Taking the Step Into Living Faith

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.  Genesis 12:1

   Faith, I believe is one of those words that we often take for granted.  It is a word that we think we know what the meaning of it is.  It is also something that we all think that we have, but do we really? 
The word faith is defined in the dictionary as "something that we believe in without proof, a complete trust."  It is the last part of the defination that gets us most of the time, "complete trust".  Yes, we believe in God.  Yes, we believe that the Bible is true.  Do we really have that complete trust that is the main component of faith?  Most of the time, no. 

  Take the verse at the beginning of this post.  God Himself spoke to Abram and told him to do something that was life changing.  God wanted Abram to leave everything that He had ever known and all of those who he loved and move to a distant land full of strange people.  Abram believed in God, he had faith in God but what Abram really had was that complete trust.  This is what God really desires of us.  He wants our complete trust.  He wants us to take our faith and through our complere trust in Him, turn it into a living faith. 

   So many times God, through that still small voice, places something on our heart that we are to do for Him but we lack that complete trust to do it.  We question ourselves.  We allow doubt to place a block between us and His plan.  We worry about what others will think.  Abram, I am sure, had questions.  I believe that he even had doubts.  However, Abram had that complete trust.  He picked up everything that he owned and moved his family hundreds and hundreds of miles away.

  If you feel that pull on your heartstrings to do something life changing, something that could turn your world upside down, don't allow worry and doubt to enter into the equation.  Take your faith and let it become complete trust.  Then you will be able to step out into your living faith and do what God has planned for you.  Your friends may not get it.  Your family may not understand.  Some may even think you are insane, but when you turn your faith into complete trust, God will bless you and make your work fruitful for His kingdom. 
 

Forgive and Forget

As part of my daily Bible reading, I read the letter from the Apostle Paul to his friend Philemon today. This is a very short book, only 25 verses, but is has alot to say. If you have never read it, I suggest that you do. In this letter, Paul is pleading with Philemon to forgive the runaway slave, Onesimus. You see, Onesimus belonged to Philemon and had stolen some items fr...

om his master and ran away. Ending up in Rome, Onesimus later crossed paths with Paul who was also in Rome under house arrest. Onesimus, under the ministry of Paul, became another type of servant. He became a servant of Christ. Onesimus accepted Jesus and even began to help Paul spread the Good News. But Paul knew that he could not allow Onesimus to stay with him in Rome. The right thing to do was to send Onesimus back to Philemon. At that time under Roman law, when a slave ran away, the master had the right to beat or even kill the runaway servant. This is when Paul wrote this letter. He ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to take him back. Through this letter, Paul was teaching Philemon, and even us, the importance of forgiveness. When we are wronged, no matter how big or even how small, we must demonstrate God's love and forgive the offender. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must not hold unforgiveness in our hearts. We need to follow the example of Philemon in this matter. Not only did he take Onesimus back and forgave him but went the extra step and granted Onesimus his freedom. This extra step allowed Onesimus to bring many more souls into the Kingdom. Today, I am asking you to take that extra step. Do not just forgive those who wronged you, but invite them back into your life and sow the love of Christ into them. Your extra step may just start a chain of events to causes someone to come to know Jesus.

In All Things

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 
  This time of the years we all are reflecting on the things that we are thankful for.  Our families, our homes, our jobs are just some of the things you hear most often.  The other day when I read this verse, something got my attention that never had before, "In everything".  "Everything?" I questioned to myself.  I have studied on this and even searched other translations. One translation read, " in every situation give thanks".  Situations can be good, but they also can be bad.  It hit me then.  I had been unthankful for the bad things that had happened in my life.  One such situation came to mind. 
  Several years back, one of those bad things happened.  It literally tore my heart out and there was nothing that could be done about it.  I was an emotional wreck for a long while.  But time passed and things got better.
  Looking back on that now, I realized that if that had not happened I would not be at the place in the Lord where I am now.  It took that one event in my life to change me and finally put me on the path that the Lord wanted me on.  Because of that, God placed people in my life that otherwise would have not been there.  Because of that, God put a desire in my heart to do a work for Him and to fully realize the call that had been on my life all along.  Because of that one event, I had a hunger and thirst for of  God that I never dreamed of.
  After seeing all this, I had to ask God to forgive me for my unthankfullness in that situation.  I had to pray and thank the Lord for His goodness and for allowing that one bad thing to happen to put me on the right path for Him.  I had learned to be thankful for all things.
  I know that this is not a popular teaching but it is real.  We have to learn to be thankful in every situation, even if we have to look real hard to see it.

