Today, I had the privilege of being part of the "capital C" CHURCH....It was a very surreal experience. God taught me a lesson that will ever be etched in my heart. As my wife and I headed to a very special place hidden away behind iron bars and doors locked with electronic keys, I prayed God would open my heart to be used the way He would need. I prayed God would help me talk to young people who have been through more in their short lives than most of us will ever go through in a lifetime. I prayed God would use me to reach these young people, to let them know there was a group of men and women who love them, who pray for them, and who will be what the bible says a "Christian should be"....
Little did I know, God had other plans in mind....
As I stood before young men and women, I poured out my heart. I shared why I believe God is the one true God. I told them what Jesus did for us on the cross. I told them about being arrested and how God used that experience to change my life. I showed them tattoos I have to symbolize the experiences I have had. I told them how there were 2 others hanging on crosses beside Jesus.....One of which we assume didn't make it, One we know would be with Jesus in paradise.....I stood before young men and women who are in a different world than most of you reading this could ever imagine. You are probably thinking, "here he goes again....telling me how bad everyone else has it...."
I am glad you are thinking this way....Please continue to read....
As we ended our time together, my prayer over the group was a prayer of heartache and mercy for the kids and staff. It was a prayer for guidance and the mighty hand of God to protect this group. When we finished praying, all of the group said amen together...
I walked over to the administrator in charge and explained how, as a non-profit, we would like to help with shoes and hoodies for each and every child in their care. I told her to forward anyone who wanted to donate moneys to their program our way and we would make sure they got what they needed....
Then it happened....
I was told of a church wanting to help provide items for the young men and women...As we spoke back and forth, God opened my heart by what was said next.....
"We would like to get this group healthy enough to get them all to church."
I felt the Holy Spirit open my heart and mouth at the same time when I replied.....
"We need to get the church healthy enough to come out here."
If you are reading this blog, you may very well be reading it on Easter morning....the very day we as Christians should celebrate our existence.
Why have we allowed ourselves to be programmed into thinking we have to get healthy before we can come to church to hear what God has for us???
Why have we programmed the world we live in, you have to be healthy before they can set foot in our doors???
I have been thinking about this all day long...
Jesus gives us an example of what the Church is supposed to look like...What I read in my bible, shows me Jesus went where the people were....
All of His 12 disciples were chosen....asked personally be Jesus...the records I see show a Savior going out and finding fishers of men...are we doing that?
Look at how Jesus' at the age of 12-13 was in the temple talking to the priests...He went to them...are we doing that?
Look at the Samaritan woman, she was not who he should have been hanging out with all by himself, but he went through Samaria just to have an intentional meeting at the well....are we doing that?
Look at when people were healed of blindness, leprocy, lameness, or death....All show a Savior who went to people who needed what only He has...are we doing that?
Look at when he taught His disciples lessons on the sea, he went to them, walking on the water....Just to save Peter as he sank and teach them lesson after lesson...are we doing that?
He didn't sit in a sanctuary with high tech videography, awesome music, great speakers, and a program taught out of the next best book that some of the worlds best theologian has written(I love it too)....are we doing that?
He went and did what He was called to do....When it was all said and done, He even carried His own cross to His own death...
After he was risen from the grave, He still was on the move...talking and sharing what He had with everyone around Him...
I'm not knocking the church I attend or any other church in general....I am knocking the lack of willingness and the programming we have allowed ourselves to become subjected to...to busy, to hard, need some time to myself, need some time for my family....all excuses I have used too....
It's Easter....What are you going to do about it?
Maybe, as a church, we should get healthy and go find the unhealthy and share what only God has....
I know as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord....
Justin Presley
If you would like to support our cause, please donate....
https://inoroutfaith.cloverdonations.com/homes-hunger-hoodies-kicks/
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Grandma's and Food Boxes....
When I started In or Out Faith Ministries, Inc., I didn't have a clue what I was doing or even why I was doing it. I had little to no experience with raising money or getting volunteers to help with a cause they may or may not believe in. I hate to admit it, but I had no idea where to even start...
2 years later, I am still in the same place at times. I just know how to hide it better now. I still hope people will support the cause and people will somehow, in someway, see God in what we are doing. It doesn't matter if its a pair of shoes or a food box, it is my hope and prayer that God will get the glory.
This week we are preparing 425 food boxes in the Ada and Seminole area for children on the Back Pack program supported by their local schools. These children have been identified by their teachers or school officials as needing extra food for different reasons based on conversations or just observing them eat in the lunch room and noticing them getting seconds and thirds or even asking to take food home after school.
Today, I was taught a lesson by God in a huge way....I am overwhelmed by His ability to make everything work out the way its supposed too. As I stood in the Ada 1st Free Will Baptist Family Life Center looking at all the food to be packed, I wondered who was going to show up. Who would be here to help out? How many people will be here to make sure this all gets done? I hope everything goes like its supposed to. I hope I can control all the steps it takes to get this done. What's the best way to make this work? How can we do this the easiest way possible?
All these questions with no immediate answers....
Then it happened, my Grandparents walked in....just a few weeks ago my "Granna" had a cancerous mass removed from her colon and is starting radiation/chemo treatments this week. Watching my Granna walk down the assembly line in front of my "Petepa" placing item after item in the food boxes, it hit me, God is in control. If she can take the time to not worry about herself and all the issues in her immediate future, I can trust God to pack these boxes.
As person after person walked in and started taking their place in the process, I saw the whole body of Christ working together to do something bigger than themselves. I stood in the doorway of the gym and watched individuals working to get community service hours to take care of legal issues working along side a pastor. I saw fathers and daughters standing side by side packing boxes with food items and drinks. I watched a mom and her children working together to make sure each item was packed perfectly. Brothers working beside one another to make sure cheese and crackers made it into every box. Teachers, Nurses, and Insurance Agents carrying boxes to a trailer. Newly appointed Executive Officers and Administrators counting boxes to make sure we had exactly 301. I watched as my own daughter and another workers daughter worked together to pull one box from station to station. I saw young boys and college students breaking down boxes and carrying them outside to the trailer trip after trip. My heart smiled as I watched my oldest son come to me and ask what he could do. Then I saw my youngest son running tirelessly delivering boxes to be broken down. Standing there overwhelmed by Gods amazing ability to use any and all of us to do His work, I watched up to 4 generations of people working selflessly to feed kids they don't even know.
I honestly believe UNITY in the body of Christ will change this community....As I set here and read 1 Corinthians 12, there's not a denomination mentioned or any religious organization said to be the chosen few. It does say, "we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body".....thanks to everyone who did that tonight....I was able to witness all the different parts working together to form ONE BODY....
One of the biggest lessons I have learned by having this ministry is, when we ALL work together more is accomplished. When we put others ahead of ourselves, we are doing what God has called us to do. When we make intentional efforts to put God first, we are responding to His call on our lives...
As I got in my truck to leave the church tonight, my emotions got the best of me and I couldn't keep the tears of joy in any longer....GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD....
It is always amazing how God works...He used my grandmother and food boxes to show me what it means to let go and trust His ways are not our ways....
2 years later, I am still in the same place at times. I just know how to hide it better now. I still hope people will support the cause and people will somehow, in someway, see God in what we are doing. It doesn't matter if its a pair of shoes or a food box, it is my hope and prayer that God will get the glory.
This week we are preparing 425 food boxes in the Ada and Seminole area for children on the Back Pack program supported by their local schools. These children have been identified by their teachers or school officials as needing extra food for different reasons based on conversations or just observing them eat in the lunch room and noticing them getting seconds and thirds or even asking to take food home after school.
