Refuge of His Wings

The Power of the Gospel

2010-08-23T14:41:00.002-04:00

Thabiti Anyabwile says, "In my experience, Christians know the gospel. They simply lack confidence in its power." Upon my first glance at this quote I was immediately taken aback by its lack of truth for me personally. I immediately became defensive and began justifying my own personal trust in the Gospel. I know that "it is the power of God to save lives first for the Jew then for the Gentile." I know that "consequently faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard from the word of God." I know that I am commanded to "go out preaching the word in season and out of season." And I am aware that God has "chosen the measure of the cross to be foolishness to those who are perishing." However, upon the Holy Spirit's conviction, and personal evaluation I realize that although I know with my head the power of the Gospel, in my Spirit I lack trust in its effectiveness. Why? Why does this quote by a former muslim converted Christian pastor ring so true in my heart? How can I, being raised in an invitation driven Baptist church, lack faith in the Gospel of Christ? How can we, a generation flooded by podcasts, books, and teachings lack trust in the Gospel? Well, through contemplation, soul searching, and meditation I believe the answer lies within IDOLATRY!

Bill Johnson once said, "How is it that we place our trust in a book the disciples did not have, rather than a Spirit that they did?" This statement by an apostolic pastor is very confrontational to me personally, because I believe that the Bible is the authoritative word of God. Given by His Grace to guide and lead His people into all truth. I believe that these 66 books of love are living and active, and that their truth consistently points its readers to Jesus Christ, but the point of this quote I agree with. In our American Culture of Christianity we place our faith and trust in so many man made structures. Before I continue, I would like to offer a disclaimer by stating that there is balance to every structure in which I am referring to, and that there are pros and cons to each; however, if our trust is placed in these than we are in sin.

Follow me in this... To become a pastor (a vocational calling of Christ to shepherd His people in the love of Himself) we are told to go to seminary. To attend a man made structure to learn how to love? To sit through a lecture to learn how to teach? To read a book to facilitate wisdom? Or to learn God's word through quiet time we are encouraged to subscribe to the latest mega pastor, or search commentaries for insight. But to my understanding the disciples, and fore fathers of our religion did not use such "gifts". They spent countless hours dwelling and abiding in the Spirit of God, and they were so saturated with His nearness that they were held up from going into certain cities as Paul was. Or led to prayer meetings in Phillipi. They were always in tune with Yahweh, and listening to His voice. Sounds a lot like Jesus huh?

Now books, podcasts, seminary, and commentaries are not inherent bad. Contrary I believe that Christ has gifted us with these tools to grow closer into spiritual maturity. But I do believe that instead of using these tools to supplement the Holy Spirit, that we have replaced Him completely. When is the last time we let the teacher teach? Or wisdom make Himself known, because wisdom is a person? Or let the Guide lead us into the Heart of God? I think this is why Paul scolded the Corinthians about moving from Milk to Meat. We sit back waiting for someone to teach us, and lead us, when the Holy Spirit is patiently waiting as He consistently gets placed in the mysterious file of the Trinity. But where does the Gospel fit into all this?

Similarly as we place our trust in podcasts or books or seminary to teach, we place our trust in methodologies, techniques, and formulas in the context of the Gospel. As kids we learn how to use tracts to explain the story of redemption. We learn ice breakers such as, "If you were to die today would you know where you are going?" Or more blatant, "Have you ever trusted God as your personal Lord and Savior?" And again these techniques are not inherently wrong and in His sovereignty God can use our willingness no matter how it looks; however, I believe that we think we need to sit through a certain class to learn to share our faith. You may disagree with me. You may think that you personally do have trust in the Gospel, than answer me this. What feeling arises in your Spirit when an opportunity to share your faith arises? Maybe your hands get all clammy, you began rolling through the Romans road or John 3:16, you may become anxious, worrisome, or stressed, or maybe you get sick to your stomach as fear of man and fear of rejection grip your innermost being. Although, accompanying these emotions may be excitement and joy. But dive deeper. Think to the initial feelings and thoughts that arise when you think about sharing your faith? For most of us questions arise such as, "How do I bring it up? Where do I start? What if they know more Bible than me? What if they argue apologetically? What if they don't listen? What will they think about me? Will they still like me?" These questions and more are a transparent portrait of a man or woman of God who lacks trust in the Gospel of Christ.

