Visit to the Indian Ocean

3:46 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

What do you think? Jesus is Lord!
Current mood: refreshed

Sharing about Jesus with the Holy Spirit is easy!

Back in April of 2007 I began working with an organization that is filled with followers of Jesus Christ, praise God!  Prior to my employment with this new organization I was working in the entertainment and promotional industry getting what work I could here and there.  The entertainment industry as most of you are aware or might guess provides opportunity to share Jesus with individuals who know nothing or very little about the Savior of the world – Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Upon beginning this new job I realized that I still had a large appetite to share the good news of Jesus with others who are completely unaware of how great Jesus truly is to each and every one of us. 

I began to pray and ask the Holy Spirit how I might be able to share the good news of Jesus Christ?  At this time in my life, the only portion of the day it seemed I was not surrounded by other believers was when I would go jogging in the morning.  How could I share Jesus with the people I jog by early in the morning I wondered?

The Holy Spirit brought this scripture spoken by Jesus to mind … "proclaim my name to all creation."  Hmm, interesting I thought, what does this mean to, "proclaim my name to all creation?"  Immediately this follow up question was answered with, "Jesus is Lord!"  Another scripture came to mind, Jesus said, "He who confesses my name before man, I will confess his name before the Father."  Yet more scripture poured out on this topic the demons cannot say, "Jesus is Lord!" 

I thought, no it can't be that easy or can it be?  Thoughts began to flow like, I need to talk with the person, have a conversation and really make certain they understand the gospel in its fullness – from Genesis to Revelation (don't get me wrong this is important to do in the right place and time).  However, I just didn't have time for this during a jog.  The Holy Spirit just needs a tiny bit of faith and trust on our part, then mighty things will begin to happen as we become, "doers of the word." 

I began jogging through the neighborhood praying in the spirit and as strangers came into ear shot distance I would say, "Jesus is Lord!" or "Jesus rules!"  At first I didn't want to say this and/or was filled with fear over making such a statement.  As I stepped out of my comfort zone for the lover of my life – Jesus Christ my Savior, I began to notice a profound correlation -- my JOY would go up one notch each time I proclaimed the name of Jesus.  I was given another revelation, "the joy of the Lord is our strength."  Each time a person proclaims, "Jesus is Lord!" their joy meter goes up one notch (at least mine does).  Please don't take my word for it, implement this notion for yourself and see.  The first couple attempts are the most difficult, once you get to about the 5th "Jesus is Lord," everything seems to get easier and easier, joy begins to flow into a snow ball affect.

Why does making the statement, "Jesus is Lord!" work as an evangelistic tool?  The Holy Spirit.  You see, questions open the door for the Holy Spirit to do the work in the individual's life.  Jesus says, "You have not because you ask not." When you "Jesus is Lord" somebody, you're going to get 1 of 3 responses from people. 

1. Amen! … or some other positive affirmation which will only encourage that other believer in Jesus.
2. No he's not!  … some people get angered and make some ridiculous statements back to me such as … "Lucifer is lord, satan is lord" or even some people have said, "I am lord."  Sad but true.
3. The last response is the lukewarm response which is typical for the USA unfortunately.

All responses are good in a sense because ultimately we don't know where that person is in their life, what they're struggling with, or going through.  No matter what the person you proclaim to will ask themselves something along these lines, "Why's he so stoked/excited about Jesus?"  "Who's Jesus?"  "Who do I say is Lord?"  These are just a few questions people begin to ask themselves and all of them just opened the door for the Holy Spirit to move over their hearts.  Jesus says, "I stand at the door and knock he who opens the door I will eat with and he with me."  Questions are a way in which we invite the Lord into our hearts. 

"Jesus is Lord!" Is a statement that cuts to the heart of everything, I repeat everything!  It is a statement said as a FACT!  It is a FACT!  People aren't really able to argue this statement you'll soon discover.  They can try to argue it but basically this statement stirs the spiritual realms whether being principalities of darkness and strongholds clinging to the not-yet-believer or stirring the Holy Spirit and boldness in the other believer. 

Do you ever notice when you ask somebody, "How's it going?" as in a hello statement people more often than not say, "Good. How are you?"  The Holy Spirit showed me another opportunity to, "Jesus is Lord" people.  When I see somebody I don't know I take the opportunity to greet them 1st.  "How's it going?" As I stated they will typically say, "Good.  How are you?"  My response now is, "Jesus is Lord!  I'm doing good because of that."  This response typically catches people way off guard.  Yet all of a sudden you've brought the realm of the eternal into the other person's day and they won't soon forget you.

Another scripture came to mind, Jesus said, "He who confesses my name before man, I will confess his name before the Father."  Yet more scripture poured out on this topic the demons cannot say, "Jesus is Lord!" 

The last thing I'll leave with you.  "The joy of the Lord is our strength."  As much as people want to argue some alternative point of view about eternity and/or salvation, there is NOTHING anybody can do to argue against the pure joy we as believers are to radiate.  Saying, "Jesus is Lord!" unlocks the joy contained within our hearts and truly becomes our strength because nothing else matters.  We will be brought into the love of Christ, the compassion of Christ and the joy of Christ.  All fear drops by the wayside.  Praise Jesus!

Be bold!  Jesus is Lord!  Amen and Hallelujah!

6:12 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Love and Repentance ...
Current mood: jubilant

Love and Repentance?

Here are the notes of a talk done by Danny Silk on love and repentance.  Where do these two things fit into church today?

When people get scared or fearful, they want control.  We live in a culture that is in many ways afraid of sin, failure, what others think, just about everything.  This nation at large cries out for "safety."

Who else was afraid of sin?  Pharisees. 

The truth is sin is afraid of Jesus.  We are called to trample over sin in the name of Jesus, are we not?

1 John 4:18-19 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  We love him because he first loved us.

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.

1 John 2:1-2 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  And if He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Galatians 4:31-5:1 – So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but free.  Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but Jesus didn't come to bring the "New OLD Testament" did he?  It seems as though the message spreading across this nation is one of rules and obedience.  Did not Jesus come for liberty, mercy and love? 

The IRS cares about 2 things – obedience and compliance, there's no love, no relationship in this.

