Kevin Riordan - Ministry Spotlight

Diving Deep into the Supernatural with Street Fisher Ministries

Welcome back to the blog. You know, I'm always on the lookout for individuals and ministries that are truly living out their faith in a powerful and tangible way. That's why I was so excited to recently connect with Kevin Riordan from Street Fisher Ministries. 

I've been following Kevin's work, particularly his Facebook Live videos, and let me tell you, it's absolutely incredible to witness. He goes out onto the streets, often in Pennsylvania, initiates conversations with people, and with genuine care, asks if they have any pain or need prayer. What happens next is often nothing short of miraculous. I've seen it in real-time – people getting healed, their attention grabbed by the power of God, and then Kevin sharing the simple yet profound message of the Gospel. Lives are being changed right there, on the spot, and they are giving their hearts to Jesus.

It was so impactful that I knew I had to get Kevin on for an interview to share his heart and his experiences with you all. I'm thrilled to bring you this Ministry Spotlight and make you aware of the amazing work God is doing through Street Fisher Ministries. So, without further ado, let's dive into our conversation.

The Power of a Simple "Hey, Can I Pray for You?"

I kicked off our chat by asking Kevin about how he starts these incredible encounters. It's not about a complicated formula or a slick sales pitch. Kevin's approach is refreshingly simple and rooted in genuine care. He shared, "Well, for me, I just walk up to a person and say, 'Hey, I'm out here praying for people, and I’ve seen some folks get healed.' Then I ask, 'Do you have any kind of pain in your body?'

This simple question opens the door for connection. It shows immediate interest in the other person's well-being. Kevin isn't just launching into a sermon; he's meeting people where they are, often starting with their physical needs. He explained that if someone says they are in pain, they are usually open to prayer. Interestingly, he noted that many don't actually expect anything to happen, but then Jesus shows up, touches them, and heals them. This tangible experience then makes them incredibly receptive to hearing the gospel.

Even if someone says they don't have any pain, Kevin still asks if he can pray for them, specifically asking Jesus to come and touch them tangibly. This consistent approach aims to give everyone a real encounter with the Savior, making it much harder for them to reject Him. Amen to that\!

Time, Conversation, and Genuine Care: Keys to Effective Ministry

One thing that struck me watching Kevin is that he takes the time to truly converse with people. It’s not just a quick prayer and moving on. I asked him about this, and he emphasized the importance of building a connection. "I've been doing this for a long time and  I've gone out there with a with my canned presentation okay and people and people don't respond to your canned presentation but people respond very well to your to a conversation."

He wisely pointed out that a genuine conversation puts people at ease and shows them that you actually care. This aligns perfectly with how Jesus himself ministered. Think about Matthew's party – Jesus wasn't just firing off theological points; He was spending time with people, building relationships. Kevin believes we need to follow that example, taking the time to find out where people are, understand their perspectives, and then minister to their specific needs. It’s a much more effective way of doing evangelism, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Experiencing the Supernatural: A Recent Ministry Highlight

I was eager to hear some specific examples of God's power at work through Kevin's ministry. He shared a powerful encounter from just the night before our interview. He felt led to an area with low-income housing projects, admitting he was a bit nervous because people there often made fun of him. However, he saw a group and approached them, asking if anyone needed prayer for physical healing.

Initially, they did mock him, with one woman even snorting her drink from laughter when he mentioned the Lord would heal. But amidst the skepticism, one woman reluctantly admitted to having rods in her back due to scoliosis and was in a lot of pain. As Kevin prayed, she immediately felt the pain leaving. She was then able to bend over and touch the ground, something she hadn't been able to do in years\!

The supernatural didn't stop there. Another young woman, 23 years old, who had suffered two mini-strokes and had limited use of her left arm, experienced complete healing. The pain vanished, and the weakness left her arm. Her severe headache also lifted, and her mind felt clear for the first time since her strokes.

Then, a man who had been watching had his back pain addressed and a leg length discrepancy corrected through prayer. Even more remarkably, numbness in his big toes, which he'd had for an extended period, completely disappeared when Kevin commanded it in Jesus' name.

The shift in the atmosphere was palpable. The skeptics were now completely engaged. Kevin beautifully stated, "Healing is the dinner bell to the to the gospel for the preaching of the Gospel it gets people's attention and it got their attention." As a result of these supernatural encounters, about five people from that group gave their lives to Christ that night. What an amazing testimony to the power of God!

