The Work Is Not Over

I was surprised to see that this old blogger site had so many hits. Therefore, I wanted to let any old and new readers know that the work is not over. It has continued and I would like to direct you to the up-to-date work.

HISTORY REVIEW:

Last year, I got married to my beautiful wife and ministry partner, Rosemarie. We met at a Wednesday night service at The Encounter Community Church in Henderson, NV. It was the night when a group of Treasure Hunters were visiting from Bethel Church of Redding, CA.

At the end of that service, they set up a glory tunnel to pray for everyone. I remember sitting in the back row of the church after coming through the tunnel. I was just watching the crowd of people. I happened to see Rosemarie outside of the tunnel, speaking to Brooke. I had met Rosemarie before, but never paid any attention to her. I was not interested in dating or talking to any female. I recently returned to Las Vegas in July 2011, via Phoenix, Arizona, and was only interested in fulfilling the ministry calling.

As my eyes scanned the crowd, a word from the Lord, came to me for Rosemarie. So, as I pondered the word, she happened to look in my direction. I knew I had to deliver the word so I approached her and introduced myself. I only had one word. I asked her if she knew what the word, "recompense" meant? Later, she would reveal that she had only heard one other person use that word and it was Pastor Bill Winston from Chicago. So, with that word, I asked if I could pray that word over her. Then I left for the back of the church.

Later, I got another word, but it was in a vision. I saw her worshiping. She happened to look my way, so I motioned with my hand to have her come over. She came over. Now here is the discrepancy. In Rosemarie's version, she says that I said, "You're amazing". I don't recall that, however, I did say, "I don't think you sing, but I saw you worshiping. Do you flag"? She said that she just bought a pair of flags three days before. We began to talk and she shared about her anti child-trafficking ministry.

A few days later, I happened to see her name on facebook and I messaged her (cause I was curious about the word she received). We talked about her ministry and set up a meeting the following week to meet at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) at an event called the Festival Of Communities. She was intending to pitch her organization in order to obtain another financial supporter (i.e., me). To make a long story short, we met at the event and spent the whole day together talking about ministry and our own personal journey in Christ. For some reason, I was compelled to drive her around Vegas to see every "altar-experience" location in my history as a Christian.

That was April 21, 2012. We got married August 25, 2012. And on April 20, 2013, we were able to go back to UNLV and participate as a ministry at the Festival Communities. The testimony can be found here

Festival Of Communities

Since then, we have been working hard by the leading of the Holy Spirit to pursue our vision together in ministry.  Please take time to visit our websites.  And please be sure to "follow us" so that we can know who reading and listening.

http://gtwop.com/

http://kingdomoffire.com/

Just in case I don't get the other blogs transferred over from WP, here is a link to the Soul Food Revival Series that continued after this site was discontinued.

Wisdom Is Offered To Everyone

Proverbs 3 is very profound and is in God's will for all to benefit from. It is a proverb that speaks of the great rewards in obtaining wisdom. Verse 13 summarizes the proverb by declaring that there is a blessing for the person who can find wisdom and gain understanding. It is also here, where many may stumble and miss the point.

Over the years as a believer, i have witnessed and experienced the deception that wisdom is something that is out of reach for most. It is some "thing" that God has hidden & only a few are given access to it. So, when some believers get caught up in watching Christian television and hear a speaker with wisdom, they feel inadequate. They feel that the only way they can glean is by going through that person. And that is not true.(Psalm 84:11). Wisdom is offered to all and proverbs 3 is just a small portion of proof.

