Slingshot MInistries

Redemption

2016-12-02T18:50:00.001-08:00

Redemption Playlist

Being the middle man in His story is a feeling like no other. In this season, reach out with who you were created to be and let Him change the world through your actions.

You carry the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead'. All things are now possible!!!

I want to see your stories. Reach out and pray for someone. Make a video and add it to the comments.

Candle Power

2016-09-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

These are my new friends, Richard and Louise. Why? Because that's the way God wants it. He is in the business of restoring relationships. That's what righteousness is all about. The definition of righteousness is "right standing", right standing before God and man. Most often when we hear about righteousness, we hear about right standing with God. That's only half of its intended definition. It's right standing with God and man.

Now, it is true that we are the light of the world.

Salt and Light (Matthew 5)
13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.…

And light shines bright in the darkness. There is illumination that the darkness sees because we shine His light into this world. But God wants to increase the candlepower.

Candlepower is a unit expressing luminous intensity. It expresses levels of light intensity in terms of the light emitted by a candle of specific size and constituents. In modern usage candlepower equates directly to the unit known as the candela.

You can increase the candlepower just by bringing more candles together. This is His intention with his bride. He is bringing us together until we are as one. One giant unified candle with enormous candlepower.

Prayer for all Believers (John 17)
…21that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one — 23I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.…

This is all for His glory so that the world may know that God the Father sent Jesus. By us being unified, by increasing the candlepower, the world will see Jesus and we all will be one, connected, unified.

Don't pass up the opportunity to connect with those around you. We all have the responsibility to put our faith into action, risk rejection and speak out his love. The result is unity for the bride and glory for our King. Speak up.

For the stories of how we all met, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: Slingshot Ministries.

Helping the Widows

2016-07-25T05:37:00.001-07:00

Check out this video of how a bit of prophetic artwork can change the atmosphere.

Birthday Gift - The Force

2016-07-16T17:20:00.001-07:00

Healing in the Streets

2013-07-20T18:37:00.001-07:00

Anyone out there that thinks that God is distant? That he doesn't speak? That he does not heal? Do you question who God really is? How does Jesus fit into my world view?

Hopefully this will change your mind.

A friend of mine asked if I could join him and go pray downtown in Rochester, NY. He is interested in helping the needy down there and wanted to begin praying in the area. So we went. We ended up just outside the Genesee Brewing Company. Not very far away, the area is very bad. There were burned out buildings and not very many people. Things were abandoned. However, right smack in the middle of where we began to pray, there is an elementary school.

We met in the parking lot of that school and began to walk around and pray. There are things that we saw that brought prayers to mind. We prayed for the city. We prayed for the presence of God! We prayed for generations to rise up and come to know Jesus. There were a set of broken down drums behind one of the buildings, so we prayed for God to restore music to the area. We prayed for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Any commission of the enemy we brought down. We cancelled actions that were not of God. He was moving in the area and we could sense it.

As we began to head back to our cars and head to another area of town, my friend spotted to people sitting on old broken down lawn chairs. They were an older African American couple probably in their late 50s. My friend approach them and explained that we were walking around the area praying and he wondered if we could pray for them. The immediately responded and stood up. We all exchanged names and I asked the man if there was anything specific that he wanted me to pray about. He thought for a minute and said, "No not really." The woman never spoke. The man reached out for my hand. I was suprised by that but willing to hold hands as we prayed. Together we formed a circle, locked hand in hand. With my eyes closed, I began to pray and thank God for that man that he led us to. For some reason I opened my eyes and looked at the woman. It's hard to explain what happened next. As I looked at her, I blurted out, "Do you have pain in your back?" I felt suddenly vulnerable. It seemed like time slowed down, until she answered, "Yes, I do." Boldness, overflowed and time returned to normal. So I asked if I could pray for her back. She answered yes and I walked around behind her to lay my hands on her lower back...

Closing my eyes again and placing my right hand on her back, I began to pray. I thanked God for that woman and that His Holy presence was there. Opening my eyes, I looked at her legs. The thought came to my mind that she had pain running down her right leg, so I spoke it out. "Do you have pain running down your right leg?" At this question, the man began do jump up and down. Whoa, oh my God! Are you kidding me, he stated. Jesus was speaking to these people and to my friend and I. I love you all. I know you so well. I will meet with you in the moment. I long to be with you and I ALONE will heal you! The price has already been paid!

My prayers for her leg revolved around the restoration of her circulation. Then I asked her if she felt anything. She responded, not really. So, I grabbed both of her hands and said, Let's walk! We walked about 20 yards and the man, with tear-filled eyes, was still jumping around in disbelief! I asked her how it felt now and she said, "it feels good." No pain. She had been healed by the power of Jesus!

That was the moment, when the dreams of my heart, the one's that I long for in the secret place. I so desire to be used by God! It all became real again! Completely awesome! He lives!

Trust him. Believe! Step out in faith, love people and pray! He will show up. His word promises it.

Are you willing to take the risk?

Text from Jesus

2013-04-04T08:45:00.002-07:00

I didn't expect to get a text message from Jesus, but he must have a cell phone plan...

I wrote about this before and I'm completely assured that God speaks to us today. He also shocks me with the ways that He chooses to do it. He can use anything. He knows us so well. He hears us and He responds. The question is, "Are you listening?" We must learn to tune our ear to the voice of THE SHEPARD.

So here is what happened. Over the last several weeks, I've been choosing fear again and letting it overcome me when God is calling me to pray for people or share the Kingdom with them. I've passed so many people up. It breaks my heart when I think back on it. I've sensed that something was wrong but I didn't know what to do about it.

So last Saturday, my family and I went to our church (The Father's House) and listened to the Pastor talk about Parables.

http://tfhny.org/media_category/parables/ (message 3).

In this message, Pastor Pierre was covering the parable of the woman and the coin (Luke 15:8-10). He explained that the woman lost the coin in her house. The coin still had its value, but she couldn't make it useful to her because it was lost (or out of circulation). He explained how we as believers can be lost in the house of God and when we are not engaged and active in what God is calling us to do we find ourselves out of circulation. We have our original value, but we can't be used as the currency to the Kingdom. I really identified with this description. I felt that I've taken myself out of circulation. I understood that I am active and ontrack with the leading of my family, my wife and kids, homeschooling and providing. I've surrendered that part of my life and God is molding us through it. However, when it comes to going public with the Kingdom and the Power of the Holy Spirit, I only have flashes of victory.

The next day I was cooking dinner and discussing this with my wife. I told her that I needed her encouragement to do what God is calling me to do. She needs to know all that He is speaking to me about and what I struggle with. The business of life continued to occur that day and we did not get to finish our conversation.