Equipping Others: Discipleship and Ministry Training

Kevin's ministry isn't just about his personal evangelism; he's also deeply committed to equipping others to do the same. He uses his Facebook Live videos as a way for people to see real-time ministry in action, breaking down preconceived notions about evangelism.

Beyond that, he travels to churches conducting evangelism seminars, teaching on how to share faith and exploring different styles of evangelism. He understands that not everyone has the same personality, and there's a way for every temperament to effectively share the gospel. He specifically mentioned the difference between his own sanguine personality and his wife's more introverted, melancholy nature, emphasizing that God has wired everyone perfectly and there's an evangelism style for everyone.

Crucially, Kevin takes people out onto the streets, providing practical, hands-on experience in praying for others and sharing the gospel. This allows them to see that they can indeed step out in faith and be used by God.

Locally, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Kevin and a friend run Ministry Classes focused on teaching about healing, deliverance, the Kingdom of God, and how to use these in evangelism. These classes are ongoing, with the aim of igniting a passion for spiritual adventure in believers.

Kevin passionately declared, "Christianity is an adventure! God saved us for more. Whoever's listening, God saved you for more than just making coffee at church or vacuuming the carpet. He saved you to be part of the game, part of the team—out there healing the sick, winning the lost, and doing amazing things for God." This resonated deeply with me – we are all called to be active participants in God's Kingdom work.

Miracles Overseas and the Call to Believe

Kevin also shared his excitement about an upcoming mission trip to Kenya. He noted that there often seems to be a greater openness to miracles overseas and expressed his anticipation for what God will do there. He pondered if unbelief hinders the miraculous here at home, while acknowledging that when he prays for people, the Lord does heal. His expectation is high for what God will do in Kenya.

A Prophetic Prayer for Stepping Out in Faith

As our interview drew to a close, I asked Kevin if he would pray for those listening – for those who feel a tug in their hearts to step out in ministry but might be hesitant. His prayer was powerful and filled with the Spirit:

"Father, we thank You, Lord, for the high calling You have placed upon us—the call to be Your ambassadors on earth. I pray, Father, that every person would begin to understand the significance of this calling. 

Lord Jesus, I ask that You open people's eyes to see the brokenness around them. Give them vision to see as You see, and, God, I also pray that You give them a heart to feel what You feel for those people. 

Father, I pray that You release compassion to every person who hears my voice—that they would not remain comfortable in complacency. Stir their hearts, Lord, to take a step, to open their mouths, to speak, to pray for someone. And I pray that as they step out in faith, You will meet their needs, igniting a fire within them to do it again and again. 

In the name of Jesus, I pray that You would release an anointing right now. For those listening, if you would lift your hands, I’m going to pray for the Lord to impart a healing gift—an anointing for healing. 

Holy Spirit, I ask right now for an impartation and activation of healing gifts. Lord, let those who lay hands on the sick see them recover. I pray in the name of Jesus that You release an anointing alongside passion—an anointing to do even greater things. 

We thank You, God, for an outpouring of Your Spirit, for an outpouring of Your power. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

As Kevin prayed, I was reminded of Mark 16:17-18 in the King James Version: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." This isn't just for a select few; it's for all who believe.

Final Thoughts and a Call to Action

My conversation with Kevin Riordan was truly inspiring. His passion for Jesus and for reaching the lost is contagious. Seeing the supernatural power of God at work in his ministry is a powerful reminder of what is possible when we step out in faith.

Kevin Riordan continues his impactful work and ministry. To stay up to date with his latest efforts and outreach, be sure to follow him on Facebook. Connect with him there to see how his mission continues to change lives

Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Indians: Navigating Your Christian Calling with Wisdom

 Are You a Chief or an Indian? Navigating Your Spiritual Calling in Jesus

Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net! Welcome, and thanks for stopping by. It's great to have you, just like sharing a virtual "Coffee with Conrad." Many of you know me as the author of Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey, a book that chronicles my own supernatural experiences and my path from the New Age to a deep, prophetic relationship with Jesus. If you're curious about that transformation, I definitely recommend checking it out!

Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been on my heart, something that echoes a phrase my dad used to say in business, but one that has profound spiritual implications: "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians." 

