There was a worm crawling in the ground one day, and he came to a hole that he hadn’t recognized before. Fearful of where it would take him he turned around and went back home. He told his father about the hole and he was very disappointed that his son didn’t explore it. He went crawling again the very next day, remembering what his father had to say.
He came to a path, only this one was rare. The path was split in half and there the worm stared. Would one path lead to nutrients and the other things in life that would satisfy a worm? Would one path lead to an industry’s sewage pipe and destroy not only him, but also the path he came from? Confused with which one to take, and scared that his father would be mad again, he split himself in half and went both ways.
This was something I found in one of my old, old journals. I couldn’t begin to tell you what was going through my mind at the time of writing it, but it got me thinking about something: the war between our flesh and our spirit.
We are constantly torn between the two. However, just like this worm we sometimes think that we can live a life that shares equal time with our flesh and spirit. We want to please God, but we want to gratify ourself as well.
The truth is, we aren’t worms. We can’t split ourself in half and go down two paths. Even though the worm survived the splitting, one half of his body still would have died when he got to the sewage pipe. The same will happen with us, and a part of us is heading for death.
Jesus is life though. He has given us eternal life by paying for our punishment of death with His death. Abide in Him and you will surely live forever!
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV)
I have some prayer requests, and all those who read this and want the same, I urge you to come into agreement with my prayers, so that our Father may hear and answer us!
Heavenly Father,
I thank you Lord for everything that you have blessed me with. Lord, You are Holy and Righteous, and Your ways are above my ways. I’m coming to you now boldly, and in faith I am believing that I will have whatever I ask for according to Your will. May I have forgiveness for all of those who have done wrong against me. May my heart turn away from every wicked thought or deed, and may I be forgiven for anything that I have done wrong against you. Lord, we need your help on earth…big time.
God, I lift up the country of China. I pray for the protection of Your children there, and I pray for the disciples of Christ that are being persecuted and imprisoned all over the world. I lift up the ungodly and those who don’t know you, and I ask that You send Your Holy Spirit to them, that they may be drawn to You. I lift up the entire Middle East to you Father, and I break the curse of Islam that has these people in bondage. I ask that you would give them a hunger for the Truth.
I pray for the peace and protection of Israel, and I earnestly desire to see Your chosen people return to the land You have given them. I also pray that Jews everywhere would begin to see that Jesus is the Messiah they have been waiting for!
Lord, I ask that You would bring a revival to New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. There is a spiritual drought in the North, and I ask that you would send living water to flow through the streets! I bind the religious spirits that have left your people confused about what is right and wrong. May the spirit of religion be tied up now, and may Your people be set free to worship You!
I pray for the gas prices in America to begin declining at a rapid pace! I ask that if there is sin involved, that You would expose it. If there is deceit, reveal it! It is a bondage, and I break all chains to the gas pump in the name of Jesus!
I lift up the children that do not have fathers God, and I ask that You would be their Father!
I think it’s well known that there is an attack on marriage, and I pray God that you would raise up warriors in the Kingdom to fight for the sanctity of marriage.
God, may those who are struggling financially be filled with peace and comfort, and may they know that You will truly provide them with everything they need!
May the pastors and preachers who are robbing the church be exposed, and may the damage it has caused Your people be repaired by the Truth, and by Your mercy!
May those who are teaching a false Gospel, learn the True Gospel and start teaching that instead!
God, may we all know more of Your love. May we see others as You see them, and may we learn how to have the grace and mercy for people that You have. May we love our neighbors the way You have taught us!
I thank You Father that these things are already being done. I thank You Lord that even now, You are preparing our hearts for battle, and sending out angels to carry out Your will.
This post is somewhat of a follow-up in regards to my last post titled, If Jesus Had a Car.
Often times when we think of having a ministry, we get the image of a pastor preaching to a large congregation, or maybe a famous televangelist, but we forget that some of the ways that we can minister are in our every day life. We don’t have to be in church to spread the Word of God. In fact, more Gospel sharing should be going on outside the church. After all, if you are in the church you should already know that Jesus Christ died for you sins. I know that isn’t the case, but that’s another topic!
