Real Talk
Father,
Often, I spend large amounts of time considering my own desires and speaking about my own will. I continually remind You of my preferences, as if I might persuade You with my many words or heartfelt tears; although You have made it quite clear in Your Word that I am not heard because I use many words to express my yearnings. With the persistent widow story, You remind me that the humanistic approach is to badger someone with repetitive inquiries…that Your nature is totally different. You are not like a man or a woman, that my many words should ware you out! In all actuality, if it is Your will then it will surely come to pass in the right timing and will not tarry. More specifically, if I only seek out Your will and pray in accordance, believing that I have that which I ask of You…it is then that I will truly receive from You.
Ahhh…Your will. I say I want it, but how often am I disappointed when Your will is not the same as that of my own? How can I be honest with myself and confess that there are times that I do not even seek out Your plan before I rush off in my own plans? How often do I get an idea in my own head, a desire burning within my own heart, and fail to ask You what it is that You would want? How many times do I simply avoid the topic, just in case You feel differently than I do about a matter?
So, it is safe to say that there are certainly times when I just want what I want…times in which I am hesitant to include You in a matter that may result in You sharing with me that You have something altogether different in mind. How can I claim to want Your will in my life when I am so quick to indicate to You that which I propose is best for me, rather than sincerely asking You what do You say is best for me? Jesus, I need Your continual insight, not my perpetual insistence.
Father, today, teach me to truly pray that Your will be done in my life as it is in heaven, rather than my will be done in heaven as it is in my head. Lord Jesus, please condition my heart to shift from the position in which I secretly believe that altering Your plan to benefit my desires is anything close to practical or appropriate. This is the desire of my heart: that I would seek Your face and hear Your voice. Help me today, in every way, when my thoughts become otherwise (as often they do), to return to this place within my heart…this place where I want Your will for me…where I recognize that Your plan is the best plan. Though the battle continues for the sacrifice of my flesh, my thoughts and my emotions seldom allow me to rest. I love You and I want You to rule and reign in my innermost thoughts, intimate desires, ambitious plans, and hopeful expectations. Without You, my life was nothing…without Your plan, I have nothing worth having.
Is Jesus Really Knocking?
A very close friend of mine shared a conversation with me that she had with another Christian the other day. In that conversation, she asked her friend if she believed that Jesus was at the door and knocking…you know, about to come back for us. And her friend’s reply was that she didn’t know and she hadn’t put much thought toward that idea. All I could think was, “wow”…this got my full attention and I have been thinking about it ever since.
With church, work, school, my closest friend, and my family, I have not made time to sit down and write. A lot of ideas have crossed my mind, I am working on another song, and I believe I am drawing closer to my Lord Jesus more now than ever before…but I knew I would have to write about this topic. And so I have been seriously contemplating the mindset of a Christian who is not prepared for Christ’s return.
Last night I was “randomly” flipping through the pages of God’s Word and I “happened” upon Mark chapter 13. The context of the entire teaching of Jesus in that text was about the end times: you know, end time events like wars and false prophets, the eventual rise of the antichrist, about terrible persecutions and how they work to God’s glory and the spreading of His gospel; how these are all necessary, but the time is not yet. Jesus says we will be hated by all for His name’s sake. Then He talks about the necessity of enduring until the end. Next, Jesus speaks about how when we see these things…He is near…He is at the door! Jesus really goes into detail about how important it is to be READY, to remain WATCHFUL, to “WATCH AND PRAY” because we do not know when He is coming and we are warned that we do not want to be asleep when He arrives.
