Soul Surfer- A True Story of Faith

A couple of weeks ago I finished reading the book Soul Surfer, A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton. I also recently saw the motion picture Soul Surfer based on Bethany’s story. I personally liked the book better because it had more faith-filled and motivating quotes from Bethany. However both were very inspiring.

For those who have not heard the story of Bethany Hamilton, Bethany is a twenty-one year old pro-surfer. But she is no ordinary surfer. You see Bethany is a survivor of a shark attack. When she was thirteen years old she was out surfing with her best friend and a fourteen foot shark attacked her. The attack left Bethany with a severed arm. Bethany did not allow that shark to take away her dream of becoming a professional surfer. Less than a month after getting out of the hospital Bethany was back in the water determined to surf again.

As I read her book I was so moved by her faith and determination. She was only 13 years old and her confidence and hope in God was so strong. Her outlook on what has happened to her causes me to look at my own life and my problems and say to myself, “Lisa, God has a plan and a purpose for allowing all of this, keep trusting Him.”

I want to share some quotes with you from her book and I pray that they inspire, challenge, and encourage your heart.

Our Children Are Under Attack!

For many days now the Spirit of the Lord has had it on my heart that our youth is under a severe attack of the enemy. The enemy has determined to steal our children’s faith by trying to pull them away from the truth of God’s Word. He is determined to get them to serve and make material things, money, drugs, alcohol, their boy friends/girlfriends, sexual immorality, entertainment, technology, and their own sinful selfish desires their gods. He is constantly sending subliminal messages through certain movies, TV shows, books, music, ungodly friends and even their cellular phones. Their cellular phones, video games, and laptops are stealing their time, keeping them distracted, and are becoming open doorways for the enemy to come into their lives.

As Christian parents we need to remember that we are in a spiritual battle fighting against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. There are mighty powers in this dark world and evil spirits in heavenly places that are determined to steal, kill, and destroy our children. (Ephesians 6:12)

Let’s not be naive. Look around you...listen to the news. There are teenagers taunting and bullying each other. They’re violently attacking and killing one another. They’re being arrested, charged with lewd and lascivious conduct because they are getting caught engaging in oral sex on school buses. They’re hurting emotionally and expressing their pain by cutting themselves. Many young girls are so desperate to be skinny like the super models and altered images they see in magazines that they are starving themselves and purging when they do eat. Statistics are showing that one in four women will be a victim of attempted sexual assault during their time spent in college. Other statistics show that nationally more than half of our teenagers are virgins only up until age 17. Still other stats say that four in ten women become pregnant at least once before age twenty. Many teens and young adults aren’t ashamed about showing their half naked bodies in social network photo albums or sitting in front of a webcam in their undergarments trying to seduce the viewer on the other end. Having text sex has become the norm.

This is horrible! This is what is becoming of our next generation. What are we going to do about it as Christian parents?

God Is On My Side!

“My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:9-11

God is on your side. NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU WILL PROSPER! He is faithful and true to His promises to us. They never ever return void. He cares for every detail of our lives. He wants to bless us and fill us with His peace, wisdom, and knowledge. He directed us to study the Book of Instruction (the Bible, God’s Word) continually, meditating on it day and night so that we will be sure to obey everything written in it. ONLY THEN does He promise that we will prosper and succeed in all that we do. Even our failures will be used by God for our good and for His divine purpose. It is time for us to believe His promises and walk by faith, not reason or sight, but by faith in His promises! (Joshua 1:8-9)

Then enemy is going to come up against us with everything he has trying to get us off the narrow road that leads to a life more abundant in Christ Jesus. He knows that if we walk in our calling our lives will produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit and that our faith will not just be lip service but it will be a light used by God to extinguish the darkness around us. He knows that we are God’s masterpiece created anew in Christ Jesus, saved so we can DO the good things God planned for us long ago. We were saved for God’s service and the enemy wants to distract us from fulfilling our divine purpose. So he has assigned demonic hindering spirits to trip us up and enslave us to what we have already been set free from in Christ Jesus. So beware and stay alert! (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 5:8-9)

The spirit of fear, compromise, and condemnation are demonic interferences that I see frequently used by the enemy not only in my own life but in other believers around me. But these enemies will have to retreat when we call out to God for help and allow the Truth of His Word to flow out of our mouths. We have to remember that the Lord is on our side and we must trust in His promises at all times no matter what spirit comes against us!

 “God is on your side! Don’t be afraid!”

Fear will come against us tormenting and causing us to become anxious over our situations. Fear will try to convince us that we will not have enough and that the Lord will not provide for all of our needs. Fear will try to get us impatient so that we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting on the Lord. Fear will try to get us to turn back when the Lord has told us to keep pressing forward in faith. Fear will provoke us to walk by sight and our simple human reasoning. We have to resist the spirit of fear and allow the Spirit of love, power, and of a sound mind to rise up in us. Remember what He has promised, believe it, and praise Him. This is His promise to us,

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NLT)

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

 “God is on your side! Don’t compromise!”

Compromise is so deceitful. The spirit of compromise is so patient with us. It is ok with a slow fading away from the Truth as long as it fulfills its mission. It is a subtle doorway spirit. Once we give in to it we can be sure that other tormenting spirits will come with it. It creeps in little by little with simple suggestions and deceiving thoughts purposed to get us to harden our hearts to the Truth of God’s Word. Its mission is to get us to ignore God’s will for our lives and to follow our own will and ideas. May the Lord remind us where following our own will and selfish desires have lead us in the past.


Compromise will try to detour us off to the broad road that is most commonly taken not only by the world but by those who have fallen away from the Word of God. Brothers and sisters don’t get sidetracked from what God’s is calling you to do. Don’t turn to the left or to the right, be led by the Spirit. Be alert! Test every spirit and take every thought captive that does not line up with the Word of God. We have to do what King David did and dwell in the presence of the Lord. Setting the Lord continually before us will give us confidence in knowing that He is at our right hand. Our beliefs in God’s Word, instruction, commands, and promises will not just be beliefs that can be compromised but convictions that we live and die for. THEN we shall not be moved by compromise. (Psalm 16:8) When compromise rises up against us let us remember what He has promised, believe it, and praise Him. This is His promise to us,

“HE WHO DWELLS in the secret place of the Most High SHALL REMAIN STABLE AND FIXED under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1-2 (Amplified)

 “God is on your side! Don’t submit to condemnation!”