Now, I usually don't like being a "Monday-morning quarterback,"  talking about things I haven't fully walked out. Well, maybe that's a little bit of a fib – I do enjoy discussing doctrines and truths I'm on the coattails of, things the Spirit is highlighting. Often, these insights come from reading the Bible, when the Spirit of Truth just lights up a passage for me. You know that feeling, right? When the Word becomes quick and alive? The Bible says His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). It carves out a path for us. So, I preach this stuff to myself first, learn to walk the talk, see the light, and then walk in it. 

The True "Meat": Doing the Father's Will

I often ponder a powerful passage in John 4:31-36 (KJV):

 "In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." 

This is one of the most awesome things about following the Spirit of God: He truly does supply our needs according to His riches in glory! There are keys to the Kingdom, keys to living a victorious Christian life, and they're found in the Bible. The Spirit is eager to show them to us.  When Jesus says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33 KJV), He's inviting us to ask, "What's Your will, Lord, and how may I manifest it on earth and finish the work You've laid out for me?"  If we do the Lord's will, submitting to His mission (the great co-mission, co-laboring with Christ), He takes care of us, we reap wages, and gather fruit unto eternal life.  When this becomes real, it's truly exciting! 

As we're in our prayer closets or on prayer walks, seeking the Lord, He illuminates things for us to do.  Sometimes it's about being in tune with the Spirit, like having the car radio on, always paying attention as we go through our daily activities.  We look for opportunities to do good, and our attention will be drawn to what the Lord wants us to do in that moment. Jesus told His disciples not to premeditate what they'd say, for the Spirit would speak through them (Matthew 10:19-20). 

Too Many Chiefs: A Crisis of Premature Leadership

This brings me back to my dad. We'd go on these long road trips, as he was a traveling salesman. We’d often sit in silence, just meditating, and then share what we'd learned or prayed about. Imagine sitting in the car with Dad (God the Father), and He says, "Son/daughter, see that restaurant up ahead? Pull in." We might not know why, but we know it's within His will, part of His plan. 

It was on one of these trips, or in one of our business talks, that he said, "Conrad, you see that? There's too many chiefs and not enough Indians." I pondered this for decades. What did he mean? I learned, perhaps from old Westerns (questionable historical accuracy acknowledged!), that chiefs often had many feathers, representing courageous acts in battle.  The young braves might have only one. These feathers were earned. People would choose a chief because he'd been through it all, gleaned wisdom, and survived. He could teach others to do the same. 

My dad was pointing out that in business, and I see it in the spiritual realm too, everyone wants to be a chief, but many don't have the "courageous acts of battle" under their belt—the notches in their stick, so to speak. Everybody wants to be a leader, but not enough want to be followers, or more accurately, disciples first. This can make a mess.

We see this in the Christian Walk. Many want to be Apostle Paul without enduring the equivalent of his "shipwrecks and stonings" – without the supernatural encounters and hard-won experience. The problem is, they often go out and try to "do it" anyway. This is why I strongly emphasize mentoring. It's like everyone wants to be an apostle, but no one wants to be a disciple.

The Danger of Unbelief, Even with Head Knowledge

This leads to the importance of self-examination. The Lord tries the reins of the heart to see if we truly love Him (Jeremiah 17:10). The root word of "authority" is "author," and Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Something from the Author hit me hard recently during our daily Bible reading. It's from John chapter 5, verses 45-47 (KJV), where Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees:

 "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"

Think about this. The Pharisees trusted Moses so much they shaped their entire lives according to what Moses said in the scriptures—or rather, how they perceived the text. They memorized the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and large portions of the Old Testament. And then Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1, 1:14), tells them they don't believe Moses! Doesn't that strike you as incredibly odd and deeply serious?

Apostle Paul, before his conversion (as Saul), was exactly like this. He had memorized the Torah and was persecuting Christians under the perceived authority of what Moses said. Saul even had validation from higher-up religious authorities who agreed with his interpretation. Yet, Jesus was telling people just like Saul that they didn't truly believe Moses. Effectively, Jesus was saying, "There are too many chiefs (self-appointed authorities based on misapplied scripture) and not enough Indians (humble followers truly listening to God)."

Hearing God's Voice: The Missing Feather for Many "Chiefs"

Before this, Jesus said something crucial in John 5:37-40 (KJV), emphasizing the spiritual, experiential relationship with God:

 "And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

Notice Jesus appeals to the scriptures, which testify of Him. But He also points out a massive deficiency in these religious leaders: "Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape." Pause and let that sink in. These were teachers of the Word of God, yet Jesus says they're in serious error because they lacked a genuine, personal, supernatural encounter with God.

