Resurrecting Liberty - A Revelation from My Prayer Walk

A Vision for Revival in America 

Good morning, peeps! Conrad here, from ConradRocks.Net, bringing you a revelation poured out fresh from a recent prayer walk. As I strolled through my beautiful neighborhood of Como, Mississippi, the Lord revealed something profound to me – a message about reclaiming our spiritual heritage and the liberty our forefathers fought so hard to secure. The sun rising through the trees sparked a deep reflection on how values shift and how crucial it is to remember our roots.

A Town Steeped in History

Como, a small town with a big past, once boasted the most millionaires per capita at the turn of the century. These magnificent homes, nestled right next to the railroad, tell a story of a different time. Today, we might shun living so close to the noisy trains, but back then, it was highly coveted. This contrast made me think deeply about our nation's spiritual journey.

The Forsaken Freedom

Our forefathers yearned for freedom of worship, a liberty they considered so precious they were willing to die for it. But have we truly honored their sacrifice? It grieves my heart to see how we've almost "boomeranged" their prayers back to them, neglecting the very freedom they fought to establish. We’ve forgotten the importance of the spiritual foundation upon which America was built.

A Vision on the Prayer Walk

This message was ignited within me during a prayer walk, much like the one I was on as I recorded this podcast. Susan and I were walking, and I had an open vision – a prophetic experience where the spiritual and physical realms intertwined. It reminded me of Elisha praying for his servant to see the spiritual army surrounding them (2 Kings 6:17 KJV). As we walked, I saw darkness, but also fires lighting up.

The Power of Prayer Walks

This vision underscored something I deeply believe: we light fires as we pray over our neighborhoods. Sitting on the couch won’t cut it. Jesus commanded us to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19 KJV), and as the Israelites walked around Jericho, things happened (Joshua 6 KJV). Prayer walking isn't just a quaint practice; it's a spiritual act that impacts our communities. We need to pray for our neighbors, with our neighbors, and about our neighbors.

Fire in the Bible

Fire plays a powerful symbolic role throughout the Bible. Moses used fire to purify (Numbers 31:23 KJV), sacrifices were offered with fire (Leviticus 1:9 KJV), and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11 KJV). The fires I saw popping up during the prayer walk represented a rekindling of the supernatural power we need in our nation.

A Heart for Repentance

I consistently speak about my heart for America to rediscover its Christian roots. Our forefathers sought freedom of religion; it’s number one on the Bill of Rights! This wasn't an afterthought; it was the foundation upon which our Constitution was ratified.

The Torch of Liberty

During a recent prayer meeting, the Lord gave me a vision that truly struck me. I saw the fire that I had seen in previous prayer walk visions, but this time, it was atop the torch of the Statue of Liberty. I was confounded. What was the Lord showing me?

A Dream Revisited

This vision brought back a dream from years ago, where Lady Liberty had fallen into the ocean, and people were desperately trying to raise her with air balloons. It resonated with the idea that something foundational in America has fallen, and we're struggling to lift it back up.

Apologizing to Our Forefathers

We need to apologize to our forefathers. What they held sacred, we've often despised. They forged a future for us, but we've neglected the boundaries, statutes, and precepts they established. This neglect has brought us to a critical point.

More Than Politics

The solution isn't political. Jesus didn't ask for a vote, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't seek a political solution in the fiery furnace; they used faith (Daniel 3 KJV). The “air balloons” trying to raise Lady Liberty in my dream represent the Holy Spirit, attaching Himself to the very symbol of our nation's liberty to raise her back up.

The “If” of Revival

My dream ended abruptly, and I believe it’s because of the “if” in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV): "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

The Fatherless Generation

There's a critical “if” in that verse. Will we get off the couch? Will we turn the hearts of the fathers to the children? (Malachi 4:6 KJV) I see a symptom of our societal decline in the lack of godly fathers and men of integrity. We are, in many ways, a fatherless generation.

The Sleeping Giant

The church has become a sleeping giant, lulled to sleep by comfort, television, and the fear of offense. We have the truth, but we're afraid to share it! The writers of the Bible weren’t afraid; they died for the truth (Hebrews 11 KJV). What will people say from the flames of hell when they see us in heaven? “Why didn’t you share the gospel with me?”

Faith Changes Cities

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – just a few obedient people – changed a city. It doesn’t take a majority; it takes a committed few. I sometimes feel overwhelmed, questioning if America will repent. But even in the face of what seems like national rejection of God, I see people getting saved.

