving spiritual mountaintop experiences

Correcting a common misunderstanding about fasting

spiritual disciplines self-denial fasting
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Fasting creates additional prayer time and a spiritually focused mindset

Additional practical benefits of fasting

prayer spiritual disciplines fasting
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Scripture assumes fasting is part of normal Christian life without mandating specific schedules; fasting for a single meal is valid

Scope and flexibility of fasting

spiritual disciplines fasting
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-09

Spiritual dryness — returning to first works as the remedy

Continued application from Revelation 2

Revelation 2 spiritual disciplines Revelation 2 first love
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-17

Favorite Bible verses for daily courage — Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 62:8

Q from Eighth Day Adventist about Mike's favorite Bible verse for daily encouragement.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 62:8 Proverbs 3:5-6 Faith Guidance
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

In times of psychological doubt, stop requiring emotional confirmation from Bible reading, worship, and prayer — treat spiritual disciplines as objectively worth doing regardless of how they feel.

Practical strategies for overcoming psychological/emotional doubt.

Prayer Doubt and Faith Trust in God vs. Feelings
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Question: Is it okay to sit quietly and write down what you hear from God (journaling/listening prayer)?

Viewer Mackenzie McEwan asks about the practice of trying to hear God and writing down what comes.

spiritual disciplines confirmation bias listening prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

The still small voice (1 Kings 19) is not a model for seeking God through hints and whispers

Common proof-text for listening prayer misapplied.

1 Kings 19 spiritual disciplines still small voice listening prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Organizing prayer life: mindset matters more than rigid structure; serving God during quarantine requires ambitious creativity.

Question from Ian Becker about organizing prayer life and serving God during COVID quarantine.

Prayer life Christian service Spiritual disciplines
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Tips for an atheist starting to believe: gather intellectual reasons for God, practice spiritual disciplines, and make choices that shape belief.

Question from Emil Codrin about how to start believing after a lifetime of atheism.

Evidence for God Christopher Hitchens Spiritual disciplines
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Spiritual dryness and keeping God at arm's length: the will precedes the heart; make obedient decisions and let the heart follow over time.

Q9 from Arrivederci: struggling with trusting and wanting Christ — how to stop keeping the Holy Spirit at arm's length?

spiritual disciplines spiritual dryness faith and the will
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Passion for God fading: treat it as a red flag, diagnose sin, then take outward spiritual actions to let the heart follow

Q17 from Langille Zandi: How do you counsel someone whose passion for the Lord is dying — not praying, not reading the Bible?

James 4 Revelation 2 (Ephesus) spiritual disciplines James 4 sanctification
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Overcoming laziness requires creating structured tasks, improving energy through exercise and diet, and reading Proverbs.

Question 6 from Sherry Lynn about overcoming laziness at home after hard work-days.

Proverbs spiritual disciplines Proverbs practical wisdom
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Gluttony is an underaddressed sin in the American church; fasting is a practical corrective; no need for strict calorie counting.

Question 18 about how to avoid gluttony and whether strict calorie limits are legalistic.

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6 self-control spiritual disciplines