Detours.  Love them or hate them, they are a fact of life.  I despise seeing those orange signs because they feel like a nuisance and a diversion sent to slow me down and prevent me from reaching my destination.  One of my greatest frustrations with detours is the fact that I’m terrible with directions.  There is always this innate fear that I’m going to miss a sign and get myself lost in some unknown countryside.  Years ago my wife and I decided to purchase a home for our eventual retirement.  I know what you’re thinking; it seems ridiculous since I’m (still) only 29 😉  We decided on this one house we both loved and went back to the real estate agent’s office to begin the paperwork. From the beginning to the end of the process we were plagued with problems.  First, the agent couldn’t get the wireless keyboard or mouse to work.  Then, for 15 minutes he was unable to log into the system.  Once he got into the system he was unable to get into the specific file for the house we were interested in. This went on for about 30 minutes.  At one point I turned to my wife and gave her a knowing look.  She looked at me with stern eyes and quietly mouthed, “Stop it!”  I simply shrugged my shoulders and gave her another look that relayed my realization that something was going on.  When the information came onto the screen someone else had just placed a contract on the house in the minutes leading up to our multiple failed attempts to do the same.  With disappointment we shrugged it off and continued our search.  Weeks later we chose a house that we liked even better and signed the papers.  Fast forward three years – we knew some things were shifting in our personal lives and both felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit to place our retirement home (our future, if you will) back on the market.  While we loved the home we felt once again the Holy Spirit was at work so we obeyed.  In eleven days there was a contract taken out on the house. After all was said and done we received, almost to the dollar, the exact amount back that we had put into it.  Coincidence?  I don’t think so.  God used this particular instance to remind me of the importance of following the Holy Spirit’s leading even when I’m unsure where I’m going.

A friend recently reminded me of a story in Acts 28 and how the Apostle Paul and others became shipwrecked forcing a stop on the island of Malta.  No doubt Paul’s itinerary didn’t include this unexpected stop yet, because of this detour, the gospel was spread, many were healed, and souls were won for the kingdom.  My friend stated, “I am learning that I should never be so stubbornly locked into my plans that I miss God’s surprises.”  Just because something feels like a detour doesn’t mean it is one.  That could have been God’s plan all along.  The problem arises when we create and use our own maps/itineraries rather than getting His input on the direction for our lives.  Those side roads can be frustrating but can lead to many beautiful things we wouldn’t have normally seen/experienced.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  There are many lessons to be learned along the journey.  Take solace and know that, just as it’s mentioned in Exodus 23:20, He is always sending…“ an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I [He] has prepared.  God specializes in making the crooked places straight and placing detours in our plans.  We would all be better off if we just consider those unexpected twists and turns as the ‘scenic route’ and just enjoyed the trip.  It’s my prayer we all can find joy in journeys of life.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Recently we took our annual summer vacation with the family.  I’m proud to say this trip (in comparison to one I blogged about over New Year’s) was relaxing and extremely enjoyable.  Well, except for one part.  Bedtime.  I love my son.  I really do.  But he doesn’t require much sleep.  Midway through the week he was sleeping in the bed with his mom and me.  As expected he was a wiggly worm all night long, flipping and flopping from one side to another.  I had an extremely hard time sleeping and was miserable as my wife snored on the other end of that king size bed and was none the wiser.  Little sleep and an early wake-up call by our ‘rooster’ left me with a terrible head/neck ache.  I finally gave up on sleep and just opened my eyes with some frustration.  Bub was beside me playing a game on a cell phone and said, “You okay?”  Slightly frustrated I said, “No baby.  You have kept me up all night and now my head and neck are hurting.”  He instantly responded, “You want me to pray for you?”  I said, “Yeah, pray here and here (pointing to the exact spots).  He placed his hands on me, prayed a sweet little prayer, and finished by asking, “You feel better now?”  Though the headache wasn’t gone, I admitted that I actually did feel better as my frustration faded away to shame.