This is why this might shatter some conventional views of Christianity. Jesus drives home the fact that their never having heard God's voice or seen His shape was directly connected to their unbelief in what the scriptures truly said, despite their meticulous study. The scriptures pointed to the Messiah, to Jesus, but they missed Him. Their eschatology (study of end times) had painted a picture of a different kind of Messiah, a political one, and they missed the spiritual reality standing before them. Too many chiefs, not enough true, listening Indians.

This should make us consider James 3:1 (KJV): "My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." "Too many chiefs..."

As I "Monday-morning quarterback" this for myself, digging into the truth of scripture, it becomes overwhelmingly clear: it is vitally important to hear the voice of God, to have those supernatural encounters, to "see His shape." This is what puts a genuine "feather in our cap," a true "notch in our stick." This "feather" comes from actually going into battle, from lived experience where our walk matches our talk.

The apostles, when chosen, had to have been with Jesus, heard Him (Acts 1:21-22). Then Paul comes along, an apostle "out of due season" (1 Corinthians 15:8), who claims to have heard the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Paul went from being like the Pharisees Jesus chided – someone with head knowledge but no direct divine encounter – to someone who did hear God's voice. That encounter changed everything.

From Called to Commissioned: The Path of Preparation

This is where mentorship becomes crucial, like Paul mentoring Timothy. Paul told Timothy to "stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6 KJV). There's an impartation, a passing of a mantle, a guidance from someone who has the "notches."

So, how do we apply this to our Christian Walk today? There's a difference between a calling and a commission. Many sense a call from God on their lives, and that's wonderful! God plants desires in our hearts (Psalm 37:4). But they might not have enough "notches" yet, not enough battles won, not enough experience. They have zeal, and I had it too, but zeal without knowledge can be dangerous.

Proverbs 19:2-3 (KJV) warns: "Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord." Going too fast without knowledge, without the proper preparation and seasoning, can lead to "sinning against the Lord," or missing the mark.

So, what's the path from a heartfelt calling to a true commissioning?

1.  Seek Mentors: Find your "Pauls," those who are already walking in the prophetic and supernatural, who have the wisdom that comes from experience. Look into ministries already doing what the Lord is putting on your heart.

2.  Be Faithful in Little: Luke 16:10-12 (KJV) is powerful: "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?" Before you can have "your own" (your unique ministry or commission), you often need to be faithful in "another man's" – serving, learning, growing under established leadership.

3.  Embrace the Process and Timing: The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:19-21 KJV) shows that "after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them." It can feel like a long time when you have that zeal for God. But the one who was faithful over a few things was made ruler over many things. It's about God's timing.

Trusting God for Promotion

Let's examine ourselves. Do we have enough "notches in our stick"? Have we been through enough spiritual battles? Have we gotten the "beam" out of our own eye before trying to remove the speck from our brother's (Matthew 7:3-5)? There's a chronology there: first deal with your own stuff, then you can see clearly to help others.

I want to leave you with Psalm 75:4-7 (KJV):

 "I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."

Promotion, true spiritual authority, comes from God in His timing. He is Lord.

My prayer for you today is that the zeal you have in your heart will be guided, nurtured, and brought to full fruition, moving from a calling to a divine commissioning.

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Falsely Supported Sanctification: Are We Truly Motivated by Love for Jesus?

Sanctification: Is Your Motive Love?

Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net, welcoming you back to the blog – kind of like our regular coffee chats, but in written form! You might know me from the Coffee with Conrad podcast, where we delve into what it truly means to walk after the Spirit as Christians. Today, I want to share some thoughts that have been brewing in my heart – a bit of brutal self-examination, if you will, looking at some familiar doctrines with fresh eyes.

You know, I often picture it like this: we have this incredible treasure box sitting in a field – a representation of the deep truths of God. We can fly around it with our Holy Spirit drone, getting different perspectives, seeing it from various angles. But how often do we dare to actually open that box, to really dig in and see what's inside? And let's be honest, there's always that little prayer that it's not Pandora's Box we're opening!