Today, I was taught a lesson by God in a huge way....I am overwhelmed by His ability to make everything work out the way its supposed too. As I stood in the Ada 1st Free Will Baptist Family Life Center looking at all the food to be packed, I wondered who was going to show up. Who would be here to help out? How many people will be here to make sure this all gets done? I hope everything goes like its supposed to. I hope I can control all the steps it takes to get this done. What's the best way to make this work? How can we do this the easiest way possible?
All these questions with no immediate answers....
Then it happened, my Grandparents walked in....just a few weeks ago my "Granna" had a cancerous mass removed from her colon and is starting radiation/chemo treatments this week. Watching my Granna walk down the assembly line in front of my "Petepa" placing item after item in the food boxes, it hit me, God is in control. If she can take the time to not worry about herself and all the issues in her immediate future, I can trust God to pack these boxes.
As person after person walked in and started taking their place in the process, I saw the whole body of Christ working together to do something bigger than themselves. I stood in the doorway of the gym and watched individuals working to get community service hours to take care of legal issues working along side a pastor. I saw fathers and daughters standing side by side packing boxes with food items and drinks. I watched a mom and her children working together to make sure each item was packed perfectly. Brothers working beside one another to make sure cheese and crackers made it into every box. Teachers, Nurses, and Insurance Agents carrying boxes to a trailer. Newly appointed Executive Officers and Administrators counting boxes to make sure we had exactly 301. I watched as my own daughter and another workers daughter worked together to pull one box from station to station. I saw young boys and college students breaking down boxes and carrying them outside to the trailer trip after trip. My heart smiled as I watched my oldest son come to me and ask what he could do. Then I saw my youngest son running tirelessly delivering boxes to be broken down. Standing there overwhelmed by Gods amazing ability to use any and all of us to do His work, I watched up to 4 generations of people working selflessly to feed kids they don't even know.
I honestly believe UNITY in the body of Christ will change this community....As I set here and read 1 Corinthians 12, there's not a denomination mentioned or any religious organization said to be the chosen few. It does say, "we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body".....thanks to everyone who did that tonight....I was able to witness all the different parts working together to form ONE BODY....
One of the biggest lessons I have learned by having this ministry is, when we ALL work together more is accomplished. When we put others ahead of ourselves, we are doing what God has called us to do. When we make intentional efforts to put God first, we are responding to His call on our lives...
As I got in my truck to leave the church tonight, my emotions got the best of me and I couldn't keep the tears of joy in any longer....GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD....
It is always amazing how God works...He used my grandmother and food boxes to show me what it means to let go and trust His ways are not our ways....
Sunday, June 15, 2014
"R.U.N.?"
I recently started a new business with a friend of mine. With my non profit, it was easier and less expensive for me to buy a timing system than to continue to rent one for the races we use to raise money to feed kids. I have done what I always do when it comes to new things in my life. I jump in whole heartedly with out reservation. I like to be in control and make sure everything is done the way I think it should be done. I like to dream of future success both financially and professionally. I dream big and figure out a way to make that happen. Its just the way I am. I try to live out the mindset, "GO BIG OR GO HOME.."
Its funny how God uses things in your life to make sure you are listening to Him. Its funny how you learn lessons in life when you least expect it. Your heart and mind are telling you, you are doing the right thing, but somehow someway, God shows you the truth....
A few days ago I had a dual purpose event. We held a glow run and we were using the glow run to raise money for the non profit. It was only our 3rd race to time and be in complete control. The pre race responsibilities were almost breaking us mentally as we struggled at times to get everything set and completed. The course was difficult to manage due to the physical distance between registration, the start line, and the finish line. I was stressed to the max because I couldn't make sure everything was going the way I felt it should be. During event times, I go into a mode that I thought was very productive. However, I will be proven wrong....
As the race finished, I felt like I had failed. I felt like I was not doing the best job I could have. The runners were thrilled with the race. The timing system did its job. My business partner did awesome. Registration was the best it had ever been. We made more money than we thought we would. It was a great night and I was not in control of any of it...
On several occasions, people would come up to talk and I was so worried about success, I couldn't even enjoy the moment....
The next evening as the entire family went to dinner together, God would use my oldest son to teach me a lesson I would not forget...
We sat at Polos Restaurant in Ada Ok with my entire family. My parents and my brother and his family were all sitting there eating and laughing about the weekend. I made a joke that was just like something I would always do. My son laughed, and said, "well, Dad is back..."
I looked at him as the table went silent...Everyone knew what he was saying except me....
My wife look at me and said,"you are a different person when you have a race. The day before, the day of, and the day after we just have to leave you alone...."
Parker then said, "I can tell you in one word..." As he held up his hand and counted every letter, God began to speak....
"R.U.N."
I sat there....I sat there and understood what my oldest son was saying....I didn't respond, I didn't react, I didn't know what to say....
You see, many times, as fathers, we think we are doing what we should by making money and providing for our family, but we miss the point... We miss the opportunity to serve our families... We miss the opportunity to serve others.... We even miss the opportunity to serve God....
R U N for being a great husband?
R U N for being a great father?
R U N for being a great leader?
It doesn't take money... It takes guts and desire to serve God, Family, and others....
Today is Fathers Day, what commitment will you make to be a better dad?
Its funny how God uses things in your life to make sure you are listening to Him. Its funny how you learn lessons in life when you least expect it. Your heart and mind are telling you, you are doing the right thing, but somehow someway, God shows you the truth....
A few days ago I had a dual purpose event. We held a glow run and we were using the glow run to raise money for the non profit. It was only our 3rd race to time and be in complete control. The pre race responsibilities were almost breaking us mentally as we struggled at times to get everything set and completed. The course was difficult to manage due to the physical distance between registration, the start line, and the finish line. I was stressed to the max because I couldn't make sure everything was going the way I felt it should be. During event times, I go into a mode that I thought was very productive. However, I will be proven wrong....
As the race finished, I felt like I had failed. I felt like I was not doing the best job I could have. The runners were thrilled with the race. The timing system did its job. My business partner did awesome. Registration was the best it had ever been. We made more money than we thought we would. It was a great night and I was not in control of any of it...
On several occasions, people would come up to talk and I was so worried about success, I couldn't even enjoy the moment....
The next evening as the entire family went to dinner together, God would use my oldest son to teach me a lesson I would not forget...
We sat at Polos Restaurant in Ada Ok with my entire family. My parents and my brother and his family were all sitting there eating and laughing about the weekend. I made a joke that was just like something I would always do. My son laughed, and said, "well, Dad is back..."
I looked at him as the table went silent...Everyone knew what he was saying except me....
My wife look at me and said,"you are a different person when you have a race. The day before, the day of, and the day after we just have to leave you alone...."
Parker then said, "I can tell you in one word..." As he held up his hand and counted every letter, God began to speak....
"R.U.N."
I sat there....I sat there and understood what my oldest son was saying....I didn't respond, I didn't react, I didn't know what to say....
You see, many times, as fathers, we think we are doing what we should by making money and providing for our family, but we miss the point... We miss the opportunity to serve our families... We miss the opportunity to serve others.... We even miss the opportunity to serve God....
R U N for being a great husband?
R U N for being a great father?
R U N for being a great leader?
It doesn't take money... It takes guts and desire to serve God, Family, and others....
Today is Fathers Day, what commitment will you make to be a better dad?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Baseball and Tears....
Nothing like a great day at the ballpark. I walked away as proud as a father could be. I walked away with my chest out because my son came through when he was needed. Today wasn't the best day at the ballpark for our team. We won both games, but you could tell we were a little rusty. There were a few routine plays that went terribly wrong and there were several times the boys were just not on their game. I had decided that today I would make sure and not be negative to my son or the other boys. I had made up my mind, no matter what, I would be positive to the kids and encourage them as best I could.