Submitted below is a brief breakdown, not to be exhaustive, but to stir up your faith and feed your soul. As a believer in Christ, you are already blessed and therefore, He would not withhold His blessings from you. It is His will to make them available and attainable. So wise up! And in all your getting it is time for you to get understanding.(Prov 4:7)

Proverbs 3

v1 - simply put: You have a Bible, so read it and believe it. There is great wisdom available in just doing that. See 2Peter 1:1-4, and don't forget that "through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord" you have available benefits.

v2 - Oh look! A Bennie! = "added days and years and peace".

v3 - Wisdom Key: "kindness and truthfulness". Just settle it in your heart, "I have to pay attention how i act and i have to acknowledge when i act unbecomingly". This might line up with the character trait, "humility".

v4 - Benefit for kindness and truthfulness: FAVOR and REPUTATION with God (first) and man (second).

v5 - Wisdom Key: "Trust the Lord & quit relying on your own thinking". I have to admit, this one takes time, time, and more time. But God is good. He doesn't wait till you get to the 12th grade to celebrate. Kinda like America's public school system, you get mini graduation celebrations along the way. Yahoo!!! If you don't believe me, He will show you in a minute.

v6 - Wisdom principle w/ consequence: Kinda like the WWJD bracelet, but in real life. It may look like that conversation in your head, "Hmmm, should i or shouldn't I?" "Is that You Lord or is that me thinking this way again"? Either way, if you're honest and courageous, He will tighten those loose hinges so you know immediately whether to linger or get rid of it.

v7 - I laugh at this one, because this is for the person who tries to pretend they didn't hear God when they reasoned with the voice of the Lord in verse 6. God help us all not to stay in this play pen of life too long. He calls us to maturity. Verse 7 paraphrased: "Grow up. Stop playing with that pet sin. You can't tame a rattle snake. Hear what I said (coming from the Lord). Put it down & turn around".

v8 - When you heed that advice, trust me i know, because i have experienced both sides of that coin, it will be "healing to your body and refreshment to my bones". One of my testimonies is that i got chicken pox and the shingles when i was 30yrs old. It was the most painful week of my life. But when i was isolated from everyone, i did get to have another conversation with the Lord about a relationship He was telling me to let go. And guess what? I let it go when i recovered & i am the better for it. No regrets.

v9 - Wisdom key: Pay your tithes & offerings up front and "if you want what is best for you, sign over your rights to what remains". Ask Him manage it too. You can pay your tithes and still suffer trouble because of foolishness with the remaining income. Not only do i have the T-shirt, but i have many to sell in regards to this one. And I have lived on both sides of being in debt and I have been completely debt free (through obedience). Life is much better when He manages the funds. Like Charles Barkley said, "I may be wrong, but i doubt it".

v10 - Result to that wisdom key: plenty and anointing and favor. I have testimonies w/o the "moanies". There is life on the other side of the testing that is glorious. So glorious that you don't relive & dwell in the pains of what happened 10 - 15 yrs ago. Many times my family & i were homeless and yet we were never without a home. The Lord has put us up in several beautiful homes, in very expensive areas. In my christian experience i have had four cars given to me. He has supplied my needs out of His great treasures and He has allowed me to prosper in rough seasons.

v11-12: Here the Lord is giving us a time to breathe and say, "Look, don't get overwhelmed by what i just gave you. These wisdom keys are only the beginning, but if you just start it won't be as bad as you think. It looks like it will hurt a lot, and sometimes it will, but it is out of love for you. I want to you to have a peaceable life full of hope for the future.(Jeremiah 29:11)".

v13 - If we can believe that and not be offended by that, then we are blessed because we have discovered (gained wisdom in) His ways and actually understand.

v14-18: The results of having the mind of Christ (synonymous to verse 13)

a. Money can't buy what wisdom and understanding obtain through faith.

b. What wisdom and understanding produce on the inside is more precious than what you could ever wear on the outside.

c. Long days is another way of saying forbearance & patience. That is a commodity in our microwave/smartphone/fast food society. Anything of substance and value takes time to cultivate.

d. Yes! Wealth, Riches & Honor. That's what the "good book" said, so don't accompany it with a "bad thought".

e. Wisdom & understanding produce a peaceable life. You can't be easily shaken (psalm 62:2,6).