The spirit of condemnation comes against us when we have fallen short and sinned against God. Condemnation badgers our minds with thoughts of unworthiness and extreme guilt to the point where we hide from God’s presence. It will lie to us telling us that we are never going to be good Christians or that we are not true Christians at all because of all of our failures. It will tell us that we have not changed because we still battle the same temptations. Don’t be deceived! Condemnation is from the evil one. The devil and his demon spirits are the ones accusing God’s children day and night. It is not the Lord. (Revelation 12:10) Demonic principalities are the ones setting the traps for us. They are the ones that are behind the temptations provoking us to compromise setting the stage for condemnation. The spirit of condemnation is meant to keep us from going into God’s presence to receive forgiveness and help to overcome the attack. When condemnation rises up against us lets remember what He has promised, believe it, and praise Him. This is His promise to us,


“Therefore, there is NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1(NLT)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, HE IS a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV)

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 (NLT)

Whatever the demonic forces are that that come against us it is the Word of God in us that will rise up and help us in our time of need. So we need to be full of it so that it flows out of our mouth. That is why our Lord has commanded us to meditate on it day and night. His Word is our Fortress, our Shield, and our Sword to fight against all strategies of the devil. When we open our mouth and speak God’s Word all of our enemies must retreat. God is on our side so who or what can truly be against us that we should fear? We are children of the most High God! NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

There are debates amongst believers during this time of year if Christians should celebrate Halloween? Some say, “Sure. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not the devil’s day. Everyday belongs to Jesus. We can redeem the day. It’s just dress up to the kids.” Then others say, “No. We will have no part of it. Halloween is rooted in evil. It’s a day of honoring and glorifying the darkness and evil spirits. Christians are to be different and take no part in evil deeds of darkness.” These are very different viewpoints and while we may respect the wisdom and advice of other believers what matters most is what the Lord’s view point on this issue is. The scripture that comes to my mind is Hosea 4:6,

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.”

We must not allow ourselves to be deceived and influenced due to lack of knowledge. A lack of knowledge leads to our destruction and rejecting knowledge leads to severe consequences. So let’s get some insight on the origin and roots of Halloween. Then we can see for ourselves if it’s truly rooted in evil and inspired by the devil? Then we can search out God’s Word to see what He has to say about this.

Origin of Halloween – A Short Overview

Halloween’s origin traces back to the ancient Celtic’s pagan festival of Samhein. The Celtics had over 300 gods and were heavily involved in demonic activity. They believed that on October 31st that the barrier between the supernatural (spiritual world) and natural world was thin and that all divine beings and the spirits of the dead moved freely among men and interfered sometimes violently, in their affairs. The Druids (pagan Celtic priests) would offer sacrifices, usually of crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the winter; and frightening away evil spirits. During the celebration the Celtics wore costumes, usually of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes.

Frightened villagers were afraid the spirits would destroy their crops and live stock so in order to appease the spirits they would leave fruits and treats on their doorsteps as offerings for the spirits. They were also fearful that the demon spirits would try to harm them if they found them. In an effort to trick the entities they would try to blend in among them by wearing scary masks and costumes.

Pumpkins or turnips were cut with faces representing demons and was intended to frighten away evil spirits. It was said that if a demon or such were to encounter something as fiendish looking as themselves that they'd run away in terror, thus sparing the houses dwellers from the ravages of dark entities. They would have been carried around the village boundaries or left outside the home to burn through the night.

Samhein was also a time when it was customary for the pagans to use the occult practice of divination to determine the weather for the coming year, the crop expectations, and even who in the community would marry whom and in what order.

Halloween Today

Halloween today is the witches new year. It is considered a sacred and holy day to Wiccans and Pagans. It is considered a Sabbath to honor the ancestors who came before them. It is still believed to be a good time to contact the spirit world with a séance, because the belief continues to be that the veil between this world and the next is the thinnest. So the tradition continues with the sacrifices and offerings to the spirits (demons) as well as the divination rituals.

But for those who are not Wiccan the Halloween spirit is still manifested through them whether they realize it or not. During the night of Halloween people all across the United States dress up in scary customs and go from door to door asking for treats. Teens and thrill seekers go to cemeteries hoping to get a glimpse of a ghost or spirit. Pumpkins are carved and placed in the window or porch. At Halloween parties people will often times entertain themselves with playing occult games such as Ouija boards, tarot cards, light as a feather stiff as board, fortune telling, and other games that invite demonic spirits. Scary movies are promoted and encouraged to watch. Tricks, pranks, and mischief will happen on Halloween more than on any other night. Theme parks promote Halloween horror nights where people can go and see the most graphic, gory, demonic, and evil costumes.

The Word of God

"Little children, let no man deceive you.." 1 John 3:7
"Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against ALL STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12

Our Lord has warned us to put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. We are supposed to be soldiers in the army of God. Halloween is not the day to put down our swords and sup with the devil. We are to always be ready and alert like Gideon's soldiers were to defeat the enemy. It is apparent that Halloween is one of the devil’s strategies. It is a pagan celebration inspired by the god of this world, Satan. Everything that we do is to be done to glorify God. Does joining with the world to celebrate Halloween glorify God?

He seems to have many convinced that to participate in this celebration is innocent and it is merely dress up. He has blinded many from knowing the truth that it is in fact rooted in evil and witchcraft, inspired by him. He has beguiled some with compromise, who know the evil roots of the celebration but have convinced themselves and others into thinking it is ok to Christianize Halloween. Let us realize that compromise always comes with consequences.

Brothers and sisters..

“DON’T COPY THE BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMS OF THIS WORLD, but let God transform you into a new person BY CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

“Stay away from every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

We are supposed to be different from the world. A people consecrated to God. We are only here temporarily to set the example of godly living, to be a light in the darkness, urging people to repent and turn back to God. Although we are in this world we are not to act like the world. We are supposed influence them, they are not to influence us. We must not allow our contacts with the world to pollute us. When we begin to mix our faith with the evil customs of this world we are teaching the world, young believers, and our own children that compromise is ok. This is how in the ends days one world religion will be accepted, through this slow fade, COMPROMISE. (James 1:27, Jeremiah 15:19)

What should Christians do?

“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

“Teach My people to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Expose the strategy of the devil. Discourage them from participating in traditional Halloween activities. Redeem the day by educating our children and baby believers on the origin of Halloween and expose it’s demonic roots. Show them what the Word of God says about witchcraft, sorcery, and divination. Explain to them how they are called to be different. Assure them we have power through Christ Jesus over the forces of darkness. Then tell stories of how Christ worked in the lives of other believers to overcome the powers of darkness in their days and encourage them to allow God to use them too. If we reject the yeast of compromise now and implement this tradition with our children they will pass it down and they will not be afraid to stand up for what they know is true. They will not feel like they are missing out because they will want no part of anything that even looks evil. (Proverbs 22:6)

Elliot Watson from CBN.com advises after researching Halloween:

“To counter the evil influence of Halloween, we need to join together and celebrate the reality of the heroic efforts of Christian saints over the evil in their day. Many leaders in the past -- and present -- have fulfilled the mandate of destroying the works of the devil through their sacrificial commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.