I think of a man after God's own heart - 2 Samuel 11 -12 – King David.  Yet with Bathsheba who was a righteous woman married to a righteous man named Uriah – King David - took her, raped her, she became pregnant, attempted to get Uriah her husband to be intimate with his wife (yet Uriah was righteous and did not become intimate with her at this time), Kind David then gave Uriah his death sentence to be carried out on the battle field.  We have a list of ugly things here rape, adultery, murder, deceit and more I'm most certain.  The world calls such things offensive.  King David still remains today called a man after God's own heart.  The Lord did not pull David from being King, why not? 
Repentance.  David went and married Bathsheba, prayed and fasted for 7 days; after Bathsheba's baby died David went to Bathsheba and was intimate with her. 

We don't see him being kicked out of his anointed position, guilt, condemnation or any of these things.  We see an example of true repentance, grace and mercy.  Yes David received consequences to his actions but the consequences were poured out from the Lord, not man.

Do we see this in the bride of Christ when somebody makes a mistake, sins, what have you or do we ship them off to "restoration Siberia" until we can find somebody else to fill their shoes, who we haven't discovered to be a rule breaker as of yet?

John 14:15 – Jesus says, "If you love Me, keep my commandments."

We need to discover how to fall in love with Jesus.  If we love Jesus more than our family, addictions, or other sin we will want to keep his commandments for the right reasons – love, not out fear of what he'll do if we don't.  We'll want to keep his commandments because we don't want to break his heart.  Jesus trusts us tremendously; do we trust each other in the same regard?

Romans 8:2 – For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

How does one build trust?  Some might say, "Trust is built over time." No, you build mistrust by with holding it.  You build trust by trusting.  I'm learning this lesson most certainly.

We cannot be afraid of other people's poor choices.  I submit to you that trying to protect rules equals – RELIGION.

Protecting our relationship is love.

If there is no room for love and repentance in the church then all we'll have are really polished – HYPOCRYTES and in time it will be found out because such burdens are not easy to carry.  Gaskets will be blown at some point.  If we're all really polished hypocrites living in an environment where one must live perfectly to the law, people most likely won't trust anybody else in their vulnerability because of the impending condemnation they suspect is around the corner.

 What was the difference between these men?

David Vs. Saul
Peter Vs. Judas

Repentance.

It's natural to be offended by sin and punish, yet the Bible says we're to love with no fear, no punishment.

Does the church today know how deal with someone who has repented or do we send them off not to be heard from ever again?  Once true repentance takes place – you now have a man or woman who is the best person they've ever been.  Why does punishment need to continue on?  Instead let them continue in the work God has anointed them to do and watch the anointing pour out in greater abundance.

God is love and if I'm not mistaken "faith" is spelled "R-I-S-K"

How much are we holding up law Vs. love?

All of this came from a talk done by - Danny Silk over at Bill Johnson's church in Redding Ca.
 

6:14 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

So you are saying there zzz a chance?!

I got married and didn't even realize it! 

So check this out, my Mom introduced the two of us when I was 4 years old!  Wow, I know.  The relationship developed in my formative years through grade school.  I was continually learning about this amazing person, spending time together, laughing, crying … you know the whole bit … at times we were inseparable.  Then my family moved and I began going to a public school.  I didn't know who I was, completely lost.  Especially when my parents got divorced I didn't know up from down.  It was a time of heart ache and loneliness.  I felt completely alone.  I missed the love of my life tremendously.  We didn't talk too often (mostly because of me) nor did we ever see each other except on rare occasions and when we did I was distant and awkward.  Have you ever felt isolated, alone, unwanted and inadequate?  Well these are the things my life was wrought with.  I through myself into sports … football, basketball and baseball.  Yeah, sedate yourself with a bunch of activities to numb the pain and don't become great at any one sport so you won't have to receive any adulation over your athletic gifts.  Even though I was depressed and not very personable the love of my life was always waiting in the wings for me to return.  I never completely turned my back but I was far from anything resembling a loveable individual.  My thoughts of relationship were smashed.  What's the point of ever getting into a relationship if it's only going to end in divorce? (what a bunch of crap that lie is)

College, oh college.  Since I decided to get a job and work rather than play sports my free time was much greater.  I began to drink at parties to fit in because my self-esteem was so low.  I didn't drink in high school because I thought losers drink (I only realized later that drinking is just a different way people deal with the pain they face in life … numb yourself to the realities of life and it doesn't seem so bad all of a sudden – which is a lie too … so I began drinking in college and became a loser in my own head (it's a lie to say people who drink are losers regarding my own thoughts towards myself and/or others)… regrettably I drank).  Now some of you who know me would say, ahhh Jolley you never drank as hard as I did.  Sure, this may be true.  It's the stupid things I did when I drank that hurt most and the self esteem only gets lower once you begin to sober up.  Oddly enough, the love of my life still loved and no kidding still wanted me.  Me.  It seemed as though there were nothing I could do to shake this love off.  The more dumb things I did the greater the love seemed to be.  Yeah, it's the weirdest thing I've experienced and to be honest it bothered me … is this person even more delusional than me?  "Wow … you've got problems," I thought.  "You've seen all these things I've done and you still care about me?  You still want to be with me?  You still want to talk with me?  You still want to see me? How?  Why?"  The love of my life gave no logical explanation.

In my sophomore year of college I lost a best friend.  He killed himself at the age of 19.  At the time I would say I was his best friend.  We talked often.  I would go over to his house un-announced and tell him about things going on with other mutual friends.  It is not an easy thing losing a friend that was not only a really amazing person but had so much to offer the world.  I would love one opportunity to tell him how unique, talented and special he is, just one!  Perhaps that bit of encouragement would be enough to sway the decision made in that early part of the school year in September?  I lost my grandfather the next year going into my junior year.   I learned later upon reflecting much about not holding grudges, telling people the truth, forgiveness and making sure they no how special they are to me.  Life is short.  I began to learn that, "There's no time like the present to correct the mistakes of the past."  Death, depression, loneliness, self esteem issues swirled around me through college.  I didn't know what to trust, what to hold onto, what to do with myself???  Have you ever felt this way???  I'm sure you have, but when you are in those moments of desperation and bleakness … looking to others doesn't seem to be any kind of solution but more a compounding to the problem.  Thoughts of, "We don't want to alarm anyone or have them think I'm more bizarre than I already know myself to be.  I'll be an outcast for sure then."  These thoughts too one's self are lies as well, they only make you human and sharing them with somebody else is the best thing you can do.  (I'm all ears by the way if this is you today, please call or email me.)

