Falling on the Rock and Experiencing God's Presence

Experiencing God's Presence Fully

I've got some exciting things to share with you today that I believe will really bless you and stir your faith. 

Recently, as Susan and I were praying in the car, I had a vision of a wooden cart filled with manure. At first I didn't understand the meaning, but then the interpretation came rushing in. It reminded me of Jesus' parable in Luke 13 about the unfruitful fig tree that the owner wanted to cut down, but the gardener asked to fertilize it for one more year to see if it would bear fruit.

I believe this speaks to where many of us are at right now. We may feel like we've been dealt a bad hand in life or that things aren't going the way we hoped. But we have to remember - God owns the whole deck! He has a better plan for us if we're willing to let go of what we're clinging to so tightly. 

The religious leaders in Jesus' day rejected him as the Messiah because they didn't want to lose their position and power. But Jesus said the kingdom would be taken from them and given to those who bear its fruits. We can't let anything come before our devotion to Christ, even if it means a radical change.

The key is falling upon the Rock of Jesus and trusting fully in Him. Those who do will be broken in a good way - broken free from the things holding us back. But those who reject Christ will be scattered like dust. Let's be the ones who surrender all to Him.

I'm so hungry for more of God's presence in my life. Psalm 16:11 says in His presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. When we spend time worshipping Him, our problems fade and we're filled with the assurance that He's working all things out for our good. I've experienced His tangible presence in amazing ways over the years and it's ruined me for anything less!

The priests couldn't even minister because the glory cloud of God's presence so filled the temple (2 Chron. 5). When Paul and Silas worshipped in prison, there was an earthquake and everyone's chains fell off (Acts 16). God's presence changes everything! And He promises to inhabit the praises of His people.

I believe a mighty wave of God's Spirit is coming. People all around us are thirsty for Jesus and don't even know it. We need to position ourselves to usher in His presence and see a great harvest come in. Let's fertilize the ground with our prayers and worship and believe for a massive move of God in our day!

My heart is to see the body of Christ walking in the fullness of what Jesus purchased for us. His presence is the greatest treasure and the only thing that will satisfy.

Is There a Strong Man in the Church Today?

Encountering Jesus Beyond the Church Walls: My Vision for a Renewed Faith

Hey everyone, it's Conrad here. I wanted to share some thoughts on my mind lately, as well as some exciting events coming up in the Christian community.

First off, mark your calendars for April 4th, 2015 from 1pm to 5pm. There's going to be a huge gathering of believers in Memphis to worship Jesus at Redbird Stadium (AutoZone Park). It's called "Memphis Exalts Jesus" and you can learn more at ExaltJesusMemphis.org. I'm pumped for this opportunity for the body of Christ to come together and lift up the name of Jesus. 

I'm also looking forward to Camp Pentecost, where we'll celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit from Acts chapter 2. God is pouring out revelation all over the world right now through the internet and churches. People are getting excited about God! At the same time, there's a spiritual void and hunger. As Psalm 42:1 says, we are thirsting for God like a deer pants for water. I believe God wants to fill that void and hunger in this generation.

However, while this revelation is being poured out, the devil is also attacking people in various ways - from car trouble to suicide attempts. This is the reality of spiritual warfare that Ephesians 6:12 talks about. The enemy gets furious when he sees God about to move. But God is greater!

I also want to address something that's been heavy on my heart. I know many people, probably many of you listening, are frustrated with the institutional church system. I get it. God can and does use it, but it has many shortfalls. The early church in Acts met daily and used spiritual gifts to minister to each other. It wasn't about just attending a service once a week. 

But rather than attack the church, we need to humbly pray for God to fix what's broken. Only He can. I believe in presence evangelism - that as we simply worship Jesus, people will encounter His presence like Paul did in Acts 9 and the woman at the well did in John 4. Their lives were radically changed by meeting Jesus. That's what will transform individuals and the church.

Recently, my wife Susan and I were praying at a lake. I had a vision of a strong arm with strings controlling churches, like a puppet master. I believe this represents a strongman of denominationalism and religious control that hinders the Holy Spirit from moving freely in believers' lives. 

Leaders and denominations often put extra biblical rules and limitations on people that hold them back from following the Holy Spirit. Movements often end up in error when they are led by forceful leaders who reject the new things God is doing. We have to stop putting God in our denominational and theological boxes!

The very purpose of the prophetic ministry is to bring fresh revelation to guide us. Prophets were sent to Israel and the church when they weren't hearing a word from God on their own. We can't expect prophetic ministry to operate within restrictive religious structures. It's contrary to its purpose.

Well, I've rambled on long enough. I just want to encourage you to keep seeking God for yourself. Be humble and don't attack others. Let's get back to the book of Acts and make Jesus' name great! I'm excited to see what God is going to do in our generation. Until next time, dig deeper and go higher in God!

A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph: Mike Norris' Story

Bicycles, Burritos, and God's Plan

I had the honor of interviewing Mike Norris, a man with an incredible testimony of how God took the tragedy of losing his teenage son and transformed it into a ministry that is changing lives across the globe. 

In 2011, Mike received the devastating news that his 18-year-old son Christopher, along with Christopher's mother and two other children, had been killed in a car accident while traveling home from a family trip. Christopher had been an active participant in mission trips and was scheduled to leave for Japan just days after the accident occurred. 

In the months following this horrific loss, Mike struggled with anger and questioned God. But in the midst of his grief, God spoke to him, impressing John 3:16 on his heart and giving Mike peace that Christopher, as a believer, now had eternal life.

About a year later, Mike took his first mission trip to Thailand, visiting the orphanage his church had been supporting. The experience opened his eyes and heart. When his friend Bobby approached him about doing a 500-mile bike ride across Thailand to raise money for the orphanage, in memory of Christopher, Mike knew he had to do it, despite weighing nearly 300 pounds at the time.

That first ride in 2012 was the start of something big. Over the next few years, Mike lost a significant amount of weight, rode thousands of training miles, and watched the bike ride fundraiser, now called the Tour of Hope, grow to over 20 participants and raise more than $60,000 for the orphanage. A weekly burrito ministry Bobby had started to feed the homeless also exploded, now operating out of a church and serving hundreds each week.

Mike never planned or expected any of this, but he sees God's hand orchestrating every detail, even using the devastating loss of his son to bring about a greater good and impact many lives. His family has found healing and purpose through the ministry that developed. While Mike may never understand why he had to lose Christopher, he knows he has to find and follow God's plan in the midst of the tragedy. 

Mike's story is a powerful example of beauty from ashes, of God working all things together for good even through unimaginable pain. I know God will continue to use Mike, his family, and their ministry to touch many more lives with the gospel and the love of Christ in the years to come. You can follow their journey on Facebook at "Ride 4 Him."