I just got back from a ministry trip in Biscoe, NC. For those of you who don't know where thats at... don't ask me because i don't really know either. It's kind of what you might call a 'po dung' town out there somewhere. Meaning, its a really small town.
In any case, one of my friends here asked me to go w/ him and pray for people. I'm always amazed at how much God uses me, despite who i am. It's like He's saying, "I'm going to use you, despite the fact that i know who you really are..."
So i get there Friday night after driving for about an hour. I go walking into the building and they pretty much got under way right away. So no debriefing for me. I just jump into the mix and see what happens. Later on, i step outside and see that they have a sign on the wall that says "Revival with FIRE School of Ministry". i'm like, 'oh, ok.." (i hate to be critical at this point in time, but you can plan a revival like you can plan a snow storm. I laugh whenever people say "oh, we're having revival at church that week." ok...)
in any case, from what i understand of the end result of the weekend... the Lord really did a deep work at this church. everyone was very thankful we came. which is cool. Personally, i guess i'm used to much more intense times of prayer and worship... but the key thing is is that they were encouraged and challenged.
The Lord was raising up spiritual parents during this weekend. Also, our whole team had to give prophetic words for people in the church there. Now, normally, i don't flow in that type of activity. Personal prophetic words aren't necessarily my field of expertise. But I was more or less put into. So it was time to go swimming... like it or not.
On a side note, i was able to get some four-wheeling in! It was great! My buddy there had a 4-wheeler and he took me out on a trail nearby his house. I somewhat grew up on them so i was like jump on and ride!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
PA Happenings
Well, i'm back in North Carolina by now. I got back last night around 6pm. i think i might have set a personal record for driving back. probably starting out somewhere around 9:15 am or so and getting back to my house here about 5:50 or so. (you may voice your approval or disapproval only if you've ever had to do numerous 8+ hour drives by yourself). i was really proud of my little car... traffic was light and no major traffic blocks.
the trip was good i thought. I was able to get a show at Sight and Sound there. Me and my mom went to see Daniel and the Lion's Den. I've been a couple shows there. They're a bit pricey, but i think that for Christian entertainment, its pretty good. I mean, you'll usually fork out about $40 or more for a sporting event or some other form of entertainment. At least this had solid Biblical elements to it.
I was able to hang out w/ some friends from the past and my family. Sunday night, we had a small family get together. so my mom and dad and younger siblings piled into our recently bought station wagon. me and my brother picked on my younger sister the whole time the way down. it was total fun.. lol.
Wednesday night i was able to go and hang out w/ the youth group from my home church there. they ended up praying for me and bringing some words which were on the mark... i was soo proud of them! it was neat to see them stepping out and praying and prophesying somethings into my life! some of them were just recently Baptized in the Spirit just in September and were exploring some benefits to that! Go for it guys! i'm proud of you.
i was also able to hang out some at our local house of prayer and sit in on a class there and participate in a few worship sets. Things are heating up back there, and its exciting to check it out and see what the Lord is doing. He's awakening His Bride in this hour!
the trip was good i thought. I was able to get a show at Sight and Sound there. Me and my mom went to see Daniel and the Lion's Den. I've been a couple shows there. They're a bit pricey, but i think that for Christian entertainment, its pretty good. I mean, you'll usually fork out about $40 or more for a sporting event or some other form of entertainment. At least this had solid Biblical elements to it.
I was able to hang out w/ some friends from the past and my family. Sunday night, we had a small family get together. so my mom and dad and younger siblings piled into our recently bought station wagon. me and my brother picked on my younger sister the whole time the way down. it was total fun.. lol.
Wednesday night i was able to go and hang out w/ the youth group from my home church there. they ended up praying for me and bringing some words which were on the mark... i was soo proud of them! it was neat to see them stepping out and praying and prophesying somethings into my life! some of them were just recently Baptized in the Spirit just in September and were exploring some benefits to that! Go for it guys! i'm proud of you.
i was also able to hang out some at our local house of prayer and sit in on a class there and participate in a few worship sets. Things are heating up back there, and its exciting to check it out and see what the Lord is doing. He's awakening His Bride in this hour!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Just a few things...
I'm currently taking some time off in PA. I had some paid time off at work, so i decided to take it. God seems to be doing some major changes around here. Which is good. It's needed. I was having dinner w/ a good friend of mine last nite and he was telling me that some of the people that he knows and is ministering to are getting kicked out of their house for truly going after God. They're going a different route of their parents and family and they're loosing a lot to follow the Lord. I thought about that and was like 'How would i handle that?'
Right now, we are in an election year. And none of the candidates i can vote for w/ a good conscience. I'll probably be writing in a candidate when it comes time to vote. Here is what i feel is happening: Mostly all the candidates are too liberal. They are all supporting issues that go against what the Word of God says. They all want to make a difference, but not in the right way. Only God can save our nation. A political agenda won't do it. Only getting on our face and asking God for mercy and to walk in His ways will do it. He is giving us free will and He's looking to see how we will choose. He's not a dictator. He's a loving Father who wants the best for His children. And at times that means He pulls back and allows us to see the error in how we handle it and what we'll choose. And right now, i don't think we're choosing wisely.