I think a lot of us get comfortable just observing from a distance. Isaac Newton, that brilliant mind, once said that if he had seen further, it was by standing on the shoulders of giants. He probably said that way back in the late 1600s. When I think of that quote, I also think of this treasure box. It’s that principle of precept upon precept, a little here, a little there. That's often how I connect with the spiritual, how I start pondering the precepts of God’s Word. Sometimes a worldly quote sparks a train of thought, but you know, even Newton himself spent his later years deeply studying the Bible, even writing a commentary on Daniel and being fascinated by biblical codes. He was truly digging deeper.

And it strikes me that this "treasure box" we're examining – these deeper understandings – often comes from those who have dug deep before us. Think about figures like Augustine, Calvin, Luther. They were touched by the Spirit of Truth and unearthed revelations that they then shared, leaving a torch for us to carry. We know that it's the Spirit of Truth that guides us into all truth (John 16:13 KJV), and I firmly believe that when the Lord illuminates something for us, we have a responsibility to write it down.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV) speaks so powerfully to this: "And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." It's amazing to consider what might have been lost if past generations hadn't recorded their prophetic insights. Joseph's bones might never have left Egypt! People might not have recognized the Messiah if Daniel hadn't penned the prophecy of the 70 weeks. The Israelites in Babylonian captivity might have lost hope of their timely release if Daniel hadn't prayed in repentance based on Jeremiah's prophetic words.

So, I want to encourage you, if the Lord gives you a revelation, journal it! Hold onto those insights. They might be for your children, your grandchildren, or even people far off in time and place to pick up and run with. Amen.

Falsely Supported Sanctification: A Deeper Look

Today, the thought I've been wrestling with is something I've titled "falsely supported sanctification." It might sound a bit strange, but stick with me. If we build our house on the rock, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:24-27 (KJV), we'll be able to withstand any storm. Sometimes, that means challenging even our own deeply held beliefs.

Over the past few months, I've talked quite a bit about sanctification. Seeing people healed often reinforces this for me – it feels like a crucial kingdom key. But I also consistently emphasize that simply "getting saved" isn't the ultimate goal of Christianity. It's about knowing Jesus, drawing closer and closer to Him. As we do, something transformative happens; we naturally begin to desire the things that please Him.

Let’s revisit a passage in 2 Timothy 2. This is another look through our Holy Spirit drone at that treasure in the field. In 2 Timothy 2:19-21 (KJV), we read: "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."

Notice the distinction between vessels of honor and dishonor. Paul says if we name the name of Christ, we must depart from iniquity. If we cleanse ourselves from sin and wickedness, we become sanctified, fit for the Master's use, prepared for every good work. It logically follows that before sanctification, we're not truly ready for His purposes. So, the desire to be used by the Lord should drive us toward sanctification, right? Amen.

Challenging My Own Perspectives

Here's where I start to challenge my own thought processes. I've seen people who don't necessarily live what I would consider a very sanctified life still operating in the supernatural, seeing miracles. This brings to mind Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV): "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

These individuals were performing mighty works in Jesus' name, yet He says, "I never knew you," and cites their "working iniquity" as a reason to depart. This "iniquity" seems to hinder being "meet for the Master's use," as we saw in 2 Timothy. This leads me to the core of "falsely supported sanctification."

As I've pondered this, seeking guidance from the Spirit of Truth, I've realized that Jesus searches the motives of our hearts. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about why we do it. This isn't about works-based salvation, but about the underlying motivation behind our actions.

A Question of the Heart: What Drives Us?

So, let’s ask ourselves a tough question, and I'm right there with you in this self-examination. What evidence in my life truly shows that I'm motivated by loving Jesus? Seriously, take a moment to think about that. Is what I'm doing right now, recording this blog post, driven by a love for Him? Are my plans and dreams rooted in that love? It's something to really consider. Are my daily decisions submitted to the Lord?

My current working answer to this is that if I am truly motivated by my love for Jesus, then a couple of things should be evident. Firstly, I will strive to stop offending the Lord and abusing the Spirit of grace. Instead, I will actively pursue His will for my life – His will in heaven manifested on earth. As Jesus said in John 4:34 (KJV), "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." Secondly, I won't serve the Lord with a spiteful heart but with a heart that genuinely longs to please Him. My motivation won't be to be seen by others, like the Pharisees Jesus rebuked for their public displays of piety (Matthew 6:1-6 KJV). True love for Jesus should produce a legitimate joy in serving the "least of these" (Matthew 25:40 KJV), knowing that in doing so, we are loving on Him.