God's Not Through Yet

Even when God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, and when Noah built the ark (Genesis 6-9 KJV), people didn't repent. Even during the plagues of Revelation, they refused to turn from their sins (Revelation 9:20-21 KJV). But there are people in America getting saved! That gives me hope. God is not through with us yet.

A Call to Action

Maybe that “few” is you and me. Are you willing to step outside your comfort zone and contend for the soul of America? What would we say to our forefathers if they walked into our living rooms? “I’m sorry, George, I let the torch fall.”

Revive Us, God

I pray for the fire, the passion of those who founded this nation. America was meant to be a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14 KJV), a light to the world. But we have defiled that name. I pray for Your Spirit, Your fire, a passion for integrity and righteousness, and to exalt the name of Jesus above all. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12 KJV). I pray that we can once again call ourselves a Christian nation. Revive us, God! Resurrect those dreams of the forefathers!

Don't Give Up

Don't give up on America! What will the Lord say if He sees us giving up when He asks us to keep going? Let's pray for our neighborhoods, our neighbors, and step outside our comfort zones.

Beyond the Building

Reading the Bible and going to church once a week isn't the end-all of Christianity; it's the pep rally before the game! Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11 KJV) and take ground for Jesus today!

Walking in Freedom: Amy Riordan's Powerful Testimony of Transformation

 Amy's Spiritual Transformation in Jesus

Today I have the immense privilege of sharing a truly inspiring story of transformation and freedom. In a recent episode, I had the honor of interviewing Amy Riordan from Walking in Freedom Net. Amy's journey is a powerful testament to the healing power of Jesus Christ, and I felt it was crucial to bring her message to you in written form so it can reach even more hearts.

Amy bravely shared her testimony of overcoming same-sex attraction and pornography. Her passion is to see people's hearts healed and set free as they walk in an intimate relationship with Jesus. God has done an incredible work in Amy's life, and her desire is to see others experience that same freedom and embrace who God created and redeemed them to be.

A Journey from Church Attendance to Intimate Relationship with Jesus

Amy grew up in the church, attending services every Sunday. However, like many, she didn't initially grasp the concept of a personal relationship with God. It felt more like God was an observer, judging her actions as right or wrong. This distant perception kept her from experiencing the true intimacy that God desires with each of us.

At the age of 18, Amy's life took an unexpected turn. She developed a deep emotional connection with a close friend, which eventually led to confusing and unwanted same-sex attractions. These feelings manifested in dreams and desires that were completely foreign to her previous experiences. Having always been attracted to boys, this new reality was unsettling and isolating. She kept these feelings to herself, unsure of who to confide in.

Looking back, Amy recognizes the hand of the enemy in those early experiences, sowing seeds of confusion and leading her and her friend down a path neither of them truly desired. Neither Amy nor her friend understood the spiritual battle they were facing and the power of deception. They eventually entered into a relationship that lasted for a couple of years until distance separated them.

The Brokenness and the Search for Fulfillment

The end of that relationship left Amy with a profound sense of brokenness. She had found a closeness and connection with her friend that she had never experienced before, leading her to believe that such intimacy could only be found with another woman. This was a long time ago, in the 90s, when these topics were rarely discussed openly. Amy tried to return to what she thought was "normal," dating boys, but the underlying feelings and desires lingered.

Over the years, these thoughts grew, and Amy found herself fantasizing about being with another woman. She eventually married her husband, whom she loved and was attracted to, hoping that marriage would somehow erase these unwanted feelings. However, instead of disappearing, these attractions intensified.

A Turning Point and the Trap of Pornography

Before meeting her husband, Amy had given her life to Jesus and experienced significant positive changes. Yet, the struggle with same-sex attraction persisted. She felt unable to talk to God about these feelings, believing He wouldn't want to hear about them. She tried to suppress them, hoping they would eventually fade away.

After getting married and having her first child, Amy went through postpartum depression and a period of significant emotional turmoil. Having always suppressed her feelings and avoided dealing with past hurts, everything began to surface. It was during this vulnerable time that she turned to pornography online, initially lesbian pornography, to explore the thoughts and desires she had been battling.

Despite having a relationship with Jesus, Amy felt trapped. She was consumed by shame and fear, unsure of how to tell her husband or anyone else. The lie that "Christian women don't do this" kept her silent and isolated.