Okay, I said all that to say what? Where are we today? Are we watching? Are we praying? Are we ready for His return? Are we radically changing our world for Jesus? What kind of impact are we having on those in our family, at our jobs, at the gas station, at Wal-Mart??? Are we making a difference? People are lost and dying and going to hell every second…what are we doing? We are God’s ambassadors; honored and esteemed by Him with the privilege of representing Him here on the earth: do others see Him when they see us? Are people being saved? These are the questions I am asking myself lately. One day when I was at the Dream Center in Russellville, I looked up to the sky and a rush of birds flew overhead and were gone. At that moment, it seemed as if the Holy Spirit said to me, "Time is fleeting." Where is my passion…where is my fire…where is my burden for the lost? Lord, reignite the flame within us! God said to ask of Him for the nations and He would give them to us! Lord, we are asking for the salvation of those around us…we want to be available and to be vessels of honor for You!
I just want to encourage all my friends, those who read this blog…it’s time to wake up. Jesus IS coming SOON! They mocked Noah because he wouldn’t quit warning people about the coming flood…always inviting them to seek refuge in God’s mercy. Jesus said that in the last days it would be like the days of Noah…people living their lives, yet unmindful of the seriousness of His return. Does anyone hate me for the gospel’s sake? Or am I so careful not to offend anyone that I quietly live for my Savior without speaking the truth when it is time to speak? God have mercy.
We can make a difference! We can help people find Jesus! We are more than conquerors…soldiers for Jesus…overcomers by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies! When was the last time someone heard your testimony? There is redeeming power in testifying to others about how God’s anointing has destroyed the yokes that once bound us! I love you guys and just want to encourage everyone to meditate upon these things and what God’s Spirit would say to us right now.
Thus says the LORD:
‘Keep justice, and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed.’
Isaiah 56:1(NKJV)
When Enough Isn’t Enough
When I was shaving the other day, as is typical for me, I dispensed more shaving gel than necessary. And as usual, I chided myself on my wastefulness. It amazes me that I have been shaving for so many years, however, it always seems as if I need more gel than I do. And I am sure you were totally wondering about this and are so glad that I took the time to share it! Right?!? I thought so 
Usage of hygiene items is not the only area in my life in which I feel as if enough isn’t enough. When I was a child, sitting at the dinner table, my mind was typically on the idea of whether I would be able to get “seconds,” before I had even tasted the first bite of my meal. My father usually commented on what a “bottomless pit” I was when I amazed even myself at how much I could put away! It is a wonder I am not as big as a house
Okay, focus, Daniel…back to the point at hand… At any job I have ever worked, I have never been satisfied with my rate of pay; even when I have been able to live comfortably off of my means. According to my diligent work ethics, I recognize that I am a valued employee, and because of this, it is not difficult for me to request an increase in pay. I do not feel like there is anything wrong with this; however, once I have requested the raise, my mind is already working on when it will be appropriate to ask for the next one! Even now, I am blessed with a good job, with decent hours and pay; and yet, I am currently looking for something a little closer to home with better pay, better hours, and more benefits!
Okay, I said all that to say what? Was my intent to insist what a rarely satisfied individual I am; or to suggest that I am one who is prone to overindulge for the sake of not wanting to miss out on what I feel like I can have? Although this may all be quite true, it is not the basis behind my writing today. It is not difficult for me to refuse complacency and to insistently pursue that which I feel is better. My work ethics are based upon an innate desire to fully apply myself, recognizing that it is what is right. I am convinced that a genuinely hard worker is a value not overlooked by employers, and I believe it is only right that one is rewarded for such qualities.
Spiritually, God insists that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. How often do I find myself encouraging and motivating myself in this direction, even as I do at my workplace? That is what troubles me. I do not intend to approach my relationship with God as if it were another demanding task, yet, on occasion I do not feel motivated to spend time with Him, to seek His face diligently in Word or prayer, or to be super enthusiastic about the idea of doing so. Yet, I know I love Him and I would die for Him as He did for me. So, this morning, I am mindful to be vigilant in my perspective of my relationship with my Father and Lord; and also that the ambitious desire within to always have more, to commonly want something better…that should be the cry of my heart when considering the level of intimacy and quality time spent with Him. Enough should not be a word in our vocabulary when considering our relationship with our Father…of course, referring to the seeking of His hand and not His face; in all things we should remain content except when it comes to the degree of passion within our relationship with God. God bless you all!