When dealing with my children (or any child I’ve come in contact with) their level of faith is something to be admired.  It’s never a question of ‘if‘ God will answer a prayer rather ‘when‘ God will answer.  My shame came as I realized I was attempting to teach him a lesson on the importance of prayer-not really expecting to receive my healing.  Instead I received a lesson in childlike faith.  As adults we become cynical as we realize most things aren’t necessarily as cut and dry or black and white.  The cynicism arrives as life doesn’t turn out the way we expect, desire, or intend it to.  The older I get I’ve come to realize whether God answers our prayers or not, He’s still an Almighty and Powerful God capable of all things, be it in His will.  The word tells us, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6  This scripture reminds us of the importance of our faith in God and the blessings that come as a result.  Our prayers must become less about what we want and more about who He is.  It’s amazing the lessons you can learn after an encounter with a rowdy four year old.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  As my wife has stated, “Don’t get caught up in the insignificant.  Step back and concentrate on the relationship.”  There’s always something greater at work.  We may not always agree with God’s methods but we must have faith that He is working all things for our good….because that’s what a good Father does.  Concentrate on who He is and watch the situations in your life come into alignment with His will for your life.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

“You’ll never get that kite to fly….you know why?  Because you’re Charlie Brown!” stated Lucy with a smirk on her face.  Our latest family movie night choice was, you guessed it, the round-headed kid with one curly strand of hair and that unmistakable yellow shirt.  In my years of reading the Sunday comic strips Charlie Brown has always suffered from, as he put it, “…a serious case of inadequacy.”  He never felt good enough.  Whether attempting to fly a kite, kick that football, talk to the new girl, learn to dance…….every action ended in an accident or mishap.  BUT–regardless what others said or what he believed, Charlie Brown never gave up.  When he didn’t succeed he just tried again.  Have you ever felt that way?  Too fat, too skinny, too tall, not tall enough, not enough money, not smart enough, not beautiful/handsome enough, you don’t have the right job, you’re always making the same mistakes…..the list goes on and on.  Seems like you’re the President of your own fraternity/sorority aptly named Phi Theta Failure.  There comes a time in all of our lives that we have to decide whether to ignore the hype— whether positive or negative — or entertain it.  If we buy into the ‘stuff’ other people (or ourselves) are spewing–again, whether positive or negative– we may just be setting ourselves up for failure.

Take Peter, for instance.  He is one of the Bible’s biggest failures and successes all balled into one.  He was brave enough to ask Jesus to allow him to walk on water.  Once he gets within arm’s length he loses his confidence and begins concentrating on the environment rather than the fact he walked on water.  Then, when Jesus is being crucified he denies even knowing Him—not once, or even twice, but THREE TIMES.  Once he realizes his mistake it’s too late.  Then there’s Judas.  Yeah-the guy who sold out Jesus for roughly $300-$600 US dollars (values vary according to who you ask but the range is between those two amounts).  The guilt from the mistake Judas makes leads him to take his life.  Rather than wallowing in his own self-pity, Peter becomes one of the most influential apostles ever known.  He used his mistakes as fuel to do better….to be better—not for personal recognition but for kingdom purposes.  Two different men.  Two different situations.  One uses his mistakes to his advantage.  One allows his mistakes to consume him.  In his own words Peter states, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” [1 Peter 1:7]  This coming from someone who had experienced it for himself.  Our struggles are perfecting our faith in our Savior.  Of these two men-whose example will you follow?

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Our successes or failures don’t define us.  Our identity in our Savior does.  Choosing to ignore the Lucy’s in our life will be the best decision we will ever make.  There’s only One whose opinions we need to worry about. I think we all know who He is.

Have a blessed week, my friends!!!

I remember seeing him come through the door after work every day. It was visibly noticeable that he was physically spent but he somehow found the energy to spend a little time with us at the end of each day and muster up a few smiles along the way. That navy blue pair of pants and matching button up shirt always carried the evidence of the day’s work. No doubt the winter months were always a welcome blessing in comparison to the blustering heat filled days of summer. Though I’ve never experienced it myself I’ve heard the heat inside a textile mill could be unbearable. Some years later he would change jobs and go from one extreme to another. He was no longer working with textile materials rather his days were surrounded by the blood and raw meat. No longer was he standing in heat all day, he was now working in freezers. I watched the effects it had over the years on his body. The man that once stood tall and strong has come to bend a little and he doesn’t have quite as much ‘pep’ in his step. I would have done anything to make his life easier all those years.  It wasn’t unusual to catch him lying on the floor at work under some random machine attempting to fix what should have been replaced years ago. I never heard him complain. He’s always been dependable, steady. and sure. He could (and still can) always be counted on to do what was expected and more. His work ethic was just as formidable at home. No time to stop. He just kept moving.