As I walked to first base every inning, I tried to leave the dugout after saying some encouraging words to our team. I even would pick up the ball for the opposing pitcher if the opportunity presented itself.
On first base, as a coach, there are several conversations that go on between the opposing coaches, the umpires, and the players as they reach first base. The conversations range from the Thunder pulling through, the weather, where all our kids go to school, and any other topic outside of baseball you can think of. I sat back in more of a quiet mindset today and listened to the coaches from the other teams. I was unbelievably amazed at what I heard as they talked to their players and to each other.
I started thinking about how much pressure we put on our kids to be perfect at every bat, every pitch, every play, and every moment they are on the field. I starting thinking about how much expectation we put on them every time they step on the field. Don't get me wrong, I think you should be prepared, but if you aren't, how can we hold them accountable.
Then it happened. The learning moment for a coach, father, and christian.
Parker was at the plate during a really tense and stressful situation. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs in the last inning. It was our last at bat and we were down by 1 run. I walked down closer to home plate than usual and hollered to my son. I yelled to him, "I want to to dig down deep and see exactly what you are made of son." He responded with his usual nod and went back to his practice swing. Here comes the pitch. He swings and fouls it off. As the battle at the plate went back and forth for another 4 or 5 foul balls, I started hearing a conversation in the dugout next to me from the opposing coaches. They were talking about how all they needed was one more out and the kid at the plate hadn't been on base all game. I heard them saying how all they needed was one more strike. They knew all they needed was one out to end the game and win.
In the middle of their conversation, I hollered to my son and told him again, "you got this, dig down deep and give it all you have, son...."
As I walked back to the dugout, I looked over at the coaches and told them, "I love players being in theses type situations....I love them being put to the test..."
The replied with saying how the felt the exact opposite. I looked at them and said, "HE is going to do this....we got faith in him..."
As I turned around, the pitcher goes through his stretch and throws the ball..Parker hits the ball harder than he had all day...he hits the ball between the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman and it gets through....
Both runs score and we win the game...
As he stood on the bag with the winning run crossing the plate, I grabbed him and held him up as he pumped his hands in the air and I told him how proud I was of him and I knew he was going to do it...I knew he was going to come through for his team...
Then it happened...The lesson was presenting itself to be learned...
I looked over at Parker with tears of joy running down his face at what he had done and I smiled because I was already teared up. His teammates were hugging him and chest bumping with him as they celebrated their victory. We were both so happy we couldn't do anything but cry. As his team mates asked him if he was okay, he just smiled and cried some more at the accomplishment he just had...
You know they say, "there's no crying in baseball." Today on the Blake Auld Memorial Fields in Seminole, OK. there was crying in baseball. And if you have a problem with it, my son and I don't care...
I am going to cry when I want too. I am going to encourage our team as much as I can. I am going to keep trying to inspire our kids to know they can come through when they are in a tough situation. I am going to keep trying to help these young boys become Godly young men. I'm going to let them know I believe in them.
If they strike out, it can all go away with one hit.
If they overthrow a base, it can all go away with one gunned down baserunner.
If they get thrown out, it can all go away with another stole base.
If they get a bad hop, it can all go away with another caught ground ball.
If they have a bad inning, it can go away with a good inning.
If they cry over a victory and personal accomplishment, I hope that heart never changes....Ever....
As I walked to first base every inning, I tried to leave the dugout after saying some encouraging words to our team. I even would pick up the ball for the opposing pitcher if the opportunity presented itself.
On first base, as a coach, there are several conversations that go on between the opposing coaches, the umpires, and the players as they reach first base. The conversations range from the Thunder pulling through, the weather, where all our kids go to school, and any other topic outside of baseball you can think of. I sat back in more of a quiet mindset today and listened to the coaches from the other teams. I was unbelievably amazed at what I heard as they talked to their players and to each other.
I started thinking about how much pressure we put on our kids to be perfect at every bat, every pitch, every play, and every moment they are on the field. I starting thinking about how much expectation we put on them every time they step on the field. Don't get me wrong, I think you should be prepared, but if you aren't, how can we hold them accountable.
Then it happened. The learning moment for a coach, father, and christian.
Parker was at the plate during a really tense and stressful situation. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs in the last inning. It was our last at bat and we were down by 1 run. I walked down closer to home plate than usual and hollered to my son. I yelled to him, "I want to to dig down deep and see exactly what you are made of son." He responded with his usual nod and went back to his practice swing. Here comes the pitch. He swings and fouls it off. As the battle at the plate went back and forth for another 4 or 5 foul balls, I started hearing a conversation in the dugout next to me from the opposing coaches. They were talking about how all they needed was one more out and the kid at the plate hadn't been on base all game. I heard them saying how all they needed was one more strike. They knew all they needed was one out to end the game and win.
In the middle of their conversation, I hollered to my son and told him again, "you got this, dig down deep and give it all you have, son...."
As I walked back to the dugout, I looked over at the coaches and told them, "I love players being in theses type situations....I love them being put to the test..."
The replied with saying how the felt the exact opposite. I looked at them and said, "HE is going to do this....we got faith in him..."
As I turned around, the pitcher goes through his stretch and throws the ball..Parker hits the ball harder than he had all day...he hits the ball between the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman and it gets through....
Both runs score and we win the game...
As he stood on the bag with the winning run crossing the plate, I grabbed him and held him up as he pumped his hands in the air and I told him how proud I was of him and I knew he was going to do it...I knew he was going to come through for his team...
Then it happened...The lesson was presenting itself to be learned...
I looked over at Parker with tears of joy running down his face at what he had done and I smiled because I was already teared up. His teammates were hugging him and chest bumping with him as they celebrated their victory. We were both so happy we couldn't do anything but cry. As his team mates asked him if he was okay, he just smiled and cried some more at the accomplishment he just had...
You know they say, "there's no crying in baseball." Today on the Blake Auld Memorial Fields in Seminole, OK. there was crying in baseball. And if you have a problem with it, my son and I don't care...
I am going to cry when I want too. I am going to encourage our team as much as I can. I am going to keep trying to inspire our kids to know they can come through when they are in a tough situation. I am going to keep trying to help these young boys become Godly young men. I'm going to let them know I believe in them.
If they strike out, it can all go away with one hit.
If they overthrow a base, it can all go away with one gunned down baserunner.
If they get thrown out, it can all go away with another stole base.
If they get a bad hop, it can all go away with another caught ground ball.
If they have a bad inning, it can go away with a good inning.
If they cry over a victory and personal accomplishment, I hope that heart never changes....Ever....
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
War Zone Everyday......
This morning as I drove to work, I happened to receive an update on a post from last night on Facebook. As I glanced at it, something caught my eye. Something that has hit me at the core of who I am. The post simply read, "Pray for Byng Schools..." When I got to the office, I sat in my car and cried as I read about my children's school being the topic of a possible attack. I immediately called my home to see if anyone was able to talk. As my son answered, I told him I loved him. I told him to be aware of anything out of the ordinary. I told him to pray for protection today and I was praying for him too. I told him to pay attention and if there were people at the school who weren't normally there to make sure and tell someone....
I asked to talk to his sister and she had already headed out the door and I didn't get to talk to her. Then, in the stillness of the parking lot with my car running, I prayed. I prayed for my children. I prayed for all the students. I prayed for my children's teachers. I prayed for the kids who wrote such horrific posts on social media pages.
When I was talking to my son, I felt as if I was sending him into battle...I thought that today he could be fighting for his life or someone else's. I had thoughts of total desperation of what may happen based on threats....
Then God said, "Why are you only worried about today? Why are you only worried about the worst case scenario? "Are they ready?"