So what are some ways to grow your ministry? First, realize that your life is about Him, and should be glorifying Him at all times. That alone is something that a lot of big time ministries have forgotten. If we take that love with us everywhere we go, and truly abide in Christ, then that is the greatest witness we can have. I believe that a lot of people want to believe in Jesus, but all they see is hypocritical Christians, and it turns them off. The desire is there, but when Christian’s are acting the same as everyone, unbelievers simply shrug us off and say, “I can act like that, if not better, without that Jesus guy.”
So, glorify God at all times and in all seasons. Recognize that you carry your ministry with you. Pay attention to how you are being perceived by the world. One of the latest things God has put in my heart is the idea of a “traffic ministry”. In my last post, I described how Jesus would act if He had a car. There are simple things we can do while on the road that could help shift the country’s negative view of Christians. Use your turn signal. I can’t think of how many times I see people who don’t know how to use a turn signal. It might not seem like a big deal, and it usually isn’t. However, stick a Jesus bumper sticker on your car, and the slightest slip up will cause people to shake their head and say, “wow, some Christian they are.” The mind connects the dots and forms opinions. In contrast, put that bumper sticker on your car and start doing something crazy like rolling down your window at a stop light and saying, “hey there! I hope you have a great day today! You are loved!” Then speed off (if you are blessed with a fast engine) and let them be shocked and amazed when they see that you are a Christian. The mind connects the dots. Sure, they might think you are crazy, but on what grounds? Is it really so crazy to tell a stranger to have a good day? Or to tell them that they are loved?
God is big. He’s huge. How can you not want to tell everyone about Him? If He’s blessed you with a car, then start using it to glorify Him. It doesn’t have to be a boring ride to work. We don’t need to be upset about gas prices, or angry at less experienced drivers. If we start using our vehicles the right way, maybe God will start to bless us more. Its just a thought!
By the way, I don’t endorse speeding, but when the light turns green, it is okay to “give her a little gas”.
I was recently inspired to write this article as a result of a random act of kindness that the Holy Spirit led me to do in a Target parking lot. If Jesus had a car, what would He do with it?
1. He’d always have jumper cables in His car; prepared to give anyone a jump start.
2. He’d always have a container of gasoline; for anyone who ran out of gas.
3. He’d always have money, a sandwich, and some spare clothes in the glove department; waiting to give it to any homeless person, or charity that came to His window asking for help.
4. He’d always stop at red lights and stop signs.
5. He’d smile and wave at the people next to Him at the stop light. Instead of pretending like they don’t exist.
6. He’d always let the person who is switching lanes at the last minute go in front of Him.
7. He’d always use His turn signal.
8. He would always have His change ready at the toll booth, and maybe even have a little extra to bless the toll booth attendant.
9. He’d park in the furthest parking space away to let everyone else have the closer ones.
10. He’d never get mad at people who were driving and talking on their phones, but instead pray that the person on the other line was okay, and not in any kind of trouble.
Can you add to the list? What does your driving habits say about you?
You know, many say “actions speak louder than words”. Well I say, “drivers speak louder than bumper stickers.”
I am daily amazed at the behavior of Christians. I’m even more amazed at the Christians who are shocked when they disobey God and have to pay the consequences. Yesterday, a brother in Christ said this to me:
“I’m going through some tough times right now. I’m not allowed to see my son.”
“How come?” I responded.
“His momma has issues.” Apparently this guy had sex outside of marriage, got his girlfriend pregnant, and she hit the road.
I couldn’t help but to say, “Do you think there is a reason God intended people to be married before they had sex?” He was speechless, but a nearby sister in Christ said, “oh it doesn’t really matter.”
I can understand that mankind has constantly been in rebellion to God since the Garden of Eden, but I can’t understand why mankind is shocked by God’s response. I recently had one of those cute little God stories in my e-mail. This particular one wasn’t so “cute”, but it was full of truth. A girl wrote a letter to God asking Him where He was when the man came into her school and started shooting her friends. Then she goes on asking where He was at all the other school shootings that have happened over the years. God’s simple response is, “sorry, I’m not allowed in schools.”
Of course, I believe that God can take any of our mistakes and use them for His Glory. That is one of the amazing things about our Lord. No matter how bad we mess up, there is always hope in Christ. The little boy that was conceived out of wedlock might grow up to lead thousands to Christ. The guy who fornicated might have learned a lesson that will bring Him closer to God. The kids, parents, and teachers of those schools might even realize that something is not right in the classrooms, and maybe we need to go back to some of the old ways.