If these thoughts and feelings flood our hearts than we are relying upon our own strength, gifts, communicative tactics, and presentation methodologies. The Gospel is the POWER OF GOD to save lives, not the power of man. It is not my presentation technique that saves souls, it is simply the message I present. It is not how I bring it up, it is that I just simply bring it up! Now we are called to be good stewards, and especially good servants of the Good News, and that requires we know the information we present, but we must realize that we are not in control. We must be led by the Spirit, because it is the Spirit that draws hearts toward God. We must be saturated with His presence, and attuned to His voice to adequately lead others. What if Peter would have relied on himself, and his techniques on the day of Pentecost. What if his anxiety would have held him from declaring Christ?

We live in a generation that is frantically searching for someone to share the truth, and Christians are stuttering! Believers begin waking up every morning praying for open doors to speak His name, and for the boldness to walk through them. And when, again when, the opportunities arise place your Trust in God, and His weapon of the Gospel and don't succumb to the pressure of relying upon yourself. There are 2.86 billion people who have not heard of Jesus. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

¹⁴How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?¹⁵And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

My dear brothers and Sisters, wash Your feet and open your mouth and allow the Holy Spirit to

use you in His master plan!

Identity in the Cross

2010-08-12T10:02:00.002-04:00

It seems as if throughout life we are all on a constant and thorough search for identity. I mean lets face it, our culture is macro-marketing extreme and from the time of our birth we are being spoon fed worldly identification. In Middle and High Schools adolescence removes us from our childlike innocence, and humility and fades the fog that protects our vision. We no longer see individuals, instead we become human label makers, and find validity and value in cliques. We begin molding our personality, and identity to fit our friends, parents, and social clubs. And then college comes, and we live the first few semesters lost and lonely because the things we use to identify ourselves with has been ripped away, now we have no clue on how to build a foundation. At least this is the story of my life!

My father was an All-State athlete growing up in the 1970's, and as a matter of fact he was the only "Bremen Blue Devil quarterback to lead his team to the semi finals." Needless to say, being my fathers son in the same town of his personal glory was tough. Let's just say I had big shoes to fill, and my dad was passionate on bringing the hopes to fruition. From the time I could speak ball (which was my first word), my dad was teaching me footwork, and how to throw. Everyday after school I would hit bucket after bucket of baseballs, or work three-step drops from a quarterback position, or shoot 100 shots from 5 different areas on the basketball court. My life was sports, and I knew nothing else; therefore, I enjoyed and loved every moment. High School came around and of course my affiliation was with the jocks as I played 5 varsity sports in an attempt to match my genetic line. I spent every morning, afternoon, and night hanging and partying with other athletes. And if you were not a part of this clique, I would verbally make it known to the whole world. And solely due to sports I was envied by my peers. Because sports created leadership, confidence, girlfriends, favor, and attention. Although, High school came to an end, and no college wishes to sign 5 foot 7 inch 160 pound athletes, so the offers received were hardly offers at all, so UGA was the collegiate destination. And at this point every activity I had placed my identity in was ripped away.

Shortly before I left for the University of Georgia the Father of my Heart once again stepped down from heaven and wrapped his comforting arms around another prodigal. An 18 year old hardened by sin, and wounds was found and brought into the family of God. And what better timing than this! I could leave behind my past failures and transgressions in Bremen, and start with a clean slate in Athens. However, 18 years of living for sports, women, and parties isn't easily erased. Because of the blood of Christ I no longer saw women as objects of sexual desire, drinking wasn't attractive any longer, and instead of being an athlete I was washing the jocks of the athletes as a UGA quarterbacks equipment manager. I felt like an infant again. I needed someone to teach me to crawl. I didn't know how to make friends, or be cool. So a majority of my first semester I spent by myself devouring the word of God. Searching for identity and validity outside of God's word may bring temporary pleasure; however, I by personal testimony realize how exhausting it is. See the problem with a self-image is that you have to maintain it. Meaning this... If I portray myself as an athlete, ladies man, and party man; I must consistently adapt my thoughts, speech, and actions to fit my exemplified identity. But Christ offers an easier identity. The Cross. Easier, yet harder. Paradox I know but let me explain. Accepting the cross= "you will be hated by all for My name's sake... I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves... It is not enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher..." Everything that Jesus encountered is the life long road of Christians. Mockery, persecutions, tribulations, the object of reproach. Attractive isn't it. Being a Christian is the hardest thing I have ever done. My friends, and family have left me and isolated me into this "freak" identity. Yet, identifying myself with the cross of Christ is also the easiest thing I have ever done. Because once you get a taste of the saving grace, love, joy, peace, and purpose of the Cross there is not other life worth living. Once you see the colors of the cross, the world just kind of looks gray and numb.