Too, rather than “hide” in the face of evil, we should unabashedly and boldly create an alternative that is positive and uplifting; that celebrates good over evil and the triumph of God over Satan. We need to provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives.”

May the Holy Spirit minister to your heart His will for your family concerning the celebrating of Halloween.

Below are links for sites that I used to do research and read commentaries:
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/halloween/halloween_watt05.aspx
http://www.history.com/content/halloween/real-story-of-halloween
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/halloween.html
http://www.jeremiahproject.com/culture/halloween.html
http://www.chick.com/seasonal/halloween/celebrate.asp

Fight For Your Family

In my little eleven year relationship and seven year marriage I have learned that our adversary the devil truly comes to kill, steal, and destroy families. He hates Christian families. He has demons, imps, and familiar spirits assigned to try to divide and conqueror our families. He wants to tear us apart. He wants our children to be left unprotected and vulnerable to the repercussions of a broken home such as emotional and mental instability, insecurity issues, inability to trust, abandonment issues, depression, a sense of hopelessness and so much more.

“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” Matthew 12:25

His plan is simple. Divide and conqueror! These demonic influences will do anything to try to get us to come against one another. They know that if the husband and wife are on one accord standing on the Word of God and in constant prayer that the forces of hell do not stand a chance. So they will try to wreck havoc in our lives with their cunning little schemes that are subtle. They set traps for us that will cause a destructive ripple affect in our lives.

Maybe they will start by trying to get us coveting, to self indulge, and over spend so that our families will end up stressed out about paying off debt and blaming one another for the financial crisis. Then will come the thoughts of drugs or alcohol to help cope with the problems and stress instead of praying and drawing close to the Lord for help. Often times by this point anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and pride have crept in from all the harsh, critical, and unloving words. Now our hearts are hardened towards our spouse so that we do not even want to speak any more. Communication is broken or distorted. We hear what we want to hear and it is never good. Now the stage is set for feelings of abandonment and loneliness to fester in our hearts so that the demons can send someone to tempt us into having an adulterous relationship. There it is your way of escape. The demons will surely promote the scripture Matthew 5:41 about being able to get a divorce on the grounds of adultery. Then off to divorce court you go. Family left in ruins. This can be anyone of us if we let our guard down.

1 Peter 5:8 (Amplified Bible)

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Brothers and sisters there is a spiritual battle going on. It bugs me a little when I hear people say, “Don’t give the devil too much credit”. I don’t think that we need to make light of his craftiness. Peter warns us to be vigilant and cautious AT ALL times because the devil is roaming around like a lion roaring seeking someone to seize upon and devour. It sounds to me like we need to be on guard ready to fight the demonic powers in our lives. We need to be ready to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might with our armor on from the top of our head to the bottom of our feet. We need to use discernment and stay prayed up all the time so that we can stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

We have to remember that we are in a spiritual battle against unseen forces of darkness. It is time to stand up and start fighting for our families, instead of fighting against the family. Too many times we forget who the battle is really against and we start allowing life’s situations and circumstances to overburden us to the point where we are nagging and fighting with the ones that are closest to us, our husband, wife, and children. We need to STOP IT! We need to open our eyes and see things from a spiritual perspective not from a fleshly or emotional point of view. We must remember the promise of God that He has a plan and purpose for us, but not just for us for our family. If each member of the family assumes their God ordained positions and stands up against the forces of evil in this world with the Sword of Truth then no weapon formed against the Christian family will prosper.

It’s NOT going to be easy. I know this for a fact because my marriage has not been easy. We have had many trials and battles, but we have overcome each one through faith in Christ Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our toughest times have been when we have turned our eyes away from the Word. The Lord gave us strength not to give up on our family, but we had to choose daily to keep our eyes on Him no matter what. We had to choose to forgive over and over and over again. My husband and I have determined to fight for our family, for our marriage, and for each other because we know that God has a plan for our entire family. So we have learned and are still learning daily to be long suffering and to trust God to continue the good work He has started in each of us.

I want to encourage you to fight for your family too. Your labor of love will not be in vain and your sacrifice will be honored.

Prepare for War! Put on Your Armor

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:13-18

As soldiers in the army of God we have to ALWAYS be prepared for war. Our enemy often times comes to us like a flood trying to drown us with discouragement, fear, worry, frustration, confusion, feelings of unrighteousness and unworthiness. He will attack us at our weakest points. Remember that satan and his fallen angels have been around since before the creation of men and they have studied us. They know where to attack us and send familiar spirits to try to manipulate us and get us to drop our shield. They wait for opportune moments to attack full force. That is why we must be sure to put on the FULL armor of God if we intend to stand our ground until the return of our Lord, Christ Jesus.

One or two pieces of armor is NOT enough. Each part of the armor serves a purpose. It is vital that we are not only familiar with our armor, but that we know how to use it properly. Let’s first look at the defensive pieces of armor these help us to stand against the attacks.

Defensives Pieces

• Belt of Truth – Just like a natural belt is wrapped around our waist to help hold up and make our pants stay in place so the belt of truth is what will hold us and help us to stay in place. The truth that we have found in God’s Word is a weapon of warfare. The enemy will try to lie, deceive, contradict, and manipulate us any chance he gets. That is why we must wear the belt of truth buckled around our waist at all times. The truth will always set us free and help to maintain our ground.
• Breast Plate of Righteousness - The breast plate protects our vital organs from being pierced in battle. Our enemy will go straight for our heart trying to take our life from us. Our spiritual breast plate is made up of righteousness. Although we know that when we accepted Jesus as our Savior that we were clothed in righteousness we still need to manifest righteous living. By living with integrity, truth, justice, sincerity, upright, and by the Word of God really do not give the enemy anything to shoot at us. You see he is looking to be able to find fault and compromise in us so that he can accuse us of unrighteousness. Let us follow our Lord’s example and wear the breast plate of righteousness to protect our hearts. (Isaiah 59:17)
• Feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel – This peace of armor is both defensive and offensive. We have to be ready at all times to go out into enemy territory and share the truth of the Gospel without fear of persecution, but with determination in our hearts to see the captives set free. Then we must also always be prepared to give a response to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have, in gentleness and respect. We must be ready at all times to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus. (1 Peter 3:15)
• Shield of Faith – To extinguish all the fiery arrows of the enemy. Our enemy is going to try to get us to lose hope and weaken our faith. He will attack our minds with worry, anxiety, doubt, fear, and confusion. He will try to get us to think that our Lord as forgotten us and that He is not listening to our prayers and cries. He will try to tempt us. We have to put up our shield of faith and trust God no matter what. We have to believe His Word over any thoughts or circumstances that will present themselves in our lives. Without out the shield of faith we are left vulnerable to receive all types of demonic oppression that will severely hinder us and eventually cause us to fall back in battle.
• Helmet of Salvation – Often times the enemy will try to tell our minds that we are not truly saved. So be assured of your salvation. Know without a doubt that you belong to Christ Jesus. The Lord will not allow His children to be plucked out of His hand. Put on the helmet of salvation and protect your mind. No matter what battle we are in we are His.