The fact is, there is still going to be a price we have to pay for our rebellion. “The wages of sin is death.” Jesus conquered death, and He conquered sin, but He also said that, “those who sin, are slaves to sin.” So how, as Christians who are called to be slaves to righteousness, can we continue to be slaves to sin?
The other fact is that God’s way works. He designed things a certain way for a good reason. Sex before marriage creates problems. If you are reading this I want your input. Quit being silent about these things! Let me know what is bothering you lately in the Body of Christ, and what are some ways that Christians and the world are seeing the negative effects of our rebellion?
There are many things that I have wanted to write about in the past week, but many others have beaten me to it. So, instead of giving you some fresh new insights, I will direct your path to those who have been hearing from God:
Just for fun, Ray Comfort has wrote a blog about the incredible edible egg and it is a true testimony of how great our God is!
Other than that folks, there’s not a whole lot going on right now! I’ve been extremely busy with work, but I’m finally enjoying some financial freedom. I’ve had some interesting experiences with intercessory prayer in the past two weeks, and I’m beginning to wonder more about this duty that I might be called to. I haven’t learned much about interceding, but usually if God wants me doing something, He will open the doors!
After only a year of following Christ, I’m still learning many things. What a concept, huh? I’ve really had a heart for the lost, and I don’t just mean the people who don’t know Christ. I’ve been greatly disappointed with many who claim to be Christians, and contradict everything that the Word of God teaches. I’ve seen people who are just living for themselves, and doing what makes their flesh happy. I’ve seen wolves in sheep’s clothing, and people that profess love for Christ, yet take delight in the destruction of His Body. All of these things grieve me, and mainly because they grieve my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’m not perfect. I’ve given up a lot to follow Christ, but there’s nothing special about me. It is only by the hand of God that I have come this far, and I’m eternally grateful. I wish I did know everything, and I wish that I could please God in everything that I do. That is my desire, but I know that it is never possible to be perfect. Is He proud of me? Is He happy with where I am at now? Have I done anything to please Him?
These are some of the questions I have had lately. I don’t care how man views me. Nobody knows the relationship I have with God. Nobody can understand the moments that I weep because of the intense Love that floods my spirit when I’m praying to my Heavenly Father.
No, I’m not perfect. None of us are, and that is why we need a Savior.
I woke up about an hour ago from a dream that keeps playing over in my head. It started with me walking in to a classroom. The classroom was full, and I looked at two guys, who I had recognized. The one said, “I’m living on the edge”, and his friend agreed with him. I responded with, “yeah, well I jumped of the cliff a long time ago.” I walked closer to them, and asked the first one why he thinks that he is living on the edge. He started mumbling some really boring stuff that I can’t even remember. The friend did the same, and this prompted me to walk to the front of the class. This is where I started my lesson.
“So you all think you’re living on the edge? Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. You want to know what living on the edge would really be like? Imagine there is an axe to your neck, and the person holding it says, ‘would you die for Jesus?’. Living on the edge would be saying, ‘yes, I’ll die for Jesus. No one is going to stand in the way of my Lord and Savior. No one is going to tell me that I can’t worship the King of Kings. You can kill me right now, because I love my Jesus!’ Think about that!”
The class started crying and cheering, and I felt pretty good about my little speech. It was an unusual dream, and I’m not sure what prompted it. God often uses a classroom setting in my dreams when He is trying to teach me something. I guess the lesson pretty much speaks for itself though…
Recently, I received a question from a reader regarding homosexuality and the challenges of walking out of this lifestyle. If this is your first time here you should read, Coming Out Straight, my own testimony of being set free from homosexuality. This is a controversial topic these days, and many are afraid of bringing it up. However, I have been given a voice for this issue, and I will use it when necessary. It is imperative that people start to understand how dangerous this sin is.