Parents,
We are sending our kids into battle each and every day. We send them into a place of beauty and darkness. We must be more active in prayer daily for our children. I don't think we understand our children are learning more about "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" at an earlier age than we ever did. There are kids all around the state who are experimenting with sex and drugs at earlier and earlier ages.....
We send our kids into a war zone of peer pressure and bullying. We send our kids into a war zone where their faith may be put to the test. We send our kids into war every day.....
The questions on my heart are.......
Are my children equipped to handle the war they are in?
Have I done all I could do to make sure when the battle begins they can fight?
Have I made sure they know I love them?
Have I taught them who God is by my actions?
Am I ready for the war they are in?
The fact is, today should be an eye opening experience for all of us.....
What are you going to do now?
Justin Presley
I asked to talk to his sister and she had already headed out the door and I didn't get to talk to her. Then, in the stillness of the parking lot with my car running, I prayed. I prayed for my children. I prayed for all the students. I prayed for my children's teachers. I prayed for the kids who wrote such horrific posts on social media pages.
When I was talking to my son, I felt as if I was sending him into battle...I thought that today he could be fighting for his life or someone else's. I had thoughts of total desperation of what may happen based on threats....
Then God said, "Why are you only worried about today? Why are you only worried about the worst case scenario? "Are they ready?"
Parents,
We are sending our kids into battle each and every day. We send them into a place of beauty and darkness. We must be more active in prayer daily for our children. I don't think we understand our children are learning more about "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" at an earlier age than we ever did. There are kids all around the state who are experimenting with sex and drugs at earlier and earlier ages.....
We send our kids into a war zone of peer pressure and bullying. We send our kids into a war zone where their faith may be put to the test. We send our kids into war every day.....
The questions on my heart are.......
Are my children equipped to handle the war they are in?
Have I done all I could do to make sure when the battle begins they can fight?
Have I made sure they know I love them?
Have I taught them who God is by my actions?
Am I ready for the war they are in?
The fact is, today should be an eye opening experience for all of us.....
What are you going to do now?
Justin Presley
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Just the plain simple truth.....
This blog isn't a feel good one, so if you can't handle the truth, stop right now....just a warning...
I am sitting in my living room at 12:02 am in complete darkness listening to the kids tv blaring as they sleep, the wind is whispering outside the windows, a humidifier is buzzing down the hall, and I can't sleep. My mind is racing in several different directions. Occasionally the sound of a car races by my house. I'm wondering why I feel so lost. I have felt like something in my life isn't as it should be. I am not doing anything wrong. I am just so overwhelmed with ideas and strategy I can't move. It is like I am frozen in time and just getting lost in the shuffle and hustle of baseball tournaments, tball games, end of year programs, field trips, business decisions, ministry decisions, working out, and anything else you throw at us on a daily basis. I know none of you reading this feel the same way.
I met with a dear friend of mine this week and we discussed all that was going on with our lives. We talked about all the things interfering with what we should be doing. I began to feel a strong sense of stress and conviction in my heart.
You see, the reason I am so out of sorts, God isn't where he should be in my life. I have allowed time, effort, energy, and desire to get in the way of His place in my life. I haven't been the spiritual leader in my home that I should be. My quiet time has been taken over by sleep and car rides for work. My scriptural desire has been replaced with strategic planning sessions and a desire of success. I have replaced God with DVR recordings and conversations about business decisions. I haven't done it on purpose, but it has happened. My wife and I have replaced good conversation about the direction in our marriage with deciding where the kids are going so we can make all the events we have placed at such a huge priority in life.
Where is God in all this? I think we have just set him on the shelf and forgot Him. I truly believe we have done this without malice towards our beliefs and love for Him. We just have gotten too busy.
Tonight I laid in bed and prayed to God to help me. To guide me. To give me the courage to make the changes necessary in my life to be what I told Him I would be when I answered the call He has on my life. I begged His forgiveness. I asked Him to work in Heather's heart and my heart and bring us closer to Him and each other. I pleaded with Him to help me stand as a man of God in front of my children no matter where we are. I prayed he would give me the courage to leap and become the leader He needs me to be outside of the home. I asked Him to guide me in the decisions I need to make.
Maybe you feel the same way I do....But tonight, God has taken over and I am resting in the shadow of the Almighty...
It is time for us to do what God has called us to do...No matter how crazy it may seem....
and show him my salvation.”
I am sitting in my living room at 12:02 am in complete darkness listening to the kids tv blaring as they sleep, the wind is whispering outside the windows, a humidifier is buzzing down the hall, and I can't sleep. My mind is racing in several different directions. Occasionally the sound of a car races by my house. I'm wondering why I feel so lost. I have felt like something in my life isn't as it should be. I am not doing anything wrong. I am just so overwhelmed with ideas and strategy I can't move. It is like I am frozen in time and just getting lost in the shuffle and hustle of baseball tournaments, tball games, end of year programs, field trips, business decisions, ministry decisions, working out, and anything else you throw at us on a daily basis. I know none of you reading this feel the same way.
I met with a dear friend of mine this week and we discussed all that was going on with our lives. We talked about all the things interfering with what we should be doing. I began to feel a strong sense of stress and conviction in my heart.
You see, the reason I am so out of sorts, God isn't where he should be in my life. I have allowed time, effort, energy, and desire to get in the way of His place in my life. I haven't been the spiritual leader in my home that I should be. My quiet time has been taken over by sleep and car rides for work. My scriptural desire has been replaced with strategic planning sessions and a desire of success. I have replaced God with DVR recordings and conversations about business decisions. I haven't done it on purpose, but it has happened. My wife and I have replaced good conversation about the direction in our marriage with deciding where the kids are going so we can make all the events we have placed at such a huge priority in life.
Where is God in all this? I think we have just set him on the shelf and forgot Him. I truly believe we have done this without malice towards our beliefs and love for Him. We just have gotten too busy.
Tonight I laid in bed and prayed to God to help me. To guide me. To give me the courage to make the changes necessary in my life to be what I told Him I would be when I answered the call He has on my life. I begged His forgiveness. I asked Him to work in Heather's heart and my heart and bring us closer to Him and each other. I pleaded with Him to help me stand as a man of God in front of my children no matter where we are. I prayed he would give me the courage to leap and become the leader He needs me to be outside of the home. I asked Him to guide me in the decisions I need to make.
Maybe you feel the same way I do....But tonight, God has taken over and I am resting in the shadow of the Almighty...
It is time for us to do what God has called us to do...No matter how crazy it may seem....
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Little Girls and Daddy's.....
When I saw her at 4 months old, I thought she was the chubbiest baby I had ever seen. She had cute chubby cheeks and rubber banded chubby legs and was very attached to her momma. I never knew she would change my life forever. As I sat in the judges chambers, around a year and a half later, I will never forget the moment she became mine. The judge asked her who her daddy was and she looked at me and pointed to my chest as she sat on my lap. The judge and I signed the paperwork and my wife, daughter, and I went home.
Since that day, I have learned so much about being a daddy to a little girl. You see up to that day, I only had a son. Boys and girls are way different. I didn't know she wouldn't get up after falling just because I told her too. I didn't know she wouldn't quit crying if I raised my voice, it only made it worse. I didn't know when you changed a diaper, girls have a lot to get completely clean. I didn't know she would tear up at the drop of a hat when I got angry. I didn't know girls have their own way of doing things. I didn't know how to play with dolls and babies, but I learned. I didn't know wrestling would scare her. I didn't know she would love it when I told her how beautiful she is. I didn't know I would have to treat her different than my son.
I didn't know I could love her like I do.....