However, Identity is a tricky subject, and our battle with it doesn't merely die once we accept Christ. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). "The inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16). "we all are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor 3:18). Becoming like Christ is a day in and day out struggle. It is a consistent uphill climb. Not a one and done deal, but a process that is done by the Spirit of God in your life. It's called sanctification and transformation, and something we must all submit to. Again, Identity is a tricky subject, because it can actually take form as good things.

After I became a Christian people were aware of my passion and zeal so they invested in me and began placing me in positions of growth, and pouring out ministry. I immediately began leading Bible studies, discipling others, and speaking at youth events. And I believe I was in positions of ministry that my character was not ready for. So, my thought processes worked like this. "Wow, people think I know the Bible, and can offer wisdom, and speak with fervor, and lead others. I must be an anointed (arrogant) minister. So no longer did I need women, parties, or sports, because I had found ministry." My identity got completely wrapped up in pouring out to others. And even though from the fruit standpoint this isn't inherently bad, but it leads to absolute burnout because my trust and confidence was in myself not rooted and grounded in the love of my savior. Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Now I was the master of this verse, but what I didn't realize is that this verse implies considering your own interests also. But that was impossible for me to do. I had built this self-image of a minister, and wise guide and people began to feed off of this false identity. I would literally walk into a room, and people would expect me to pursue conversation, and listen to their issues without reciprocation. Once I walked into a room, hugged a couple of people, and one guy called me out for not coming across the room to hug him. I couldn't live under the expectations of the people around me. I couldn't be their Jesus anymore. I was burnt out! Done! Finished! Ready to run. Literally I turned my phone off for 7 days because I was tired of talking to people. But it's not their fault, I set myself up for it. I portrayed this "Ultimate-Minister" Identity and that's how people knew me. The problem with self image is you have to maintain it. And I was exhausted.

But praise be to God the Father who has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Through this season of false identity in ministry rather than sports this time I realized that the only Identity worth living is in the Cross. And by His Grace, the Spirit began revealing to me who I was created to be, and who I am. And once I found out who I am, it's easier to be who I was created to be. It's easy to say no to things, knowing what is good for me.

A little tangent, but I must share anyway. My whole life I thought I was a freak. My parents thought I had mood swings, and my friends would call me schizo. Because I would love being around people and being in relationship then something would snap in me and I would slip away and find a hiding place. So I have always thought that I was weird and that something was wrong with me, but praise be the Grace of God for revealing the truth. During this season of burn out I took a strength finders test and this is what it found. I am a introvert by preference, and extrovert by circumstance. Meaning this... If given the choice I would be reading a book, or writing in a journal with a cup of joe. But if the situation needs me to set an emotional tempo and atmosphere I can with ease. If I need to be on stage in front of hundreds, or at a dance party where no one is dancing I can lead this situation. That is the way God created me to be, and now that I am confident in my identity as an individual, and a Christian I have the freedom to be me.

But the reason I am writing about Identity is because today thousands of College freshmen are moving into dorms across the states. Thousands of believers and non believers alike searching for ownership into a life of purpose only found in the radical love of a Father. Join me as we pray for these young men and women who are hungry for a new life, a new clique, a clique called the cross. An identity that destines you to die to live, be poor to experience richness, to lose to find, and to get low to be exalted; yet, an identity that destines you to the sweetness of reconciliation to God through the saving love of Christ the Son. And brothers and sisters if you are already on a college campus and have experience the power of identity rooted and grounded in Christ's love than be a blinking arrow that leads the new freshmen to the heart of Jesus.

Peter's Restoration

2010-04-29T12:02:00.003-04:00

Malachi 3:3 states, "He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness." Our father who seeks to perfect His saints in holiness, knows the value of the refiners fire. And personally it seems as if the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize that life is built in the fire. Every time I get 'burned' or 'purged' I step out believing, "lesson learned". However, this life consists of layers, and Jesus is committed to perfection. Therefore the degrees of this fire must continually increase so that I will be a perfect portrayal of His nature.