If you were looking for the ‘poster child’ of a life full of curveballs, search no further. He was the product of a broken home and has dealt with his share of life altering blows which included the tragic loss of his first wife in his 20’s. He was left with two little boys, 7 and 4 years, to raise on his own for a while and he did so as best he knew how. The man I’m talking about it my hero. Some call him Ronnie, Pastor Ron, he answers to ‘son,’ six little ones call him ‘Poppa’……..I am honored to call him Dad. Looking at Ronnie Rhodes is like looking in mirror that can predict the future. I am most definitely a watered down version (because there’s nothin’ like the real thang, baby! 🙂 ) of the man that is my Father. His sacrifice has made it possible for me to succeed. My body will probably never bear as much wear and tear as his because I haven’t had to work in such extreme environments nor complete the manual labor at a level that has always been expected of him. Was he perfect? No. Did he make mistakes? Of course. We all do. Will you find anyone who will work any harder or love their family any more than he does? Doubtful. Though he wasn’t able to get me everything I ever asked for I never went without food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head.  As good fathers become more extinct in our society I’m blessed to say that mine is still here (hopefully) for many years to come.

To my Dad I would like to publically say….thank you. Thank you for loving and caring for me even when I didn’t deserve it. Thank you for teaching me the hard lessons even when I didn’t want to hear what you had to say. Thank you for raising me in a Godly home and practicing what you preached (figuratively and literally) right in front of my eyes. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made so that Travis and I could have a better life. Thank you for the example you are to my children and others on the importance of living a life that is poured out unto God and used for kingdom purposes. It is my desire that you will be as proud of me as I have been to be called your son all these years. Happy Father’s Day!

I love you, Dad!

B

Waking my kids every morning tends to be like playing the lottery [I don’t play the lottery–please don’t start that rumor-HA!]. I never know what is going to happen. They could wake up in any number of moods and, unfortunately, that determines how good or bad my day begins. Personally, I enjoy late nights but I move like a zombie for the first portion of the morning. I’ve always held the belief that waking up before 10am is infringing on Australian people’s time with God. Seems logical, right?  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.  Anyway, we had endured crazy schedules in the days leading up to this moment. Both of our kids had awakened frustrated and in bad moods simply wanting to stay in bed. After a few arguments and tears (I might have shed a few, HA!) we were finally dressed and started walking outside to the car. My son made it out first. When I got outside I noticed he was standing by the car dancing as hard as he could. I laugh and asked, “What are you doing?” He responded smiling, “The birds are singin’- I gotta dance to duh music!!” That reaction was so different than the battle I had endured with him 15 minutes prior. From that moment forward he was happy as a lark as he was dropped off at his daycare. I drove back home with a smile on my face realizing something I hadn’t considered. My son had made a split second decision. We had endured a terrible start to our morning but something had clicked in his head on the way to the car. At some point he decided he was going to be happy.

Have you ever considered your mood to be a choice? That instance with my son gave me insight and forced me to check myself. I realized, when I’m in a bad mood I choose to stay that way.  That choice makes me like the pig wallowing in a messy puddle of my own self-pity, negativity, and frustration. Granted, some things are uncontrollable. Life just happens. But in the midst of my ‘junk’ I can choose joy. Even in those times when the devil seems to be working overtime to make us miserable I’m learning to choose to confuse!  In other words, our reactions to circumstances should confuse the devil and those around us.  Rejoice in the midst of sorrow?  Yep!  Celebrate in the midst of frustration?  Yep!  Speak life when you’re surrounded by death? Yep!  Let’s face it, negative attitudes benefit no one. James 1:2-3 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”  We might even realize things aren’t as bad as we originally thought. Take your cue from my son. If you can’t think of any other way to respond— just, “dance to duh music!!”