Life Demands A Lot
Where are you today? I’m not referring to your physical location, but to that of your mental and emotional state. If you are anything like me (or the rest of humanity), situations occur, difficulties arise, and life basically “happens,” often throwing out of balance our confidence in such areas. Perhaps this isn’t where you find yourself today…maybe you are the fortunate individual who is happy, joyous, and everything seems to be in it’s proper place in your life. If that is you, relish in that moment! While we are experiencing these moments of stability, perhaps it would be good to be conscious of those around us who are in distress, challenged with physical health complications, struggling with depression, battling with unforgiveness, or just having a bad day. Isn’t it easy to overlook such concerns in others when our own lives are all systems go, full speed ahead?
I know, it has been a month since I have taken the time to write! So, I am sort of preaching to the choir here. Life has been busy. Let me say that I recognize how truly blessed I am. Although it may slip my memory at times, I recognize that I have a new lease on life, and I know that God has given me favor and opened up doors of opportunity for me in so many areas. I have a beautiful family, loving friends, a stable job, a church that operates in the liberty of the Holy Spirit, a healthy body, a mind that is free of addictions and bondages…. I could certainly go on. I mean, sure, I have my struggles just like everyone else, but I am truly free in Christ Jesus. To be free physically is something I do not take for granted, however, my spiritual freedom can sometimes be overlooked. We get up early in the morning to get ready for work, deal with the concerns of our occupations, juggle emotional and situational concerns, and come home to attempt to absorb a substantial amount of rest; all prior to repeating the process. In all of that, it is easy to become preoccupied with life, failing to truly experience what it means to be ALIVE in Christ, and sincerely invest in the lives of those who we are privileged to share our existence.
Let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have the energy to be emotionally involved with everyone in our lives! One person is happy, another is sad; one person is loving, another is unforgiving; one person is experiencing their mountaintop, another is in their lowest valley. We all play the role of a therapist (with or without a degree), and if we are not careful, the emotional draw can become a plunging drain.
So, what do you do? We know we cannot please everyone! God tells us to be hopefully joyous, yet to remain unchanged in our afflictions; to put others first, rejoicing with the joyful, mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:12-15). Living a selfless life can be one of the greatest challenges presented to us by our Lord. Do you realize that Jesus got tired? People’s lack of faith troubled Him; religious natures not coupled with spiritual intimacy often irritated Him; He cried; He laughed; He mourned; He experienced all of the coping challenges we all face in life…and then some. And sometimes, He just wanted a break from all of the people. I cannot truly comprehend what it must have been like to have such a demand on my existence. What was the secret to His success? After all, if we are going to look to an example for how to overcome, He is surely the prime example to follow. As we know, very early in the morning, Jesus spent time with the Father. He was not one to turn away a needy person, yet, He recognized when it was time to minister and when it was time to go alone to a mountaintop to pray. He realized when it was time to pray with others and when it was time to go just a little bit further along the path, so as to be with His father alone. I would dare say that the triumphant success in Jesus’ life was hidden in these intimate moments spent with the Father.
So, I said all this to say what? I believe God would have us to put others before ourselves, to concern ourselves with their welfare, to invest our time with them…yet, without quality time spent with our Father each and every day, what can we possibly offer others? It is by HIS might, HIS strength, HIS power…not our own. And all of those qualities are accessed through our relationship with Him, spent in the presence of His Spirit. Yeah, I know we all know this, but it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder every now and again
So, be strong in the power of His might, and walk in the confidence that we can do all things through His empowerment; yet, do not forget that if we truly want to be of benefit to those around us, we need to be around Him the most. God bless you!
Was it All a Part of His Plan?
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
Okay, so here’s where I’m at…it has been a few weeks since I’ve written a post, due to the “busy-ness” of the new (10hr/day) job the Lord has blessed me with, full-time school, and at the top of the list: my beautiful girlfriend

How Much for Your Birthright?