I find it funny how often I pray prayers out of self righteousness. Meaning this, I pray things such as "O, God humble me, or Father search me and know my heart, try me and know my anxieties." But presently this is the best one, "God show me where I am in sin, and give me the strength to own up to it." I prayed these prayers just to sound spiritual ha ha ha. To give an air of religiosity and to boost my pride. But God consistently reminds me that He honors every prayer I pray. A good friend once told me that. Even before I was a Christian God has heard, and honored every request, cry, and prayer I have sent to his ear. He is so faithful. Almost to faithful lol. Faithful enough to honor my prayers, even though they were prayed in unbelief.

But I have prayed this prayer, and God has delivered. And immediately the weight of my sin has sent me into a real question of identity. See the enemy once to apply condemnation and rip away our inheritance. Instead of me making a mistake, the enemy says I am a mistake. Instead of failing, the enemy says I am a failure. Instead of performing sin, the enemy states that I am a sinner. And this is absolutely false, but the weight of the shame and condemnation sure does do a good job of juxtaposing feelings and reality. Yet intertwined with this condemnation is true Godly sorrow. I believe for the first time I have experienced the true weight of my transgressions. I have looked at those I've offended in the eyes and heard the defilement of my sin. And every offense stated felt like a heavy blow to the back of my legs. I physically felt my spine run away, and my support was ripped away from me. Pride. Pride was destroyed. Andrew McClure left the room of my confrontation with sin, crawling, feeling lower than any person portrays. But is not humility the root of humiliation? Andrew Murray says, "Water runs to the lowest places, and so does God's presence." And to illustrate this point I would like to dissect a present reality of scripture found in the gospel of John chapter 21. And keep in mind this is after Peter denied Christ 3 times.

In this chapter, Jesus returns to the disciples, after He gave them the Holy Spirit mind you, only to find them back fishing. Now fishing in the Biblical era wasn't a hobby, but a full time job. So the disciples turned their back on the gospel, and returned to making money casting nets. John realizes Jesus is on the bank, and our zealous Peter dives in to make his way toward his Maker. After the other disciples catch up, Jesus begins His personal confrontation with Peter. First, it is interesting to see that Jesus chose to have this conversation around all of the disciples. Peter needed to see how his sin affected people other than himself. The truth is we are corporate individuals. God created us for relationship with Him and with others, and our transgressions have affects on others. Secondly, I want to note that Jesus referred to Peter as Simon. As if to say, "Peter due to your sin of denying me you have forfeited your identity as Peter, and chosen to return to Simon." I can only imagine the weight of reality that Peter felt as Jesus spoke this. Thirdly, through the scriptures it is apparent that Jesus called Peter out three separate times. Peter denied Jesus three times, therefore he had to own up to it three times. Then the scripture reads that Peter was grieved. How interesting! Through the gentle confrontation of Jesus Peter finally realized the consequences of his transgressions, and experienced Godly sorrow. But to conclude the point Jesus doesn't just beat us down. He doesn't just expose our sin, and leave us broken. He looked at Peter and said, "Come follow me." Jesus took Peter on a date. Just the two of them, well except for Jealous John running to catch up. Jesus will always restore us. He is not a parent that disciplines through punishment, but one for correction. And He does not leave us to think about what we have done, He takes us on a date.

The truth of the matter is this. Rarely do I find myself truly realizing the weight of my sin. Someone may share how I've hurt them, and due to legalism I may beg them to forgive me. But how often do we take time, meditate, and process the defilement we have caused? How often do we sit back and say, "I wonder how lonely, degraded, belittled, unvalued, unworthy, etc. I made that person feel." Now this isn't necessary for forgiveness, but it is a reward. Because we will not stop sinning, until we receive the gift of hating sin. To put to death sin, we must hate it first. And owning up to the wounds we have caused through sin is a key step to this process. But remember, Jesus esteems a contrite man. (Is 66) And He is faithful to restore. I mean He did use Peter to place His church upon. What an honor! But will we be willing to own up to our mistakes, in order to walk in righteousness?