If I stole something, I’d be sinning against God. I would also be breaking a moral law. The Bible is clear on this issue, and most people will agree that stealing is not a good thing to do. The Bible is also clear on homosexuality and the consequences for all those who participate in this sin. However, homosexuals have been successful of convincing more and more people that the way they live their lives is acceptable. Could you imagine if a kleptomaniac started telling people that they were born that way, and that makes it okay? Do you see the danger now? We are all born sinners, that doesn’t make it okay!
Now, I’ll get back on track here and show you the question that I received:
I have read a couple of other testimonies of people being delivered from this, but I should say none of them were as dramatic as yours. Most of them, or rather all of them said that they still struggle with homosexual desires; which required constant discipline. I do know God delivers, but do you think all can be delivered instantly like being delivered from demonization?
I have also read and heard of others who want to walk away from homosexuality, but I have found few who have actually been delivered! Here are a few reasons that might be holding them back from being set free:
They don’t really want to be delivered, or their reasons are selfish reasons. Do they want to please the world or God? If they are wanting to please God they might have more success!
They don’t understand what truly made them the way they are. For a homosexual, it takes a revelation from God to completely understand that no one is born gay. It is a tangled web of lies, pain, and confusion. It is also a trap, and the hunter (Satan) does not have any intention of letting the prey escape.
Time. I think the longer the person has been in this lifestyle, the harder it will be to walk in freedom. I don’t think it is impossible, but it will be difficult.
The level of their participation. Someone who made it their complete identity and surrounded themselves with every possible gay-related thing is going to have a harder time than someone who never really identified with gay people or the lifestyle. For instance, I never really got along with gay guys, so I was never active in the “gay community”. It wasn’t part of my identity, so the main thing I was fighting was same sex attractions.
The person’s level of surrendering will also make a difference. I was delivered by God, but I also surrendered to Him. When I realized I was starting to have more thoughts about women, I could have easily said, “that’s weird” and continued with looking at guys in an unhealthy way. Instead, I acknowledged that something was different inside of me, and I realized that it was something God had done. After that, I walked in more freedom because I wanted every last piece of the “gay identity” out of me.
Same sex attractions will never go away! Let me explain…most cases of homosexuality are a result of the man not having a proper role model, or maybe not one at all. That need then gets perverted, and turns into a sexual need. Now, every time the homosexual looks at a man, all he relates to that man is sex. This is where the lies originate! Instead of just looking at the man for ideas of how to walk, talk, dress, etc. the devil instead accuses the person of something much more perverted. For example, “you are never supposed to look at another man. If you do, you must be thinking sexual thoughts, and that makes you gay.” This is not the truth! I look at men all the time because I never had anyone show me how to be a man. I look to them for help! I notice what they do, so I can do it. This is why I say that same sex attractions will never go away, because the devil will never stop trying to make you feel like you are doing something wrong. We are all guilty of looking at people, but if he can make you think you are doing something wrong, then he has led you down the path to acting it out!
Keep in mind, this advice is from my experience only, and I wouldn’t say that it is the standard for all people stuck in a gay lifestyle. I can only speak from my testimony, but most will probably be able to relate to what I’m saying.
Can you think of something that you have struggled with, and determine if maybe you were unsuccessful for one of the above reasons?
I’ve spotted some interesting new blogs, and some fascinating posts too! Let me share them with you…
TWJ Ministries - An incredible blog with six contributing authors including Sidharth, an amazing man of God from India, who stands for Jesus Christ when many around him are trapped in the false religion of Hinduism!
Revival Blog - This is the blog of Carl Thomas. He’s got some interesting things on spiritual warfare.
Kingdom Living - Matt Dabbs is the author of the first Christian blog I ever put on my blogroll. This week he wrote a story about a tragic situation in his life, and how God has helped him through it. Be prepared to cry!
I have also ran into a couple of not so nice blogs, but of course, I won’t be sharing those! Which reminds me, I have a question for all Christian bloggers out there:
What does your blog say to the world? Does it demonstrate what being a Christian is, or would it scare unbelievers away? When you go through your own archives do you see more complaining, or praising? Think about this the next time you write something that the world is going to see!
I know people have problems, and they want the world to know, but what does it solve? Why don’t you give those burdens to God, and let Him ease your troubled mind. Why don’t you take what God has blessed you with (a computer, the internet, writing skills, etc.), and use it to bless others. We are called to love God, and to love our neighbors. We are also called to love our enemies, and a lot of people seem to forget that. Let’s start doing a better job, alright bloggers?!