v18 - What sin cut off access to in the Garden is now given to us in the form of godly wisdom and understanding.

v19-20: More proof it is for everyone in Christ. It is foundation for existence.

v21 - The Father's encouragement for you to pursue & obtain

v22 - He is interested in your soul prospering as well as your spirit.

v23-24: More encouraging rewards for wisdom:

a. It produces upright living.

b. You can rest and not be full of fear.

v25-26: Wisdom key - Keep your peace and He will protect you.

v27-28: Wisdom Key - Just Do What You Know To Do

a. If you know you can, and you know you should, go for it. Be a blessing. Then you will see God deal with you in like manner.

v29 - Wisdom Key - Don't be two-faced.

a. This is especially aimed at gossipers. Gossips talk friendly to the face but stab repeatedly to the back. Not Christ-like. Get wisdom and in that, get a whole lot of understanding.

v30 - Wisdom Key - Do Not Quarrel (especially for no reason)

a. You ever take a pit bull that you didn't know by its ears? (Prov 26:17). Me neither, and i am not going to try. So think before you speak.

v31-32: Wisdom Key - Stay Free From Violent Temper. It Is An Abomination.

a. Genesis 6:11 - the reason for the flood was because of the corruption of the earth being filled with violence. Be careful what you entertain.

b. An aside for any christian youth, please please please avoid getting your life skills from reality TV. As 1 Cor 15:33 warns, "Bad company corrupts good character". A fool is a fool, on-air and off-air. Here's a piece of wisdom found in Ephesians 5:14 "Wake Up!" Read the rest it will be the medicine you need.

v33-35 Concluding with more rewards for wisdom

a. Blessings instead of curses.

b. Grace in the midst of correction.

c. Honor instead of dishonor.


If you got to this point then I thank you for reading it all the way through. I pray that the Lord has given you the insight you need to grab hold of this marvelous warfare weapon. Go pull down some strongholds (2Corin 10:4) and be fruitful in the righteousness that comes by faith. Be blessed as you discover His wisdom and gain understanding.

The Message of God's Love & The Witness of His Tangible Presence

"And although Abel is long dead,
he still speaks to us because of his faith". [Hebrews 11:4b]

This is a word to those wonderful people who participated in the Modern Day Psalmist Nite event on December 18th, 2010. That night was an incredible night of God's presence that was felt not only in that alley at Glendale Glitters, but it permeated throughout downtown. I cannot express how grateful I am that the Lord challenged me to keep my vow. It was truly a miraculous night of signs and wonders. The testimonies continue on and the fruit of our labor is abundant.

This one thing the Lord has spoken to me this morning, i wish to relay to you, so that you to may get understanding. The passage above states that Abel's voice still speaks to us today. The offering he did not only went up to God, but was also directed towards us. His act of faith tells us that God is worthy to be praised. His faith is saying that we should offer God our best. We should believe Him and obey Him. More importantly, God reveals the incredible nature of our faith. It transcends time and location. Abel existed long before us and yet, his faith can be heard. He also did not dwell in the United States and yet, his faith is heard.

I say this to say that, what happened on December 18th, will resonate beyond that night. The tangible presence of God will continue to touch all who were there. The message of the love of God is still moving in the hearts of those who were within the vicinity of that event. This is no personal glory of ours. But in order to be mature and effective in our witness we must gain understanding less we miss opportunity for the miraculous in our lifetime.

Let me share some of the miracles.