Upon graduation I lived a life of seclusion with my business and filling my life with more schooling.  I always have to be learning more and keep up the outside picture of perfection.  Do you realize how hard that is?  All the while the love of my life was "wooing" me.  The love of my life was pursuing me.  I had no time for my love.  I completely ignored my love.  Yet I was still pursued.  Is there nothing I can do to deter my love?  I thought, "You really must be crazy.  Yes, no you are crazy.  Can't you get a freaking clue you insane whack job??  Helllllllllooooooooo I'm not interested.  I have other things to do.  I need to go make a million dollars by the time I'm 30, call me then pleeeeeaaaaaase." 

My love never could take a hint, thank goodness.  When I was 23 I began looking back and reflecting over my life.  When was I most content?  When was I most solid as a person?  The answer came to me and it was at the high point of my relationship with the love of my life back in grade school.  This was when I was clearly most contented and solid as an individual.  Immediately I got on the horn and called out to my love.  I explained everything … the ups … the downs … the confusion … the doubts … the times I was a huge jerk – frequently I might add … I decided in my heart I wanted to know my love again.  I began to pursue my love this time … for the first time.  I knew it wouldn't be easy, it wasn't but guess what?  I made a commitment to stay true to my love.  I wanted to be with my love forever and guess what, the feelings were mutual!!!  Haaaaaaaa!  What a happy day.  We got engaged at that very moment, the very moment I announced my feelings for my love they were received whole heartedly.  Wow … I now knew the love of my life was insane!  Good news for me that's for sure!!!  I really scored, thank my lucky stars!  After the partying, the debauchery, rejection, the doubts, the loneliness, the depression, low self esteem … none of that seemed to matter, none of it.  The love of my life loved me unconditionally through the pain, suffering, isolation and heart aches. 

Is this not love?

From the age of 23-25 we spent getting re-acquainted with each other.  We talked frequently, spent time together, shared intimate moments, laughed and cried, cherished each others presence.  A healing bond began to form as I began to listen to the love of my life much more intently.  I found the more time I spent with the love of my life the more I realized the engagement process is really a rewarding and necessary experience to share.  The bonds formed in this "engagement relationship" are so much tighter than anything I've ever experienced to this point.  How thankful I was and am.

At the age of 25 the question was asked, "Are you going to marry me or what?"  Initially, I was freaked out of my miiiiiiiiind as they say, with that question.  Then I relaxed and thought about it.  Hmmmm … why not?  My love has never left me, never turned from me, always loved me no matter how awful my actions were.  I would have to be crazy not to get married.  So I did it!  I signed my life over to the love of my life Jesus Christ and got married!!! 

It took me 21 years for me to completely submit my entire life over to Jesus.  The Lord was pursuing me my whole life but I wasn't made aware of Him until I was 4 years old even though he was aware of me.  I actually just realized what I had done about 3.5 years ago this last weekend.  When I was 25, I decided to write a contract to Jesus giving him my entire life and to be my Lord and Master.  It's one thing to have a bunch of head knowledge about the Bible, believe Jesus existed, did some cool things, and rose again on the 3rd day after hanging on the cross and dieing.  It's an entirely different thing to commit your life to Him as your only focus, to trust Him alone and live the Bible out in action (I'm continually working on that).  See this world is filled with false gods; Tv, money, other people, ourselves, essentially trust in anything other than Him is a false god.  The relationship with Jesus completely changed because it became a "committed relationship" of two: He and I.  I finally committed, He was always committed … I just take a bit of time to realize such things.  The Bible calls "The Church" – real Christians that is – The Bride of Christ.  He sacrificed it all, for us.  He pursues us even when we are at our absolute worst.  His love is unfailing and everlasting.  I would have been foolish to pass up this kind of love.  As a man and woman grow in a committed marriage relationship the intimacy grows, the bonds become stronger, and the sacrifice for one another ever greater (or at least they ought to).  These evidences are true in my walk with the Lord, this is how I know it to be true and the Bible discusses these things as well.  Even now the Lord is still pursuing me, wanting to show me something new about Him and His character, it's so exciting and refreshing to be renewed in His healing love.
Jesus is pursuing you today right now and has been your whole life.  No matter what you've done or what you've thought Jesus already knows but more importantly he still loves and cares to have a relationship with you too.  Just be honest with yourself and with Him.  He will meet you where you are pick you up, dust you off, and make you new again.  Check it out in the Bible – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The New Testament books will reveal the intense depth at which the Lord Jesus Christ absolutely 1,000,000% loves every single thing about you. 

If you have questions about this stuff, feel down on life, think I'm crazy … I'm all ears … life can be tough … it's even more difficult with out the foundation of Jesus Christ … please email me.

7:03 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’S HEAVENLY ...
Current mood: enthralled

Here's an email I recently wrote to followers of Jesus ... you may appreciate it too.

Hello All,
 
People have asked me recently.  How have you become so passionate about Jesus?  What changed you?  I'll tell you...
 
One night 4-5 years ago I was in my room in San Diego reading the following verses:
 
Romans 6:19-23 NIV
 
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.  When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.  What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.   For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
After reading this I thought; I'm going to write a contract to Jesus committing my life as a slave to him.  Instantly my mind (flesh) started freaking out saying, "No you don't have to do that!  That's way too severe!  That's going too far!  You believe in Jesus that's enough.  You'll never be able to keep the agreement anyway."  Could I fail at upholding this contract?  Yes, I could fall into sin.  Jesus knows this too.  Jesus knows the flesh is weak.  Guess what, all God cares about is 1 thing - our hearts.  What do our hearts seek and desire most?  I want to serve Jesus 1st and foremost.
 
Thank God I stopped and questioned this reaction, rather then letting fear take over.  Why is this a bad thing to write a contract committing my life as a slave to Jesus?  
 
Let's see here:
 
1. Jesus created my life
2. Jesus died to save my life.
3. Jesus loves me more than I love myself.
 
Hmm, I thought, this is a no brainer!  This is the best thing I could ever do!  Of course I'm going to write a contract to Jesus, it went something like this:
 
I commit my life as a slave to Jesus Christ into everlasting eternity.  I signed it.
 