Okay, this pep talk is over! Get out there and change the world!
As I was browsing the web tonight, I found a heaping pile of websites that have inspired me. Isn’t it funny how sometimes we can browse the web and find nothing, and other times we hop from site to site and can’t take it in quick enough. I love when this happens, but sometimes I get really overwhelmed too. To help with the mental clutter, I’m going to organize a couple of the best sites I found into a list. As I write this, I’m listening to an extremely powerful song by Jason Upton called “Gideon (Valley/Victory)”. It’s actually playing on my radio station, which you should check out!
Here goes…
Global:FIVEONE - The personal blog of Kyle McDonald. I found this blog while searching for information about “laminin”. Laminin is the stuff that keeps our physical bodies together. It’s like glue for our cells, and surprisingly, it’s in the shape of a cross!
The Belmont Foundation - I jumped to this site from the above site after reading about it from Kyle. It’s a foundation dedicated to providing father figures for those who don’t have a father. I wish I would have had something like this growing up, and I think it’s amazing that there is a foundation like this.
Spiritual Gifts Test - This is a free analysis that tells you what your spiritual gifts are based on your responses to 140 questions. My top gift was discernment. Next in line was faith, teaching, writing, tongues, and then intercession. There’s 28 possible gifts that they have listed, which include the well-known nine gifts that Paul outlines in Corinthians. I felt like the results were pretty accurate, but you’ll have to try it for yourself!
Last Days Mysteries - The author of this site believes in a “Post-tribulation” rapture, and I must admit that his studies have altered a lot of my views on the rapture. His knowledge of bible truth is what appealed to me. He backs everything up by scriptures that are NOT taken out of context.
That’s all for now. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but those four places have occupied hours of my time! Hope you enjoy:)
I just found this video, and I’m not sure how old it is, but it doesn’t matter. Even if you have seen it before, it is such a blessing. It’s from a 13-year-old boy who received a special message from God.
This really moved my spirit, and that’s why I have to post it here!
First off, I really need everyone who reads this to say a quick prayer for my stepbrother who is in Iraq. A bomb hit his tank yesterday, but miraculously he was not harmed. However, this is an eye opener to how quickly this life can be over, especially for our soldiers in Iraq. I’ve been praying Psalm 91 over him and all of the troops, so please be in agreement with me on this. He just had a baby a few weeks ago, and she needs her father!
For the past few months, the death toll has been significantly lower in the war. God is hearing our prayers and He is honoring them!
Alright, so to make things a little happier around here, I have posted one of my favorite video clips from the movie Shark Tale.
If you haven’t seen the movie, the shrimp does get his revenge. This makes me laugh everytime!
And the biblical message is? The shrimp said it, “Have mercy”.
I live in Orlando, Florida, and we have quite a few storms here. Some are worse than others, but they all come and go. The funny thing about this place is that whenever it is storming, there’s a good chance the sun is somewhere poking through. Often times, it will be raining on one half of the sky, and the whole other half will be completely clear with the sun brightly shining.
Recently, I was watching a storm approach out the window. It started out as a beautiful day as usual, and then the dark clouds slowly began to roll in. The storm grew stronger and became severe. Then, almost as quickly as it came…it left. The sun was back out, and it was like it never happened.
Isn’t it funny how when we meet people, it’s always an instinct to mention the weather? When all else fails in a conversation, what do we do? Isn’t it also strange how similiar our lives are to the weather?
For instance when things are going bad, God is still there peaking through the clouds of our fallen world. Sometimes our situation might feel really hopeless, and yet He remains shining just as bright as ever. At the peak of the storm, when it seems like there is nothing there but the storm, we must remember that God is there. He always has been, and He always will be.
I know everyone is facing a lot of storms right now. A lot of us feel like the devil is coming at us with everything he has in this season. However, he knows his time his short. Are we going to let him think he is winning? NO! Are we just going to sit around and give up on praying because we are too tired? NO! We can’t do that. NOW is the time for us to be in prayer. This is the only opportunity we will ever have to praise God when things are rough. We are going to a place where we will never have strife or pain again. NOW is the time to praise God. NOW is the time to show Him that we love Him and trust Him. NOW is the time to say, “I have had it with you devil, and I’m not listening to your lies anymore!”