Spirit of Desperation

2010-03-29T20:05:00.002-04:00

I know that it has literally been forever since I posted last, but for some reason I believe it is the Lord. I have also had a very tough time journaling as well; however, it seems as if that season is over so I am ready to pour out my heart again. The theme "Refuge of His Wings" seems to be more real to me now than ever. "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:4) My entire life I have exhausted myself fighting for others. I am a fighter. That is who I am created to be, but just like most character traits the enemy attempts to pervert them, and this has been the story of my warrior spirit. Because in the midst of all my battles for others, I have slipped into this lie that I am not worth fighting for. It seems as if people are incapable or unwilling to return the favor of war on behalf of my soul. But, this is a lie! A lie! God will fight for me because I am worth fighting for! His truth is my shield and my buckler. Yet, it seems as if this only reigns true if I choose to abide there. I am becoming more and more aware that there is a daily battle within my Spirit every morning I wake up. See the truth of the matter is I wake up and will believe truth or lies, I will listen to the Father of Lights or the Father of Lies. And my choice will dictate my relationships of the day.
So, I have stumbled across desperation! It is being revealed time after time that I am in desperate need of Dad's love. I have to have mercies anew every morning! I have to daily believe that goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life! Because when I wake up believing lies I am more prone to relying upon my own strength, power, and love throughout the course of the day. If I truth of Father's love is not resonating in my Spirit from the moment I open my eyes I will overcompensate with my own love. I will relate to others based on the wellspring of self, rather than the unceasing relentless love of Jesus.
I am starting to realize that I can not live one minute without the presence of God. And within this revelation comes the attributes of humility, patience, and tarrying. It is said that the apostles of old would "tarry" or wait upon the presence of God for hours on their knees in silence. Martin Luther said, "I have so much to do today that I have to spend the first three hours in prayer!" So, I am nothing, and when I act according to my will, power, love, etc. I only hurt people. I give them leftovers of my lack of daily intimacy with my Dad. I have to have Jesus, every day, hour, minute, and second. This life is to valuable to live it through the lens of lies; and once realized this truth is impacting my prayer life, relationships, and I am beginning to see others as God does!
Over and over again the Word teaches about the hungry and thirsty! "Come all who hunger and thirst... (Isaiah 55). "Blessed are those who thirst..." (Matt 5). "For I will pour water on him who is thirsty... (Isaiah 44). See the truth of the matter is this; God always satisfies the needs of those who are desperate for Him. There are too many people around us who need God's love, not Andrew's! I have to have Him! And when I approach the day with this heart attitude my life will change along with the lives of others! Oh, Holy Spirit I'm desperate to hear your voice! I have to! I have to know what you think about me, because these lies are loud and proud and they attack my soul, feelings, heart, and Spirit! I will wait! I have to! I can not breathe without you! "Because you have made the Lord your refuge, who is my refuge, Even the Most HIgh, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you." (psalm 91). Oh God you are my refuge, I must live there! I'm ready to live the rest of my life leaned against the bosom of Jesus as the apostle John, and "Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation!" (psalm 62) Father what would this world look like if Your people stopped living life in our own power, and solely relied on Yours? If we lived with a Spirit of Desperation! Desperate for your Love! Grant us grace to daily make our Refuge in Your Wings! Amen.

Watchmen on the Walls

2009-11-18T16:00:00.003-05:00

So about a week ago, I feel as if my eyes are really opening to a present reality here in Athens. That reality being the prevalence of the demonic and worship of Satan in this city. I believe the occult for most students here probably began with a simple curiosity. Where there curiosity led them to Ouija boards, or witchcraft. Innocent ideas where the consequences are deemed unreal, or unbelievable. However, the demonic is real, and these acts are an abomination to the Lord. However, this is not why I am writing this blog. Upon our submission and acceptance of Christ Jesus, and through reception of the Holy Spirit we are promised power through Christ Jesus. Power to do even greater works than Christ!!! Wake Up! Christ said, "... it's better for me to go..." We are given a weapon and that is called power in Christ Jesus. Through His name we have the authority to blaze trails with our present. Our shadows can cast change in the atmosphere. He has given us the authority to claim ground, and strike the arrow just like Joash in 2 Kings 13! We can claim victory over our present field, and that happens to be UGA and Athens GA.