This past weekend, we had a special time together. We were able to attend the Daddy/Daughter dance. It was the first year for me to get to take her. Last year, due to circumstances out of my control, I was unable to go. She was devastated and I was too. This year, I was determined to make it the best ever. For Christmas, I picked out a dress to give her to wear to the dance and I knew exactly what I would wear to match her dress. I bought her some high heels to wear even though her momma thought I was crazy. I wanted to make the night as awesome as it could be for her.
When I walked into the door to get ready for the dance, she was standing there in her dress. She looked at me and I could tell she was needing me to tell her how beautiful she was. Her hair was curled like she was going to the prom. A new necklace hung from her neck. Her dress hung seamlessly below her knees as she stood with her legs slightly crossed waiting for my approval. I looked at her and saw the little chubby girl I met 7 and a half year ago. I was amazed at her slender shaped face and long slender legs. I saw a young woman standing before me waiting on her daddy to tell her she was beautiful.
After I got ready, I asked her if she needed a wristlet bouquet to make her outfit final. She gasped and a huge smile went all over her face as she said yes. As we drove to the dance, the excitement was building. She was ready to get there. She was ready to see her friends. She was ready to dance and have fun. The next 3 hours, I learned a lot about little girls and daddy's.
1. Little girls want to fall in love with their daddy's first.
2. Little girls just want you to dance with them. They don't care if you feel goofy.
3. Little girls love to scream. And scream.
4. Little girls don't understand why you won't dance with them.
5. Little girls are waiting for someone to dance with them.
6. Little girls will expect other men to love them and treat them the way you do daddy.
7. Little girls love it when you tell them they are beautiful over and over and over again.
8. Little girls grow up to be women.
9. Little girls need you to be there dancing with them.
10. My daughter needs a good example of what a man is suppose to be...
My daughter came up to me after we danced to the cupid shuffle, chicken dance, YMCA, and other songs with her hand stretched out. She had requested a song for us to dance too...As I held her in my arms, these are the words that were playing and they ring true...I stood amazed that my 8 year old daughter would teach me so much in one night about being a daddy......
Since that day, I have learned so much about being a daddy to a little girl. You see up to that day, I only had a son. Boys and girls are way different. I didn't know she wouldn't get up after falling just because I told her too. I didn't know she wouldn't quit crying if I raised my voice, it only made it worse. I didn't know when you changed a diaper, girls have a lot to get completely clean. I didn't know she would tear up at the drop of a hat when I got angry. I didn't know girls have their own way of doing things. I didn't know how to play with dolls and babies, but I learned. I didn't know wrestling would scare her. I didn't know she would love it when I told her how beautiful she is. I didn't know I would have to treat her different than my son.
I didn't know I could love her like I do.....
This past weekend, we had a special time together. We were able to attend the Daddy/Daughter dance. It was the first year for me to get to take her. Last year, due to circumstances out of my control, I was unable to go. She was devastated and I was too. This year, I was determined to make it the best ever. For Christmas, I picked out a dress to give her to wear to the dance and I knew exactly what I would wear to match her dress. I bought her some high heels to wear even though her momma thought I was crazy. I wanted to make the night as awesome as it could be for her.
When I walked into the door to get ready for the dance, she was standing there in her dress. She looked at me and I could tell she was needing me to tell her how beautiful she was. Her hair was curled like she was going to the prom. A new necklace hung from her neck. Her dress hung seamlessly below her knees as she stood with her legs slightly crossed waiting for my approval. I looked at her and saw the little chubby girl I met 7 and a half year ago. I was amazed at her slender shaped face and long slender legs. I saw a young woman standing before me waiting on her daddy to tell her she was beautiful.
After I got ready, I asked her if she needed a wristlet bouquet to make her outfit final. She gasped and a huge smile went all over her face as she said yes. As we drove to the dance, the excitement was building. She was ready to get there. She was ready to see her friends. She was ready to dance and have fun. The next 3 hours, I learned a lot about little girls and daddy's.
1. Little girls want to fall in love with their daddy's first.
2. Little girls just want you to dance with them. They don't care if you feel goofy.
3. Little girls love to scream. And scream.
4. Little girls don't understand why you won't dance with them.
5. Little girls are waiting for someone to dance with them.
6. Little girls will expect other men to love them and treat them the way you do daddy.
7. Little girls love it when you tell them they are beautiful over and over and over again.
8. Little girls grow up to be women.
9. Little girls need you to be there dancing with them.
10. My daughter needs a good example of what a man is suppose to be...
My daughter came up to me after we danced to the cupid shuffle, chicken dance, YMCA, and other songs with her hand stretched out. She had requested a song for us to dance too...As I held her in my arms, these are the words that were playing and they ring true...I stood amazed that my 8 year old daughter would teach me so much in one night about being a daddy......
She spins and she sways to whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day and there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
and I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away but I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day and there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
and I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away but I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Thursday, December 19, 2013
"Your doing the right thing."
You ever wonder if what you are doing is the right thing? We are in the Christmas season and we often wonder if we got the right gift or if they will even like the gift we bought. We wait in antcipation as our loved ones open the gifts wrapped in pretty paper and ribbons. We wait to see the look on their faces as the gift we bought specifically for them is finally shown. Then we all sit around and talk about how thankful we are that we have so much and how God has blessed us and our family's. We even pray that God will continue to bless our families....
You ever wonder if you are doing the right thing? We are in the Christmas season and we often give of our blessings to others. You get your angel tree kid or you find a group at church that is sponsoring a child or family. When you are doing your Christmas shopping you grab an extra toy or give money so someone else can go buy it for you. Then you question if the children will really get the gift or clothes. We have even went as far as to take the tags out, so those mean and terrible parents can't take them back and get the money or exchange them....
You ever wonder if you are doing the right thing? We are in the Christmas season and we often spend more time shopping and getting ready for the thrill of opening presents on Christmas morning than we do focusing on what this season really is. We give Jesus a prayer and some time on the Sunday we celebrate Christmas at church. We typically show up in our new clothes and new shoes to let everyone know what we got for Christmas. I am talking to myself too, folks....
You ever wonder if you are doing the right thing? We are in the Christmas season and we often forget we can give a gift of life rather than a gift of food, clothes, money, or toys. What if your family opened up presents from you that had a piece of paper in it that read, "DO YOU KNOW JESUS? I LOVE YOU AND WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO HIM." Or would that be too uncomfortable? Would that be too weird? Would that be asking too much of us as Christians?
The reason I ask this is because I spent 7 days in Honduras wondering if I did the riight thing. I wondered from the day I left if I was supposed to be there. I wondered what I was suppose to see. I wondered what God had for me in that country. I am not going to lie, I spent most of the week in Honduras upset because humans didn't care and don't care about what is going on in that country. I spent most of the week mad because we(CHRISTIANS) say that we love God but don't show His love to the least of these. I spent most of the week humbled and crying because I felt guilty for everything I had. I can tell you I learned so much about what God needs us to do as Christians, but the real lesson I learned was waiting for me when I returned to my house with my family.
As I unpacked my suit case, my oldest daughter asked me if I had read her note while I was gone. I guess she had stuck is way down in the bottom of my suitcase and I never even saw it. I told her I had not seen the note and I would look for it right then. As I dug through the dirty clothes and smelled Honduras and sweat all over again, I found a note folded up like it should fit into a bottle. As I unfolded it, it read:
Then I saw what I was looking for....As I folded the note back up and was going to tell her how much I loved her, I saw it.....
I stood there with tears in my eyes as I read this to my wife and we both just sat with our questions ansered and minds open. A lesson I had to learn after traveling thousands of miles was taught by my daughter the day I got home.
As adults we wonder if we are doing the right thing. We wonder about how we should or shouldn't do things....
My 8 year old daughter taught me that when you trust God and follow His lead, "Your doing the right thing."