Did you know that the sound from the performances carried in four directions? It could be heard as far north as the big LED Christmas tree, south to Glendale ave, west to 58th ave and east to 57th drive. When Preston was performing, there were people at the light on 57th drive that were bobbing their heads.
Gideon, the camera operator, said that when Jeanette was performing, he could feel the anointing through the camera.
Every time I stepped into A Shot Of Java, prayer tables were filled and people were being ministered to.
Two nights before the event when it rained and got biting cold, i got a call from Mary Ann. She voiced concerns that it would be too cold outside for them and that we may not have the Treasure Hunters joining us. I prayed to the Lord, that He would cause the temperature to be 68 degrees to 70 degrees in that alley. And what did we get? We had T-shirt weather.
We had several salvations and deliverances.
Many generous financial gifts given to people to show the love of God.
And my favorite is the presence of God that fell during the mime performance to "Oh How He Loves Us". It is reported that by many that everything stopped. Tears were falling. And the foot traffic on Glendale ave stopped at the entry of the alley. And even across the street on the other side of the heavy traffic on Glendale ave, the people stopped to peer across the cars and crowds to see what was going on in the alley.

"By faith" come to understand that God is not through ministering. The event has ended, but the power of His message of love is still moving and working miracles beyond what you can see. On December 19th, that event bore fruit with the salvation of a single parent mother. She almost didn't make it to the event. But when she arrived she was given food, money, and hope. All of this done by strangers. And then the following night at CFTN's Christmas gift giveaway, she brought her daughter to get a gift. She left with the gift of salvation. She boldly came to the altar with the other children to receive Jesus.

God bless you and thank you for being faithful. May the Lord encourage you to continue to look for more opportunities to get out of the church and into the culture to be a witness.

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LUKE 11 - An Outline In Time Of Prayer

Luke 11

Prayer model (v.1-4)

    a. Pray to the Father

    b. Seek the honor of His Name through answered prayer

    c. His Name is honored when His kingdom is in place ruling over our lives and over all the earth.

    d. Pray for provision of revelation concerning His kingdom, His will, His purposes and His grace [empowerment] to do what pleases Him.

    e. Repent for sins committed that have offended the Father.  Ask for forgiveness and receive it because we have honored Him by forgiving other's offenses against us [as He has willed].    

    f. Pray for the grace to not yield to any temptation of the enemy so that we won't offend the Father and bring disharmony to our relationship.

    

Further teaching on prayer - be persistent and you will receive what you ask for  (v.5-10)

Relating to the Father's heart, the One you are praying to (v.11-13)

    a. He is good.

    b. He won't give you anything that will harm or hurt you.

    c. He won't mock you by giving you something far from what you are asking for.

Prayer manifests results in demonstration of power (v.14)

God's power in you attracts critics (v.15) 

God's power in you attracts mockers (v.16)

God's power in you attracts attacks from a religious spirit (v.17-19)

Manifest answered prayer [tearing down strongholds] is evidence that the kingdom of God has come [don't wait for the millennium] (v.20)

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (v.21-22)

You are commissioned to bring about the kingdom of God, so get out there! (v.23)

The dangers of being complacent [backsliding] (v.24-26)

  

No one is more blessed than you if you do what you hear [from the Word of God] (v.27-28)

The world has not changed.  They refuse to believe and demand a miraculous sign before they will believe.  

The only sign given to them is you [translated from spiritual death into eternal life] telling them that the kingdom of God is at hand (v.29-30)

Don't worry if they refuse you.  The fact that they refuse to repent is only evidence of pending judgment (v.31-32)

God is the Father of light & in Him there is no darkness (James 1:7).  Jesus is the true light sent who lights every man (John 1:9)

The Father has not revealed the Son of the kingdom to you only to hide the power of the kingdom from you (v.33)

Self examination - beware of an unbelieving evil heart (v.34-36)