Don't sweat the small things!

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin. Zechariah 4:10

Back when I began this Facebook page, Tell Someone Ministries, some one shared this verse with me. It is something that I have clung too from that point. I know that there are people that I know that don't understand my reasons for wanting to start this ministry. There are people who think that it is just a passing fantasy of mine. All I can say to all those is that they do not have a clue. Maybe they have never felt what I have and if not, they will probably never understand.

All my childhood, all during my teen years, I was told that I was set apart. I was told that God wanted to use me. That did not encourage me but instead it had the opposite affect. It scared the living daylights out of me. I did not want to hear that. I told myself that it was not possible. I told myself that there was no way because I was to shy, to timid. I did not want to have anything to do any of that. So I ran from that for many many years.

All my adult life, I was content to go to church on Sunday and Wednesdays and do all the churchy things. I did the things that one was expected to do when they attended a church. I attended services, I helped on work days, I did whatever I was ask to do. That was until one night, I can remember the exact moment, that God poured in to me a deep desire, a great longing for more of Him in my life and a calling to do a work for Him. It was like God just dunked me into a great big pool and submersed me completely. I don't fully understand all that and do not know exactly where all that will eventually lead, but it is continuing to grow within me and I want everyday to do more for Him. That is my daily prayer, "Use me for Your purposes Father God." That is why I started the Facebook page called "Tell Someone Ministries" just over two years ago. I wanted to do something for Him. At that point, I did not know where to start, I did not know where to begin so the Lord led me to start small, so I could grow in knowledge and so I could learn to let the Lord lead me and use me. It is this small thing that the Lord is using to lead me forward to be used more for Him. I know that there is more for me to do for Him. I know that God will open doors for me when His time is right. I just have to remember that sometimes, we have to start small.

What is God calling you to do? What has He laid on your heart to do for Him? It may be a great big thing. I may be something small. Whatever it is, please remember not to despise small beginnings.

Hunger

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; Psalms 63:1 

Have you ever been hungry for a food that you didn't have in your cabinets?  That hunger grows and gets  so strong until you have to make a trip to the store or resturant to get it.  That is how it works when God starts working in you.  At first, you feel that desire but you think to yourself I can wait until I have time to pray or until Sunday church.  You put it off but it only grows deeper. That desire builds up in you and you put it off again.  Then, that desire builds up so strong that you can feel your soul itself cry out and reach upward grasping for just a little touch of God to satisfy that hunger.   Lastly, that hunger for God grows until you just have to cry out with every fiber of your being to God to come and fill you.  The hunger for more of God takes over and dictates your every thought and action.  Right now, this is me and I have met and talked to so many others that is in this same place right now.  If you are in this place, just keep holding on because God will honor your desire for Him.  He will come and fill you exactly at the right time.  Join with me this night and lets cry out to our Heavenly Father for His Spirit to come and to fill us and to satifsy us with His presence in our life and in our soul. 

If you have questions or want us to pray for you or with you, please send us an email.

Sprinkles of Red

A few days ago, I was outside working and began to notice some of the trees on the ridge near me had started changing colors already. Mixed in with all the green leaves covering the hillside were little spots of red. It was like God had splattered a few droplets of red paint across the hillside. Yes, fall is almost here.
However, as I looked up that those splashes of red, I was reminded of those precious drops of blood that was shed by Jesus on that hill we call Calvary. I could just see the trail of lille red drops as they wound their way up that road to the place of the skull. I could see the little red drops that had formed a larger puddle when He was finally able to set that burden that He had carried so far up to that place. Imagine all this with me as those dropplets trailed around again forming a circle as Jesus was led to and laid down on the cross. Suddenly, the drops stopped and became large sprays as the spikes were driven through His wrist and His feet. As that old rugged cross was stood up and dropped into place, that river of blood ran down His arms and feet and fell to the earth, one drop at a time, becoming pools of salvation that was shed just for you and I.
Friend, Jesus shed every last drop without hesitation and without reservation. Without that blood being shed, there would be no forgiveness of sin for you or for I. The supreme sacrifice that Jesus gave is the one and only way to salvation. There is no other path to the one and only God except Jesus Christ. Have you accepted that free gift of salvation that was so unselfishly paid for on the cross? If not, consider it. Think about what an eternity seperated from God would be like. Do you really want that? It is one or the other, no in between.
So, I ask you next time you look up at the changing leaves and the patches of red sprinkled throughout, think of those precious drops of blood that He shed just for us. Don't let those drops of blood go to waste! Don't neglect so great a salvation!