Offensive Weapons

• Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God is your sword. The spoken truth of God’s Word will always defeat the lies of the enemy. Remember when satan tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness Jesus responded each time with, “It is written” or the NIV says “The Scriptures say”. We have to know what the scriptures say in order to discern the lies of the enemy. Remember that satan and his devils know the Word too and they will try to distort the Truth and manipulate your mind. So be submitted to reading the Word of God daily. Be prepared to speak the Word of God. (Luke 4)
• Prayer – Prayer is often overlooked when discussing the armor of God. But just like a soldier in battle gets his commands from his commanding officer prayer is our line of communication to our Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ. We need to stay prayed up all the time, especially in the heat of the battle. We should never attempt to enter any battle without prayer and fasting. Also prayer is how we carry our burdens from our battles to the Lord and leave them at His feet. Through prayer and supplication we receive healing and strength. Then we will be renewed in our spirit with the peace from God that surpasses all understanding so that we can continue to fight against the wiles of the enemy. Prayer is vital!


Be prepared my brothers and sisters for war against these unseen forces. Put on your armor daily, pray without ceasing, and STAY ALERT!

Stay Alert!! Don't Give the Enemy A Foothold

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in the His mighty power. Put on ALL of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6: 10-12

Take a moment and really read those verses over and over again. Let it sink into to your mind, heart, and spirit. We had better realize that we are ALL in a spiritual battle. Whether you like it or not you will either be a soldier in the army of the Lord, a tool in the hands of the enemy, or ignorantly become a casualty of the war. People are destroyed for lack of knowledge. As Christians we need to remember daily that we are in a real battle with unseen forces of darkness. Our battle is in the spiritual realm against devils, spirits, demons, and authorities. Although these are unseen their work is evident every where you look. Evil is rampant and very real.

Many Christians don’t even like to talk about devils or demons. They believe in God, heaven, the Holy Spirit, and angels but many do not want acknowledge that there are real spirits and demons that are fighting to win ground in our lives. They want to destroy us and our families. They want to get us entangled in sin and living to please ourselves instead of God. Their ultimate plan is to get us distracted from being living testimonies of Christ Jesus and prevent the spread of the Gospel. Of course they also want us to be damned to hell with them. They know that when Jesus’ blood was shed at Calvary that they lost the war, but that does not stop them from attacking God’s people. This is serious and it can not be taken lightly. Believers wake up and fight against the forces of evil in this world, in your community, in your families.

Don’t allow the enemy to deceive you into thinking that he and his demons are not real. Or perhaps you think that they can’t touch you. When we minimize the existence of the power of darkness that is when they win ground in our lives. Instead we have to realize that there are some powerful forces of satan plotting and planning the demise of God’s people. I’m not telling you to be scary and paranoid. Like Paul and Peter I am saying we have to stay alert!! Watch out for our enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. We have to stand firm against him and be strong in our faith. We have to learn to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, always remembering that He who lives in us is stronger than any demon, spirit, or principality in this evil world. Not by our own might but by the power of God we can defeat the enemy in all areas of our lives. (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Peter 5:8-9)

If we are to stay alert then that means that we have to be on guard at all times. We have the Holy Spirit of God living in us, the mind of Christ, and the Word of God which helps us discern when we are under attack and they also help us to avoid traps that the enemy has set for us. The truth is that no matter what we do there will always be attacks. For those faithful servants of the Most High God that are truly doing God’s work, the attacks will be more severe. That is why we have to put on the whole armor of God spoken of in Ephesians 6: 13-17.

Staying alert also means not giving the enemy a foothold in our lives or legal ground to oppress or harass us. How do we allow the enemy to have a foothold in our lives? By the way we live and act. Paul said, “Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” (Ephesians 5:15-19, Ephesians 4:27)

If we act thoughtlessly living like fools instead of like wise men and women of God who fear the Lord and if we allow ourselves to be conformed to the world and its customs then we truly do not understand what it is that the Lord wants us to do. What God wants and His will for our lives is for us to be holy just as He is holy. If we do not live our lives holy then we will most certainly give the devil and his minions ground over us. You see we can open the doorways for spirits such as the spirits of infirmity, sickness, and addiction when we do not honor our temple by smoking, drinking, drugging, and having adulteress relationships. We open the door to lustful and perverted spirits when we watch dirty movies or shows, magazines, and books. Watching scary movies open the doors to harassing spirits and other unclean spirits. Meditating on our problems and worrying opens the doors for the spirit of heaviness, depression, and suicide. Unforgiveness in our hearts opens the doorway for angry and vengeful spirits. Are you getting this??? (1 Thessalonians, Hebrews 10:10, 1 Peter 1:16)

We have to stay alert!! We can’t give the enemy any ground in our lives. Fear the Lord Saints of God. Don’t forget that we are in a spiritual battle. You will be attacked! Be prepared. Stay prayed up and be on guard. Be about our Father’s business and live your life pleasing unto Him. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Fight in the name of Jesus!

Don't Take The Bait

My husband and I had been in prayer and fasting regarding specific decisions that we needed to make for our family. After seeking our Lord’s face we were sure that He would make it clear to us what direction we needed to take. He has always been faithful to guide and lead us down the right path so we trusted Him to give us direction and to show us His will.

It has been several months now and an option has presented it’s self. But is it God or are we being baited and lured by a temporary solution that only ends in bondage? After reviewing the possibilities of the offer presented to us we realized that it was a trap. At first glance it seemed that the proposal would provide freedom and relief. It was appealing and tempting, too good to be true. My father in law said to us, “I always say if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.”

After digging deeper into the substance we were able to find the hidden hooks that would have hindered and kept us restricted from the freedom that we need. Had we of taken the bait and accepted the offer our circumstances would have changed for the better temporarily, however there were consequences and repercussions for accepting this false promise of peace. We thanked God for giving us wisdom, common sense, wise counsel, His Word, and His Holy Spirit to help us properly evaluate the situation. It became clear to us which way to go.

This isn’t the first time that the enemy as tried to divert us from taking the right path. The enemy will come to us all of with His alluring temptations full of false promises of hope and relief. He makes his offers so tempting and sound so good so as even to deceive, if possible, God’s chosen ones. His goal is to get us off tract and distracted from following God’s will for our life. We must be prepared to properly discern every claim, temptation, and offer the enemy presents.