Well I have been burdened for this area ever since I got here 3 years ago, and I believe we have seen fruit, but that of the labor of generations before us. And God is moving very tangibly in our midst today; however I am not satisfied. Sunday I was praying for this campus, and I got the word Watchman. This unleashed me into a study of the word, and it's role in the OT. And here is a quick example of a watchman in Nehemiah.

It is important to note an observation from Nehemiah. The wall was large and the people were dispersed far and wide. A watch was established all along the wall. When an enemy was spotted, the report had to be made to Nehemiah who kept the trumpeter next to him

(Nehemiah 4:18). Then the trumpeter sounded the alarm. The report would probably come from a watchman but it could also come from one of the workers on the wall. When the trumpeter sounded the alarm, the rest of the people were to gather there to fight.

Nehemiah was like a communication center. He would have to receive reports from all around the city walls and make judgments about where to employ his forces. It was his job to interpret the reports and make decisions. The watchmen or the workers on the north side of the city would have a different view from those on the south side of the city and so it is today with watchmen and intercessors in the body of Christ.

It is possible for two or more watchmen or intercessors, because of their assigned positions, to see the same thing yet from a different perspective. If one is posted on the northwest corner of a city and one is posted on the southwest corner of a city and an army approaches from the west. The watchman on the southwest side will see the same army as the watchman at the northwest post but he will probably see some things that the watchman in the north cannot see and vice versa. However, as the report is sent by each of the watchman, the captain of the guard or the leadership will be able to develop an overall picture as to what is going on. Then decisions can be made and strategies implemented.

A Watchman is stationed high above the battle field, and is always alert, and peering in the distance for the latest news. Not only news about an enemy attack, but also where the victory is being one. Before we can make a battle plan here in Athens, God has to raise watchmen on it's walls. Day and Night intercessors who are willing to receive no glory, but with their alarms will shake the kingdom of hell. Now I would like to share with you Isaiah 62. But instead of using the word Jerusalem or Zion I will place UGA or Athens.

"Because I love Athens I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for UGA, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the Lord's own mouth. The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see a splendid crown in the hand of God. Never again will you be called "The Forsaken City" or "The desolate Land". Your new name will be "The City of God's Delight" and "The Bride of God." For the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride. Your children will commit themselves to you, O Athens, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. O UGA, I have posted watchman on your walls; they will pray day and night continually. Take no rest all you who pray to the Lord. Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work, until he makes Athens the pride of the earth."

Isaiah 21:6-8 says, "Meanwhile the Lord said to me, 'put a watchman on the city wall. Let him shout out what he sees. He should look for chariots drawn by pairs of horses, and for riders on donkeys and camels. Let the watchman be fully alert. Then the watchman called out, 'day after day I have stood on the watchtower my lord. Night after night I have remained at my post!"

It is time for watchman at UGA to come forth! I have been watching the new outpouring out at IHOP Kansas City, and my heart has ached as I have asked the Lord, "Why not here Lord, Why not in Athens?" Well the answer was spoken by a good friend of mine. He said, "The Lord always satisfies the hungry and the thirsty. There is a desperation for Jesus in Kansas City, and God is matching the need. We have to have an increase of hunger and thirst for righteousness, and the presence of Christ here in Athens."

WE MUST INCREASE OUR DESPERATION FOR CHRIST!!!!

Then Revival in the name of Christ will sweep our city! But as of now, we need watchman to plead with God as Isaiah did! Give the lord no rest warriors!!!

Humans Vs. Zombies

2009-11-11T10:41:00.005-05:00

As I walk the halls of University of Georgia buildings, and as I rome from campus to campus I can't help but to be intrigued by students with different colored bandanas chasing each other with exuberance and intensity. The game is known as Humans vs. Zombies, and it's renown is sweeping through college campuses by storm. The rules of the game are as follows. One designated student on campus begins as a zombie, recognized by a bandana worn on the head or around the neck. While other participators are humans wearing a bandana around the arm. Well the idea is for the zombie to tag, or infect, the humans. However, humans can defend themselves by shooting the zombies with nerf guns or hitting them with socks. This game has had press coverage with huge audiences, and even it's own website. And the website states that the game has even traveled internationally.

Here is an excerpt taken from the Human vs. Zombie website.