I consider this my wedding to Jesus because at that point I made a contract to him with the intent of always putting him first in my life.  No other false gods, people or things would come between me and my relationship to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 
 
Did you know I read in a secular book recently that anytime we sign something our thoughts, behaviors, self belief and perceptions are changed whether we like it or not.  I found that very interesting as it pertained to this contract and could see its truth.
 
Do you want your relationship with Jesus - the God of the Universe - God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to radically change?  Write a contract out, sign it and put it up in a place or places where you will see it and read it often.

I recently shared this idea of writing out a contract between you and Jesus with a friend and this is the contract he came up with – see attachment. 

I suspect some of you will think that's ridiculous I'm not doing that.  I suspect others of you will light up like a Christmas tree in February with a some kerosene and a match at this idea. 

This is between you and God.  I recommend typing out or writing out your own contract rather than simply cutting, pasting, and inserting your name into the attached document_  It will become more real as you type out every word or write out every word.  I'm going to personally re-write my contract in a similar way to the contract my friend recently put together, frame it and hang it on a wall as a reminder of who I am and why I'm here.  I'm eager to see how my relationship to Jesus steps up yet another notch.

Everyone's relationship to Jesus is different, I respect and appreciate this.  All I can say is that I know this has changed everything between God Almighty and me – for the positive. 

This is simply a little nugget I discovered in Christ on this journey of life he has me on.  I share it with you all openly and freely.  Run with it as you may …

UPDATE - 10.06.07
----------------------

I recently came across this passage in Isaiah.  To me this represents more confirmation as to why writing a contract to Jesus is a wonderful thing to do.

Isaiah 44:5 - One will say, "I am the LORD'S"; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will WRITE with his hand, "The LORD'S," And name himself by the name of Israel.

-----------------------

I pray that God richly blesses you today!

Here's a sample contract should you want to use something to work with ...

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY'S HEAVENLY ARMY
ENLISTMENT CONTRACT AGREEMENT

I, name, ENLIST IN THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY'S HEAVENLY ARMY THIS DATE OF July 7, 2007.

I, name, HEREBY AGREE THAT THE ACTIVE SERVICE DUTY PERIOD SHALL START ON July 7, 2007 AND MY JOYFUL, LOVING, SERVICE OF DEVOTION SHALL BE RENDERED PAST PHYSICAL DEATH OR GOD'S INTERVENTION, FOREVER AND EVER INTO EVERLASTING ETERNITY.

I, name, HEREBY GIVE UP AND HAND OVER ALL MY PERSONAL RIGHTS AND DECISIONS TO THE AUTHORITY AND POWER OF THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY'S HEAVENLY ORDER, SOVERIEGNTY AND GOVERNMENT.  EVERYTHING I AM AND POSESS IS LAID AT THE FEET OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH FOR HIS PURPOSES. 

I, name, HEREBY ACCEPT AND SUBMIT COMPLETELY TO THE COMMANDER AND CHIEF, JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, THE SON OF GOD AND SON OF MAN, BORN OF VIRGIN BIRTH, WHO DIED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED DEAD, BURIED, ROSE AGAIN ON THE 3rd DAY AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN TO SIT AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER.

I, name, HEREBY BECOME THE PROPERTY, ADOPTED SON, WARRIOR, BROTHER, FRIEND, SERVANT, AND SLAVE OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY'S KINGDOM OF HEAVEN TO DIRECT MY SERVICES AS NEEDED FOR THE OVERALL GOOD AND WELFARE OF THE KINGDOM THROUGH THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  THE HOLY SPIRIT RESIDES WITHIN ME 24/7.

I, name, HEREBY ACCEPT THE ENLISTMENT DUTY BASE BEING LOCATED IN THE REGION KNOWN AS "THE UNIVERSE" – SPECIFICALLY THE MILKY WAY GALAXY AND STATIONED ON PLANET EARTH – UNTIL OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB. 

I, name, HEREBY ACCEPT THE SINGLE FOCUS OBJECTIVE TO EXPAND THE MAJESTY, RULE AND REIGN OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ON EARTH BY FORCE THROUGH THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST – THE PERFECT LAMB THAT WAS SLANE. 

I, name, HEREBY ACCEPT THE SPECIFIC TARGET AREA – MANKIND; SPECIFICALLY - THE HEARTS, MINDS AND LIVES OF EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH WITH THE TRUTH AND LOVE OF – JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH – GOD IN THE FLESH.

        _______________________
      (ENLISTMENT'S PRINTED NAME)

SIGNATURE: _______________________           ______________
      (ENLISTMENT'S SIGNATURE)   (DATE)

Keep in mind those of you who don't know the Bible, God's army is against evil and unclean spirits, not people.  This is not about physical army that you would see in the news hurting people - it's against Satan and his army of darkness.  God's Word is like a double edged sword - that is the weapon believers in Jesus use.  True believers do not use weapons against other people such as guns, swords or bombs.  Instead we are called to love others as ourselves.  Again, this is about principalities of darkness.  Followers of Jesus are not called to shed anybody's blood, ever.  We are called to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ and that's what this is talking about.  Feel free to email with questions anytime.  Please do if anything is not clear because I don't want you to walk away from this in any confusion or mis-understanding. 

8:24 AM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

The Holy Spirit moving on my heart as I return from Turkey
Current mood: rejuvenated

He who has ears let him hear!  This is an account of what the Spirit has been speaking to my heart over the last 2 weeks while in Turkey.

There is a shift that's been taking place in the atmosphere physically and ever more important spiritually.  The Lord has been weighing on my heart in tremendous ways.  I only hope to convey this message accurately as it's to be.  

The end is near my brethren.  Yes, I realize people have been saying this for centuries, fine.  The Holy Spirit has placed a FIRE on my soul for this message.  Many words have been spoken over and over in little different ways as to the urgency of the matter.  Since coming to Arizona, John the Baptist has been laid on my heart; his purpose and calling.  I find my life caught up in very similar parallels.  I'm compelled to share with people that Jesus is returning very soon because … well … it's true!  On this trip in Turkey the team dubbed me "John the Baptist" in part due to my demeanor and in part due to my looks – I have been rocking an AWESOME beard if I do say so myself …. and I do! ?