That brings us to today. I got to work and noticed that my phone had a message on it. As I listened to it, I heard my wife praying for me. She was speaking into my spirit. She was encouraging me. She was attacking the fear. It was awesome! There is nothing that compares to having your wife cheer you on!

A few hours later, I came back to my desk ready to check e-mails and answer questions... Then my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number so I decided to see who it was. It made a series of beeps like a fax machine. While it was beeping the phone rang again with the same phone number. I switched to that line and I heard, "oppressed by the devil" through the receiver! This stopped me in my tracks. Because that is what was happening to me over the last few weeks. By surrendering to the fear, I was letting the enemy oppress me. After that the phone rang 3 more times is the course of a few seconds. The third call was the fax machine beep again. The fourth call said, "You are receiving a text to LAN line message. To hear the message, press 1." So I pressed 1. The automated voice recited this on my phone message. "You must continue on doing the work of the kingdom in the power of the Holy Spirit." How awesome is that! The text that I got both told me the root of the problem that I'd been praying about and the solution. I received a text message from Jesus!

Since I received these messages, I engaged in the kingdom with a sense of renewed purpose. I've chosen to put myself back into circulation so that Christ in me can be used as someone else's hope. This coin has been found in the house of the King! There is Good News and I will share it. Three people were impressed upon my thoughts that needed prayer. I have prayed for two of them and have seen an impact in both of their lives. Healing is taking place in their hearts and there is an openness to know Jesus more because of it. One of the people God had me pray for even wrote about the encounter that I had with him and posted it on a CaringBridge website (this is a website used to keep people informed of a medical condition that they are going through. It saves them from telling the story over and over again. Relatives/friends can go to the website and get updates on their health on their own time at their own pace and not bother the person trying to recover.)

We have got to do what the Lord is telling us to do. Great things are coming of it even if we don't see the effects. Our obedience overcomes the works of the devil and ushers in the Kingdom of Heaven!

The Kingdom of Heaven is Near to You

2012-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

God has been teaching me about our relationship over the past few months. He is revealing to me the interactions that He desires to have in me (and in you). After the cross, the door to Heaven opens above us so that we can be used to carry His Glory to this world. The Holy Spirit resides deep inside and it is our duty to trust in His word with belief and action in order to create a place for His glory to land and therefore Heaven to collide with Earth. It is not enough to just believe. We must act, rather enact our faith, knowing who He created us to be (SUPERNATURAL). This reality must sink deep into our being until it cannot be separated from our own understanding and thoughts. By stepping out in faith that Christ in us is the Hope of Glory, miracles will happen. The Bible says they will.

John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that Ido shall he do also; and greater worksthan these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

I want to take this opportunity to share some of the times when the Almighty, the great I AM landed on the Glory platform that I built by faith on He that is in me.

The Raven
Years ago as I was just beginning to understand that God speaks and that He uses us to reach people, I had a co-worker and fellow believer that would share things that were going on in her life. Her sister was involved with Indian mystecism. She had grown her hair out long. She changed her name to an Indian name. She move away from family and friends. She cut off all communication with her family for over 2 years. She was deeply pursuing the supernatural through the WRONG path. We all have a deep desire for things that are supernatural. God created us in His image. We long to "walk" with God all of our lives, but we try to fill that void with other things and pursue the supernatural aspect of God by the wrong means. I was learning that God desires for us to reveal knowledge about Him to this world. This is called the prophetic. The apostle Paul encourages us to desire the spiritual gift of prophecy over all others.

1 Corinthians 14:1

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives--especially the ability to prophesy.

Believing this scripture, I asked God to give me some words to say to my friend about her sister that was involved in Indian mystecism. I sat with pen and paper and began to write any thoughts that came into my head. Here is what crossed my mind...
"Beware of the raven and his evil eye. He stalks you in the night."
I had no idea what I had just written but in faith, I shared this with my friend. Without my knowledge, my friend called her sister and read the message on her answering machine. She let her know that people where praying for her and the she wanted so desperately to talk with her again. He sister called her back that day, after two years of silence! Praise God! My friends sister shared with her that she called because of the prophetic word that was left on her answering machine. She shared that the Raven was a central god in Indian mystecism (Native American). Additionally, the "evil eye" is well know in paganism. It means to intentionally cause harm through means of witchcraft. Neither I nor my friend knew any of this at the time I wrote down those thoughts and she left that phone message. Taking the knowledge that we just learned the phone message meant this:
"Beware of the god of the Native Americans that you've been messing with. He is seeking to cause you harm through means of witchcraft!"
That word that was given to me by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ who is in me broke my friend's sister out of Indian mystecism. To God be the Glory!

Curse of No Effect
We are protected by the God of Peace who is within us. His presence shields us from harm in ways that we probably mis everyday. Here is one example of how he protected me and let me know it.
I was standing on the sidewalk in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan with my father-in-law and his cousin. We were talking outside of some stores where are wives were shopping. During part of our discussion, I saw a woman, way off in the distance coming toward us. She was carrying multiple shopping bags. She was dressed in a long blouse and skirt and she had one of those Jamaican, "Bob Marley" style hats on. Nothing about her seemed unusual to me at all. So we continued with our conversation and she faded from my sight. I did not notice her again until she was only a few feet from us. As she approached, she walked passed my father-in-law, then his cousin and then as she came near to me, she stopped. We were standing shoulder to shoulder (my right shoulder only a few feet from her left shoulder). She then turned toward me. I was waiting for her to ask me a question, say hello, whatever. Instead, her eyes rolled back into her head and she began to speak in a language that I have never heard before. It sounded like jibberish to me but very dark. She spoke this way for 30 seconds or so then her eyes focussed again. She shook for a second as thought she was snapping out of something. Then she turned and left as if nothing happened. As she walked away, I turned back to my father-in-law and his cousin. They stood with their jaws on the ground. All that came to my mind was, "Thank God that I am protected by the Blood of Jesus." So that is what I said.

Psalm 91: 1-4

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.'" "He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Since we believe and confess the Lord Jesus, his Holy Spirit inhabits us. We carry His presence throughout the earth and are the front lines of the battle of Good vs. evil. We have to learn to engage in the battle, trust in the power of the Almighty that lives within us, and act in faith to reveal the King to this dying world. We must bring the Kingdom of Heaven near to people.

There are more stories that I have to share about my experiences with our wonderful God. In the interest of not letting this blog get to long, I will tell more stories in "The Kingdom of Heaven is Near to You Part 2".

Mighty Men

2012-10-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be a man? What does it mean to be a Godly man? What do they think about? How do they behave? What do they believe? What do they do? These are the thoughts that have been resting in my spirit over the last year or so (off and on) and I thought that I was doing well, until...