Being a Christian is not about questioning God....It is about the action of love. If the Holy Spirit leads you to do something today, don't wait....don't question....just love....without hesitation....
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
My Shadow….His Lesson…
As I got into the truck with Shawn to head to Dallas, I was nervous as a cat on a tin roof. When we arrived at DFW, I was still nervous about what was going ot happen. What would these people be like? How would the plane ride be? Would it be hot there? Would the people like me? Would I really see what I sought out to see? All these questions were running through my mind and I couldn't help but wonder. Then I started meeting each person I would be sharing this experience with one by one. I worried about being accepted by the group and worried I would be too much for them to handle. Boarding the plane was the final straw. I knew I was going to Honduras. I was going to leave my comfortable life with my beautiful wife and 4 awesome kids to go serve in a foreign country.
Walking off the bus will be a moment I never forget. My eyes gazed at an amazing landscape. One where dogs, cows, vultures, and humans live side by side. I looked at the people who work and live in the dump as they formed 2 lines for the food they were going to receive. I found myself with feelings of anger at the fact they were even there. I found myself with feelings of sadness that we as humans have allowed this to happen.
I held back tears as I saw young children walking to the back of the truck to get a piece of chicken and a fruit drink. I wondered what their story was or if I even wanted to know. As they reached for their chicken, I noticed the dirt and filth on their hands and clothes. I noticed the miss matched shoes falling off their feet because they didn't fit or were just worn out.
I thought about all my family had and I felt guilty. I felt like I had never felt before. I stood in the back of a pickup watching person after person lifted their hands, covered in dirt and grime with finger nails black with filth reaching for some food and I was angry. I was angry that humans had allowed this…We had turned our back and allowed this to be…I was mad the country was allowing people to live like this and not do anything about it…All I could do was watch and pray…As I walked off by myself to wipe the tears I had falling off my cheeks, I noticed my shadow in front of me on the ground of the dump.
I was there. I wasn't sitting in the comfort of my office, home, car, or restaurant. I wasn't talking about what we should buy my kids for Christmas. In that moment, I wasn't worried about what I was going to eat for dinner. I wasn't worried about what pair of shoes I was going to wear. I wasn't thinking about anything except what God needed me to do to change this type of situation….I wasn't thinking about how I could make my life better, I was thinking of how I could make others life better….
If you have read this far, you will probably get mad in the next few sentences….
1. You have more than you need.
2. You have more than you deserve.
3. You need to give more to others.
4. You have a responsibility as a human to help others in need.
5. If you are a "Christian", you have a command from God to treat others better than yourself.
6. Your children have more than they need.
7. If your kids can't tell you what they want for Christmas, think about what that means…
These statements are what went through my mind as I looked at my shadow when I was standing in the dump. Then I looked up and saw the beauty of Gods love. I saw God in the eyes of the people living and working in the dump for less than $1.00 to $4.00 a day. You see, I went to Honduras to do what I thought was mission work for others and in the last day, I finally saw what Gods mission for us really is. He tells us to love others more than we love ourselves. We get hung up on all the details of music or no music, shorts or no shorts, hymnals or no hymnals, names on church buildings and whether or not they are the right church because they believe the right thing, doctrine, family, how much money we have in the bank, and the list goes on….
Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, You have done to me…"
What have you done for others…..
When the plane touched down in Tegus, my life would never be the same. I had no idea what would begin to happen in my heart and mind. God was going to make me so uncomfortable in my own skin, it was crazy.
There are so many stories to tell and I will tell them one by one as I learn the lessons God has taught me.
The Dump....
All week long and ever since I decided to go to Honduras, I heard about the dump and how crazy it was. I heard all the stories of despair, grief, challenge, smell, people, children, cows, vultures, gangs, lawlessness, poverty, and hope.
On the last day of our week, we finally worked it out to go to the dump. I was amazed as we begin to drive into the dump. What hits you first is the smell. If you have ever smelled rotten eggs and dirty feet with a little bit of dead fish all mixed up together, you would not even begin to come close to what the dump smells like. Driving in on the bus, we were told to make sure we put all our windows up so no one could reach in and take our valuables. We were then instructed to make sure we didn't leave any of our cameras or phones laying around or they would become property of the dump.
Walking off the bus will be a moment I never forget. My eyes gazed at an amazing landscape. One where dogs, cows, vultures, and humans live side by side. I looked at the people who work and live in the dump as they formed 2 lines for the food they were going to receive. I found myself with feelings of anger at the fact they were even there. I found myself with feelings of sadness that we as humans have allowed this to happen.
I held back tears as I saw young children walking to the back of the truck to get a piece of chicken and a fruit drink. I wondered what their story was or if I even wanted to know. As they reached for their chicken, I noticed the dirt and filth on their hands and clothes. I noticed the miss matched shoes falling off their feet because they didn't fit or were just worn out.
I thought about all my family had and I felt guilty. I felt like I had never felt before. I stood in the back of a pickup watching person after person lifted their hands, covered in dirt and grime with finger nails black with filth reaching for some food and I was angry. I was angry that humans had allowed this…We had turned our back and allowed this to be…I was mad the country was allowing people to live like this and not do anything about it…All I could do was watch and pray…As I walked off by myself to wipe the tears I had falling off my cheeks, I noticed my shadow in front of me on the ground of the dump.
I was there. I wasn't sitting in the comfort of my office, home, car, or restaurant. I wasn't talking about what we should buy my kids for Christmas. In that moment, I wasn't worried about what I was going to eat for dinner. I wasn't worried about what pair of shoes I was going to wear. I wasn't thinking about anything except what God needed me to do to change this type of situation….I wasn't thinking about how I could make my life better, I was thinking of how I could make others life better….
If you have read this far, you will probably get mad in the next few sentences….
1. You have more than you need.
2. You have more than you deserve.
3. You need to give more to others.
4. You have a responsibility as a human to help others in need.
5. If you are a "Christian", you have a command from God to treat others better than yourself.
6. Your children have more than they need.
7. If your kids can't tell you what they want for Christmas, think about what that means…
These statements are what went through my mind as I looked at my shadow when I was standing in the dump. Then I looked up and saw the beauty of Gods love. I saw God in the eyes of the people living and working in the dump for less than $1.00 to $4.00 a day. You see, I went to Honduras to do what I thought was mission work for others and in the last day, I finally saw what Gods mission for us really is. He tells us to love others more than we love ourselves. We get hung up on all the details of music or no music, shorts or no shorts, hymnals or no hymnals, names on church buildings and whether or not they are the right church because they believe the right thing, doctrine, family, how much money we have in the bank, and the list goes on….
Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, You have done to me…"
What have you done for others…..
Friday, November 22, 2013
"You want to know how big GOD is?"
I am absolutely amazed at how big God is. All we have been through in the past year and where we are right now is like night and day. It was about this time last year I finally decided to start a ministry and follow God's call on my life. It wasn't long before all hell would break loose and God would show me exactly how he needed to use me in this world. Up until the lowest point in my life, secluded from friends and family, my job, and what I thought was important, I was going to use God to get what I wanted out of life. I was going to use God to make a name for myself. I was going to use God to get riches and glory from man….
I know none of you reading have ever thought that….I just hope lightning doesn't strike close to you….
So how big is God? Let me tell you…
2 months ago I decided to raise money for kids in the Ada area who do not eat after they leave school. The only meals they get are at school each and every day. The schools are aware of the problem and every friday selected kids gets back pack to take home with enough food to last throughout the weekend so they won't go hungry. I didn't know how, what, or when, but I did know God was calling me to raise money to feed hungry children. I started reading my bible and praying about how we could do this? What would it take? What did I need to do? One day as I read, I found a story where Jesus fed 5000 people strong.