The Courage to Confide and the Beginning of Healing

Finally, one day, the Holy Spirit prompted Amy to tell her husband the truth. It was a terrifying step, but she knew she had to be honest. Unable to speak the words, she wrote him a letter, confessing her struggle with pornography, specifically lesbian pornography.

This act of confession was the catalyst for profound healing, not only in her marriage but also in her heart. It opened the door for God to begin addressing the deeper issues that were fueling her struggles.

Seeking God First: The Key to True Freedom

Initially, Amy focused all her energy on trying to make the same-sex attractions disappear. She prayed fervently, believing that she needed to "fix" herself. However, she realized that by focusing solely on the attraction, it became the center of her life, inadvertently giving it more power.

God gently revealed to her the truth of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Amy realized she had been seeking healing and freedom first, instead of seeking an intimate relationship with Jesus.

As she shifted her focus to seeking God first, He began to reveal the deeper wounds in her heart – anger, unforgiveness, and pride. He lovingly showed her these areas that needed healing, things she had previously overlooked.

Intimacy with God: Filling the Deepest Longing

Amy came to understand that what she was truly craving was intimacy, not necessarily with another woman, but a deep connection. God revealed that He could fill that need in a holy way. This concept was initially confusing, as she had always equated intimacy with sex. However, through seeking God and learning to communicate openly with Him about her struggles, she discovered a profound and fulfilling intimacy with her Creator.

She encourages others facing similar challenges to talk to God openly and honestly about their temptations and desires. By acknowledging these feelings and asking God to fill those needs in a holy way, we allow Him to work in our lives and show us His perfect love and fulfillment.

Temptation is Not Sin: Choosing Our Response

Amy also gained a crucial understanding about temptation. She realized that temptation itself is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted. The key lies in how we respond to those temptations. She had often felt immediate guilt and shame simply for experiencing same-sex attractions. God showed her that it's our choices and actions in response to temptation that truly matter.

She beautifully illustrated this with the analogy of birds flying overhead – we can't stop the thoughts from coming, but we can prevent them from building a nest in our minds. This understanding brought her immense freedom from unnecessary guilt and shame.

The Importance of Sharing and Accountability

Amy strongly emphasizes the importance of telling someone about your struggles. It was the most terrifying thing she had ever done, but it was also the most crucial step towards freedom. Shame thrives in secrecy and darkness. By bringing our struggles into the light and sharing them with a trusted individual, we break the power of isolation and allow others to support and pray for us.

For those who don't have someone they feel safe confiding in, Amy encourages praying for God to bring that person into their lives. Finding someone to entrust with your struggles is a vital step in breaking free from any stronghold.

Loving and Accepting Others: Pointing Them to Jesus

When asked how Christians should respond to individuals experiencing same-sex attraction, Amy's answer is clear: love them. Treat them with the same kindness and respect you would anyone else. Get to know them without an agenda, building genuine relationships.

Ultimately, our role is to point everyone, regardless of their struggles, to Jesus. He is the one who heals and transforms hearts. Amy shared a powerful quote: "The opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality, it's holiness." This profound statement highlights that our focus should be on pursuing a life of holiness and intimacy with God, which is a journey for all of us.

It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to "fix" others or beat them over the head with the Bible. However, we must remember that we all have our own struggles and sins to contend with. True love involves recognizing our shared humanity and pointing each other towards the ultimate source of healing and freedom.

Focusing on Our Own Hearts First

Amy's journey has taught her the importance of looking inward first. While it's easy to see the struggles of others, we must examine our own hearts and identify any hidden sins or areas where we need to repent and grow. God has used this area of her life to teach her to look at her own heart and pursue holiness in all areas.

Resources for Walking in Freedom

Amy has created a wonderful online resource at WalkingInFreedom.Net. Her website offers an "About Me" page where you can learn more about her journey and a valuable "Resources" page. This page includes links to books and tools like Covenant Eyes, which can be incredibly helpful for those struggling with pornography or same-sex attraction.

Amy understands that finding safe and reliable resources online can be challenging, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. Her aim is to provide a curated list of resources that she has found helpful in her own life and that are led by individuals with a similar heart for ministry.

Amy closed our interview with a powerful prayer for those struggling with same-sex attraction and pornography:

My Final Thoughts: Dig Deeper, Go Higher

Amy's testimony is a powerful reminder that no matter what struggles we face, true freedom and healing can be found in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Her vulnerability and honesty are incredibly inspiring, and I pray that her story touches many lives.