"Humans vs. Zombies (HvZ) is a game of moderated tag commonly played on college campuses. A group of human players attempts to survive a “zombie outbreak” by outsmarting a growing group of zombie players. HvZ Source is a company started by the friends who invented the game. Our mission is to spread the game as far and wide as we can by offering awesome services and free game hosting."

"Humans vs. Zombies was invented in 2005 by Brad Sappington and Chris Weed at Goucher College. The game spread virally across the internet as hundreds of Goucher students posted Flickr photos and YouTube Videos, and told their friends from home about the game. Today, HvZ is played at over 200 colleges and universities across the country, as well as high schools, military bases, summer camps, and public libraries."

However, the reason for this post is not just to inform and learn about this game it is to draw upon a prophetic symbol I believe that the Lord has given me. Students on this campus are literally the walking dead, and just like the zombies in this game they enjoy their lifestyle of hopelessness. They walk in groups, and just like Romans 1:31 says, "They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too." Also, the humans are walking around with such awareness. They are always on their guard, with excellent attentiveness. Always searching, looking, and hunting for zombies to cure. And just like the website stated, "our mission is to spread the game as far and as wide as we can..." Sounds very familiar. Maybe it reflects Matthew 28:16-20!

But Christians, are we on our guard, with attentiveness, always searching, looking, and hunting to love the walking dead. Why is there more exuberance and intensity about this game than the love of Christ. Christians we have something eternal to be excited about, so why are we not toiling, and striving harder and loving more affectionately and tenaciously to win the dark to the light? UGA is the walking dead, but we have greater power, than the power of the world. Let us bind together and leverage our love for the glory of the Kingdom, and let our contagious disease known as divine love sweep faster and stronger across this campus!!!

The Power to Curse and the Power to Bless

2009-10-20T11:46:00.003-04:00

James 3:8-10, "but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." Proverbs 18:7, "A fools mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul." Or vs 21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who live it will eat its fruits." The Bible is very clear in regards to the power of our words. James goes on to say that if we can tame our tongue than we can tame the rest of our body. Implying that our tongue is the hardest part of the body to control. Not the mind, or sexual desires, or body, but our words.

Jesus also states in Matthew 12:36-37, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Wow! I wonder how much death I have spoken over others without out even realizing it. The teller at the bank, the barista at the coffee shop, the worker in the drive thru, and all other "random" encounters throughout my day. Rather we want to accept it or not our words either breathe life or death, blessings or curses. And to think that we will be judged accordingly.

However, just like all other areas with Jesus there is hope. Through repentance, Jesus forgives our sins as far as the east is from the west, and we can start today to consciously choose to bless instead of curse. What will you choose? So I will begin by saying, "Readers, be blessed today!"

Testimony of Relentless Pursuit

2009-10-13T13:42:00.003-04:00

Romans 8:35-39, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will EVER be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus in our Lord."

Relentless, tenacious, fierce, and passionate is the love of Jesus Christ for all! But this testimony comes straight from Isaiah 40:11, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." As I sit I visually imagine my living God lifting me, a little lamb, into the warmth of his arms and my head rests upon his chest. And as he walks me back to the flock, I can hear the rhythm of his heart, and how it affects the inner depths of my spirit!

There is a rule in the spirit that goes like this. God will not ask us to do anything that He himself is not willing to do. Such as, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind." The only possible explanation for depraved sinners to Love God this way, is if the transcendent God loves us this way. Wow! No matter how far his flock wanders He is constantly pursuing, and this is a story of one of his lambs.

About a week ago, I was praying walking to class and this was the prayer, "God I know that you are constantly bringing the lost, and astray back to your heart, so if you want to include me in that process I'll obey." Simple! Precise! And literally 15 minutes later I open my facebook account and I get a message that reads, "Hey man I am ready to get my life back together and I need help, is there a good church around Athens?" You have got to be kidding! And the funny thing is I had no idea who this guy was. Well I got his number off facebook and gave him a call, and come to find out I had met his ex-girlfriend at SuperWow this summer, and she told him to call me! Wow! 3 -4 months after the camp God brings fruit! Never Give up! The work we did years ago, or today, or tomorrow will not go unnoticed!