My wife and I (mostly my wife) homeschool our kids. She is so inspiring to me. She's really thrown away what she has learned that was not the truth and engaged in the batlle for the hearts of our kids. Superwoman! A shining example of Provebs 31. We moved away from our hometown. We changed what we believe (by that I mean, we were both brought up Catholic. However, we go to a Non-denomination church now, but even in that there is a distiction. We read the Bible and do what it says, sometimes even despite what we've been taught.) Sometimes it feels like its just us against the world and its true. We're separating from the crowd. We're standing alone and in that, it is my job to be out in front. That is the role of a man. Protect, defend, lead, carry, direct. So here is what happened.

Things get very intense from time to time. We doubt our direction. We get weary and we begin to believe things that just aren't true! This was happening on that particular day a few weeks back. I came home and you could feel the tension. The kids were not listening well. School was not going well that day. People were about to visit. We had places to go and things to do. Let's just say teamwork and fellowship were not at the front of our minds. My wife began to tell me about the details of the day. I find it very easy to put myself in someone else's shoes. So I was doing that with my wife. I empathized with her. I sympathized with her and I was being her shoulder to cry on. I thought that I was doing a good job being the man and leader to my wife, but something was missing. I didn't say much during that conversation, but later as I thought/prayed about it, the words came. So I wrote my wife an e-mail. It was truth. It was filled with scripture. It was encouraging. When she read it, the reaction I expected did not come out. I could tell that she was frustrated. She said to me, "I noticed that you write to me alot. Why don't you talk???? I need to hear this out loud. I need to be encouraged. I need to hear the truth, in the moment." The Holy Spirit was speaking through her . I felt convicted but not like a sword to the heart. It was more like a pruning shear. In that instant, we both knew that she was 150% right!

This wasn't a new problem. Like Solomon says, "There is nothing new under the sun." I wasn't the 1st one to do this. It all started with Adam.

Gen 3:6 KJV - And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Wait a minute! She gave some to her husband. Adam was there the whole time! He was standing with Eve while the Devil deceived her and yet he said nothing. Just like me.

What about Eli? He also kept his mouth shut. His kids grew away from God. The messed up their relationship and eternally hurt themselves. Eli knew that they had drifted away and did not say anything.

Why don't we speak? Why don't we encourage? We have the mind of Christ. We have the Holy Spirit within us. Why don't we act like the men that I am supposed to be, Godly, full of power, Ambassadors of Love, leaders of our homes.

From that realization things began to change. It was like the lightbulb came on and I could see what was around me. I could see the battle. My mind has been re-wired. Here is how I am practically being a man, a Mighty Man.

I now speak words of encouragement no matter what seems to be going on in the moment. I get up early in the morning before anyone wakes up and I pray over my family. I pray for their hearts and their minds to be filled with the knowledge of Christ. I pray that they will be flooded with light. I bind up anything that isn't from God and cast it out of my HOUSE! When we are together, I show my family that there is nothing more important than connecting with God the Father, Jesus his son and the Holy Spirit. I engage the enemy head on, knowing who I am in Christ and thrusting the sword of the Spirit into the heart of the enemies around me and destroy the Gates of Hell!

Rise up mighty men! Take back your wives! Take back your children! Take back your homes! Know who you are and engage in the battle!

"Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might!"

Mrs. Butterworth

2012-09-20T18:36:00.001-07:00

Rest. I've seen God talk to me about this so many times over the past couple of weeks. He has set it upon my heart to get out of the boat and meet him on the waves. For me that plays out like this: I know that God has given me the power to become a "Son" of God. He has placed his spirit inside of me and has sent me out with the same purpose as Jesus. Preach the good news and heal the sick.

It's easy to discuss this from inside the boat. The people are out on the waves. I have to jump out onto the waves, focus on him and approach people. Two things must happen: I need to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven and the pray for healing. Here is the problem: the waves..... They are instantly overwhelming!

My waves are fear. God showed me this picture years ago and it has been my main struggle for my entire life. FEAR! I had a dream that went like this: He showed me 3 lions being led out of stone building. They were being led by a man with something in his hands only you couldn't see it. As I looked closer, I saw that the lions mane's were cinched where an invisible leash was. They pulled against it with all of their strength, but did not seem to have the power to escape. Even closer still, were words that seemed to float in mid air. They were written on the invisible leashes. Each leash had the word FEAR written on it.

You see, it wasn't real. The lions believed the fear. They believed that it was real. They feared it and to them it was what held them back. It was what held back all of the amazing strength and power. A lie! An invisible FEAR.

I sink into the waves immediately when I begin to choose to FEAR instead of trust. Worry takes my eyes off of the Father and I drown.

I know that people reading this blog experience the same thing. There is a supernatural power within you and despite that you can't seem to move. It's a lie. It is all in your mind! It is not true. You are not stuck! You do have the most awesome power in the Heavenlies within you! If God is for you who can be against you.

What is the solution?
Death.

You see we have to surrender ourselves totally to God to let Heaven out. We have to be submitted to the Holy Spirit. We have to Die to ourselves, our ambitions, our desires, our motives, the plans for our lives and become an open vessel for the Kingdom.

It is a great feeling realizing the you can't do anything. Things will be what they are. It is only Christ in you that can accomplish anything. This is what Jesus let me experience today.

I left work for lunch in search of people to pray for. I was headed for Wegmans. On the drive there, I passed the Walgreens and I could hear his still soft voice prompt me to go inside. Trying to be obedient, I went inside. My mind filled with scenarios of how God can reach people through me. I dreamt of a woman that was hurting inside for her sister. I don't know why but I could almost see the pain on this woman. I imagined myself approaching this woman to let her know that God knows her hurt and has heard the cry of her heart. Just as I pulled up to the Walgreens and began to walk in, there was a car parking in the handicapped parking spot and a woman got out. Was this her......

I'll never know. I believed the fear and passed her by. I was a lion with an invisble leash and I cinched it tighter with every step. After not seeing anyone else at Walgreens, I went onto Wegmans. I saw several people there that were hurting or in pain; A woman in a wheelchair, a man with a hearing aid, several people with canes, a woman with an oxygen tank.

I tried to approach someone. But I did not get out of the boat. However, this time I was at peace. I could feel myself taking in the situations around me. I was alert. Maybe this was what I was supposed to learn today. Just observe. I don't know. What I do know is that despite the fear, I was calm.

So instead of approaching someone, I decided to stand at a random spot in the isle and wait for someone to approach me. Then, I would know that God set it up. I said to myself, "If someone comes up right next to me and picks the peanut butter up that I am looking at, that is the person that I'll try to make contact with." A few moments later, here came a woman. Just as I said to myself, she came right down the isle, stopped right next to me, picked up the peanut butter and moved on. And there I was, just watching. I did nothing, but it was peaceful. Weird. My heart normally pounds during these situations.