I encourage you to visit Amy's website at Walking in Freedom Net to learn more about her ministry and the resources she offers. If you found this blog post encouraging, please share it with your friends and family through email and social media.

Thank you for joining me for this special edition of Coffee with Conrad. Remember to dig deeper in your faith and go higher in your pursuit of Jesus. God bless you all!

What Does It Take to Knock Down Idols? Let's Talk About It.

Knocking Down Idols

Today we're diving into something really significant, something that's been on my heart for a while now. It all started with a simple question: What does it take to knock down idols?

This isn't just some abstract theological debate; it's a question with real-world implications for our spiritual lives and our walk with Jesus. I've been studying the scriptures, and a particular passage in 2 Kings chapter 18 has really jumped out at me. It talks about King Hezekiah, and his story is incredibly relevant to us today. So, let's unpack it together and see if we have what it takes to break down the idols, the groves, and the high places in our own lives and in the broader church.

 Hezekiah: A King Who Dared to Demolish Idols

The passage begins by telling us about Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, who became king of Judah. The Bible says he "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did." That's a powerful statement! But what exactly did he do that was so right? Well, verse 4 tells us: "He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made."

Think about that for a moment. Hezekiah, a political king, took decisive action against idolatry. He didn't just pay lip service to the idea of worshipping the one true God; he physically removed the places where false gods were being honored. He broke the images, cut down the groves (which were often sites of pagan worship and even sexual immorality – something we still see echoes of today, even on college campuses under different names), and here's the kicker – he even destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made!

Now, that last one might seem a bit shocking. The bronze serpent was originally created by Moses at God's command as a means of healing for the Israelites who were bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness (Numbers 21). It was a symbol of God's provision and healing. But over time, the children of Israel had started burning incense to it, essentially turning a tool God had used into an idol. Hezekiah recognized this. He even gave it a derogatory name, "Nehushtan," which basically meant "a piece of brass." He was saying, "Look, this isn't some magical object; it's just bronze. We've elevated it to a place it doesn't belong."

This resonates deeply with me. How often do we, even with the best intentions, take something God has used or blessed and turn it into an idol? It could be a past move of God, a particular ministry, a tradition, even a certain way of doing church. We hold onto it so tightly that it becomes more important than our living, breathing relationship with Jesus.

 The Biblical Mandate Against Idolatry

This wasn't just Hezekiah's personal preference; it was in line with God's clear commands. As we read further in 2 Kings 18, it says Hezekiah "trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." He clave to the Lord and didn't depart from following Him. He kept His commandments. And the result? "The Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth."

This brings us to a crucial point. God has always been vehemently against idolatry. In Numbers 33:52, God commands the children of Israel, when they enter the land of Canaan, to "drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places." This wasn't a suggestion; it was a direct command.

And it wasn't just about physical idols. In Leviticus 26:30, God says, "And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your groves, and your images, and cast your carcasses upon the carcasses of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you." Strong words! God calls idolatry spiritual adultery. It's a betrayal of our covenant relationship with Him.

It's striking to note that while many other kings in the Bible walked after the Lord in some ways, they often failed to remove the high places. And each time, the scriptures point this out as a significant failing. Hezekiah stands out precisely because he took this radical step.

Modern-Day High Places: Idolatry in the Church Today?

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. We don't have literal high places and groves in the same way today. But the principle remains. Idolatry isn't just about bowing down to statues. It's about anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives.

Think about it. What are the "high places" in our modern context? Could it be our obsession with social media, where we seek validation and worth from likes and followers instead of from our identity in Christ? Could it be our pursuit of wealth and material possessions, where we place our trust in earthly riches rather than in God's provision? Could it be our adherence to traditions and rituals that have lost their original meaning and become empty forms?

This past year has been interesting in this regard. We saw the continued trend of many churches focusing on Easter while seemingly overlooking Passover, the very feast that Jesus Himself celebrated and that foreshadows His sacrifice. Easter, with its roots in pagan fertility festivals and its association with the goddess Ishtar, has become so ingrained in our culture that many don't even question its origins. The King James Version even uses the word "Easter" in one instance where every other translation correctly uses "Passover" (Acts 12:4). It makes you wonder why this discrepancy exists.

Similarly, Christmas, while a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, has become heavily commercialized and intertwined with pagan winter solstice traditions. While the sentiment of giving and celebrating with family is good, we need to be mindful of the true focus: Jesus.