Saints!  We need more of them, we need them better trained and equipped to do the bidding of the Lord here on earth.  Time is out people!  The Spirit has been showing me this over and over.  It's time to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth once again.  For this to happen we need EXTREMELY well trained soldiers for Christ Jesus who count their lives as NOTHING!  I repeat NOTHING!  Jesus says, to hate your family in comparison to the love one is to have for Him (paraphrasing - Matthew 10:34-39 please look it up and read for yourself)

I know now that I'm not there yet in terms of truly counting my life as nothing.  However, this is the journey for me and I must find its end, for the real beginning.  In actuality when one puts into perspective the realities of what we are in the flesh it's merely dust and moisture combined.  John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.  We are made in God's image right?  Then how important are our words?  Do we speak curses or blessings towards people?  God is Word!  The enemy is continually attempting to steal or change our words to be something other than edify, glorifying and blessing to others and to God Almighty.  Turn off your TV's (false idols), turn off your secular music, eat plain regular food that is natural and healthy (rather than the poison of the American diet), and drink water.  Take every thought captive!

We need to be an army without concern for the things of Babylon.  America is Babylon, it's not a dream it's a nightmare!  We're (America at large) spreading it's heresy far and wide around the globe.

Rev. 18:1-8 - After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.  With a mighty voice he shouted:

"Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!  She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.  For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries.  The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries." 

Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

 "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.

Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done.  Mix her a double portion from her own cup.  Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself.  In her heart she boasts, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.'

Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine.  She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.


Please continue reading the rest of the chapter because it's all very relevant.  Here's what the Spirit was poking at my heart while in Turkey is this command, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins …"

Babylon is the new religion we are fighting here on earth and it's spreading faster than one might imagine.  We are a nation rapidly creating a world of materialism, of luxury or more accurately "supposed luxury".  All we are doing is spending future generations inheritances, what a wicked generation we are with our credit cards.  Buying today what we can't afford until tomorrow.  What resources will be left for the future?  What a travesty this is towards God and towards our fellow man.  The so called "American Dream" is a belief/idea founded on materialism and building our own individual kingdom, rather than the kingdom of God!  It's Jesus we need and nothing more, not religion or materialism.  We need Jesus pure and true.

I left on this trip for 2 weeks in Matthew 10 style.  I brought no bag, no extra shirt or shoes.  I must confess I did bring $40 for gifts in my right shoe $20 of which was taken on my arrival to Turkey to pay for my Visa which I was completely unaware needed to be paid.  I didn't bring my wallet or any credit cards.  The Lord was to provide for me this entire trip (In large part to some of you, thank you!  Thank you!) and you know what he did!  Wow, what a concept, being obedient to Jesus actually works out!  Thank you again for your faithfulness.

What did I learn from this trip?  It's time to be about the Lord's business because we're; "… knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door!"   One night in Ayden I ended up in a bar at the time I was told was a "gay and lesbian" bar.  Wow, okay God you're stretching me what can I do to minister and serve you?  I began praising and worshiping Him in the midst of the music going on and the people around me.  I didn't know whether or not this really was a "gay and lesbian" bar but the Lord brought me there that night to be a light.  I asked Lord, when are you returning?  When are you going to redeem the saints?  When will justice be shown?  How soon Lord?  How soon?!!!!  The Lord showed me he comes to each of us in our own unique way specifically designed and tailored to us.  The group I was with then announced in the middle of these thoughts and worship that they were requesting the band play a song for me.  The song was up to the lead singer, his choice.  No sooner did I find myself on stage singing with this long haired Turkish rock star spouting Bob Dylan – "Knocking on heaven's door" God is good and always with us!  He hears the prayers of His children, always!  Gay and Lesbian or not the Lord showed me he's everywhere.  Into the darkness we must go to find the others who are to be chosen for His glory!

The American believers have such an opportunity!  We could do so much for the kingdom of God.  Yet we frequently tend to rely on our own will power, finances, and man's education.  These verses came to mind about America as I visited in person Sardis and Laodicea.

Sardis:
Rev. 3:3-4 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Laodicea:
Rev. 3:16-22 So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."


I can't help but feel all too strongly the conviction this brings to my heart regarding America and myself.  We in America tend to live in this bubble of ignorance regarding our spiritual fervor and true standing in God's eyes.  We are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked spiritually.  We are and it's a sad state of affairs.

This is what the Spirit says to America.  How are we to hear God, see God or experience God if we don't actually live the Bible?  Do we rely on God's provision or our own?  Have we gone and given all to the poor to follow Jesus as was asked of the rich man?  People we are the rich man in this story!  Luke 18:18-23

The word comes up again, NOTHING!  Do we count all we are and have as NOTHING for the glory of God Almighty?!  How are we to know God otherwise?  

On this trip another word came to the forefront, SUFFERING.  This is a word that's been foreign to me and my walk here in America.  Over and over the Bible makes mention of suffering for Jesus; suffering and persecution for the name of Jesus.  Have I suffered?  Have I been persecuted for the name of Jesus?  Not like what I read the apostles, prophets  and disciples going through.  Let's bring this conversation into the here and now.  To be a believer in Turkey the cost is tremendous.  In most cases your family will out right reject you, stop talking to you, see you as dead in their eyes, may even beat or attempt to kill you.  Suffering for Jesus – the Bible says this is something to rejoice over.  I am hard pressed to turn my thoughts away from the notion that suffering for the name of Jesus brings us closer into the arms and heart of God.  Guess what, I want to be closer to God and closer to understanding His abundant goodness.  How am I to experience God in this way without going through such hardships?  I won't be able to.  

One of the other team members on the trip made a comment to one of our interpreters; saying "God is good."  The interpreter took a moment and with thoughtful consideration replied in a way I'll never forget, "God is very good."  You had to be there to see it but the stark contrast to the depth of understanding of truly how "good" God really is was on two vastly different playing fields.  The first statement seemed empty and contrite in relation to the second (to no fault of my fellow American).  I couldn't help but feel the depth at which our interpreter has understanding for the goodness of God, is most likely in large part due to suffering physical persecution and emotional persecution from family members out right rejecting you that quite honestly, I've not yet fully tasted.  When we suffer, I would imagine a new richness of God's goodness and joy will fall upon our shoulders.  