The Romance
The passion with which the bridegroom desires his bride; the longing with which the bride so desperately desires the comfort and security of the groom: that is God’s love for His Church.
God is a hopeless romantic (pardon the expression), predisposed to experience any pain or hardship that He must encounter in order to secure His Day with His Bride. And with that, His “hopeless” romantic demeanor is sustained by a knowing hope that is a predetermined and expected end.
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. –2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)
Speechless No More
What do you do when God is answering all of your prayers? I mean seriously, I have never had this “problem” before
Before I met Jesus, I spent my entire life feeling as if I was missing something and lacking in almost everything. Today, my heart is as if it could burst within me, thinking of all that the Lord has done, is doing, and is sure to do in my life.
Anyone who has known me knows that I have not lived a godly life, at least for the greater part. Having spent 8 and 1/2 yrs. in prison in Alabama, another year in Texas, certainly there is evidence of a poorly planned approach at life. Some may not realize that it was only a little over 3 years ago that I had committed my tenth felony…that’s right, you did hear me clearly: 10. Most people are discarded by our justice system with much fewer offenses; you know, three strikes you’re out, and all that. When I was 21, I was facing a minimum sentence of “Life or 99 years” for felonies 3 thru 8; and at a period of time when I couldn’t have been further from God. Yet, even then He was watching over me. I had an armed robbery charge: a class “A” felony in the first degree for a crime that I definitely committed, however, I was given a plea arrangement of a lesser (2nd degree) offense and given the minimum 15 year sentence (six of them running concurrently actually) and sent to a maximum security prison.
A little over 3 years ago, when it seemed my life couldn’t get any worse, I worked my “magic” and succeeded at making things just a little bit harder on myself. My (ex) girlfriend of 4 years had aborted our planned pregnancy, I was a horrible facet of that relationship, and I just wanted to die. And there are scars on my wrist and in my heart that give evidence. I had convinced myself that I couldn’t go on living and that prison would be better than the life that I was living. Right about then, I trespassed into an abandoned building with the intent of stealing scrap metals and was arrested for felony number 10.
It was amazing how quickly my concept on returning to prison changed dramatically! I ran to the Russellville Dream Center to try to get out of trouble…no intention of getting my life straightened out whatsoever. Yet, a week after I got there I ran smack into God…and He changed everything. So long ago I had ran away from the Lord, and there in a drug treatment center, I found Jesus
Why am I telling you all of these things? Because God has done some pretty amazing things in my life recently and I do not feel as if I am doing God justice if I do not reveal exactly what they are.
When I moved back here from Texas, I was on bond for 4 criminal charges: two possession charges (controlled substance & dangerous drug) for prescription medications; possession of marijuana, and an assault case. When I got into trouble out here I left all of that unresolved.
The outcome of my 10th felony was reached after Shawn Reathford (the director of the RDC) plea bargained with the district attorney for over 2 hours. The first offer was 15 years, then the next was a 15 yr. sentence split with 3 yrs. to be served day for day with 5 years of probation following….then a 15 split 2 1/2 yrs.…split 2…split 1…split 6 months. At that time, we asked to be able to serve the 6 months only 6 days at a time until completion. For those of you that are not math experts, that is a lonnnng time 
So, up until last month, I had been going to the county jail and serving 6 days as a “trustee” every month for 19 months in a row. That was hard. And last month I went to court, I asked God to please set me free, and the courts gave me time served on the remaining 12 months that I had to serve! You just don’t know what that did for me! I actually asked to serve the balance on probation and they said that would not be necessary. God is soooo good.
