Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Christian Entrepreneurship: Building for the Covenant, Not Just the Account Balance

Jesus In Your Business


There's been a significant amount of conversation lately circulating the Christian community, especially online, about business, making money, and what it means to be a biblical entrepreneur. The terms "Christian entrepreneurship" and "biblical entrepreneurship" are everywhere. And frankly, there’s a lot of noise out there. As believers, we need to understand what the Kingdom perspective is on this, ensuring we aren't just adopting worldly business models and slapping a fish sticker on them.

This has been on my heart and mind, and on a recent prayer walk, I spent some time seeking the Lord about it, diving into a few key scriptures. I want to share what I believe is a core principle – a divine code – laid out in the Bible for us to follow. It's pretty amazing how God provides us with blueprints, not just for our spiritual lives, but for every aspect of our existence, including our work and our finances. The key, however, is understanding the purpose behind the provision.

Too often, the conversation around Christian entrepreneurship can drift towards prosperity for prosperity’s sake. We hear about building empires, generating massive wealth, and achieving financial freedom, all framed within a Christian context. While God certainly desires to bless His people, the reason for that blessing, the purpose of the wealth He gives us the power to get, is fundamentally different from the world's view. It's not primarily about personal comfort, luxury cars, or beach mansions. It's about His Kingdom. It's about the covenant.

The Business Model Jesus Modeled: More Than Just Fishing

Let's start with a powerful picture from the Gospels, one that I believe lays out a fundamental principle for us. You can find it in Luke 5:3-7. Let's read it together in the King James Version:

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both ships, so that they began to sink.

Take a moment to ponder this narrative. It’s a profound illustration of how God often operates, and it offers a crystal-clear picture of spiritual principles impacting our physical and professional lives.

Key Takeaways from Peter's Encounter

There are several critical elements in this story that provide a foundation for biblical entrepreneurship:

1.  Jesus Entered Peter's Boat: This is profoundly spiritual. Jesus, the Son of God, stepped into Peter's workplace, his business, his livelihood. This wasn't just a casual visit; it was an intentional act. For us, it means inviting Jesus into our businesses. Not just acknowledging Him in theory, but actively welcoming His presence, His guidance, and His authority into every aspect of our operations. Peter did this openly, for everyone to see. Are we willing to do the same? Is our business a place where Jesus is visibly welcomed and honored?

2.  Peter Used His Business Platform to Promote the Gospel: While Jesus was in the boat, what was He doing? He was teaching the people. Peter essentially turned his fishing vessel, his place of commerce, into a pulpit\! He used his business establishment to facilitate the spreading of the gospel during his "off hours," when he wasn't actively fishing. This is a crucial point. Biblical entrepreneurship isn't just about making money as a Christian; it's about leveraging your business, your skills, your resources for the Kingdom of God. It’s about seeing your workplace as a mission field and a platform for supernatural impact.

3.  Peter Listened to and Obeyed the Voice of Jesus: Here’s where the supernatural breakthrough occurred. Jesus told Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets. Peter’s response is telling: "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing." He was speaking from experience, from his carnal understanding of fishing. He knew the best spots, the best times, the techniques. Based on his natural expertise, Jesus's instruction made no sense. But Peter added, "Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." Obedience trumped his human reasoning. This is often where we face a challenge. Our carnal minds are "enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" [Romans 8:7]. Spiritual things require spiritual discernment [1 Corinthians 2:14]. We must learn to hear the Shepherd's voice and be willing to do what He says, even when it seems illogical or goes against conventional wisdom.

The Overflowing Blessing: Not Just for Personal Gain

Because of Peter's willingness to welcome Jesus, use his platform for the gospel, and obey a seemingly illogical instruction, God blessed his business so dramatically that he couldn't contain it himself. The nets were breaking, the boats were sinking! He had to call his partners to help. The blessing wasn't just for Peter; it overflowed to bless others.

This is a powerful illustration of God's economy. When we put Him first, when we align our businesses with His purposes, the blessings can be so abundant that we are compelled to bless others. It's not about hoarding; it's about becoming a conduit for God's provision to impact the lives of those around us and to further His work.

The Contrast: Zacchaeus vs. The Rich Young Ruler

Think back to Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler. Both had encounters with Jesus, and both had wealth. The rich young ruler, when asked to give up his possessions and follow Jesus, went away sorrowful because he loved his wealth more than the Lordship of Jesus. His treasure was on earth, not in heaven. Zacchaeus, however, upon encountering Jesus, immediately committed to giving half his goods to the poor and restoring fourfold anything he had taken dishonestly. His encounter with Jesus transformed his relationship with money.

This is the heart of the matter. When we truly encounter Jesus, when His Lordship is established in our lives, our perspective on everything changes – including our finances and our businesses. Like Zacchaeus, we recognize the superior value of the Kingdom and willingly submit our earthly resources to eternal purposes.

Seeking First the Kingdom: The Foundation

This leads us to a foundational scripture for Christian living, which absolutely applies to Christian entrepreneurship: [Matthew 6:33], "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." And verse 34 continues, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

This passage comes in the context of not worrying about material needs – food, clothing, etc. Jesus is instructing us to prioritize the spiritual, the Kingdom, over the physical. When we do that, He promises that "all these things" – our material needs – will be provided.

I often see people struggling with this in the context of ministry or Kingdom endeavors. They feel a prophetic word, a calling from the Lord to do something, but they delay because they don't have the money. They put the physical cart (finances) before the spiritual horse (God's direction). This is a manifestation of leaning on our own understanding and a lack of faith.

I've learned this through experience. There have been times the Lord has told me to do something that seemed impossible financially. My carnal mind screamed, "You can't afford that!" But I’ve learned that if the Lord tells you to do it, He will provide the means. You don't need to wait for the money to show up before you start taking the steps of obedience. Just start picking up the phone, sending the emails, taking the action He directed. Somehow, if it's His will, it will happen. As I like to say, "God's will is God's bill."