I'm not saying we should boycott these holidays, but we need to approach them with discernment, ensuring that our focus remains on Christ and not on the cultural baggage that comes with them. Repentance isn't just about acknowledging a mistake; it's about turning away from it and aligning ourselves with the truth. Jesus said in Revelation 18:4, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." We are called to be separate, to be holy. Pointing these things out can sometimes lead to backlash, but we must speak the truth in love.

From Brass Serpent to Medical Symbol: Understanding God's Moves

The story of the bronze serpent is particularly insightful. God used it for a specific purpose at a specific time. But when it became an object of worship, it had to be destroyed. This teaches us that even things that were once a move of God can become idols if we hold onto them beyond their intended purpose or elevate them above our relationship with Him.

It's natural for us, as humans, to want to create tangible reminders of supernatural encounters or past blessings. But we need to be careful not to worship the memory of the move rather than the God who moved.

Interestingly, the serpent on the pole in Numbers 21 is also a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As Jesus Himself said in John 3:14-15, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." The very symbol that once brought physical healing now points to the ultimate healing and salvation found in Christ. It's a powerful connection, but it also underscores the danger of fixating on the symbol rather than the reality it represents.

The Danger of Carnality: Making Idols of Movements and Leaders

This tendency to create idols often stems from our carnal nature. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, who were experiencing a powerful move of God with signs and wonders yet were still acting like spiritual infants. He says, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."

Paul emphasizes the difference between being spiritual and being carnal. The carnal mind cannot understand the things of God (Romans 8:7). Spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Corinthians were dividing themselves based on who they followed – Paul, Apollos, Cephas. Paul rebukes them, saying, "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" (1 Corinthians 3:4).

Divisions and denominations, while sometimes arising from genuine theological differences, can also become idols if we prioritize our affiliation with a particular group over our unity in Christ. I've seen this firsthand. While out on the streets sharing the love of Jesus, I've encountered groups of Christians who seemed more interested in debating denominational differences than in reaching the lost. It's a stark reminder that we need to knock down these idols of division and focus on the core message of the Gospel.

Breaking Down Our Own Idols: A Personal Journey

So, what does it take for us, individually and collectively, to knock down the idols in our lives? It starts with recognizing them. We need to honestly assess where our hearts truly lie, what we prioritize, and where we place our trust.

For me, this is an ongoing process. I constantly have to check myself. Am I more concerned with the number of views on my videos or the depth of my connection with Jesus? Am I holding onto past experiences or successes as a measure of my worth, or am I pressing forward into what God has for me today?

The first step, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, is to "cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). We need to deal with our own idols first. This requires self-sanctification, a conscious effort to align our lives with God's Word and His Spirit.

I believe the Lord is moving me more and more into the arena of faith, and as I step out in faith, I have to be constantly aware of the temptation to create idols out of past victories or to rely on my own understanding rather than on God's supernatural guidance.

Supporting the Kingdom: The Example of Holy Fire Japan

Speaking of stepping out in faith, I want to take a moment to mention a friend of mine, Stephen Barrett, an American Christian Missionary in Japan. His blog is called Holy Fire Japan, and I encourage you to check it out. Stephen is doing incredible work, especially right now in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Japan. He's providing food, water, shelter, and clothing to people who haven't been reached by government aid.

In a country where only about 1% of the population is Christian, Stephen is on the front lines, showing the love of Christ in a tangible way. His blog offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Japan and the challenges and triumphs of being a missionary there. It's a powerful reminder that our faith is meant to be lived out, not just talked about. You can follow him on Facebook if you'd like to learn more or see how you can support his efforts. This is what it looks like to live out the spiritual life in a real and impactful way.

It's Time to Knock Down the Idols

So, going back to our original question: What does it take to knock down idols? It takes a heart that is truly devoted to Jesus, a willingness to confront the "high places" in our own lives and in the church, and the courage to break down anything that stands between us and a pure, unadulterated relationship with our Lord.

It might mean standing alone at times, just like the prophets of old. It might mean going against the cultural grain. But the promise is clear: when we trust in the Lord with all our heart and follow His commands, He will be with us, and we will prosper in all that we do.

I encourage you to dig deeper into these scriptures, to pray for discernment, and to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any idols that might be lurking in your heart. Let's be like Hezekiah, a generation that dares to demolish the idols and wholeheartedly follow Jesus.