At that point, I had decided to save up some money and hire an attorney for the TX charges. After counsel from my girlfriend, I asked God whether I should just call the D.A. in Galveston, TX and see what could be done to resolve that matter of over 3 years ago. She was believing that the charges would be done away with. I was just asking if I could not go to jail. To make a long story short, 8 days following my initial conversation with the D.A., he called me back and told me that he had decided that based upon my completion of the RDC program, and my return to work as a counselor there, he was dismissing all the charges, including the bond forfeitures. Aside from some traffic tickets, nothing left: nada. How about that?
So, are you believing God for anything that sounds impossible, or maybe too small to trouble Him with? Just ask Him. If He could take a totally screwed up life like mine and do all the things that He has been doing…it will be no tall order for Him to fix your problems or answer your requests. When we are in-step with him, praying according to His will, we already have that which we ask of Him. We only need to believe.
And the best thing He could ever have done for me is bring into my life a beautiful, God-fearing woman whose heart is chasing after His every heartbeat. For that, I love Him and love her dearly.
So, if you would, please help me praise Him. I guess I was a little ashamed of having to pay those consequences, so I kept it a secret from most people. God has changed my life. I have nothing to be ashamed of. Refusing to share what God has done would be purely selfish. I am the epitome of God choosing the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve Him, even though I used to blaspheme the Name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Tim 1:12-13 ( NLT)
Wait on the Lord!
Wait?!? Hey, that’s not what I want to hear! When I ask God about something, I so want to have my prayer answered immediately, and in the manner which I proposed my request! Now, there is no way that this could describe anybody aside from myself, right?
I thought it would be good to brush up against this subject for a moment or two, recognizing that the Lord has been dealing with my heart regarding patience.
Recently, God made a fairly significant move in my life, releasing me from a contract which pretty much had me bound up. The manner by which He did so was nothing short of a miracle, and those who know me well testify to what a blessing this was for me.
Okay, that is not what I want to talk about
However, the reason why I brought it up is because that blessing of which I am referring to actually took 19 months to manifest. Without question, I can look back and see how God was moving behind the scenes the entire time, and if I had not waited upon Him, I would not have seen His glory revealed.
Today, I am seeking God’s face on specific guidance for another matter of which I need clear direction. Immediately, I had composed some fairly good ideas about how I would go about handling the situation…you know: practical thinking and planning. When I discussed this with my girlfriend, she gave me some very sound advice: Do not move until God has made it clear to you what His plans are. Do not “help” Him until He has advised you whether or not He would require your help. Why get in the way and mess up something that God has otherwise planned differently?
Which takes me back to my previous blog entry: do I truly want God’s will to play out in my life, or is it more of a selfish desire that drives me?
So there I was, reading the Word this morning, and every single verse that spoke to my Spirit seemed to center upon waiting on the Lord, and how He has my best interest in mind.
Are you at a place in life where transition is upon you, confusion seems to stalk you, or wisdom is fleeting and necessary for your next move? Let’s not rely upon our own intelligence, apart from the counsel of God’s Spirit. When it is time to advance, if we have our ears and hearts turned towards Heaven, God would gladly give us proper insight concerning such matters.
Most people I know truly want God’s perfect will in their lives. With me, and maybe with some of you, the most appropriate challenge is to wait until we have consulted God and actually heard our response before we make our move. Otherwise, why even ask God?
It’s kind of like a scenario that played out yesterday while my brother and I were remodeling his bedroom. Without amazement, his 8 year old daughter (precious as she is) border-line harassed us for something to do to help. She would ask questions like, “Why are you doing that?” Yet, when my brother attempted to explain, her mind was totally somewhere else. When he asked whether she really wanted to know the answer to her question, her reply was, “No, that is boring!” And when she asked for help repetitively, my brother asked her to “get this” or “find that” and she “ughed” in frustration.
You see, she wanted to help, but under her own conditions; which is not helping at all. And she wanted an answer to her question, yet, when it was not the exciting response she anticipated, she totally tuned the answer out. Showing that she really did not want an answer to a question. It seemed to me as if she was more along the line of wanting to hear herself think
And that is okay, because she is an 8 year old. Yet, how many of us are spiritual 8 years old when we should be much more mature by now? When we ask God a question, do we even await the reply, or are we simply going through the motions? When we want to be involved in God’s work, is it what God wants, or do we simply want to do what we want? Neither of those methods will promote spiritual growth, nor bring true satisfaction.