In the past I more easily fell for the enemy’s lies and deceptions because I desired my own way more than God’s way. I did not read the Word of God daily and therefore I was not meditating on it either. My mind was worldly and full of selfish desires. I was easy prey. I was easy to deceive. Not any more! The enemy has to come correct and tactful now.

Don’t foolishly disregard what I am telling you. The enemy desires to blind us with deception, bind us, and keep us from achieving all that God has for us. I am not giving the enemy too much credit. I am just keeping it real with you and reminding you that this is a spiritual battle. Our enemy, satan is real. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)



Don’t fall for the enemies tricks. Stay on the right path, the narrow road. Know the Word of God and what it means. This is the sword that you will use to defeat the lies of the enemy. His Word assures us that we are on the right path. It is the light that guides and leads us. We are more then conquerors in Christ Jesus and we have the mind Christ to help us discern truth from deception. Don’t take the bait. (Psalm 119:105, 1 Corinthians 2:16)

The People's Choice & His First Fruits

"The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do." -- Senator Barack Obama on 7/17/07 addressing Planned Parenthood.

Hear it for yourself.

http://www.nrlc.org/foca/index.html

Proverbs 24:11-12

Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

"A new dawn of American leadership is at hand."

American's have made their choice. She has elected a leader who has promised that his first fruits as president of the United States of America would be to sign The Freedom of Choice Act. Signing the Freedom of Choice Act would over turn all 300 plus local, state, and federal abortion restriction laws, such as the partial birth abortion band and parental notification regulations for minors. A nation that once stood for God now goes against our country's Judeo-Christian values and principles. May God have mercy on us.

We as Christians were given the Bible (God's Word) as a literal guide for our lives and were therefore obligated to cast our votes for the candidates that best supported the positions and moral values set forth within its pages. To cast a vote that promotes or serves to further causes that are contrary to the commands and moral values given to us in God's Word by which we live, profess, teach, and witness, certainly does not reflect the will of God.

Now we will reap what we have sown because we have desired to have our own way and have become lovers of ourselves and money. The issues that should have mattered the most to us the moral issues of abortion, the homosexual lifestyle, and marriage were compromised. Many believers sided with the world and chose instead to put their hope in a man and his promise to restore our enconomy.

"When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (Pr. 29:2)

"Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Pr. 14:34)

Our leaders are to some extent a reflection of us. We often times become a reflection of our leaders! Remember King Ahab, may have been one the worst kings in the history of Israel. The Bible says that Ahab "provoked me (God) to anger and caused Israel to sin." (1 Kings 21:20-22)
One thing is for sure there will be change! Our new president will have a dramatic impact and influence on the country as a whole.

Let us pray and humble ourselves before Almighty God to have mercy on America. We know that our God is Almighty and Powerful. He is using this situation to fulfill prophecy that must come to pass. May our Lord give us the courage to continue to stand for Truth and the Word of God in the following days to come.

"It All Depends On The Christians"

My heart is heavy and my spirit is unsettled about this election. Mostly my heart aches for those believers who are voting opposite the Word of God. Christians voting for a man that goes against everything that we are supposed to stand for.

I wrote to a new friend earlier today about a Word that I keep hearing the Lord saying to me. She responded with her words of encouragement and confessed that she too feels troubled and concerned about this election. She then forwarded me a prophecy that was forwarded to her regarding this election. Read it below and if you have not yet voted please pray and vote the Word of God.

A Prophetic Warning from Pastor Steve Foss Sat, 25 Oct 2008

I am writing to you today an urgent message concerning the coming American election. God has released me to share with you a powerful prophecy He gave me eight years ago. I have shared this prophecy in a number of public meetings, but I have never published it for all our friends and partners.

In January of 2000 God gave me an incredible insight into what was about to happen in the coming elections in America over the next decade.

I am not using this e-mail to tell you, who are citizens of America, who to vote for. However, you need to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Never in my 22 years of ministry have I seen such a spirit of delusion released upon our country.

In January of 2000, whil e the Republican nomination for president was far from being decided, God spoke to me that George W. Bush would be the president of the United States.
He told me it would be the hardest fought election in American history. I'm sure we can all remember the incredible battle that took place in Florida. He told me that President Bush would be elected to two terms. He told me that during Bush's term there would be a season of unprecedented economic prosperity.

Now despite what the media has said, the economic wealth created during the last eight years was unprecedented. I know the media and one of the political parties has been trying to paint the last eight years as the worst economic time in American history, but it is absolutely untrue. If you look at the wealth created, there were more millionaires created in the last eight years than any time in history.

Multitudes of people were able to sell real estate before the housing market collapse, and received incredibl e transfers of wealth. I could spend hours showing documentation of the wealth created, but suffice it to say, the evidence is there.

God then said to me, "At the end of President Bush's second term there would be an economic collapse." As everyone in the world knows, we have just faced the greatest economic threat since 1929 and the Great Depression. I will speak a little more about the present economic situation a
little later in this message.

Every detail that God gave me has come to pass exactly as He said. Now there is one more important thing that God spoke to me. This is the purpose and the reason I am writing this e-mail today. God spoke to me that after George W. Bush, America would elect its most ungodly president ever.
I'm going to say that again. God spoke to me that after George W. Bush, America would elect its most ungodly president ever.

As of the writing of this e-mail we are now less than two weeks away from voting for our next president. At this time the polls are strongly showing that the Democratic nominee for president will easily win the White House.

Now in 2006 I began to ask the Lord, "Is that guaranteed to happen in 2008?" He spoke to me very clearly and gave me the key words to what I believe holds this election in the balance right now. He gave me these key words that can forever change what is about to happen in America.

He said, "It depends on the Christians."

I am not going to endorse a candidate, nor am I telling anyone who to vote for. I am simply sharing what God has shown me.

I had a vision earlier this year. I saw Barack Obama in this vision. He was speaking to a large crowd and being broadcast on television. He was speaking incredible words of unity, peace, and bringing all sides together; the words were elegant, the words were comforting, and the words were inspiring.

But while he was speaking I saw al l a powerful spirit of violence coming out of his spirit feeding into the spirits of those that were hearing him. That spirit of violence was directed at anybody who opposed what he was saying. Those who heard his words and received it had the spirit of violence being implanted inside of them. It was a rage like I have not seen before.

It was the rage that would be unleashed against those who oppose and stand in the way of Barack Obama's agenda. We are already seeing the beginnings of this spirit manifested here in America. The vicious attacks against Sarah Palin have been unlike anything we have ever seen before. The sheer hate for this woman from people who knew nothing about her, and who claim to stand up and protect the little people, and women, has been shocking.