I decided to continue my meandering around in observation and searching for someone to speak to about Jesus. Just as I turned to walk away, there was a woman walking toward me down the isle. She reminded me of Mrs. Butterworth. Did you ever read, "The Shack?" In that story, God the Father is represented by an overweight African American Woman (Mrs. Butterworth came to my mind when I read it). So here come God, Straight towards me lookin like Mrs. Butterworth. She was wearing a T-shirt with writing on it and as she got closer I could read it. It said, "Prayer, a wonderful suggestion for connection." All I could do was smile. Although I sank beneath the waves, God was there to reach out his hand and pick me up. He wasn't angry at all, in fact he seemed proud. That's my boy. Good work. Way to give it a try. You can see with your spritual eyes. Keep trying. I'll be with you all the time.

I don't know. I feel two things that oppose eachother: victory and defeat. I was connecting with the Lord, but on the other hand I was not connecting with people.

Father, continue to free me from me. I'm going out again. Use me. In the meantime, prayer and the word.

The Children are Ready

2012-07-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Rom 1:16 ESV - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Ephesians 2

He Tore Down the Wall

^1-6It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
^7-10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
^11-13But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
^14-15The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
^16-18Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.
^19-22That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

Panera David

2012-07-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

I went out after work for a night with my friend(s). My plans fell through so I was alone. Not knowing what to do with myself, I decided to go to Panera Bread for some dinner, Bible study, conversation with God and reaching out in prayer to people. While I was there, I encountered a hearing impaired person named David. He could not read lips so we were able to talk by typing on my computer. As a result, I have a record of our conversation. Inadvertently genius.
Here is what happened:

Brandon: I know that your friend had to leave, do you want to talk with Me?

Other guy:What can I do for you today?

Brandon: My name is Brandon. What is yours?

Other guy: My name is David.

Brandon:Nice to meet you David. Do you work at RIT?

David: I am a student there.

Brandon: What are you studying?

David: Multidisciplinary studies.

Barndon: What does that mean?

David: Double Study. I have two majors in Civil Surveying Engineering and Deaf Studies.

Brandon: My father is taking classes in sign language. (David smiles)

Brandon: I have been doing some studying myself. I was just reading this:

Mar 16:17-18 NLT - These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."

What do you think this means?

David: I THINK THAT IT MEANS THAT IF WE LOOK AT SNAKE’S CROSS WE WILL BE HEALED IN OLD TESTAMENT.

Brandon: Are you a believer in Jesus?

David: Yes.

Brandon: So what do you think this means?

Jhn 20:21 NLT – Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

David: THANK YOU! (I was confused by David's answer so I kept talking.)

Brandon: I THINK THAT IT MEANS THAT WE HAVE THE SAME MISSION THAT JESUS DID. DO YOU?

David: I THINK SO.

Brandon: So this is what I am trying to do in my life. I want to read the Bible, show that I love God, and do what it says. I came here to Panera to study and pray for people. Can I pray for you?

David: Sure

Brandon: I am going to ask Jesus to heal your hearing. Is there anything else that you want me to pray for?

David: I am just glad for what I have now. You can pray for me that I may have a new cochlear implant according to God’s will. (I guestured and asked if I could put my hand on his shoulder.)

Brandon: Prayer…..Can you hear anything?

David: No.

David: Thank you so much for your prayer for me.

Brandon: Thank you for letting me. It seems very weird to most people.

Brandon: David: From the Hebrew name (Dawid), which was probably derived from Hebrew meaning "beloved". David was the second and greatest of the kings. David, I know that you are so valued in God’s eyes and in mine. I will keep you in my prayers and I know that God will open them up.

Thank you for talking with me. I had a great time. May I send you off with this prayer: (David nods)

Eph 1:17-20 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power

that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

End of conversation.

I did not see Jesus heal David. But the Kingdom of Heaven was discussed and God's words will not return void!

Playing Tag with Jesus

2012-05-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

What would life be like if I really believed? By really, I mean fully. Fully enough to act upon it... all the time. The song, "What Life Would be Like" - by Big Daddy Weave is dead center bulls eye on my feelings about this.

I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I'm afraid I'd have to say
That after all I've done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be
And what if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Whose much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it's when I'm at my weakest
I can clearly see

He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let Jesus live through you and me

What if you could see yourself
Through another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
And what if you could feel inside

The power of the hand that made the universe
You realize

He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While this heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let Jesus live through you and me

All our hearts they burn with in us
All our lives we've longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one
Who gave His life for us

He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While this heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let Jesus live through you and me

I've got several good things going on. I'm leading a Bible Study at work. I've pulled together a Prayer group there also. Monthly, my wife and I get together and pray with our closest friends too. They are all wonderful things to do, but I'm discontented. It's not enough. Because I feel God pulling me away. It's like He is saying, "Tag, You're it! Come out of that boat and get me!" The comfort of the boat is the comfort of my Christian friends that believe like me. It's easy to talk to them. It's safe. But Jesus is saying, "I'm running from you. I will allow you to catch me. Are you willing?"

You see, I know that my life was meant for more. I know that God created me to usher in change. He has made me an agent of change. However, to do that I have to continually and periodically go to places with Him that I have never been. I can't lead somewhere until I've been there myself.

So for a season this is what I want to do. I'm still going to pray on a monthly basis with my friends. However, I'm laying the Bible study and the Prayer group aside. With the extra time, I'm going to run after Jesus outside of my boat! He is out with the people that I am in contact with. I'm going to put on my ambassador's mantle, believe that I am a son, and look for opportunity to love people.

One task:

Luke 9:2

Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Dividing the Spoils

2012-05-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

Isa 53:12 KJV - Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

This scripture stopped me. Hasn't happened like that in a while so I took notice. Love it when the Holy Spirit causes the word to leap off of the page! But the question lingered and begged to be answered... Who are the strong? Why does God not divide the spoil evenly among everyone? It was like God said, "Tag, you're it! Come and get me!"

So I asked, "God, who are the strong? Reveal this to me, Father." And this is what He said...

Jos 1:6 KJV - Be strong [2388] and of a good courage [553]: for unto this people [5971] shalt thou divide for an inheritance [5157] the land [776], which I sware [7650] unto their fathers [1] to give [5414] them.
Jos 1:9 KJV - Have not I commanded [6680] thee? Be strong [2388] and of a good courage [553]; be not afraid [6206], neither be thou dismayed [2865]: for the LORD [3068] thy God [430] [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest [3212].