Another word made mention of repeatedly in Revelation, "OVERCOME".   We need to overcome the world and live in God's perspective rather than man's perspective.  I pray, "God make me an "overcomer!"  Allow me to overcome my flesh, the world and the principalities of darkness.  There is such a battle going on, a WAR!  The enemy comes to devour like a roaring lion!  Yet, we're lolled to sleep with our sugar and TV entertainment.    

Matthew 11:12 - From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

It's time to build an ARMY against the principalities of darkness.  We must take back dominion of the earth from the evil spirits and strongholds on this planet, from the lies of little old Satan and his little pathetic followers whose time is quickly coming to an end.  

Genesis 1:28 - God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

We are to rule the earth not the weak loser Satan.  We have authority in Christ Jesus!  Bind and loose the power of the Lord!  Let's begin to use it!  Gird yourselves in the Word of God and let the games begin!  We are to live triumphantly!  Are we not?  Let's put on the armor and kick some spiritual tail!   Pull down the strongholds!  What's the alternative if we don't?  Heaven's going to be a very quite place if we don't begin spreading the glory of the Lamb that was slain, Jesus Christ!

These words are just a small portion to which was experienced on this 2 week trip.  I am extremely, extremely grateful for the opportunity of you sending me half way around the world as an ambassador for Jesus and for all of your prayers.   I know that it's only by the hand of God that we left a particular region unharmed.  

There is much to share and tell.  I'm still gathering my thoughts and letting the trip sink in a bit more.  My gratitude for you all is tremendous.  I look forward to hearing from and speaking to you all.

Know this, Jesus is returning soon!  Prepare your house and your horse!

Peace be with you!

1:36 AM - 4 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

1 week - many miracles from Jesus
Current mood: ecstatic

So let me tell you a little story about my week and why God is exactly who He says He is!  Jesus Rules and it's AWESOME to see Him perform miracles!  You're going to love this because it's impossible to make this stuff up.  For the week of April 26th – May 3rd God lit my world up!  

You can read the blog (on www.myspace.com/jolleytimes) about how God brought a screeching halt to my day on April 26th.  (You've got to read the blog before this first - well "recommended reading" - haha ... nobody ever does the "recommended reading" do they?)

On Friday night April 27th, I spent the evening drafting an email to my friends and family regarding a 2 week "trip" to share Jesus with people over in Asia Minor.  I probably sent the email in the 10 or 11 o'clock hour that night.  In less than a 48 hour period the Lord answered my requests for prayer partners and in regards to the remaining expenses for this trip to Asia Minor!  He provided over $1200 a little less than instantly (to my physical eyes), which was the remaining amount needed for GOING!  Praise Jesus!  I was extremely blessed to see his provision move at such a rapid rate through other brothers and sisters in Christ.  WOW!!!  Reverent submission to God is a vital part of seeing Him move in such ways.

The week continues to get even better!  How could that be, you might ask?  We're only allowed one good thing per week from Jesus, right?  No way!  God's grace is thick, immense, and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!  Back in February the Lord began to speak to me about selling my truck to pay off my remaining student loans.  He's been poking at me to do this over the past months because He wants me debt free.  At the end of last year and beginning of this year I began selling my investments in obedience to His promptings to pay my debts, as instructed in Romans (found in the New Testament).  After cashing in some investments and paying all debts of credit cards and my high interest rate student loans, one substantial loan remained.  The only way to get rid of it was to sell my truck.  

In February I would post some classifieds on Craig's List to sell my truck or place an advertisement on Christ Church of the Valleys classified section of their website.  In my eyes I wasn't too pro-active like I had been in the past in terms of placing ads in the auto trader and big car sales sites of that nature because I enjoy my truck I don't want to reeeeeeeaaaly get rid of it, do I?  The Lord continued prompting me with the idea of getting rid of it, to get my debts paid off, save money on gas, insurance, registration etc. etc.  In the very beginning of March I prayed in confession to the Lord over what I felt was a lack of effort in selling my truck, it went something like this on a Monday evening:

"Lord, I know you want me to sell the truck to pay off my debts.  I'm very busy and don't want to spend the time placing the ads everywhere or spending the money people tend to spend to sell trucks in the "Auto Trader" and other various websites.  Please just send somebody along who wants to buy my truck before my registration is due April 1st and I will be required to pay another $200."

Ha!  No joke, a guy named Sean called me the next day with interest in seeing the truck.  I didn't call him back until Thursday.  Thursday night he was able to take a look at it around 8pm in the rain under a street light.  On Friday afternoon he calls me with this "bug" to buy the F150 as quickly as possible.  I didn't know if I really wanted to sell and kind of wanted to put it off until Tuesday (for several reasons most because I was busy).  On Saturday I was in an orientation all day but was able to get away at lunch to sell the truck to Sean.  The price was a few thousand less (I'm an ultra-optimist) than I was hoping for but still a fair price for both parties in my estimation because it was in line with the Kelly Blue Book price.  

I want to take a moment right here to impress upon you the rapid rate in which the Lord orchestrated the sale of my truck.  After I prayed openly and honestly about the situation, He seemingly answered my request instantly.  This was a miracle of the Lord.  All credit to Jesus!  Thank you Lord!

At this point, I'm car less or so I thought, in early March.  The people I'm living with Stan and Kathy Anderson have two cars and always let me use their car without hesitation as long as there weren't any special circumstances, which never seemed to materialize.  Also, another couple Jon and April Kehrer were kind of enough to give me the keys to their "extra" car to use for about 10 days.  At this point I was more than comfortable and didn't have a pressing need to really look for a car, though I did.  All I wanted was a Toyota or Honda that would get good gas mileage because let's face it, in the desert you really don't need a huge vehicle because there's no surf or surfboards to contend with, bummer. 

I slowly began to feel a little guilty not being overly pro-active in looking for a car, setting up appointments and what not.  I took an evening to make some calls on cars that looked reasonable.  In the back of my head I'm wondering how much to spend on a car because it's going to take most of my money from the truck to pay off this last student loan.  I begin doing all kinds of calculations and started rationalizing, maybe God just wants me to buy a car and then pay what I'm able to off on the student loan?  "Yeah that must be it," I say in my head.  I came across a great deal for about 2000-$2500!  I spoke with the guy, drove out to his house and before I could get to his place somebody else purchased the vehicle.  On my way home, God's speaking with me in conversation saying, "Did I tell you to go buy a car?"  "Why are you looking for a car?"  Have you been in need up until this point?"  He didn't think my "guilt" was a good enough reason to be dis-obedient.  When I got home I felt the need to share with Stan and Kathy about the fact God didn't want me to go out and purchase a car on my own ability. I shared with them something along the lines that God would provide the car at the proper time.  Jesus simply pressed upon my heart that, "You will no the right car when you see it."  Since I was leaning on them for transportation I felt it necessary to get their permission so to speak. Praise the Lord they were perfectly okay with that!  I consider this a miracle too!