We now see it with Joe the plumber. These people who are under the influence of this demon spirit of rage desire to completely destroy this man because he dared to question Barack Obama. In f act it wasn't just the question; it was because Barack Obama revealed his true agenda that Joe the plumber became a threat. So the supporters of Barack Obama who had been fed and affected by the spirit of violence went into full swing to destroy a fellow citizen; the very kind of person that Barack Obama has been speaking about in his eloquent speeches, saying how he is the only candidate fighting for them.

I want to put this deep in your spirit. I am speaking as a prophet. The words I'm about to tell you are "thus saith the Lord". If Barack Obama is elected, the attacks against free speech, against those who believe differently than he does, and the systematic use of the government and laws to silence the voice of fundamental Christians will be unlike anything ever seen in this nation before.

I have talked to many Christians, including pastors, not only here in the United States but around the world, who strongly support Barack Obama. Many of them are ang ry with the Republicans, and understandably so. Others are inspired by the thought of electing America's first African American president, while others believe Barack Obama to be a Christian who is very concerned with the poor and needy. I am not going to address any of the many concerns about Barack Obama and his form of Christianity. I am only speaking the words of thus saith the Lord, and you have to decide what you're going to do with it.

But I want to remind you, every word God has spoken to me over the last eight years and every word which I have prophesied about the American government and the elections has come to pass.

God does not give this prophecy to scare us, but to prepare us.

God said that the 2008 election is in the hands of the Christians. Just like when God spoke to Jonah about the judgment coming to Nineveh, when the Ninevites repented God withheld judgment; the same can happen in this election. Even though God spoke that Am erica would elect its most ungodly president, He has given us the ability to stay this judgment.

Now you may be asking, "Are you saying that Barack Obama, if elected, would be America's most ungodly president ever?" Yes!

Now I'm not telling you who to vote for. Some people want an ungodly president. That's their choice. I have watched throughout the world, Christians support political leaders who are blatantly ungodly. So again, this is the people's choice.

I believe if the Christians will pray, repent, and hear the voice of God, a miracle can happen on Election Day. This nation lies in the hands of the Christians. Will we humble ourselves before God and pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done? Or will we allow our emotions, our
feelings, our angers, our greed, our race, the opinions of the media, our fears, to dictate to us and affect who we vote for? If you allow these things to affect you, whether you vote for Republic an or Democrat, you are not being led by the Spirit.

We must spend time in deep intercessory prayer and cry out for God's mercy upon America. For all our friends who are not in the United States, if Christianity comes under the assaults that it would under a government controlled by Barack Obama and the Liberal Democrats, it will have horrible negative effects on the Gospel throughout the world.

All truth is parallel. People say when America catches a cold, the world suffers a flu. This present financial crisis is proof of that. When America is moral and bows its knee to God, it has incredible positive spiritual impact around the world. However, we have seen over the last several decades, when America becomes more immoral that too affects the world.

We need all the Christians around the world to pray for revival to come to America, and for God to have mercy and spare us from this judgment.

Finally, a brief word about the financial crisis. This is not the end time financial crisis. It is very serious, and it is shaking the foundations of the world's economic system. But we will come out of this, and there will be a time again of incredible wealth creation. However, the cracks in the financial system will not be healed. The door has been opened and the way is being made for a one world government system to overtake the world's economics.

The world will falsely look at this situation and say that when the governments individually, and with some unified coordination, jumped in to rescue the world, that it prevented a worldwide depression. In the future, when the true end time financial collapse takes place, it will be very easy for the nations of the world and the peoples of those nations to allow a new worldwide governing body to come to the rescue. Understand that everything that is happening has a significant spiritual purpose.

So don't panic by what you see happening today, but tak e this as a spiritual warning from God. Prepare yourself. Get out of debt. Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in regards to how you handle money. Let God position you to handle the future complete economic collapse and the overtaking of the world's economic system.

Please pray for America. May God have mercy on us all.

Your friend,
Steve Foss



Steve Foss Ministries
P.O. Box 1592
Keller, TX 76244
817-898-0440
www.stevefoss.com

Don't Be Deceived-Obama Is No Joshua!

OBAMA IS NO JOSHUA

By Cal Thomas Tribune Media Services

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign plans to strike at the heart of the Republican base by attempting to woo Evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics to his side.

The Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody first broke the story on his blog “The Brody File.” Obama’s campaign for the conservative Christian vote, which has largely gone to the Republican presidential candidate in recent elections, has been dubbed the “Joshua Generation Project.” Joshua, Moses’ successor, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. It wasn’t the group that fled Egypt in the Exodus, though. They died in the wilderness, lacking faith in God’s promise. It was the next generation that Joshua led into Canaan. Apparently, if we have enough faith in Obama, he will lead us all into a new America, but if we vote for John McCain, we will demonstrate a lack of faith (in Obama) and die in the political badlands.

Obama is better at biblical language and imagery than any Democrat in modern times. He certainly beats Howard Dean, now the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who once offered Job as his favorite New Testament book. This is cynical manipulation of the devout and it is no better when Democrats do it than when Republicans use religious language for partisan advantage.

Obama has declared himself a committed Christian. He can call himself anything he likes, but there are certain markers among the evangelicals he is courting that one must meet in order to qualify for that label.

Some insight into Obama’s “Christianity” comes from an interview he gave in 2004 to Chicago Sun-Times religion editor Cathleen Falsani for her book, “The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People.”

“I’m rooted in the Christian tradition,” said Obama. He then adds something most Christians will see as universalism: “I believe there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.”

Falsani correctly brings up John 14:6 (and how many journalists would know such a verse, much less ask a question based on it?) in which Jesus says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That sounds exclusive, but Obama says it depends on how this verse is heard. According to Falsani, Obama thinks that “all people of faith — Christians, Jews, Muslims, animists, everyone — know the same God.” (Her words.)

Evangelicals and serious Catholics might ask if this is so, why did Jesus waste His time coming to Earth, suffering pain, rejection and crucifixion? If there are many ways to God, He might have sent down a spiritual version of table manners and avoided the rest.

Here’s Obama telling Falsani, “The difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell.” Falsani adds, “Obama doesn’t believe he, or anyone else, will go to hell. But he’s not sure he’ll be going to heaven, either.” Again, that is contrary to what Evangelicals and most Catholics believe.

Here’s Obama again: “I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. When I tuck in my daughters at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people, and they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of heaven.”

Any first-year seminary student could deconstruct such “works salvation” and wishful thinking. Obama either hasn’t read the Bible, or if he has, doesn’t believe it if he embraces such thin theological wisps.

Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesn’t meet that requirement. One cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith, including the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man and be a Christian. Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called “false prophets.”

Day 2 WOC Treasures In Prison

Continued from Day 1 WOC Story of Champion


Day two was just as amazing as day 1. In the group of volunteers there were two other women who I had done time with in one of the jails, rehabs, or prisons. I can never really remember where but immediately there this excitement and bond. We were there together serving on one accord to give these girls hope that what God had done for us He would also do for them.