After God's Own Heart

The Bible teaches us that David was a man after God's own heart. What does that mean? Simply, that means that David didn't follow his own wisdom. He refused let this world or his surroundings dictate the things that he did or even said. David chose be led by God instead of his own understanding. This is why David was a sucessful warrior, a mighty king and a man who was blessed by the very han...d of God. David put God first and formost in his life. Yes, David did fall short, we all will, but David repented and overcame. This the secret, to realize our failings and to turn back to God.
  

This is my desire, to be one after God's own heart. I want this not for the riches or the power that God blessed David with, but I desire this so I can be a better servant of Christ. I see so many out there who say they want more of God in their lives but still put this world first. I don't want to be one of those, I want Him to be number one in all that I do and all that I say. I want nothing more than to go forth and tell someone about Jesus. How about you?

How to live a victorious life.

I have been reading 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles the last month or so. These books relay the stories of the kings of Judah and Israel during this time. One thing that sticks out is that the kings always did one of two things. Either they followed the ways of the Lord or they fell into idol worship and clung to the ways of the world. Those kings who followed God were blessed with victory... over those who attacked them. The kings who bowed to the graven images or allowed the people to do so, were defeated and came to an early death. The same applies to us. If we will follow Jesus and live the way that He taught us, we will be victorious through Him. When we turn away from Christ and become weak, we will always be open to attack. Which would you rather be, victorious or weak and defeated? Keep your sights on Jesus and follow Him in all your ways and victory will follow you.

The Choice is yours.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.  Galatians 5:16 

We were not reborn in Christ to live any way we want.  We were reborn to live holy and acceptable lives to God and the Holy Spirit is that guide to help us along the way.  All we have to do listen to Him and heed His leading.  Our flesh will fight against the Spirit every step of the way but we cannot let it win.  If we follow our flesh, that will only lead to trouble and heartache.  If we follow the Spirit, that will lead to peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfullness, gentleness and self control.  Which would you rather have?  Think about it.

I want to be part of that glorious church!

He gave up his life for her (the church) to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Ephesians 5:25-27

This is what Christ is seeking to build, even in these last days. He wants a church that is pure and seeks after Him. ...He wants a holy church that hungers after righteousness and not this world. He wants a church that will open itself up to what God has in store for it and is willing to go forth into their communities, their cities, their states and the nations. We are being called back to the foundation that was laid for the church way back in the first century, we are being called to become that glorious church. I want to be part of that glorious church. Do you?

It is what we all must do!

And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. Collosians 1:27-28

Yes, Christ does live in us and I for one am so glad that He does! Then why are we not telling others that? Here is his letter to the church of the Collisians Paul plainly stat...es that this is what we are to, tell others about Jesus. That is what the early church was built on, but not so much today. Are we afraid? Are we ashamed? Do we think that this is the responsibilty of pastors and preachers? I have come to believe that it is all of the above. The church that Jesus designed, built and left in our hands was meant for all to work in. Every person saved by the mercy and grace of God has the responsibility to tell someone about Jesus and that is what this ministry is all about. Someone told you, now you have to tell someone. It is what we all must do!

Let's get going!

That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. Acts 16:9-10

It is like this, especially these days, the lost will not come to church on their own. They most likely will not seek out people to present the Gospel to them. That is where we come in. We must be willing and ready to GO. We can't sit by while those needing help slide into eternity. They don't know it but the lost are calling out, they are crying for help. If we, the followers of Jesus, will not go, then who will

Let's turn the world upside down!

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDEDOWN have come here too". Acts 17:6

This is our calling. This is what we are to do for Christ. We are to go forth and turn the world upside down for Him! Jesus didn't establish the church to have the status quo. He don't want the same ole same ol...e, and we shouldn't either! The world is supposed to know we are different. It is supposed to have its eyes opened because Jesus lives in us and the signs that are to follow us. Each and every member of the body of Christ is to go forth boldly and proclaim Jesus and in the process turn the world and it ways upside down. Are we doing that? If not, why not? Let's all get to it and give this world a good shaking and waking up until it is UPSIDEDOWN for Jesus.

Are you blinded to your calling?