Warning and condemnation for those who have a spirit of religion (v.37-45)

     a. If you really want Jesus to move in your life, and you invite Him in, let Him do things His way.  He knows what He's doing (v.37-38)

     b. If you're looking for a 3-4 point sermon solution, get over it.  Jesus is more concerned about " what's inside of you" than "what you do" (39-40)

     c. If you refuse to humble yourself, then practice what you preach and you will clean (v.41)

     d. First things first.  If you are going to adhere to the law, then love the Lord God & love your neighbor as yourself (v.42)

     e. The respect of men will not heal the devastation due to lack of intimacy with God (v.43-44)

     f. Jesus is a rock of offense if you disobey and refuse to believe [1 Peter 2:7-8] (v.45)

     g. Shame on you for teaching the law instead of demonstrating the Gospel and kingdom of God with power (v.46)

     h. You say you're not like the Israelites who resisted God, but you imitate their acts (v.47-48)

      i. The judgment of a religious spirit will be rewarded to all who share in its folly (v.49-51)

      j. You will never enter the kingdom of God and you are hindering others as well (v.52)

      k. Your angry response to the kingdom only confirms the power that religious spirit [Pharisee spirit] has over you (v.53-54)

    

     

  

The Kingdom & The Violent

And from the time John the Baptist began preaching and baptizing until now, the kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people attack it. Matthew 11:12 [NLT]

Tomorrow is Black Friday, and all across America there are anxious people preparing for that day. It is a day that has grown in popularity over the years as a day in which retailers have bombarded the media with sales advertisements that get the public stirred into a buying frenzy. The response has been long lines crowded with consumers that gather on Thanksgiving night waiting to attack the stores in the early morning. The rush of consumers into their targeted stores has become so intense that last year a Wal Mart employee lost his life amongst many reported injured. Black Friday is a vivid illustration of the kingdom of heaven and those who are entering in.

The kingdom of Heaven is advertising through signs and wonders. “The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”(Matt 11:5). This is still happening today. Many people are coming to Christ through the power of the Gospel. As a worker in the Healing Rooms in Phoenix, I get to see this happen every week. We see the power of God come upon people and bring healing, deliverance, salvation, and baptism in the Holy Spirit. And when people encounter the kingdom and get the revelation of God’s love and mercy, they are eager to grab hold of it.

Now back to our illustration:

The kingdom is advancing, but not everyone is experiencing the kingdom. Matt 11:12 tells us it is the “violent” that lay hold of it. There is an excitement and dedication of those who take hold of it. Just like Black Friday shoppers, it is not enough to hear about the offer. Not everyone who shows up will get the advertised deals. Many will go back disappointed. What is required is action stirred by desire. The ones who obtain the kingdom are forceful. They are not concerned about comfort. They are willing to suffer a long night (season) in order to obtain the reward in the morning. They are focused. They know what is offered and come to God with specific requests. And Jesus says, they get what they come for.

So how do we become violent? We must first look at the advertisements, the promises in the Bible. By keeping them before our eyes, we get the revelation of what we have in Christ. Along with reading the Word we supplement it with prayer. Prayer is the vehicle God has chosen for us to approach Him who has brought the kingdom to earth. And if we pray, we must do it in the attitude of faith. In the first chapter of the book of James, we are told that we should not expect anything if we ask without faith. Faith is the expectation of receiving what you hope for, (Hebrews 11:1).

A final word of encouragement:

Matthew 11 begins with a scene of John the Baptist in prison. He hears about how others are entering the kingdom, but he himself is not enjoying the breakthrough. Therefore, he sends his disciples to confront Jesus, (Matt 11:3-4). Jesus’ responds, “Go back to John and tell him about what you have heard and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. God blesses those who are not offended by me”. (Matt 11:4-6). Jesus did not condemn him, but offered him evidence of what his natural senses couldn’t see. Once John’s disciples leave, Jesus testifies of John before the crowds, “He is more than a prophet. I assure you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist.” (Matt 11:9b, 11a). The Lord doesn’t judge us according to our current circumstances. Your faith may be under attack because of this current economic recession. You may feel cut off from the blessings and may be battling offenses. Rejoice! The kingdom of heaven is forcefully advancing. And the Lord has not forgotten you. You may feel like the least but the Lord says to you “that even the most insignificant person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than (John the Baptist)”. (Matt 11:11b). Therefore, take heart and draw near to God with a heart full of faith. Become violent and resolve in your heart that you are going to apprehend that which you are also apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:12).