We were at Broward Correction Institution. This prison is very special to me because this where I started my prison sentence more than eleven years ago. To be able to go and share my testimony with these women is a dream come true to me. Every time I go back to BCI prison I am reminded of a prophecy that I read once while I was incarcerated. That prophecy changed my life and confirmed my purpose. Instead of sharing the details of the day I would like to share the prophecy because I see it coming to pass.

Treasures in Prison Cells

It was late and I was tired, wanting to go to sleep, but God wanted to talk; it was about midnight, but it dawned on me that God does not sleep. His question made me restless. "Bill, where on earth does man keep his most priceless treasures and valuables?" I said, "Lord, usually these treasures like gold, silver, diamonds, and precious jewels are kept locked up somewhere out of sight, usually with guards and security to keep them under lock and key. God spoke, "Like man my most valuable treasures on earth are also locked up." Then I saw Jesus standing in front of seemingly thousands of prisons and jails and He said, "These have been destroyed by the enemy, but these souls have the greatest potential to be used and to bring forth glory to my name. Tell my people I am going this hour to the prisons to activate the gifts and callings that lie dormant in these lives that were given before the foundation of the earth. From out of these walls will come forth a spiritual army that will have power to literally kick down the gates of hell and overcome satanic powers that are holding My people bound in My own house. Tell My People that great treasure is behind these walls in these forgotten vessels. My people must come forth and touch these lives, for a mighty anointing will be unleashed upon them for future victory in My kingdom. They must be restored." Then I saw Jesus step up to the prison doors with a key. One key fit every lock and the gates began to open. I heard and saw great explosions that sounded like dynamite going off behind the walls. It sounded like all-out spiritual warfare. Jesus turned and said, "Tell My people to go in and pick up the spoil and rescue them." Jesus began walking in and touching the inmates who were thronging Him. Many being touched instantly began to have a golden glow come over them. God spoke to me and said, "There's the gold!" Others had a sliver glow around them and He said, "There's the silver!" Like slow motion they began to grow into what appeared to be giant knights, armored warriors. They had on the entire armor of God and every piece was solid and pure gold! Even golden shields! When I saw the golden shields I heard God say to these warriors, "Now go and take what Satan has taught you and use it against him. Go and pull down strongholds coming against My church." These spiritual giants then started stepping over prisons walls with no one to resist them, they went immediately to the very front line of the battle with the enemy. I saw them walk right past the Church. The big-name ministers, known for their power with God, were surpassed by the giant warriors, like David going after Goliath! They crossed the enemy's lines and started delivering many of God's people from the clutches of Satan while demons trembled and fled out of the sight at their presence. No one, not even the church, seemed to know who these spiritual giants were or where they came from. All you could see was the armor, the golden armor of God, from head to foot, and the shields of gold were there, the shields were restored to God's house and there was great victory and rejoicing. I also saw silver, precious treasures and vessels being brought in. Beneath the gold and silver were people, the outcasts, the poor and the despised. These were the treasures that were missing from God's house. Then the Lord said, "If my people want to know where they are needed tell them they are needed in the streets, the hospitals, the missions, the prisons and jails." When they come they will find Me and the next move of My Spirit and they will be judged according to My Word in Matthew 25:42. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I need clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not come to visit me."

By Bill Yount

Day 1 WOC Pt2 First Public Confession

Continued from Day 1 WOC "By The Word of Their Testimony

After lunch it’s back to the same pods we go so that we can fellowship with the girls. During our lunch break I was asked to be a platform speaker for the second half of the day. I was to go from pod to pod sharing my story. I have done these events quite a few times and I have been asked before to be a platform speaker, but this time was different I did not know why at the time. The Holy Spirit had been telling me to prepare my heart to speak since that morning so I was not surprised when I was asked to share. I asked our Lord to give me the Words that He would have me speak.

I went into the first pod and began to share my story in front of close to 100 women. I told them how I had been raised by both my father and mother until I was eleven years old when they separated. It was all down hill for me then. I became even more rebellious and started running away from home. I went to live with my dad because I was closer to him at the time. My mother was very strict with me and we just always seemed to bump heads. I explained that I realize today that she was just trying to protect me.

Full of stubbornness and rebellion I thought I knew everything and I wanted to be so grown. I had run away twice to New York before the age of 14. My family had formed a gang and pretty much joined forces with another big gang in our county. They were one of these largest gangs in Broward County in the early 90’s. Most of my family only helped feed the terrible demons that possessed my life.

I began doing drugs, fighting, having sex, stealing, clubbing, hanging out all night and disappearing for days at a time. I had been arrested a couple of times and did a little time in juvenile detention. Then I was sixteen when my mother died in a tragic car accident. This pushed me over the edge. Now I was full of rage and hurt. The one emotion that I had the most that ate at my heart was regret. I regretted not being able to be the daughter that my mother deserved. I just wanted to know that she loved me. What I shared next surprised me…

I continued on to tell them that perhaps I had been angry with my mother because when I was small child I told her of how I had been molested by a family member that was staying in our home. When I told her what occurred she addressed the individual along with their parent, but they did not believe me. I remember being slapped in the face and being called a liar. I was wounded forever. This was not the first or the last time that this would occur, not by the same family member. Others too had their way with me.

I stood for a moment before the women in disbelief but in freedom. I told them that this was the first time that I shared publicly that I had been molested. I gave glory to God who has healed me and explained that it is by His Spirit that I am able to forgive and share that story with them. Although I do not forget what has happened I remember with forgiveness. When I looked around and saw the tears and the shock in their faces I immediately knew that many of these women had also been molested or raped. My friend read me a statistic from the Us Department of Justice’s site that said more than 50% of the women in jail said they had been physically or sexually abused in the past. How awful. L

I finished sharing and went on to the next dorm to tell my story of deliverance. That day approximately 200 women heard how our Lord delivered me from darkness and brought me into the light. When I was done sharing I felt like the little girl that hides inside me was no longer full of shame and guilt. She was full of love and freedom in Christ Jesus. She has learned to allow our Lord to take what the enemy meant to destroy her and use it for His glory.

After leaving the prisons we went to a banquet that was hosted by a local church for all of the volunteers. We had dinner, fellowship, and shared our experiences in the jails and prisons. There was singing, laughing, and prayer. It was an awesome end to a glorious day.

Enclosing I would like to say that if you have been molested or raped you do not have to be ashamed or feel guilty. You were the victim but you do not have to remain the victim. You can become the victor through Christ Jesus. He can heal you if you will choose to forgive your offender. It took me many years to even face this situation, to even talk about it. It was just a couple of months ago that I told my husband, whom I have been with for ten years, that I was molested as a child.