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.  Acts 9:17-18
 Just as sure as Paul was blinded by the light of Jesus, the church today, for the most part, has been blinded.  We have been tricked by our enemy into thinking that just going to church is all that matters.  We have been blinded to the fact of what Christ meant the church to be.  Jesus never wanted a church to be pinned behind four walls.  He never intended us to set back and think someone else is going to do the work of ministry.  Each and everyone of us as a member of the Body of Christ has a jub to do.  Some are preachers.  Some are teachers.  Some prophets, some apostles.  You may not be called to one of these callings, but you are called to something.  Start seeking God today and ask Him to show you your calling.  It may be big, it may be small.  You may be called to just tell someone about Jesus.  What ever you calling, pick it up today and don't let our enemy blind you to what you are meant to do.
 

Much Love...

I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. Luke 4:47

When Jesus forgives us, we will want to show Him love like Mary did here. I know, right now, we can't physically touch Him and wash His feet like she did, but we can sing praises to Him. We can talk with Him daily or more. We can spend time in His word, reflecting on His love. We can just raise our hands to Him and praise His name. We will want to do all these things. We will put off worldly things just to spend time with Him. Tonight, I ask you to show Him love, much love! Spend some time with Him and only Him. 

Who in the House is Thirsty?

I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Psalms 143:6

O Father, this land, your people need revival to break out among us. We are dry and thirsty! We long for your presence! We are tired of church as usual, we want Your Spirit to move among Your children as it once did. Forgive us of out inattention to You. Forgive us of our rush rush hurry hurry drive through mentality when it comes to our worship of You. O Lord, make this the year of revival. Let it break forth in our lives, let it break forth in our homes, let it break forth in our churches. O God, open the windows of heaven and pour out upon Your children, pour out upon those who are truely hungry and thirsty for more of You. I pray this prayer this very night not only for me but for everyone who hungers after You. I humbly ask this of You in the name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.

Friends, this is truely my hearts desire. This is all that I desire out of life. I know God is going to pour out on those of us who desire this to come true in us. If you feel this hunger for God like I do, join me in this prayer above. Lets reach out to the heavens and cry out for revival. 

#ibelieve2012istheyearofrevival

What are you willing to give up?

Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you. When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:2 and 9-12. Abraham loved the Lord so much that he was willing to give up the very son that he had waited years for. Yet, all the Lord ask of us to give up the riches and the glamor of this life for Him and to give Him our everything. All He wants from us is us! So many of us are unwilling to do that. This very day, I ask of you, take stock of your life. Are you giving God your all in all? Is your focus on Him as strong as it should be? If not, start today. Look to Him for everything. Give Him your everything and put Him first and foremost in your life.

They who have an ear, let them hear.

  I got a chance to catch up today with a ministry friend from out of state.  He told me a story that I have to share with you guys.
    My friend has a daughter, 20 years old, who has been working for several years now saving for her college education.  She has no expenses as she lives at home. She buys her own gas and clothing but saves everything else. 
    Recently, she approached her father telling him that she felt led of God to help someone who was in need.  My friend told me that this family has never really had much income.  They worked and did their best to provide for themselves and always depended on God to do the rest but things never seemed to work out for them.  They take no government assistance, even though they more than qualify.  Her father told her that that would be a good thing but to try to do it in secret so that she could not claim any recognition for her good deed what ever it may be.
     A little later, at a Christmas get together, this family was talking to my friend.  They told him that they had been praying as a family asking the Lord to show them if they had failed Him in some way because they seem to never to be able to get ahead.  They wanted nothing more than to be obedient to God.  They had prayed this, seeking God for a while when one night they arrived home from church to find an envelope taped to their door with the words written,"This is for you from God."  The family went on to tell that they had opened the envelope and inside was what my friend described as hundreds and hundreds of dollars.  This family had depended on God once again and God had provided a miracle in their lives.
     My friend said the Lord revealed to Him that this was his daughter.  (She later confirmed this begrudgedly to her father when He ask her.)  This 20 year old girl was obedient to God's leading.  He used this girl to bless this family and I am sure that she will be blessed abundantly not only because she helped someone in need but more importantly because she was obedient. 
    How many of us would give up a huge portion of their savings to another even if we felt led too?  How many would be that obedient? I don't know if that was me if I would be.  This story spoke to my heart and I hope that it does yours as well.           
     First, it tells me that I need to trust in God more to help me when times get tough and secondly, it tells me that I need to be more attentive to God's leading and live a life of obedience to that leading. 
     When God speaks to your heart, don't ignore Him! Listen to what He says, then do it. You will be glad that you did.