The "Dry Drunk" Analogy and David's Example

This brings me to the concept of a "dry drunk." It describes someone who has stopped drinking alcohol but still harbors the desire. They haven't been truly delivered from that craving, which is why support groups like AA exist. Keeping this in mind, let's look at something the Psalmist David said in Psalms 18:21-24 (KJV): "For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me: and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight."

Now, the immediate New Testament reaction might be, "Conrad, Jesus was bruised for our iniquities! We don't have iniquities anymore!" And while it's true that through Jesus we have forgiveness, we still need to appropriate that truth in our lives. Even after the cross, as we see in 2 Timothy, there are people who need to know the truth to be set free from the snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV), who uses the iniquity within us as a trap.

David, even with his deep love for the Lord and his powerful spiritual worship (John 4:23-24 KJV), recognized the need to keep himself from his iniquity. Like those in Matthew 7 working iniquity, it wasn't about having iniquity, but actively working in it.

Examining Our Character and Motivations

This leads us to a crucial aspect of examining this falsely supported sanctification: our personal character. Let’s be brutally honest with ourselves. If we knew we could commit a sin without any earthly consequences, would we do it? Our answer to that reveals a lot about who we truly are. I even think about my dream life – if I'm sinning in my dreams, it highlights areas I need to work on with the Lord.

So, the question is: do I avoid certain behaviors simply because of potential consequences, or because my love for Jesus makes the very thought abhorrent? Jesus touched on this in Matthew 5:27-28 (KJV): "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." He was addressing the iniquity at the heart level, not just the outward action.

Job understood this principle when he said in Job 31:1 (KJV), "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" He recognized that guarding his thoughts was crucial. Even in a post-cross context, 1 John 2:15-16 (KJV) gives us a stark warning: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." This serves as a kind of litmus test for our relationship with the Lord. If our hearts are clinging to worldly things, we need to examine our motivation.

The Crux of the Matter: Why Do We Strive for Holiness?

This brings us to the very core of falsely supported sanctification. Are we keeping ourselves as clean vessels for the right reasons? Are our efforts rooted in a genuine love for Jesus?

Let me give you some examples. Are we abstaining from drugs this week because we have a drug test coming up for our job? That's not sanctification motivated by love for Jesus, but rather by a love for mammon (Matthew 6:24 KJV). We might avoid drugs for our job but would readily indulge if there were no consequences. Or perhaps we're clean and sober because we love our spouse or children. While those are good motivations, what if we were single? Would we then go out and party?

Any effort towards holiness in our lives needs to be fundamentally rooted in our love for Christ. James 4:7-10 (KJV) sheds further light on this: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Notice the order here. First, we submit to God – we come under His mission, His plan (the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 KJV). It's not just about stopping sinning; it's about aligning ourselves with His purposes. Chronologically after submitting to God, we are then able to resist the devil. Resisting the devil becomes a byproduct of drawing closer to God and getting on board with His mission. The primary motivation to draw near to God is our love for Him. Remember the prodigal son? He didn't clean himself up before going home; he made the decision to go towards his father, and then he took the steps.

When James talks about turning joy to heaviness and laughter to mourning, he's speaking about humility – taking a sober, serious look at ourselves and examining the motivations of our hearts. Is our motivation for serving the Lord falsely supported?

Final Questions for Reflection

Let's ask ourselves a few more pointed questions:

• Do we serve the Lord to be seen by others? Like the Pharisees who prayed publicly for attention?
•  Do we serve the Lord to get crowns in heaven? While rewards are promised, could this motivation sometimes be rooted in selfishness rather than pure love for Jesus? It's worth pondering.
•  Do we serve the Lord simply because we've fallen into a religious routine? We have commitments to attend church every Sunday, and we assume that's the entirety of God's will, potentially missing what the Spirit might be calling us to do in a particular moment – like reaching out to someone in need outside the four walls of a church.

I recently saw a Snapchat post where someone mentioned "playing hooky" from church to help a neighbor in a real crisis. Amen to that! Sometimes following the Spirit's leading might look unconventional.

Conclusion: Dig Deeper and Go Higher

Well, this has been a longer coffee break than usual, but I pray it's been thought-provoking. My heart is that we all examine our motivations and ensure that our pursuit of sanctification is genuinely rooted in a deep and abiding love for Jesus. Let's not settle for falsely supported holiness but strive for a spiritual life that flows from a heart fully surrendered to Him.

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Until next time, keep digging deeper into God's Word and keep going higher in your walk with Him!