This is where the fun begins!  Hopefully you're all interested in this story up until this point.  Check out how much God ROCKS!  Hands up everybody this is the good part of the roller coaster!

Three days later, Saturday April 14th (I know the date because my accountant left 2 stern messages needing to get a hold of me for some information to complete my taxes, Vaughn's a great guy) , two other families and myself were taking a trip to an Indian Reservation (no phone reception hence the "messages" from the accountant) to share Jesus.  In preparation to going, Joel needed to get something out of his "other" car.  I didn't think too much about it at the time.  However, when we returned later that evening some how the topic of this car came up.  I probably asked a question or two about it.  Apparently, the 91 Camry was in a front end accident, they replaced just about everything under the hood and yet it didn't work.  Joel expressed that he believed the problem to be with the starter because everything else had been replaced.  I asked, "What are you going to do with it?"  I was thinking I could fix it and drive until the Lord provided me a car.  Ha!  Joel says something to the effect, "Nothing, we want to get rid of it."  I exclaimed, "I'll take it, if you really want to get rid of it?!"  Joel and Ryah (Joel's wife) offered me the key right on the spot!  Wow, I thought could this be what God was intending all along?  This is exciting!  

This car had everything I wanted (even AC working) other than the fact it didn't run or have a CD player (small potatoes … it's a free car!).  Well on April 30th I was finally able to get the car towed (for free! - miracle) over to the mechanics garage.  If Joel's hunch was right I was expecting to pay a minimum of $200 to get this thing running.  The next day at about 1pm the garage calls and leaves a message regarding the Camry.  I couldn't tell if they said, "… it isn't ready or is ready."  I called the shop and they said, "Your car's ready to go!  All the Toyota needed was an alternator fuse.  Your invoice is $59.45."  Ha!  No way!  A perfectly good running car for $59.45!  I had to share this with Joel and Ryah.  I wanted to make absolutely certain they wanted to give me this running car.  If they decided they wanted the vehicle I would have been just as happy because I was able to get the car running for them.  However, they didn't want it at all.  Joel said, "That car is dead to me."  Yes that's a direct quote and I love him for it!  I began thinking, could it be this easy?  Could Jesus really mean the words he speaks, when he says, "My burden is light and my yoke is easy or ask and you shall receive?"  Could Jesus really be this good?  Yes! Yes! Yes!  Amen and Praise Jesus!!!!

I was able to pick the car up on May 2nd.  As I drove it to work joy filled my heart because I realized I'm driving a miracle!  This car is a miracle from Jesus!  It may not look pretty on the outside to most people but that doesn't matter because every time I get in to drive it somewhere it will remind God is exactly who He says He is, our provider, protector, comforter, friend, Father, brother, lover of my soul, creator of heaven and earth, all of it and more!  He hears the prayers of His children and answers.  I've never loved a car like I've loved this one.  Not because it has a bunch of bells and whistles, is brand new, looks cool, but because it's a blatant in my face act of love from God to me!  It's a miracle from God and Him saying, "I do own it all.  Trust me in that and seek me FIRST."

The stories not over, yet, one more miracle to go!  Due to the fact I didn't spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars on getting a new car (g-ride ) I was able to cut the check to pay off the last student loan by weeks end, in full!  Boooooooooooyah!  

No debts outstanding to any institutions.   As Paul shares in Romans the only debts we're to carry are debts of love for one another.  

Jesus rules and has all authority in heaven and on earth!  The cool thing is he invites us into this authority to those who believe in His name and word, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  So today before you all I praise Jesus!  Everything begins and ends with Jesus!  All of life for he is the author!  

I share this with you for several reasons, to praise Jesus, to encourage you, to invoke a new spark (hopefully) for you to seek out who this Jesus I speak of really is, and to serve as a reminder for myself of the goodness, mercy and grace God has shown in me in my own life.  I'm truly grateful and thankful for Jesus.  This is just one week in my life.  I could write something like this everyday most definitely.  However, these events in the American mindset show Jesus in a more tangible richness that we are all (I would imagine) able to relate to and understand.  With this being said, I've discovered the TREMENDOUSLY GREATER riches in Jesus are the "intangibles."  These physical events that have taken place are simply a "by product" of the greater depths to be experienced on a relational level in Christ Jesus.  Seek out Jesus with sincere and honest questions, you will see him too.  Praise Jesus, day and night!  If you're new to the Bible and want to know where to start, the book of John (in the New Testament) is a great book to choose as a starting point.  Email me anytime with questions, comments or personal stories.  Thank you for reading my testimony of Jesus in my life this week. 

Peace be with you!

8:03 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

What do I really believe about God and His Word?
Current mood: indescribable

Today I encountered Jesus, myself and the Word of God.  My day started off like any other.  I don't know if it's possible to put into words the things that happened for me as I met myself and God on the topic of who He really claims to be and what's required of me as a believer, adopted son and servant to the Most High – Living God.  Over the course of my life the idea of being martyred for Jesus' name has come up, none more real than 4/26/07.  It's one thing to say, "I follow Jesus," without persecution in "candy land USA."  It's an entirely different ball game to say, "I follow Jesus," with the blade held to your flesh and some stranger asking you to make the same confession. 

Well guess what Joshua?  The Word of God is real and it's going to cost your life to follow me, your entire LIFE!  So do you believe? 

These are the questions being asked of me.  To be honest, I broke down in a mini weep in my cute little cubicle.   God broke me in yet another way, He's very good at this I might add. 

I was weeping for several reasons, which I won't go fully into, to sum it up many questions were racing through my brain.  Do I really believe what I say I believe?  I want to with all my heart.  I also don't want to kid myself.  I don't want to kid God.  Being really really honest with myself I don't know how I would hold up with the blade to my flesh, I truly do not and that SUCKS!  Of course I want to say, "Yes, I will remain loyal to Jesus my Lord and Savior!"  I also know I'm weak.  I also know I've been a coward more often than not.  Do I like these realizations?  NOOOOOO WAAAAAY!  I'd be a liar if I said they weren't true though.  My "work" day came to a screeching halt. 