The disciples were in the same place I was…How, Where, Why….they asked Jesus…He replied,"You go feed them…."
There was no debate…Then I read a little further in the scripture. It says that Jesus took what they had and blessed it and it fed everyone and there was enough left over for 12 baskets full of fish and bread…
Wow, thats how big God is…
We just decided to go feed them….
Over the past few months, I have seen people donate money, time, energy, and effort they didn't have too for our cause. I have seen God provide interviews on TV and in the newspaper so we didn't have to spend money and take away form the reason we are doing this. I have seen God change peoples heart by bringing awareness of the needs in our own town. I have seen God move in schools and groups of students who are donating time to help at our event. I have seen churches donate without question of obligation or affiliation. I have seen young children willing to give up money so they can help their friends that don't get to eat. On Saturday night, November 23, God is going to bless our efforts to raise money for hungry children in our area…
Thats how big God is…
As I walked out of the Pontotoc County Agri Plex yesterday, I looked across the north parking lot and stopped and stared at the Pontotoc County Justice Center…where just 10 months ago, I sat in a jail cell at the lowest point in my life. In an instant, I was brought back to how big God is. How he provided a way for truth to shine through. You see, God doesn't need any help doing His job…He is the boss, we just need to work…
I challenge you today, to make a difference…I challenge you today, to check yourself with God's word…I challenge you today, to let God take over…..
For more information on how you can help go to www.inoroutfaith.com or you can register for our event @ www.signmeup.com/95798
Monday, September 9, 2013
Truck or Trailer?????
This morning as I read my devotional, it was very interesting. It talked about LOVE and how we are supposed to LOVE no matter what. It was also the same sermon I heard from Rusty yesterday at church...Weird how God does this kind of stuff.....
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I have to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
I went to the gym to work out this morning and I couldn't get the thought of what all this means out of my head....
I thought about all the times I must have sounded like a gong or a clanging cymbal. You know what I am talking about. I thought about all the times I have studied to figure things out and told myself I have a desired faith to serve God, but it was about me and not Him. I thought about all the times we have given things to people waiting to see their response for self gratification. I thought about all the times I have went through hardship and God has been faithful, only for me to use it to my advantage....
Then it hit me as I was hitching up the trailer after my workout. Am I the truck or the trailer? I said to myself, "what if i hitched up God everyday and took Him wherever I went, would I love then, NO MATTER WHAT?"
I sat in my truck wondering this easy question....Truck or Trailer?
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me."
Jesus said to the disciples,"Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
We have sang the words, "I have decided to follow Jesus..."
We have sang the words, "Wherever He leads, I'll go..."
So, I prayed to God and asked him to guide me in my decision.....
Challenge:
Are you the truck or the trailer?
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I have to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
I went to the gym to work out this morning and I couldn't get the thought of what all this means out of my head....
I thought about all the times I must have sounded like a gong or a clanging cymbal. You know what I am talking about. I thought about all the times I have studied to figure things out and told myself I have a desired faith to serve God, but it was about me and not Him. I thought about all the times we have given things to people waiting to see their response for self gratification. I thought about all the times I have went through hardship and God has been faithful, only for me to use it to my advantage....
Then it hit me as I was hitching up the trailer after my workout. Am I the truck or the trailer? I said to myself, "what if i hitched up God everyday and took Him wherever I went, would I love then, NO MATTER WHAT?"
I sat in my truck wondering this easy question....Truck or Trailer?
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me."
Jesus said to the disciples,"Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
We have sang the words, "I have decided to follow Jesus..."
We have sang the words, "Wherever He leads, I'll go..."
So, I prayed to God and asked him to guide me in my decision.....
Challenge:
Are you the truck or the trailer?
Monday, July 22, 2013
THIRSTY???
As I sat in church today, I didn't realize how thirsty I was. Not in the physical way, but a spiritual way. I was challenged by the youth of our church which had just returned from Falls Creek. The theme was "THIRST", and they spoke about how they were drinking from wells that would never fulfill their thirst and only God can quench that desire.
I figure many of you are just like me when it comes to comparing ourselves to the woman at the well. Many of us are or were just like her. Living in sin and just going from well to well to find what we think will quench our thirst.
I started thinking about all the wells in our lives we are trying to quench our thirst...
Wealth - Fame - Desire - Children - Lust - Friends - Acceptance - Addiction - Rage - Baseball - Basketball - Work - Reputation - Cars - Mortgage - Exercise - Vanity - Food - Family - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - Love - Sex - Pornography - Material Things -
I began to think about how much time we spend trying to quench our thirst at other wells?
I wonder why many of us Christians spend time judging people who are standing at the same well we are?
I wonder why we think can even quench our thirst on our own?
I wonder what it will take for us to get serious about drinking from the well that will never run dry?
John 4:13-14 says
"Jesus answered,"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water willing up to eternal life."
I, just like many of you reading this, have spent many wasted hours of my life sitting at a well thinking I could find what I was desiring. I chased dreams I dreamed up all on my own. I even fell in love with some of those wells and spent so much time there nothing else mattered. I have desired some of the wells so much, they became idols to me without me even knowing. When I look at the list above, I am guilty of spending wasted time and effort trying to quench my thirst at those wells.
It really is gut wrenching when you think about it. We go and stand at other wells, wells that do not have living water, and look God in the face and tell him, "You aren't enough..."
Hard to think about it that way.
We even in the midst of drinking from those wells, say to ourselves, "I am forgiven..." I will talk to God about it later....
I know none of you have ever thought that...just me...
What will it take? How many more wells will we dig or try to find?
Today as I rode my bike, this song came on by Casting Crowns.....
Come to the Well...
I have what you need,
But you keep on searchin,
I've done all the work,
But you keep on workin,
When you're runnin on empty,
And you can't find the remedy,
Just come to the well.
You can spend your whole life,
Chasin what's missing,
But that empty inside,
It just ain't gonna listen.
When nothing can satisfy,
And the world leaves you high and dry,
Just come to the well
And all who thirst will thirst no more,
And all who search will find what their souls long for,
The world will try, but it can never fill,
So leave it all behind, and come to the well
So bring me your heart
No matter how broken,
Just come as you are,
When your last prayer is spoken,
Just rest in my arms a while,
You'll feel the change my child,
When you come to the well
Leave it all behind
The world will try, but it can never fill... leave it all behind
And now that you're full,
Of love beyond measure,
Your joy's gonna flow,
Like a stream in the desert,
Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me,
Cuz you came to the well
But you keep on searchin,
I've done all the work,
But you keep on workin,
When you're runnin on empty,
And you can't find the remedy,
Just come to the well.
You can spend your whole life,
Chasin what's missing,
But that empty inside,
It just ain't gonna listen.
When nothing can satisfy,
And the world leaves you high and dry,
Just come to the well
And all who thirst will thirst no more,
And all who search will find what their souls long for,
The world will try, but it can never fill,
So leave it all behind, and come to the well
So bring me your heart
No matter how broken,
Just come as you are,
When your last prayer is spoken,
Just rest in my arms a while,
You'll feel the change my child,
When you come to the well
Leave it all behind
The world will try, but it can never fill... leave it all behind
And now that you're full,
Of love beyond measure,
Your joy's gonna flow,
Like a stream in the desert,
Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me,
Cuz you came to the well
CHALLENGE:
1. Write down the wells in your life?
2. Compare them to Jesus....
Saturday, March 16, 2013
We got to be BOLD!!!!