The scriptures are full of encouragement for us to be strong. Use your faith. Listen and do the word. Don't be just hearers of the word. Actually believe it so much that you do it! Stand on God's word and do not let your experience trump and dominate what God says is true. In other words, believe God's word and do it. Do not let the lack of results stop you from doing the word. Don't let the negative comments slow you down. Don't let the strife stop you. Move forward. You must push through those experiences, prove yourself worthy and become, THE STRONG!

The principle is outlined for us in Joshua. Let me give you the back story. Joshua had listened to God and defeated the city of Ai. King Adoni-Zedek heard of this victory and became upset that the people of the City of Gibeon made a peace treaty with Joshua and his army for Gibeon was a Royal city. So king Adoni-Zedek made and alliance with 4 other kings to go and take Gibeon away from Joshua. However, Joshua inquired of the Lord, listened and defeated the 5 king alliance. He chased the kings into the mountains until the hid in a cave, then this is what he did next.

Jos 10:24 KJV - And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
Jos 10:25 KJV - And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

Joshua is a foreshadowing of Christ himself. Joshua...Yeshua. Pay attention to Joshua. There are such treasures hidden in plain sight when you look at him this way. You see Joshua was in command. He won the victory. He defeated the 5 king alliance but... He gave the spoils to the captains. He let them take authority of the kings and made and example out of them by letting his captains place their feet on the kings necks. The kings were in total submission to the captains! The victory of Joshua was given to the captains. The victory of Yeshua is given to us (if you are counted among the strong)!

Be strong. What is God revealing to you? What is He asking you to do? What is His word changing in your mind and/or your heart? Be doers of the word. Believe and don't stop. Be counted among the strong and He will divide the spoils with you. The Kingdom of Heaven will be in your hand and you will see it unfold before you!

Myth or Fact??? Deception

2012-04-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a question, but are you willing to entertain it.

What if the stories (or portions of the stories) we've heard while we were growing up regarding Greek Mythology, Demi-gods, starmen, extra-terrestrials, UFOs, and aliens were all somewhat true?

Think about these scriptures:

Gen 6:4 KJV - There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.
Jud 1:6 KJV - And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Who are the "sons of God" from Gen 6:4? In Greek "sons of God" is termed ben elohiym. Ben elohiym is used 3 times in the Bible and the context of each reference is heavenly beings, but they are Heavenly beings that left their 1st estate (Heaven - by disobeying God and following Lucifer) and became fallen angels (see Jude 1:6 above). Who are the Giant men? These fallen angels co-habitated with daughters of men (or womankind) and produced Giant men. (men of renown).

Does this sound familiar?

(Mythology and Demi-gods)
Danae in Greek Mythology

Danae
In Greek mythology, Danae was the daughter of Acrisius (Acrisius was the king of Argos). As Danae and Acrisius were members of a royal family, it is not surprising that there should be prophecies associated with the future - and indeed, there was a threatening message for this house. According to the prophecy, the son Danae was destined to bear would be instrumental in the death of his grandfather, Acrisius.
In order to prevent this event from taking place, King Acrisius locked his daughter in an inaccessible tower, thereby removing her from contact with any potential suitors. Or so he thought…
The god Zeus, who always had an eye for female charms, was struck by the beauty of Danae, and desired her. Zeus therefore transformed himself into a shower of gold, and in this form impregnated Danae. The result of this union of human and divine was the great Greek hero Perseus.

Zeus - fallen angel?
Danae - human woman
Perseus - half fallen angel, half human (man of renown?)

Interesting that the same premise is used both in the Greek "folklore" and in the Bible. I know that the Bible is true, therefore this gives some credibility to the stories in Greek mythology actually being true.

There are alot of instances throughout history where different people groups, in different geographical locations (that had no contact with eachother), came up with striking similarities in the stories that they passed down. The probability of that occurring by accident is impossible. Could there be truth there?

(Starmen, extra-terrestrials, UFOs)

Nazca Lines of Peru: Ancient Art, Astronomical Calendars, Sacred Paths, or UFO Landing Sites?

The Nazca Lines are found in the desert near the town of Nazca in Peru. They are huge geoglyphs, the largest of which are nearly 270 meters (890 ft) long, covering an area nearly 500 square kilometers (193 square miles). Due to the dry desert conditions, these lines have been preserved until now from the time they were built as much as 2,000 years ago, presumably by people of the local Nasca culture.

Image of Dog from Wikimedia Commons.

There are several hundred Nazca line figures, some geometric shapes, others appearing as representations of animals and other creatures. Their design is revealed from the air. Naturally, this led to speculation as to whether an ancient culture who had no ability to fly could have built them, and why.

http://www.squidoo.com/nazcaline

So what is your definition of an alien? Isn't it defined as a being that is not terrestrial? So the Bible talks about demons, fallen angels... Therefore, we know this to be true. There are beings that are different to humans altogether. Where do they live? They don't live here on Earth. Therefore, they are extra-Earthly beings (extra-terrestrial). The definition that we're all taught is the extra-terrestrials are from another planet. But the truth is that they are demonic in nature. They are disobedient angelic beings that made a conscience decision to go their own way, follow lucifer (or satan) and therefore were kicked out of Heaven.

Is it possible that all this is true? I think so.

We are all in a war. It's a battle between good and evil. The head of the army of evil is called the father of all lies. Deception is his main tactic. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to make the world believe that he doesn't exist. He has given "natural" explanations for things that are not natural and deceived the world. The world is not only natural, there is something supernatural.

Do you believe it? Be careful in your answer because you are choosing sides in the battle. Just because you may believe that the war is not real doesn't mean that it isn't true. If you choose not to participate, you've chosen.

Here is the good news. Jesus won the war. He came to earth (leaving all things behind) was totally obedient to God the Father, dying as a final sacrifice to atone for your sins and bringing you to everlasting life. You can be free of the deception of the enemy if you believe in Jesus and follow Him. The war has been won, but battles still rage. You must participate in the battles that still rage. Choose wisely.

One New Man

2012-01-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

God is living and active! He is speaking and leading us every step of "The Way". We have the mind of Christ and can learn to hear Him. "The Way" is in God's Word. All of the answers of life are in there and every direction has its root there.
His Word is so deep. I am a scientist by training and by trade, so I like to use scientific analogies from time to time. Fractals come to mind when I think of God's Word.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_GBwuYuOOs&noredirect=1
The more you seek Him the more you'll find Him!
What I'm about to describe is what He has been revealing to me in this season.
Here is what God's Word tells us about who we are in Christ. Romans 11:17

"But some of these branches from Abraham's tree--some of the people of Israel--have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God's special olive tree."