Closing remarks and encouragement: I have no desire to minimize the struggles we endure. But my goal is to bring attention to the choices we have. On many occasions, our response can/will make the situation worse…..or better.  Choose joy.  Choose happiness.  Choose life!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

**She’s no stranger to this blog.  This weeks entry comes from my wife, Jennifer.  I pray it ministers to you as it did me!**

What most people do not know is I chased my husband from a distance for a year and a half before we ever began dating. My heart told me he was ‘the one’ and I just couldn’t shake it.  In those days I always found a way to place myself in his path.  I enjoyed being around him and watching him interact with others as he had what many have termed a ‘bigger than life’ personality.  I desired to belong to him, as well as he belonging to me. I can remember nights of intercession during that waiting season, asking God to favor me in his eyes.  Though it was a while later, Brian finally took the hint.  Fast forward over sixteen years later and I can say I value our relationship more every day. The knowledge that God heard my cry and placed this man in my life has taken me through some difficult times.  This man puts me before his own personal needs.  He takes care of our family and loves me deeply…..but he’s in love with someone else too – and I find that very attractive.

I feel certain the title of this blog made some eyebrows raise. But it’s true.  I belong to two men.  No, this is not an episode of ‘Sister Wives’ or ‘Brother Husbands’ (did I just create a new reality show?).  You see, I began a relationship with my first Love at the age of 14.  He has never let me down, can be trusted, is dependable, always has my best interest at heart, and loves me deeper than I love myself.  I sense His presence near me each day, though I have never seen Him face to face.  This relationship with my Lord teaches me how to love my husband, children, family, friends, and others.  Even when I stray or have been unfaithful He picks me up, forgives me, and calls me His bride again.  None of us know what real love is until we’ve received it from its truest source.  This kind of love helps us love others better.  It gives us an added measure of grace and mercy to extend—even when our flesh would rather rid them from our lives forever.  Our relationship with Christ will affect everything we do for the better.  How is that relationship with your Groom?  If I never have those intimate moments with my husband our relationship would fade.  We make it a priority to go out on dates, have meaningful (and not-so-meaningful) conversations, we put the other before ourselves….we purpose to have a strong relationship.  I took pride in preparing myself for my groom (almost) fourteen years ago.  I chose my dress carefully and tried to make sure every little thing was perfect.  I am daily preparing myself for my other Groom too.  Are you?

“…and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:27

Forever His and his—

Jennifer

I’ve had to deal with some crazy stuff in my life. Things that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  I have walked through valley’s that seemed so dark I didn’t know if I would ever see the light of day again.  In the spirit of being transparent there were two spans of time, in particular, I fought suicidal thoughts.  [Not many people know that but, well, now you do.]  I didn’t ask for the tsunami of emotions that consumed me.  It felt like I was being pulled helplessly out to sea with no chance of survival.  The harder I fought, the stronger the current drew me into the abyss.  That dark cloud quietly fell over my heart and mind because of my moment of weakness.  I let my guard down and the enemy slipped in.  I’m ashamed to say— I allowed it, though it was completely unintentional.  In both situations there was a single moment of clarity—a glimmer of light—that drew me away.  Thankfully, both times that glimmer was my life raft.  It was just the thing to bring me back from the confusion, pain, and shame that swirled around me.  It didn’t immediately change my situation but it was enough to bring me back to my right mind-to a place where I could begin hearing from God rather than letting my own “stuff” consume me.

There are lots of things in our lives we need to forget. Times of betrayal, hurt, misery—you know, the baggage we carry that becomes the company we can expect to visit us during those pity party moments.  But then there are other moments we need to remember and hold tight to.  In my mind I see little David (some speculate he was between the ages of 10 and 13) standing in that field getting ready to fight Goliath.  He could have been intimidated by the giant that stood before him but he wasn’t.  Rather than run home scared to Daddy he responds, “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.” [1 Sam 17:36]  Knowing what God has brought us through is artillery in our hands.  No longer are we walking into battle hoping things will go in our favor.  We’ve experienced it.  If He brought us through before, what makes this time any different?  We simply have to step back, take aim, and fire!  David learned early in his life, specifically in the story above, how to ‘encourage himself in the Lord.’  When was the last time you encouraged yourself in the Lord?  This can be something as simple as reminding yourself what God has brought you through.  Testify to yourself!  You know what I’m talking about.  Those times when God provided and we knew there wasn’t enough money in the bank to pay that bill.  Those moments when that family member that should have died but made a miraculous recovery.  Those moments where He lifted us out of the fire and we didn’t even smell like smoke when we came out.  I want to encourage you today to suit up men/women of God!  If the devil wants to accuse and remind us of our past failures, let’s remind him of his future!!!  You may not always feel like it but, with God on your side you’re ALWAYS an overcomer!