I’m so fired up right now. I just keep seeing all these pathetic attempts from the devil to divide us, destroy our testimonies, and steal our blessings. We need to remember that the more severe the storm is, the sooner the end of it is coming. God will have the victory, but we must do our part to help Him!
I’m leaving this open for comments. Please let me know what ya’ll are doing to survive!
Psalm 43 is a prayer to God in a time of trouble. I’m focusing on the first verse that says:
Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! - Psalm 43:1
I have always been the kind of person that can’t bare to see injustice. I have always felt like it’s my responsibility to help everyone who is being treated in an unjust way, and to bring justice to those who are acting in an unjust way. Because of that “stronghold“, I have been very quick to lose my temper, and in no way reluctant to speak my mind.
Well, God has taught me a valuable lesson within the last few days. There was a complication at work with someone who has been bothering me for months now. I was at the end of my rope, and I didn’t know what else to do. He quite simply told me to “Shut up”, and I heard it. I listened, and obeyed. I find when I obey God, He never fails me. In fact, I know He never will.
I was vindicated. Without going into the whole story, I will tell you that it was the first time I could literally feel the hand of God controlling the situation. Of course looking back into the past, I can see many times when He was there for me. This was different. In the actual moment that He was there I knew it, and I could see what He was doing. I could feel His mighty protection over me, and I knew that by just shutting my mouth, He was able to operate in a way that I couldn’t.
Throughout the bible there are many instances where God proves that He will vindicate His people. He really is faithful about this (and everything else of course), but I learned that I can’t do His job. It doesn’t work. I might have felt like I won in the past, but when God wins we know! It’s perfect, completely without flaw, and absolutely justified.
It’s amazing how quickly time flies by, isn’t it? Things are finally settling down from my move, and I’m very happy to be writing again. There is a new season approaching, and I’m anxiously waiting to see what God has planned for me. Does anyone else hear a voice in their head saying, “its coming, something is coming”?
I thank God everyday for what He is doing in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Serious changes are taking place in the hearts of many, and it really feels like a “now or never” type thing is happening with the people around me. Those who have sought after God, are finding Him. There are some though that seem to be drifting further away, and I wonder if they will ever receive the free gift Jesus offers.
My heart is growing closer to God, and in all things I do, I want Him to be in the center (leading and guiding). My heart feels called to evangelism, deliverance, and healing. There are a lot of wounded people out there. I used to be one of them. My heart goes out to them, and to anyone reading this who feels bitterness, depression, brokenness, or a feeling of hopelessness, I want you to know that God loves you. He hasn’t forgotten you, and if you’ll surrender yourself to His will, and let Him in right now, He will heal that broken heart.
Let Him into your heart. We get ourselves so tangled up in our messes, but God can and will fix it in an instant. He’s fixing it right now. Receive it.
In all things, give God the glory. Give thanks and praise to the One who gave it all. Amen.
When I heard the words, “it’s not about you” at a local ministry, my life was forever changed. How could it not be about me? Everything in my life was about me. My plans for the future, my relationships, my thoughts, my emotions, etc. These words pierced my heart with a life altering perpective. Of course people have told me that I wasn’t the center of the universe before, but I simply shrugged it off and continued on with my ways.
When the realization came that it was God who created me, and for His purpose, you can understand why it finally hit me. It is a philosophy that has brought me closer to God, and closer to the answers I have been searching for.
We didn’t create ourselves, so why do we think that we can do anything in this world without God?
I began to search frantically for the purpose that God had for me. By doing this, I was reverting back to my old ways of doing things “on my own”. I stopped, and asked God to show me His will. He is such a loving God, and when he answered, it brought a peace that couldn’t be matched. The talents that he has given me, are what led me to start this blog.
I have had many blogs, and many websites, but I was giving no credit to God for my gifts. Now, as I align myself with God’s purpose, I have complete faith that this project will be a success. God has shown me what this can be, and what it can grow into, and I’m so excited to share with you, my awesome purpose!
I was recently inspired to write this article as a result of a random act of kindness that the Holy Spirit led me to do in a Target parking lot. If Jesus had a car, what would He do with it? 