Of course, there are certain ones out there who have their own agenda. And the bad part about that is is that they may be few in number, but they're at the top. That puts them in control. These individuals want to live a lifestyle that isn't Christ centered and they're putting it on the rest of us. All i can say to that is is to live it up while you can. Because you will be called to account for how you live.
In any case, i'm not happy with how things are going. People want a better society but they don't want to have to turn to God for it. We want all sorts of blessings, but we don't want to have to pay any sort of price for it.
The first place i turn for this to is to examine my own life. What do I need to change? Then, since i grew up in the church and am currently serving in it and feel that the church should be leading out in everything, i look to see what needs changed in there. Sticking out head in the sand over the problems isn't going to help anything. Just 'doing church' really only hurts the problem. It's not easy to tackle issues at times, but it is necessary.
I'm not attempting to be an alarmist in any way. More than anything, i want people to find a peace and rest in the Loving Arms of Jesus. But i also don't want to turn a blind eye to problems that are there. I've had teenagers come up to me and tell me that they're struggling w/ homosexual thoughts and feelings. i simply said "oh really? what can i do to help you get through that?"
Right now, we are in an election year. And none of the candidates i can vote for w/ a good conscience. I'll probably be writing in a candidate when it comes time to vote. Here is what i feel is happening: Mostly all the candidates are too liberal. They are all supporting issues that go against what the Word of God says. They all want to make a difference, but not in the right way. Only God can save our nation. A political agenda won't do it. Only getting on our face and asking God for mercy and to walk in His ways will do it. He is giving us free will and He's looking to see how we will choose. He's not a dictator. He's a loving Father who wants the best for His children. And at times that means He pulls back and allows us to see the error in how we handle it and what we'll choose. And right now, i don't think we're choosing wisely.
Of course, there are certain ones out there who have their own agenda. And the bad part about that is is that they may be few in number, but they're at the top. That puts them in control. These individuals want to live a lifestyle that isn't Christ centered and they're putting it on the rest of us. All i can say to that is is to live it up while you can. Because you will be called to account for how you live.
In any case, i'm not happy with how things are going. People want a better society but they don't want to have to turn to God for it. We want all sorts of blessings, but we don't want to have to pay any sort of price for it.
The first place i turn for this to is to examine my own life. What do I need to change? Then, since i grew up in the church and am currently serving in it and feel that the church should be leading out in everything, i look to see what needs changed in there. Sticking out head in the sand over the problems isn't going to help anything. Just 'doing church' really only hurts the problem. It's not easy to tackle issues at times, but it is necessary.
I'm not attempting to be an alarmist in any way. More than anything, i want people to find a peace and rest in the Loving Arms of Jesus. But i also don't want to turn a blind eye to problems that are there. I've had teenagers come up to me and tell me that they're struggling w/ homosexual thoughts and feelings. i simply said "oh really? what can i do to help you get through that?"
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Church of Oprah
This sounds like Universalism through and through. Everyone doesn't get to Heaven just by being good. There is only One way in and thats through Jesus. If you empty yourself of everything and start inviting spirits in, you are asking for a demonic oppression and possession.
What you should be doing is clearing your mind and life of all sin and asking Jesus to come and 1. Heal the wounds of the past. 2. cleanse you from all unrighteousness. 3. Fill you with His Holy Spirit. That's when you will become a better person. When you start praying to God and start reading the Bible.
It really does sadden me to hear that people are actually speaking this stuff. Some may think that I like to write these things. But I don't. We as Americans have a duty. We have a duty to show the world that, in Jesus, we can make this place better. You may wonder why the world hates Christianity. One of the reasons is is that they associate Christianity with Hollywood. They think that that's what all American Christians are like. Someone once asked me why i think guys like bin Laden and his folks hate us. Probably one reason is is because again, they're putting Christianity with Hollywood.
Folks, we're in a spiritual battle here. Plain and simple. I've been to other nations. I've been to Haiti and seen what a country consecrated to the devil looks like. I've been to the Philippines and seen what it looks like to worship everything under the sun. Being a 'good person' just won't cut it. You have to turn from your sinful lifestyle.
Why does God let bad things happen? Because He loves us enough to let us make our own choices. God isn't a dictator.
Listen, i'm not going to say something like stop watching these daytime shows... you take that up with God. You allow Him to speak to your heart. The tv is just a tool. Just throwing a bunch of rules and regulations at you isn't going to change much. I would rather you say 'I don't want to' versus 'I'm not supposed/allowed to.'
Friday, April 4, 2008
I Salute You....
Got this in an email and i decided it's worth putting in here. Have you saluted and thanked a veteran lately? To the men and women in our Armed Forces, i salute you and thank you for your time and courage to defend my freedom. My hat is off to you... i once heard it said that there is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. May the Lord bless you and may you feel the presence of God and His heart towards you.
Lord, grant our leaders wisdom and understanding as they make decisions, especially during this time.
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