To genuinely be at peace in our lives, we should inquire of the Lord in all appropriate matters, seek His face on what we are supposed to be doing right now, and actually be pleased that He is taking the time to include us. And until we hear from Him, and I am not referring to coming up with some great ideas on our own; but, truly hear His voice (and do so with confirmation): let us wait upon the Lord
Whose Will Be Done?
And this brings up another point: do I even want Your will, or am I entirely focused on my own? How can I claim to want Your will to be done in my life when I am so quick to exclaim to You that which I feel is best for me, failing to seek Your face for Your insight in the process?
The Inward Glance
If Life Only Had a Reset Button…
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could rewind the clock and take another stab at all the moments in which we seemed to have miserably failed? How often have you thought how nice it would be if you could only hit the proverbial reset button and give it another try? With certainty, we have all entertained such wishful thinking.
I was reading in the 7th and 8th chapters of Romans this morning when these thoughts entered my mind. You know, it’s those all familiar chapters that remind us how our flesh will not act right, our minds certainly do not naturally focus on godly things, and our spirit is constantly at war with the flesh in that ageless battleground of the mind. If you’re not careful, chapter 7 can get you down right discouraged about the sinful state of the flesh…that is, until you get to the last verse which ensures redemption from the miserable state of fallen humanity available in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Now, if you are one who plays video games (or at the very least have watched a child who does), this analogy might hit home. God’s grace is just like a video game. Hold on now before you think, “What the heck?!?” Because this really spoke to my spirit this morning. When you play the story mode of a game these days (if you are “brave” enough to do so on the most challenging difficulty level), you will die countless times prior to completing the game. The game works on an auto-save format by which the opportunity is given to retry sections of the game as many times as necessary, ensuring continual progression regardless of failure. Essentially, the player is able to learn from the mistakes made and give it another try as many times necessary until success is acquired.
Consequentially, that which ensures success is not necessarily the amount of perfect accomplishments, but that which is learned from the many failed attempts. Conclusively, the game is won despite the amount of failed attempts, only by the continual effort and determination to refuse acceptance of defeat. In the end, the only stats that are recorded are the one’s from the successful attempts, the saving process overwrites the information from the failed attempts with that of the successful ones.
Not much need be added to gain a decent understanding of the message of God’s Spirit here today! Our successes in life are often contingent upon all the missteps from which we learn that which is best. We will certainly never have everything figured out, future mistakes will inevitably come. Yet, the value is placed on that which we learn from our mistakes, regardless of how many times we must fail in order to truly master the lesson involved.
Case in point: our failures = success when we refuse to accept defeat! So, let’s take the focus off of the mistakes of ourselves and others, recognizing that life is a process that no one has mastered! The very Spirit of our resurrected Savior within us is the sign that we have overcome. Of course, by the power of His Spirit, we learn from our mistakes and begin to put to death the misdeeds of the sinful nature. Retrospectively, we reserve the fortunate opportunity extended by God’s grace to continually try and retry as many times necessary to get it right.
In the end, after all the rewards are distributed (which we will enthusiastically place at the precious feet of our Redeemer), the essence of that which will truly matter will be how priveleged we are to be there with Him at all.
In life, God is constantly making use of the sea of forgetfulness for us. We want to do better, let us never give up regardless of how many times we must try. It is the grace of God and the presence of His Spirit in our lives which seals us as victors in His Kingdom. When all is said and done, time has no power over our Creator, and He sees us only as the finished product (en process) of the dispensation of such grace. Our life is one continual pressing of a reset button, because in the end, slates wiped clean, we are all perfectly victorious in Him!
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”—Paul (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).