As I read my bible this morning, I was reminded of how bold the disciples were. I read where Peter addressed the crowd after Jesus went to heaven and over 3000 people were saved. After I read that passage, I began to think about all the others in the bible and in life that were bold. I thought about Stephen. I thought about John the Baptist. I thought about Elijah. I thought about the young lady from Columbine who said there is a God. I thought about my grandmother who has always looked to heaven for direction. I thought about David taking down Goliath. I thought about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo. I thought about how bold it was for Mary to birth the King of Kings. I thought about how bold it was for Jesus to come to earth to be just like us only to die on a cross for each of our sins.
I thought about all the times I have had the chance to be bold for Christ and I have not took the opportunity. Why do we, as followers of Christ, not want to be bold every day? Why do we not want to listen to the call of God on our life? Why do we not want to let our light shine? Why do we not want to bring our God to a lost and dying world?
All of us have our own excuses and cop outs to not take responsibility for not being bold. I know until recently being bold wasn't something I even thought about. I felt like God was there for me to use to get by daily when I needed Him. I thought God was there for me to call on when I needed something. Maybe talk to him when something or someone was sick or even died. I thought God was at church and thats where we meet him each week and then we leave Him there and go back home. I think there are several reasons we are afraid to be bold for Christ....
Here are some of my reasons....
I thought about all the times I have had the chance to be bold for Christ and I have not took the opportunity. Why do we, as followers of Christ, not want to be bold every day? Why do we not want to listen to the call of God on our life? Why do we not want to let our light shine? Why do we not want to bring our God to a lost and dying world?
All of us have our own excuses and cop outs to not take responsibility for not being bold. I know until recently being bold wasn't something I even thought about. I felt like God was there for me to use to get by daily when I needed Him. I thought God was there for me to call on when I needed something. Maybe talk to him when something or someone was sick or even died. I thought God was at church and thats where we meet him each week and then we leave Him there and go back home. I think there are several reasons we are afraid to be bold for Christ....
Here are some of my reasons....
- I didn't want people to know the real me.
- I was scared it might not be as cool as joking around all the time.
- I didn't fear God like I should.
- I was focused on me.
Over the past few months, God has shown me several things. One thing He has challenged me to do is BE BOLD! He has challenged me to tell my story of how He has changed my life and continues to do so. He has challenged me to be REAL. He has challenged me to be BOLD about my faith with everyone I can. He has taught me to fear him. He has challenged me to focus on others and not myself. He has challenged me to do something I never thought would happen.
Start a ministry!!
I ask you to be bold and pray as Heather and I, along with several others, develop a ministry designed to be the hands and feet of the body Christ to serve a lost and dying world.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
Hebrews 4:14
We are planning an "Community Wide Candle Light Service" at Kerr Dome in Ada, Oklahoma on Easter evening. We ask you pray that God will move across our community and teach all of us to be Bold....
Details will follow as they develop....If you would like to help and be involved, please email us @
Monday, February 25, 2013
our ways are not His ways....
As I set this morning, I reflect over the past 7 weeks of my life. How much we have been through. I think about the emotional roller coaster we are still on. I remember the initial shock as if it were happening right now. I can still feel the lump in my throat and the nerves in my stomach just bring me to my knees. I can remember the loneliness and isolation I felt. I find myself still dealing with emotions and sometimes wanting to scream out and then immediately turning to tears. I remember how cold and alone I was as I waited to go home. I remember worrying about money, pride, home, reputation, job, career, and a host of other things running through my mind. It was at that very moment I heard God clearer than I have ever heard Him before..."None of that matters..."
Something inside me broke that very instant. God began to speak to me in a way I never knew possible. You see, when He is all you have and all you may end up with, He is more than enough. I laid there secluded from the world not knowing any outcome or what the future held for me. I knew I was innocent, God knew I was innocent, and my family knew I was innocent. What God revealed to me in my darkest hour was, He was enough. I started talking to Him and discussing what did matter. He began to reveal to me what was between me and Him making Him unable to work in my life. He began to reveal to me why He needed to get my attention. It was not pretty. It was not politically correct. It was the cold hard TRUTH. I was a "sinner christian", hypocrite, or just a church goer! I sang the song we know, "I'll go to the darkest places, I'll go to the hurting faces, I'll go to the orphaned children, I'll go to the world they live in..." and then I would GO get in my car and GO eat lunch and GO back to the life I wanted to live and GO back to being a casual christian and GO back to being concerned about my needs and GO back to being what everyone expected me to be...... I had a plan to use God to get what I wanted. He had a plan to use me to get what HE needed. I had allowed so many things to get in between me and God, no wonder he needed to get my attention. The crazy things was, it was every day sin that had become the norm. I was so callused I had become accustomed to allowing sin to be a part of my daily routine. I was broken and spill out before God.
My prayer to Him changed in an instant. I began to pray for my wife. I couldn't imagine what she was going through. I prayed for Parker as he wondered why so many people were at our house and everyone was crying. I prayed for Faith as she had no idea what was going on. I prayed for Ethan and Emma that they would understand someday how powerful God is. I prayed that they would depend on God and I prayed that I had been a good enough example for them to know who to turn too. I began to feel a peace and a presence I have never felt.
My life has been forever changed. It will never be the same. As I set here now, feeling much like Jonah as he was spit up on dry land. I am pretty sure I know where my Ninevah is, but I know where I'll GO as soon as he gives the word...
My first Ninevah was my HOME....
There are 3 things I now strive to be the most important in my life....
1. God
2. Heather
3. Parker, Faith, Ethan, & Emma
Its weird that my name is no longer on top....It's scary to think "I" stood in the way of my family, myself and what God needed of me.....
This is the scripture that got me through the tough times. I read it every day for 7 weeks...I read it this morning...It still rings true and will forever....
Something inside me broke that very instant. God began to speak to me in a way I never knew possible. You see, when He is all you have and all you may end up with, He is more than enough. I laid there secluded from the world not knowing any outcome or what the future held for me. I knew I was innocent, God knew I was innocent, and my family knew I was innocent. What God revealed to me in my darkest hour was, He was enough. I started talking to Him and discussing what did matter. He began to reveal to me what was between me and Him making Him unable to work in my life. He began to reveal to me why He needed to get my attention. It was not pretty. It was not politically correct. It was the cold hard TRUTH. I was a "sinner christian", hypocrite, or just a church goer! I sang the song we know, "I'll go to the darkest places, I'll go to the hurting faces, I'll go to the orphaned children, I'll go to the world they live in..." and then I would GO get in my car and GO eat lunch and GO back to the life I wanted to live and GO back to being a casual christian and GO back to being concerned about my needs and GO back to being what everyone expected me to be...... I had a plan to use God to get what I wanted. He had a plan to use me to get what HE needed. I had allowed so many things to get in between me and God, no wonder he needed to get my attention. The crazy things was, it was every day sin that had become the norm. I was so callused I had become accustomed to allowing sin to be a part of my daily routine. I was broken and spill out before God.
My prayer to Him changed in an instant. I began to pray for my wife. I couldn't imagine what she was going through. I prayed for Parker as he wondered why so many people were at our house and everyone was crying. I prayed for Faith as she had no idea what was going on. I prayed for Ethan and Emma that they would understand someday how powerful God is. I prayed that they would depend on God and I prayed that I had been a good enough example for them to know who to turn too. I began to feel a peace and a presence I have never felt.
My life has been forever changed. It will never be the same. As I set here now, feeling much like Jonah as he was spit up on dry land. I am pretty sure I know where my Ninevah is, but I know where I'll GO as soon as he gives the word...
My first Ninevah was my HOME....
There are 3 things I now strive to be the most important in my life....
1. God
2. Heather
3. Parker, Faith, Ethan, & Emma
Its weird that my name is no longer on top....It's scary to think "I" stood in the way of my family, myself and what God needed of me.....
This is the scripture that got me through the tough times. I read it every day for 7 weeks...I read it this morning...It still rings true and will forever....
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
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