Closing remarks and encouragement: I learned a long time ago, sometimes the only way to deal with a bully is to fight back.  Thankfully we don’t fight alone.  With God on our side……THE VICTORY IS OURS!  Let’s do this!!!

Have a blessed week, my friends!!!

So I did something really ignorant this morning. Shocker, huh?!?  As I rolled into my driveway I checked the clock on my dashboard, did some quick math in my head, and realized I had time to cut the grass before going to work.  Five minutes later I was chugging along as fast as my riding mower would take me as I mentally marked one thing off of my massive weekly ‘To-do’ list.  As I attempted to concentrate on the front yard I noticed the roof of our house.  I had watched for months as pine needles had been collecting and dominating our roof in two specific sections.  I checked the time again and realized I might have time to clean those sections of the roof if I hurried.  Out came the ladder.  [Side note: I hate heights.  If I’m securely behind railing or something secure I’m okay.  We all know there aren’t railings on a roof] When I finally get on top of my house I begin envisioning how wrong things could really go.  Ignorantly, I push forward with my heart beating out of my chest all the while ignoring that voice in my head.  I went about cleaning as quickly but as safely as I could.  Then it was time to get down.  I place my foot on the ladder and it shifts.  WHOA!  I try again.  Same response from the ladder.  Stupid, Brian!  STUPID!  I begin audibly questioning, “Why did I do this?!?”  A quick prayer, “Lord-If you’ll get me down I’ll never do this again!  Please, Lord!”  Then I catch a glimmer of hope.  My next door neighbor-who is normally at work by this time of the morning-is out in his front yard.  “HEY! (attempting to be louder than his leaf blower)  Can you come hold this ladder so I can get down?”  “Sure!” he responds.  Folks, I’ve never been so happy to see a living soul in my life.  Three minutes later I was on the ground quoting Philippians 1:3 him.  I wanted to hug him-but I didn’t think he’d appreciate that.

Have you ever gotten yourself into a quandary? You know-those situations that we ignorantly walk into that, while hoping for the best, we already know things will turn out unfavorably.  We’ve all done it.  Attempting to be Superman and get on top of my roof with no one there if I needed help was, well, not my finest moment (P.S.-pray for me.  No doubt my wife will kill me when she reads this.).  But God, being our Father, always provides help in our time of need.  “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” [1 Corin. 10:13]  Scripture doesn’t say we won’t have to deal with the consequences of our actions— but it reminds us He will ALWAYS provide a back door.  Even when we’re not looking out for ourselves, He’s looking out for us.  That’s the kind of Father He is.  Maybe we will learn our lesson one day.  As for me, don’t ask me to help you do any roofing work.  Those days are over.  Lesson learned!

Closing thoughts and encouragement: That ‘voice’ is there for a reason.  It’s the Holy Spirit.  He will always warn us of pending danger………if we will listen.  We should never get so full of ourselves that we think we’re invincible.  “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Prov 16:8  We could avoid a lot of trouble if we would just listen the first time.  Have a blessed week, my friends!!!!

For my wife and me, our infertility was a gift. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. If I’m being transparent though, when we were in the midst of that terrible storm, it felt like a punishment.  We had plans to have a big family.  After months of negative pregnancy tests, embarrassing doctor’s visits, and invasive fertility treatments we received news that shattered our hearts and the dreams we had for ourselves.  WHY, God?  In my mind, I had already taken my daughter to her first Father/Daughter Dance.  My wife had already attended her our son’s first ball game.  We were simply waiting for reality to catch up with our dreams, desires, and goals.  We wandered in the dark for months.  You see, for us, it was more than a dream or desire.  It was a promise we had received from God.  Day after day we questioned why He would promise and not provide.  It felt like a cruel joke.  There were moments I felt my deepest longings and desires slipping through my hands before they even had a chance to take shape.