Now, this isn't a license for reckless financial behavior based on a "wicked desire" wrapped up in spiritual language. You need to have a genuine, consistent relationship with the Lord, discerning His voice from your own desires or external pressures. But if you are walking closely with Him and He gives you a clear direction, move forward in faith, trusting Him for the provision.

Deuteronomy 8:18: The Purpose of Wealth

This brings us to a pivotal verse that gets right to the heart of why God gives us the power to get wealth: [Deuteronomy 8:18]. Again, in the KJV: But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

This verse is incredibly rich and, I believe, is often misunderstood or selectively quoted in discussions about wealth. Let's break it down:

"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God": This is the starting point. We are commanded to remember God. This isn't just a passive recollection; it's an active, voluntary bringing together of our focus and attention upon Him. It's about maintaining our vertical relationship. It's also why we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together [Hebrews 10:25]. When we assemble, we remember the body of Christ, bringing the members together, just as Acts 13 describes the prophets and apostles being together when the Holy Ghost spoke.

"for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth": This is crucial. The ability to generate wealth, whether through a job, a business, investments, or any other means, originates with God. It's His gift, His enablement, His spiritual power working through us. It is not solely due to our intelligence, hard work, or clever strategies. While those things are important and God expects us to be good stewards of our talents, the ultimate power to get wealth comes from Him.

"that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day": And here is the purpose. The reason God gives us the power to get wealth is that He may establish His covenant. It is not primarily so we can establish a retirement fund, buy a bigger house, or take lavish vacations. While these things are not inherently sinful, they are not the primary reason God empowers us financially. The wealth, the resources, the supernatural provision is intended to advance God's Kingdom purposes on earth – to establish His covenant.

This is a potential danger zone for many of us. Our fleshly desires can easily hijack this truth. We can start wanting wealth for selfish pride or personal comfort, using spiritual principles as a form of witchcraft to manipulate outcomes for our own ends. Jesus says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" [Matthew 7:7]. He also says, "if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and it shall be done" [Matthew 21:21]. These are powerful promises! But we must ensure we are speaking to mountains at the Lord's direction, not just because we want the mountain moved for our convenience. We must prophesy to dry bones when God tells us to, as Ezekiel did [Ezekiel 37:1-14]. Ezekiel’s response was, "O Lord God, thou knowest." He waited for the Lord's instruction before prophesying.

We have to constantly check our vertical relationship. Are we seeking God's heart and will, or are we trying to leverage spiritual principles for selfish gain? Any self-exaltation, any impure motive, is rooted in pride – the sin of the devil himself. This is a continuous learning process, requiring us to crucify our flesh daily [Galatians 5:24].

Faith vs. Money: The Just Shall Live by Faith

The just shall live by faith [Romans 1:17], [Galatians 3:11], [Hebrews 10:38]. This is a fundamental truth of the Christian Walk. Our trust and reliance are to be in God, not in our resources. This is why money can sometimes be a problem. The more money you have, the less you feel you need faith to accomplish things. If you have enough money, you can rent the park for the event without needing a supernatural provision. You can hire the staff, buy the equipment, fund the project based on your bank balance rather than a word from God.

This is not to say money is evil; it is a tool. But it's a tool that can easily tempt us to rely on ourselves rather than God. This is precisely why we must remember Deuteronomy 8:18 – it is God who gives the power to get wealth, and the purpose is for His covenant. It keeps our focus vertical, on the Source and the intended use.

Building the Covenant Together

When we understand that wealth is for the covenant, we also understand the importance of the collective body of Christ. God often blesses the body so that the covenant can be established through the combined efforts of the members. This is why Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," not "give me my daily bread" [Matthew 6:11]. We are in a war together, building the Kingdom together.

Sometimes the wealth God entrusts to us individually is meant to flow into collective Kingdom endeavors. It's not always about starting our own ministry or putting our name on something; it's about being a faithful part of what God is doing through the wider body, contributing our resources, time, and talents to the shared mission of establishing His covenant.

Personal Reflections: Learning to Trust the Supplier

Learning these lessons has been a journey for me, marked by periods of toiling like Peter with no results until I surrendered my plan for God's. I've felt the tension between my carnal understanding and the spiritual leading of the Lord. I've had to confront my own desires and check my motives, asking myself, "Is this truly for the Kingdom, or is there an element of wanting recognition or personal gain?"

I've seen God move in truly supernatural ways when I’ve stepped out in faith based on His direction, even when the resources weren't visible. It's in those moments that your faith isn't theoretical; it's active, and you experience the reality of His provision. It strengthens your trust and deepens your relationship with Him, preparing you for the next step of obedience.

Conclusion: Wealth for the Covenant, Not the Couch

So, as we navigate the world of business and finances as Christians, let's anchor ourselves in these biblical truths. Biblical entrepreneurship is not about making money for money's sake. It's about inviting Jesus into our businesses, using our platforms to promote the gospel, listening for and obeying His prophetic voice, even when it challenges our carnal understanding, and recognizing that the power to get wealth comes from Him for the purpose of establishing His covenant.

Like Peter, when we operate according to God's blueprint and for His purposes, we may experience blessings so abundant that they overflow, enabling us to bless others and advance the Kingdom in powerful ways.

Thank you for being a part of this community and for allowing me to share these thoughts with you. If this post has touched you or challenged your perspective, please remember to share it with your friends and family. Take the link and share it on social media, via email, wherever you connect with people. Your comments and likes also help extend the reach of this message, allowing more people to hear about God's design for our lives and our work.





Tuesday, May 17, 2016

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!


Friday, May 13, 2016

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!