Remain Strong

'Take this world from, I don't need it anymore'. (Lyrics from Mercy Me) Is that your hearts cry. Is this world still appealing to you. That is the battle that wages on. I've really been thinking lately about what we as Christians consider holiness. Better yet what is the measuring stick that we use for holiness. As our society continues to push its own limits on what is acceptable or not the danger we face as Christians is sliding down the scale with them. What is accepted by the masses doesn't always or should I say rarely make its acceptable for Christians. Our measuring stick is not based upon the worlds morality, but by the unchanging word of God. The temptation to slide down the morality pole is a constant battle for us all, but even with the risk of being labeled a fanatic we must hold true the Word that says in:Philippians 4:8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. (Amplified Bible)Remember a lot of things and people change over time, just look at the last 50 years, but the Word of God stands and remains the same forever and that alone is our guide!!!

Blessings!

Opportunites Everywhere

 Colossians 4:4-6 (NIV)
"Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."So I was on the way home from work last night when I spotted a hitch-hiker, which normally I would drive on by. Now if your familiar with the prompting of the Holy Spirit you'll understand what I'm saying when I say I had no choice but to stop. To others you'll know this simply as a premonition. So I did, I stopped and offered this stranger a ride. Turns out he was heading near to where I live. So I informed him that it would be no problem to take him to where he needed to go. As we were driving along and engaging in conversation he tells me that he has brain cancer, which was obvious to me with his hairless top under his hat. He seemed to be around my age, which is 27. I began to share with him the story of my wife's grandmother who was healed of cancer when we prayed last year. His interest was perked alright. Anything that could give him some hope. I shard with him that Jesus is still a healing God and that all we have to do is believe. I told him that I would like to pray with him before I dropped him off. So a few moments later we were at his destination and I asked him if I could pray for him, and with such innocence he ask "How do you do that"? Simple faith like a child, eager to know what to do. So he cheekishly sat there as I thanked God for bringing him (Mike) across my path and began to pray for healing. It wasn't long and there were no immediate outward happenings, but in my spirit I knew something happened and I may never now this side of eternity. As he closed my van door, gave a simple wave goodbye and walked away, I could only believe that I know God and I know His healing touch is not limited by our sight. Remember, walk by faith not by sight. I prayed for him again last night with my wife, hoping someday we will meet again. And so if you happen to think of this Mike throughout your day, would you stop a moment and pray for his healing and his salvation? We will all pool our faith together and hope one day we will hear of amazing things in his life.

'Look for opportunities for God to use you'

Blessings

Friends & Mentors

I just finished writing an email to my pastor and mentor Dr. Pepe Mutiri, a man that deeply impacted my life more in four months than many others have in years of relationship. So today I want to briefly share with you the importance of having mentors and older, thus wiser friends in your life. Ellissa and I have made it a habit over the past few years to surround ourselves with these such people. The wealth of godly wisdom obtained would marvel the greatest of minds. I don't know everything, and no these mentors and friends may not know everything either, but one thing I learned, they know more than me. These individuals in my life have loved, challenged, guided, and even rebuked me. I allow them that right in my life. I need these people in my life, and the bible encourages these kinds of relationships. But don't just let anyone be those people. If everyone agrees with everything you said and did, what good would that be. I call those yes people, too afraid to speak the truth. These special people in your life should be older, and deeper in their Christian walk than you. Don't just give these special places in your life to anyone. Remember your the student and these people are going to help shape the person you will become.

Blessings