Almost fourteen years later I’ve discovered unanswered prayers are a gift.  We tend to view each negative thing that happens as punishment from God.  In most cases, that couldn’t be any further from the truth.  1 Samuel reminds us of Hannah.  She was considered, by those around her, ‘barren.’  But scripture informs us, “….the Lord had shut up her womb.” [1:5]  She wasn’t barren after all.  Her inability to have children was God’s doing.  If you haven’t noticed, God has His own way of doing things.  Whether we like it or not, His will is always going to be accomplished.  Consider life as a set of dominoes.  From the creators point of view each domino is being placed in a specific order to create the end product.  From our point of view, as that lonely domino, life seems confusing and doesn’t make much sense.  We are left standing in some awkward position wondering why we’ve been placed here in the first place.  From God’s point of view, He is arranging a magnificent work of art.  He sees the big picture.  We only see how we’re being pulled this way, or shoved in that direction.  Hannah did eventually conceive and have a son.  Her son would go on to anoint little sheep herder, David, as the next king.  The lineage of David would make way for the arrival of Jesus, the son of God.  I’ve often wondered what Hannah’s reaction would have been if she could have seen the end product while in the middle of her despair.  My life is proof God will fulfill His promises.  I sit behind this computer having attended many dances and activities with our daughter.  My wife has attended many ball games and events with our son.  God continues to fulfill His promises.  But 99.9 % of the time it never happens the way we expect.  Is your current situation a gift or punishment?  You decide!

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Delays are not denials.  It’s just God’s way of saying, “Not yet!  I’m working on something better for you!”  He can and will do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ask or think.  We might never experience the miraculous if we’re not willing to endure the struggle or have God rearrange our plans.  His plans seem foreign and chaotic to us, but they always become a beautiful mess.  There’s only One that could do something like that.  That’s why I love Him.  Have a blessed week, my friends!

In recent months we have witnessed the decline of America at an alarming rate. My soul is grieving at the direction society seems to be traveling.  My heart and mind are working feverishly to block it all out but, if I’m being honest, the noise keeps getting louder and louder.  Things that were once wrong are now permissible.  In the past we were encouraged to stand up for what we believed in.  Now it’s only okay to do so if it serves a larger agenda.  Rather than fighting for our marriages, we give up and move on.  Rather than teaching our children Godly principles, we teach them their fleshly desires are more important.  Pouring out love and mercy has been replaced with a pat on the back and sending someone on their way without mentioning His name.  Rather than take responsibility for our actions we blame it on ‘affluenza’ or the actions of others against us.  It’s always someone else’s fault.  The current rhetoric being spewed and used against Christian’s is one of acceptance regardless of our biblically held beliefs.  Apparently those beliefs we hold so dear are not as important as those with a reprobate mindset.  The saddest part is Christians have become the walking dead—and not in a “crucified with Christ” kind of way.

This life is not about our personally held beliefs and judgment of others. Rather, our goal should be to study God’s word in the context it was written and live a life above reproach.  His word and the truth’s inside never change!  This life is less about attempting to find out what we can get from others and more about giving ourselves away to be used for kingdom purposes.  We’re being lulled to sleep and, sadly, many of us are none the wiser.  There comes a time when we must suit up and fight.  But here’s the kicker-we, as Christians, don’t fight battles with our fists or with weapons.  We don’t involve ourselves in political propaganda assuming that will change things.  We don’t even need to build a pulpit in the middle of our cities and began preaching to all who pass by.  The most powerful thing we Christians can do is get on our knees, bow our heads, and cry out to a loving Father who has been waiting to hear our voice for a long time.  We suit up for war by crying out to the ONLY One who can change this messed up world.  This war we fight has never been against flesh and blood.  Our goal should be to be more like Jesus, not striving necessarily for political correctness.  As a friend recently said, “The word [of God] is offensive!”  We must be unapologetic for that fact.  “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [Eph. 5:14]

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Allowing the sin that surrounds us to go unchecked is just as bad as condoning it.  It’s time for this generation to experience a spiritual awakening.  Will you be a part of it?  Are you ready to fight–on your knees?