I went for prayer with some other believers and shared the things weighing on my heart, yes more weeping broke out.  I'm beginning at this point to realize I cry A LOT!  So be it.  After all of this had taken place, the only thing I could describe it as is, "I was undone before the Lord."  He got it all or so I thought.

Below is a conversation God had with me later in the evening during TOAG internship – Training Ordinary Apprentices to Go!  At this point I was distraught and unsettled.  We had a 20 minute break to listen to God speak, here's the conversation as I walked it out:

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Joshua, I'm not joking with the Words that are contained in the Bible.  The Bible is My Word, said God.  It's real and it's powerful!  You're going to be required to REALLY believe in the Words from cover-to-cover.  You're going to need to move past man's view and step into my view 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  I'm taking you to a new place in Me, a place of utter DESPERATION for Jesus and him alone because an ounce of anything else will not do. 

Sooo, Do you want to be brought into the bosom of Jesus?!  Do you want to know God?!  Do you want His presence? Yes?????!

You're going to have to shed tears!!!  Tears!!!  Lots and lots of tears!!  As a snake sheds/molts and grows bigger, tears are how your spirit molts/sheds.  Each tear makes your spirit widen for a greater capacity to hold the Spirit of God.

Do you have fear?  Do you have a hard heart?

There is NO WAY you will ever be effective for God's kingdom with either of those characteristics!!  God wants "Jell-O Gigglers" for hearts.

Do you want, REVIVAL????!!!!

Draw near to God.  ALL people are people!  You all have the same fear, the same insecurities, the same everything!!

By being able to have a heart like Father's is how everybody will see God in you.  That's what starts REVIVAL!  That's what draws people into you!!  He's above culture; He's the Master of cross-culture communication because LOVE is never going to be beaten!  This is a fact.

Why do you care about your life?  Isn't it My life?  Didn't I give it to you? 

Trust Me!  Trust My Word!

Why do you want to hold onto a life so badly that you know is going to end anyway?

Don't possess anything, He said.  Don't hold onto even yourself.  Have no possession except for that of the Lord.  Hold onto My Word and My precepts alone!  Clutch that treasure – the treasure of JESUS!

By the way, He said, "it's not possible for you to lose it until I say you're to lose it and when you think you're losing it, you're really gaining it!!!"  Ha! Praise Jesus!!

You were destined for HELL a child of Wrath and now Jesus has turned it all upside down so that you might have eternal life!!!!  He's worthy of your praise regardless of heaven or hell!!  And, you're so concerned about being Martyred for His name????

Praise Jesus that you would earn such a death!!!  Such a glorious way to die for the King of Heaven and Earth!! Almighty God, who owns your soul today and evermore anyway!!!

How would you pray if your life were at risk?  If you were under real persecution?

You would pray with passion, zeal, fervor and reverence!!!  You would pray like you mean it!  You would pray as if you were undone before the Lord!  Why don't you do that regardless of persecution?!

Sooooooo, you say you want a church movement? 

After the 20 minutes I came back to write down this dialogue above.  We typically share what the Lord has spoken to us in a group setting once we all return.  I didn't know where I was from an emotional standpoint with this fresh conversation percolating and the day's events leading up to this moment.  I began reading the words and of course, "here we go again."  More tears spilled from the ducts.  This day opened up for me what it truly means to believe God Almighty and His Word.  He's doing me the honor of introducing me to Himself in a whole new way.  NOTHING MATTERS!  Let me say it again, "NOTHING MATTERS!" but the love of Jesus and where I stand in relation to that. 

Where do you stand today?  If you don't know, I suggest you figure it out yesterday!  Guess what, Jesus is coming back soon and with FIRE in his eyes!  Everything going on in the world today has been foretold in the Bible thousands of years ago.  Don't give me your "interpretations" or "written by man" excuses.  I've seen God, His Word is true!  Ask Jesus himself to reveal his truth to you, if you have the guts.  Don't live in your ignorance any longer, that excuse doesn't hold water with God Almighty.  Open the Bible yourself and discover a LIVING GOD a relational GOD.  A GOD you can know intimately!

6:57 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Kingdom of Heaven
Current mood: determined

Description of the Kingdom of Heaven and how to get in or be left out ...

The kingdom of heaven is near.  The kingdom of heaven is not a place you can taste, touch, or see in the physical realm.  The kingdom is growing forcefully and rapidly, with little beginnings the end will be mighty and powerful.  There are rules and regulations to the kingdom of heaven, repent, do the will of the Father, freely give and freely receive, preach "the kingdom of heaven is near",  drive out demons and heal the sick.  It is to be sought after like pirate treasure but ever so more valuable.  It is something that costs the individual everything, the price of admission is the same to all and yet is to be discovered before it can be purchased.  The only way to receive the kingdom is to become as a little child because otherwise you will miss it.  The riches in the kingdom are new and old; you receive the answers to the mysteries and secrets.  Upon receipt of your keys you will be given power in heaven and earth to bind and loose.  If you're not prepared, ready and waiting you will be left out.  It's something to be missed.  It's something to be found!

11:29 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

HOW TO PROMOTE A REVIVAL
Current mood: drained

A friend of mine forwarded me this piece.  I did not write any of it.  I place this on myspace to hear of what your thoughts on the matter might be?  By the way it doesn't matter what you believe everybody has an opinion and I ask for yours as well.
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JJ -
In the course of the last week, in hearing you talk, I have thought on several occasions of Charles Finney's "How to Promote a Revival."  I read his book, Revivals of Religion , when I was in college, but found myself drawn to that book because of this chapter on promoting revival. 

You've talked about revival, and how one gets it started, and the desire to see one.  I am with you.  I know there are those who say the work of revival can only be initiated and accomplished by God, and I understand the spirit of their response.  However, if Finney is right, revival can come through us: it is our responsibility.  In us breaking up our dry and stale ground and taking active steps towards God in repentance, I believe we can watch with certainty as God starts a revival.  Indeed, if we do these things, the revival has already begun.

HOW TO PROMOTE A REVIVAL