To Walk By Faith

To walk by faith doesn't mean that we ignore problems and foolishly say they are not there or don't exist. No, that is insanity. However, in the face of adversity, faith says, God has the last word in this situation & whatever He says, I agree. Therefore, when we walk by faith & not by sight, we acknowledge the present circumstances but choose to respond by our knowledge of God's promises or facts for every situation. God's promises relate to what He says He will do. The facts relate to what has already been accomplished and secured.

The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge"(Hosea 4:6). The word 'destroyed' means cut off, cease, perish. The word 'knowledge' means understanding, discernment, wisdom, perception, skill. Therefore, those who fail to develop the wisdom & skill to use the Word of God in the time of adversity are cut off from receiving the promised provision or secured benefits found in Christ.

So what do we do if we find ourselves out of faith? We step into faith, by repenting and receiving God's forgiveness. "If God be for You who can be against you"(Romans 8:31). If He wants you to grow in faith, then what is to say that you can't develop faith. If faith is something that pleases God (Heb 11:6) then be assured that God is willing to grant it if you want it. Make the decision today to get into prayer & Bible study so you can hear the Spirit tell you what you have in Christ. He will tell you who you are in Christ as well. And He will reveal the love we share in Christ. Know this, that every situation we face presents options. We decide what options we take. We can choose faith or fear. We can choose to be encouraged or discouraged.

One last thing on faith. Hebrews 11:1 says that it is the substance of things hoped for the assurance of things not seen. The word 'substance' means a thing put under, substructure, foundation. That helps us to understand that faith is literally a tangible reality to create and manifest a desired outcome. That is why Hebrews goes on to say that with faith the entire universe was formed (11:3). This is confirmed by the psalmist who writes,"For when He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command"(psalm 33:6-9).

Let the revelation of this Truth enlighten the eyes of your understanding. It is God's Words that have the power to create a new tangible reality. The authority is in His Words not ours. Therefore, we are only required to come in agreement with His will given to us and we can rest in Him for the results. That is good news because we don't have to strive to make it happen. Either it is a finished work or a promised expectation from God. I don't forsee any answer we need that doesn't fall in either of those two categories. And what's really awesome about God is He starts us off with a measure of faith that we can employ and even grow (Romans 12:3 & Ephesians 4:13).

So be encouraged. He has taken care of everything. Only believe it.

Go Make Disciples

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Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

As Christians we are commanded to fulfill the Great Commission. We are commissioned to make disciples over the idea of collecting “first time decision cards” for Christ. We have two assurances in this passage for our success in this endeavor. Complete authority is given to Jesus (v.18) and He has authorized us to do to carry out His work. Lastly, He will be with us (v.20) and He dwells in us. Therefore, we are confident that we can accomplish the task,

So where do we begin? Well, the answer is simple. We should follow Christ's example as recorded in Matt 4:18-22;Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11. Jesus found His first disciples at the place they worked. Andrew, Peter, James, and John were fisherman. Jesus found them while they were at work. The same can be true for us. We don't have to complicate it. We don't have to go to a foreign country, although I do recommend at least going on a short term mission trip. We don't have to wait for Sunday service or a men's/women's bible study group. Notice that Jesus didn't find His first disciples in the synagogue. Luke records that Jesus did preach at the synagogues first (Luke 4:44). The church is where we are built up for ministry. Ministry (a.k.a...discipleship) happens where the people are. Therefore let us go in the authority of Christ and make disciples at our jobs or if you're a student at school.

Here is another word of encouragement. Each account given in regards to Jesus finding His first disciples begins with “one day”. There is a “one day” awaiting your co-workers or classmates. There is a “one day” awaiting your unsaved family members and friends. By the Spirit of God, I can tell you that if we step out in faith, there will be a “one day” encounter that will change all other days. The normal course of life will be interrupted by the divine and lives will be re-ordered and re-defined for the glory of God.