But we end up getting together last thursday for dinner, and I am caught up on his life. He gave his life to Christ a few years back, but for the past couple of years he has completely abandoned The Way! Now God is calling his son home! Luke 15! Is it not beautiful that we serve a God who does not bar and padlock the door when we leave his house and steal his inheritance? Instead he jumps off the porch, sprints toward us, throws a cloak around our naked selves, places a ring around our finger, and prepares a feast with daddy! This guy has experienced the relentless pursuit of our King, and now he says, "I can't stop getting in the word, I stay up til 4 and 5 am just to read about Jesus!" It reminds me of the parable of the treasure in the field! God loves him, and I have a feeling this is only the beginning of this guy's regenerated life!

Jehovah Nissi

2009-10-12T18:59:00.001-04:00

October 12th, 2009

Jack Frost says, "That throughout church history revival has always come in waves." As a surfer sets of waves will be present for 3 to 5 minutes, but another set will not come for another 10-12. The same is in occurrence with God's sovereign Spirit of revival. And it seems as if He is preparing me, and more importantly allowing me to be apart of a coming wave. In Athens we have seen God build in army, especially in the past three years. He has sent his salvation, power, and now he is sending healing. It seems as if the new move of God this year is one of complete inner healing. A dear friend once told me that before God intends to use me in the Spirit, He desires to heal me in the Spirit. Hallelujah! Malachi 4:6, "And He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers..." This is the ministry that I am witnessing in Athens today, but more personally it is the ministry I am experiencing due to my God's abundant grace! So this blog will be mostly one of testimonies happening within a very small portion of the community of believers here, also I will include some personal thoughts, prayers, and opinions. But before I list the most recent miracles let me describe the context with a story of my own personal inner healing.

I was created a fighter! My entire life I can remember memories of me defending others, or standing in place for the weak. And due to my size, I always had to carry a persona of giant like tenacity. At 5'7 I have learned how to attack life with passion. My dad always told me that daily life for me is the 7th game of the world series. It is impossible for me to do anything half way. And although it is an absolute gift from above, I always seem to pervert it by fearing failure above God. However, that is for a later date. I was raised with work-ethic, will power, and strength of mind, and God has created me as a leader. But like all good things when idolize will become demonized and I used my passion to pursue the world. And of course I gave it all I had! So to make a long story longer, due to sin a spirit of bitterness began to overtake my life throughout high school, and I attacked my days with a chip on my shoulder. I always had to prove myself, and it was weak to step away from a challenge. So challenges continued to confront me, and the only way I could dispose my anger was with my fists. I thrived off of fighting, and pursued as many duals as possible. In my last 2 years of high school it seemed as if I would fight once a month and some months every weekend. And I was good. Quick, strong, mean, and never willing to accept defeat. Qualities in all good fighters. This led to many scars, stories, and police encounters; but it is inconceivable to attempt to say that this is not a God given attribute.

So God in His holy purity pursued my heart for years, and brought me to my knees in humble weakness, and in that moment Andrew no longer empowered himself, but God's all-consuming, tenacious love dominated my life. I met God's relentless love, and since that day I have been devoted to experiencing more of that bottomless love. However, I have still never understood the reasoning of my passion and desire to fight. Well about 1 month ago, I heard a sermon by Graham Cooke that said, "God wants to reveal His entire character to us, but there is one specific quality that he wants to relate to me through personally." One trait of God's "I Am" to communicate to me everyday the rest of my life. He wen ton to say, "And usually it's the one thing you want to give to God, because every good thing you want to do for God He initiated and wants to do for you." So I dropped my pen, paused the podcast and prayed, "God what is it that you want to reveal to me?" I immediately began weeping and all I could mutter is "God I want to fight for you!" And in reply, God's gentle voice shouted, "Andrew I want to fight for you!" I am worth fighting for! I am worth fighting for! I am worth fighting for! So for the next few hours I wept and continued saying "You fight for me, You fight for me!"

In one night, God brought 19 years worth of healing to my heart and my soul, and I see this sort of healing being brought to students and graduates alike in heavenly abundance. Why? What is this movement of God? Because I see an army, of healed hearts mobilizing to bring reconciliation to the town of Athens! Welcome to the ministry of reconciliation Athens, and God has invited all of us to join in His work. He loves us, and he wants to reveal His character to us, and the God of the universe is intimate enough to include us in His work! So this blog has been created to include all of the miracles of Jesus within this new move of God! The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy! So be encouraged, and use these testimonies to unleash the Kingdom! And Lord Jesus, "Come Lord Come! Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done!"