Grafting is a horticultural technique whereby tissues from one plant are inserted into those of another so that the two sets of vascular tissues may join together. This vascular joining is called inosculation.
In most cases, one plant is selected for its roots and this is called the stock or rootstock. The other plant is selected for its stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits and is called the scion. The scion contains the desired genes to be duplicated in future production by the stock/scion plant.

I find it fascinating that the grafted in branch, the one that is producing fruit, the one that has strong and blessed roots is called scion (meaning a descendant). Throughout God's Word you'll hear a very similar sounding word that He talks about, Zion. Zion is defined as:

a hill in Jerusalem, on which the Temple was built (used to symbolize the city itself, especially as a religious or spiritual center).

God has created a tree. A tree with Jewish roots. A tree that believes and whose actions show that Jesus is the messiah (Christians). This tree is the new man that God intended us to be from the foundation of the world. A new man with no distinction between Jews and Christians. The veil has been torn and we all have access to the Father, rooted in Judaism and completed in Christ. Amen.

Unbelief and MisIdentity

2011-07-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in a while. Nothing to report. That's not right. Something should be new everyday. So, I've been stuck. Stuck since my last post. I've CHOSEN to be stuck because of two reasons, Unbelief and Mis-Identity. Here's what got me:

Jam 1:23-24 NKJV - For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

I've forgotten who I am. The Bible speaks alot about who we are in Christ, what He has attained for us, how we should now act because of this, and what we should "do". But, just as I would look into a mirror and turning away I can't remember exactly what I look like, so I looked into the Word and not continuing in my reading/relationship as I should have I forgot who I am.

This is what the Bible says that I am:

Jhn 1:14 NKJV - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

So Jesus is the Word that became flesh right.

Rom 8:29 NKJV - For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

We are being conformed to His image right.

Rom 12:2 NKJV - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

So be reading the Word (daily - relentlessly, passionately), the way I think is renewed. The way I act because I believe the way I think is also changed. I therefore think the Word of God and do the will of God and become the Word of God just like Jesus.

Because I have faith in Him, He inhabits me. I am made a son. I am now His mouthpiece, His hands and feet, His ambassador of love, His vessel, His temple for the Holy Spirit, a light shining in the darkness!

Jhn 20:21 NKJV - So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

This is who I really am. This is who you really are. WE ARE WORLD CHANGERS! (Just like Jesus) This is what I need to believe (daily - relentlessly, passionately) by His word so I continually look into the mirror and not forget who I am. When the Father sees me, He sees Jesus. I should be acting like I see Him too. That is who I am.

So listen, I was sitting at my desk thinking about praying for my fellow co-workers. I used to walk around the cubicles praying for the people I work with. I haven't done that in a while, so I decided to make it a habit again. I typically pray for the same thing as I walk, "God reveal yourself in this place. Show your love to these people so that they will grow closer to you." Then the still small voice hit me.

"I will not reveal myself to these people unless it is through you."

It stopped me in my tracks. It's so good. As I prayed through this, here is what came to mind. Think about what I've just written. We are the vessels, the ambassadors, the light of the world, the salt of the earth, and His hands and feet. This is the way He has designed it. We are to be the catalyst. Be involved.

Rom 10:14 NKJV - How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Luk 10:9 NKJV - "And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Luk 9:2 NKJV - He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Mat 4:17 NKJV - From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Mat 10:7 NKJV - "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

The Holy Spirit lives inside of me. The one that created all things and holds all things together, the living God. If I don't let Him out, what good is it for anyone else?

Time to get back on my horse, start believing what the Bible says and living out the word until I am transformed into His image and become the Word of God.

The Struggle

2011-05-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I last wrote and defeat was on my mind the last time. Nothing has changed. But I do know what I'm doing or should I say not doing that is getting in the way of God. I'm believing a lot of lies and not believing enough truth. The battlefield is all in my mind. Which seed will I choose to deposit in my soul? Lie or truth?
Reminds me of that scene in The Matrix when Morpheus is offering either the blue pill or the red pill to Neo. It's all up to Neo. He gets to decide. One unlocks the Kingdom, the other keeps you in the dark. Which will you choose?
Ok, so that is alot of visual and no practicality. Here's an example: from my last post you get the idea that I'm talking "myself" out of speaking for God and praying for people. I was at a place where I wasn't seeing results, my desire was fading and I was confused. So I began to not think about spreading the word as much until it wasn't at the forefront of my mind and eventually it wasn't there at all. I sewed the seed of lies. I took the wrong pill.
The Bible says this: "Eph 5:15-16 NIV - Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
"Making the most of every opportunity. Thinking about speaking the Kingdom, alot. Thinking about it so much that it is at the front of my mind and then following through and doing it. This is the seed of truth. I needed to take this pill instead.
Jesus put this word right in front of me so that it would stop me in my tracks. I walked into the 1st floor powder room in my house and there is a calendar there on the vanity. It's one of those calendars that has quotes in it for inspiration. I started the day in the bathroom and the 1st thing that I read was, Eph 5:16-17 - make the most of every opportunity. Be wise and understand what the will of God is.
If that wasn't enough, God really wanted me to stop and listen. Immediately after reading this verse, I went out to my living room to do some reading before bed. I picked up a book that I haven't read in months. I thought that I should skim through the chapters that I'd previously read and then push on through. As I opened the pages and began reading, the 1st scripture quoted was Eph 5:16-17. Whoa, twice in 5 minutes. Really... That got my attention.
You see the Bible also says this:
Psa 119:105 NIV - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
God's will is within His book. His truth directs my paths. It gives direction.
Pro 4:20 NLT - My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
Pro 4:21 NLT - Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
Pro 4:22 NLT - for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
Pro 4:23 NLT - Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Pro 4:24 NLT - Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Pro 4:25 NLT - Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Pro 4:26 NLT - Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Pro 4:27 NLT - Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
His word gives continued correction and provide focus.
It's time to take the pill of truth, sew good seed and follow it up with action. Time to return to speaking about the Kingdom, introducing people to Jesus, and acting in the authority that I have because "Christ in me is the Hope of Glory"!

The Elephant and the Mouse

2011-05-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder how people crash after such victory? I always did, that is until it happened to me. I was riding high. I just experienced the most powerful display of God's physical touch that I had ever seen (see the post entitled, Fire in the Palm of my Hand) and then it completely vaporized...
Remember that old Warner Brothers cartoon of the giant elephant parading around while a very tiny mouse sneaks out near him? Once the elephant catches a glimpse of that mouse, fear grips him and he runs in terror screaming like a teenage girl. Funny, but not if you are the elephant. How could something so small move something that large?
I'm still asking myself that question but here is what happened.
After I prayed for Sue's total recovery and God showed up, I prayed for Roxanne. I was confident that God would show up. Why wouldn't he? I just saw him change Sue's life and mine. Why would he not meet Roxy? Roxy had a problem with her ankle. I could feel my hand burning again. Roxy and I prayed and ... Nothing happened. What was going on? I was sure that God was there.
Confusion set in. I felt fear grip me again. I was on the run and after a couple of days I quit praying for people all together.
This has to be a test. But what is the lesson to be learned.
I'm not sure how to articulate it at this point but one word echoes in my mind, Shine!
I hear it everywhere, on the radio, in sermons, in song, in the Word, everywhere.