Our God was patient with me and knew when I would be ready to face this. One of my mother’s in the Lord shared her story with me of how her father had for years sexually abused her. She spoke with such freedom and without shame. To hear and see how our Lord had delivered and healed her made me want to face my past too. It is because of her story and His Word that fills my very being that I can address this subject today.

His Word has brought healing to my soul. His Word is freedom to those that have been held captive by strongholds, addictions, anger, and unforgiveness. Allow the Holy Spirit to heal you and to help you forgive so that you can be free too.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives and to open the eyes to the blind.” Isaiah 61:1

Day 1 WOC "By The Word of Their Testimony"

Continued from Weekend of Champions

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11

Day one of our Weekend of Champions began on Friday morning. My husband, a brother in the Lord/partner in ministry, and I were assigned to TGK Jail in Miami. They went off to minister to the men and I went with the women.

The platform speaker in our dorm shared how she was a former prostitute who had been in and out of jail and prison. She shared how her heart had been full of hurt and pain for many years. The love of her life was crack cocaine. Many of the girls in the dorm could relate to her story and intently listened. She told of how the Lord delivered her from her addiction and of the wonderful works that He is presently doing in her life. She had an amazing story. Once she was done sharing it she asked the ladies if they were tired of being a mess and who wanted to have the same freedom that God had given her. They raised their hands and each volunteer found a group of girls. We began reaping a harvest for the Kingdom of Heaven.

In my group there were six women. We started going over the booklet together and asking the questions on the front. Their answers varied. We went over the scriptures and discussed them. Some of them had been reading the Word and this was just the confirmation and reassurance they needed. Then there were a couple whose faces seemed unsure. They seemed to almost be sizing me up. Not in a bad way, with a look that kind let me know that they needed more proof that this was true. I knew it was time to share my testimony.

I explained to them that God has a wonderful plan for their life and that jail does not have to be the end of them, but the beginning of a new life in Christ Jesus. I shared that I knew from personal experience that our Lord often times allows us to be in situation where all we have left to do is cry out to Him. We have wanted our own way and have followed our own evil hearts for so long. Ending up addicted to drugs, committing a crime, and landing a jail or prison sentence is proof of how following our selfish and evil desires leads to destruction. I assured them that I knew the pain and loneliness they feel. I know that they feel like failures, scared, and unsure of their future. I know because I too wore those same uniforms and slept on those hard bunks. They were surprised when I confessed that I too had been in jail and sentenced to prison.

I encouraged them and told them that our God is no respecter of persons and that what He has done for me, He will also do for them. Our God heard my cry and picked me up out of a mess. He has set my feet on the Rock. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him. That’s exactly what these ladies did. They put their trust in Jesus Christ. I had the privilege of leading them to our Savior. To God be the glory! Praise Jesus! (Psalm 40:1-3)

All of us have our own story. Maybe you have not been to jail or prison but you ARE also an EX-OFFENDER, because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Someone needs to hear your story of deliverance. Don’t allow the enemy or the religious church people to make you feel ashamed of your past. Allow our Lord to heal you and use your past to glorify Him. It is by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony that we defeat the enemy and win souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. (Romans 3:23, Revelations 12:11)

Part 2 of Day 1 to be continued…

Weekend Of Champions

Thank you for your prayers last Thursday. I woke up at three am with a terrible stomach virus. In fact two of my children were also attacked by the same virus. It did not surprise me though because almost every time we plan to go and volunteer to do a WOC (Weekend of Champions) in the prison ‘something’ tries to stop us. Thank God by that evening I was feeling much better and was able to attend the training class and participate in the weekend events along with my husband, brother-in-law, and partner in ministry. After this weekend it became so clear to me why the enemy tried to keep me from going. I will tell you more later, but for now you may be wondering what is Weekend of Champions?

WOC is a prison evangelistic event coordinated by Bill Glass Prison Ministry where several believers come together to share the Good News in the jails and prisons for the weekend. These events are different from the much needed bibles studies and Sunday services held normally in these facilities. WOC is unique because the ministry brings in professional athletes, ex-offenders, military men, singers, comedians, a professional tight rope walker, and others who entertain theses men and women while sharing their story of deliverance through Jesus Christ. By the time the platform speakers are done sharing their stories most of the men and women’s hearts are softened and they are eager to hear more of what they can do to have that same freedom that the speakers found.

Now the baton is passed to the volunteers to lead these men and women through the Word of God straight to the cross to receive salvation. Each volunteer is given several small booklets that help smoothly lead someone to the Lord. We give the booklets out to those seeking salvation and we walk through the booklet with them. It is a simple and effective tool to help bring someone to the Lord.

The front of the booklet asks “What do you think?” real big. Then it has 5 questions underneath.

1) Do you have a spiritual belief?
2) Is there a heaven or hell?
3) Where will you go when you die?
4) Will God let you into His heaven? Why?
5) Would you like to know if what you believe is true or not?

Well of course by now they have had a chance to listen to each others responses and want to know if they are right, because at this point we have not answered whether what they believe is true or false. Now we show them what God’s Word says.

The booklet asks that they read these verses out loud and to then ask themselves “What do they mean to me?”

1) “For God (The Father) loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus), so that everyone who believes in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE.” John 3:16
2) “For all have SINNED and fall short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23
3) “…the wages (consequences) of Sin is Death, but the Gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:23
4) If we CONFESS our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to Forgive us our sins and CLEANSE us from ALL unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
5) (Jesus said) “I am the WAY, and the Truth, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” John 14:6
6) (Jesus said) “I stand at the door and knock. If ANYONE hears my voice and opens the door, I WILL COME IN TO HIM.” Revelation 3:20
7) “….if you CONFESS with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead. YOU WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:9

Now the Word of God has shown them they are sinners in need of forgiveness that can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the time where we get to pray with them to receive the gift of salvation. Once we pray we explain to them what that the Word of God says about what they have just done; that they have eternal life and are saved from hell, their sins have been forgiven, the Lord has begun and will complete a wonderful work in their lives, and they are now a part of the ‘Family of God’.

We also encourage them to build a strong relationship with Christ by praying every day, reading the Word and trusting God to speak to them through His Word, to fellowship with other believers, and be a witness to others.

I can not truly describe the joy I feel when I know that God has used me to help bring a soul into His kingdom. I am humbled and honored all at the same time. My heart rejoices and I can imagine the angels rejoicing in heaven too.

We are ALL called to share this Good News with others. If you have never personally led someone to the Lord I encourage you to ask our Lord to show an opportunity to do so. This is our purpose and our destiny, to win souls for the kingdom. Decide to day to be a champion for God!

More to come on this past weekend events..