Fire - In the Palm of My Hand

2011-04-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Something about the life that Todd White is living hit me hard. I saw someone who lived the way that I was thinking, with reckless abandon for God and His Kingdom. I know that Jesus was calling me to believe that He does heal people. I know that He was asking me, will you lay it all down for me? Something in me was sure. Greater things than these.

On Thanksgiving of 2010, I had one of those conversations that people write about with my Dad. After I put the kids to bed, I got out my journal and explained to him my wrestling match with God. Unlearn what you have learned and follow what He is saying in the Bible. Read and the Holy Spirit will reveal the true meaning. I was longing for God to change my heart and allow me to believe His truth. My Dad read every page of my journal. No one but my wife had been in those pages. These were my inner most thoughts. And so we talked for hours. It was awesome! I'll always remember that night. There was no revelation that night, just a back and forth about the things of God. About 2 weeks went by and then...GOD SHOWED UP!

I was at work, alone at my desk, but I was restless. I just wanted to get out. So I picked up and moved to R&D (another building on the property). There was no reason why I went there. I could have done my work right from my desk, but a divine appointment had been made.

As I sat there typing away at the plans for 2011, I saw several different people. Their conversations just faded into the background as my thoughts surrounded the coming year. Then I heard two women talking. One of them I knew well, Sue, and the other I only knew by her face. Sue was talking with her friend and I heard them discussing Sue's thumb. Sue had so much pain in her thumb that inhibited the use of her right hand occassionally. She explained that the doctor's didn't know what it was, but ibuprofen seemed to work. After all there are so many more people that are worse off than her. It wasn't so bad, Sue said to her friend.

The 1st thing that came to my mind was I want to pray for her. No was my chance. Everything that I had been wrestling with God about was alive in that moment. Don't let her walk away. Fear started to creep up on me but I wanted to pray for her. I knew that I'd regret it if I would have let her leave the room. So just before she walked out of sight I called to her, Sue! No stopping now, so was coming over to talk.

She got right into conversation about work and I waited for an opening. I was half listening to what she was saying and the other half was searching for a way to turn the conversation toward Jesus. About 5 minutes went by and there was no openning. So, I blurted out, in the middle of her story, what is the matter with your thumb? I admitted to her that I heard her talking to her friend about it so she showed me and told me her story.

My mind shifted to what words I could say when I asked if I could pray for her. Just as I began to think about praying for her something happened. My right hand became white hot. It was hot enough that it made me uncomfortable, almost as if I were holding my hand over a candle. Now I had felt this before but never at the moment when I had opportunity to pray for someone. So I became confident that Jesus was near and wanted me to pray for Sue.

I explained to Sue what was going on and asked if I could pray for healing in her thumb. She said sure. So I placed my hand on her thumb and she responded, Oh my gosh! I can feel the heat. I prayed in the name of Jesus for total restoration in her thumb. We both looked at eachother dumbfounded.

Sue is a scientist so she wanted to make an observation. She said give me your other hand. It was ice cold. That's unusual. I asked her to move her thumb and check for pain. She said, wow it actually feels better. Boldness overcame me, Spiritual Boldness and I asked her how much better is it? Is it 100% better? She said no, maybe 50%. So I took her thumb again and prayed in the Name of Jesus for total healing. Again she said wow. Then she also started to get teary-eyed.

The words echoed in my mind, heal the sick and preach the Kingdom. Healing had just happened so then I began to share with Sue how much Jesus loved her and that he knows so much about her. I explained how special she was in his eyes. It was a spectacular moment.

Days went by and word trickled back to me at work about how Sue was telling everyone what had happened to her. Two days later, she stopped taking her medication and to this day she has full use of her thumb!

It is true. Jesus left Heaven, won back right relationship for us, and then sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that He could accomplish His will on Earth through us! We serve an AWESOME God that He would allow us to participate in His activity.

Praise the Father and the Son and the Spirit in one.

The Challenge of Andres

2011-04-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, God has led me to this point:

I have been given a gift of the Holy Spirit.
That same spirit is the spirit that raised Christ from the dead and he lives within me.
God said, The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
As the Father sent me, so I send you.

Luk 9:2 KJV - And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Last year a man named Andres Spyker came to speak at my church. He was preaching about how God chooses to use us to reveal himself to the world. We are called to spread the good news of his kingdom. Not only that but to reveal his power. 1Cr 4:20 NLT - For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power. Andres set out a challenge that stuck with me. He challenged us to pray for everyone that we saw had a physical need. That ment everywhere, in the grocery store, at the bank, at work, at the mall, at the movies, anywhere. We can't just come to church and be with God and then not participate in the advancing of His kingdom. We must do the work of God. Jam 1:22 NKJV - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
The challenge sunk deep into my heart and with fear at my every side, I took to the world ready to talk about Jesus and heal the sick.
After hearing that message from Andres, I went directly to Walmart to for some errands. I didn't have to take two steps into Walmart before I ran into someone that had a physical need. I rounded the corner and came face to face with a woman in a full neck and back brace. What happened next? I walked right passed her. Fear got the best of me and I didn't let the Kingdom out. But I had to go back and find her. I didn't want to blow the mission on the 1st opportunity that I got. As "luck" would have it, I got in line to pay for my things and the woman in the neck and back brace was directly in front of me. Not a coincidence. So I asked the woman if she needed some help. She said no so I asked what happened to her that she needed that brace. I don't remember what she said the cause was but I asked if I could pray for her. She gave me the wierdest look and the literally turned her back on me. It was disasterous. What now? I missed opportunity upon opportunity over the next few days. Then I'd regain some ground for a few days and pray for 4 or 5 people in a day. I never did see any physical healing, so I got a bit confused and just kinda fell out of praying for people. About a year went by and then I watched a video that renewed the Challenge of Andres in my life again. The video was of Todd White and it was entitled Healing in the Streets. You can find it on Youtube.

Whisper in the Wind

2011-04-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

I am totally confident that God speaks to individuals daily. He has spoken to me all of my life, but I didn't really know it was Him until about 10 years ago. That's when I read these words from the book of John:

Jhn 10:14-16 KJV - I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

This scripture changed my life. I remember thinking, "I am a sheep." "I'm one of the other sheep that He is bringing in." God says, "they shall hear my voice". I must be able to hear His voice.
So the next day I went to the Christian book store, paused at the door before entering and asked God, "please show me a book, a title, a cover picture, something that will stop me in my tracks so I know that you are going to teach me how to hear your voice."
I didn't get far before that happened. On the 1st end cap of the 1st row sat a book called, "How to listen to God." by Charles Stanley. Awesome! A tangible answer to my prayer, in print. No questioning that.
As I began to read, Charles explained how God uses His Word, circumstances, events, thoughts, dreams, other people, and audible voice to get our attention. His voice is often time still and quiet, hard to "hear", subtle. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit while I read those pages. I don't know why but I began to think of my brother while I was reading. He had nothing to do with the topic. It just popped into my mind. These were my thoughts: "I should go and ask my brother to come and sit with me inside of the church today at service." See my brother didn't like going into the sanctuary in our church. He felt uncomfortable, so he sat out in the lobby. I wanted to invite him to come and sit with me. Now I did not speak that, those were the thoughts inside my head. At that very instant, the instant that thought entered my mind, my mom walked around the corner, sat down next to me and said, "I think that maybe you should talk to your brother and ask him to come and sit with us today in church." "I've asked him several times but maybe he'll respond if you ask him."
My jaw just about hit the floor. There was no doubt in my mind that God had just spoke to both of us! He whispered so quietly that it sound like one of my own thoughts. Of course I asked my brother to come in with us. He didn't come in, but a relationship began with that "thought". I can be obedient to God's will because He speaks. I just need to learn how to listen.

There are many, many many more examples of the presence of God's Holy Spirit active in my life. And this solidified it for me. He knows me personally and wants to use me to reach others. So now that I know the Spirit is in me, here is the next scriptures to ponder:

Rom 8:11 NIV - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Act 1:8 NIV - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

1st Steps to Spiritual Boldness

2011-03-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

This journey started with two words that sunk into my spirit, Spiritual Boldness. God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power of love and a sound mind. However, this calling was a 180 degree shift from the way that I saw myself. Several years ago, I was plagued by anxiety attacks. It was crippling. My heart would race. I would become red in the face. All I could do was look for a way to run. I couldn't speak to people (at all). One-on-one or in front of a group. It was incredibly scary, but...
How I saw myself and how God sees me ARE different. God showed me scripture upon scripture that revealed how He sees me. I am a warrior, a son of thunder, an ambassador, a mighty man of God, heir to the throne, co-heirs with Christ, adopted as His child, spotless, blameless, righteous and I have been given the authority that Christ won for us all! I chose to believe God and fight against how I felt. From the second that decision entered my mind and I was resolved to do it, I never had another anxiety attack! "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Praise God!

Also, I had been contemplating this scripture:
Jhn 20:21 NKJV - So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
What does this mean? What does Spiritual Boldness have to do with this scripture? What was God trying to tell me? These were the questions that I was wrestling with.
So, why was Jesus sent? I needed to answer this because now Jesus was sending me to do the same thing (as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.)
Now, as I read the word of God, I'm searching for the mission of Jesus.
Isa 61:1 NKJV says this about Jesus, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Awesome. This is one of the reasons the Father sent Jesus, therefore I have the same mission. Yet not me, but Christ that lives in me. I have no power in and of myself, but Christ in me is the hope of glory. I had to somehow make myself believe these words by choosing to do so. It all hinged on an abiding relationship with Jesus, but how do I know that I have an abiding relationship? 1 John 3:24 gave me evidence that I abide with the King by stating, "...And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."

This I know, I have the spirit of God on me. Reflecting back on my life, I recalled so many encounters with the Holy Spirit. I'll write in the next post some examples of the testimony that God has given me and reveal to all that read this, the Holy Spirit living and active in my life.

Caution Meet the Wind

2011-03-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

The original intention of my blog was to paint a broad brush stroke of encountering Jesus. Time to change direction. Well, not actually change direction, but increase the focus. I'm going to use this blog now as a record of my current walk with the King. He's been leading me on an adventure, sword in hand, ready to preach the kingdom and heal the sick at any moments notice. I've been cautiously following Him down this road for the past year. Now it's time to throw caution to the wind.

Garden - NeedtoBreathe

2010-11-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

Won't you take this cup from me
Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
I pray you'll save their souls with it

Let the songs i sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words i say profess my love
Let the notes i choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

In this hour of doubt i see
who i am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale

Let the songs i sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words i say profess my love
Let the notes i choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

Father let my heart be...
For you

Let the songs i sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words i say profess my love
Let the notes i choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

My Lion, Witch and Wardrobe

2010-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Some call them triggers. Some call them red flags. Others say "when" points, as in, when God stops you so that you realize nothing is going to be the same. There are points in our lives the we are allowed to "see". We can look back on them in a moment with all freshness as if they happened yesterday. They stick in our minds like old habits. They are part of who we are.

I was about 8 or 9 years old and I was literally hidding the first time I remember this happening to me. Looking back, I remember the feel of the room, the silence, the smells, everything. My world suddenly stopped and then...everything was different.

It was minutes before my dad got home from work as I ran to his bedroom and climbed inside of the closet. The closet extended the entire length of the south side of my parents room. It didn't have any doors on it so I had to dig way in there if I didn't want to be seen. Oh, I was gonna get him good. My heart was pounding with excitement as I imagined jumping out and scaring the living daylights out of him. =)

I could hear the garage door open, the car pull in, the door shut and then footsteps. Awesome! I couldn't wait. The steps were loud as my dad climbed them. I knew that he was within a few feet of me, but I waited. I wanted to observe for just a bit until the perfect timing (when he was directly in front of my, preferrably facing the opposite direction so by gut reaction/self defense I didn't get punched in the face.)

My dad came into the room. But he shut the door. He didn't shut the door that often. He was pacing back and forth on the other side of the bed and I could hear him. He was talking. Was there someone else in the room that I had missed because I was so focussed on the timing? Who was he talking to? I said to myself, "Don't make a move. I'm going to be in serious trouble if I hear something that I'm not supposed to. Don't even breathe." I could barely make out what he was saying but I searched for someone else in the room that I could not see.

But that was just it. He wasn't talking to anyone that I could see. My Dad was praying. He was visibly upset but he was casting his cares upon the Lord. That's when time stopped. Revelation came and I was allowed to "see". Everything that I had learned about God suddenly became real. He was not putting on a show. He didn't even know that I was in the room, yet he was doing exactly what he was teaching me. He was taking time to talk with our wonderful savior, alone.

I never jumped out of the closet to scare him. I felt older at that moment, more mature and jumping out to scare him seemed inappropriate because I was different.

It took me almost 20 years to share that story with my Dad, but that is another story...