~*Arise Oh Sleeper*~

"How often do we want a Jesus who stays put, who fits in a box--a tomb, if you will--who doesn't challenge us or call us to do anything beyond our comfort zone or ask us to risk selling out to Him completely? Those days are over, the tomb is empty."In the past year and a half of my life, I have been experiencing almost constant transition. When you give your life to God, be prepared for the unexpected. Just when I think I can't go on another day, the Lord grants me grace and favor like never before. I find that I simply need to surrender my will, pray and trust that He knows what He's doing! There have been countless times things that are so confusing have come together in my life to make perfect sense. I look back at all my struggles and see how each challenge was either a stepping stone or stumbling block in my life. Choose to learn from your mistakes. Ask God what He wants you to learn in each season of your life. Sometimes God will take what is precious, and replace it with something even more precious...let Him take it...THE WAR:I've had mix emotions lately about the war. At this point and time, this is what I believe...I believe our soldiers are over there doing the best they can to help free the Arab countries along with the world from terrorism. But, my thoughts on our own government and it's involvement is a whole other matter. If I'm wrong, and I could be, I feel there is an agenda behind the war that goes beyond terrorism.I believe we are living in the last days and the book of Revelations is unfolding right before us. These things must take place, according to the prophecies of the Bible. I believe terrorism is a tool that will lead to a One World Government, to bring so called Universal Peace and the ushering in of a terrible man, whom we Christians have been taught is the Anti-Christ. I believe our freedom is being taken from us even now and all I can do is pray for those who are ignorant of this truth, and that their hearts will be made right with God, that they may endure what is ahead and overcome it by the Power of Jesus Christ.I believe in God and Satan and the war for our souls. I believe life here on earth is a training ground and a season to choose whom we will serve. I believe we're all born sinners, but through Christ Jesus and the shedding of His blood, we can have eternal life if we believe on Him and obey His word. I believe we will be coming into a season very soon where we will be tried and tested like never before, and the time you spend now investing in prayer, studying the Word, fellowshipping with believers and obeying God's word will determine how well you survive the coming days. Yes, we all slip and fall, but it's what you do when you are down. Do you stay down and keep sinning, or do you get back up, repent (turning away from that sin) and ask for God to strengthen you to do His will? The Bible says those who persevere to the end are saved. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelations 3:5)I believe a great deception is coming that will shake world religions and confuse the masses. If you get a chance, check out the "Nephilim Series' by L.A. Marzulli. It's a fictional series based upon research and possible scenerios of what may be coming. If you are curious as to what I am referring to, check out these books and my 'War of the Worlds' blog.I believe we are coming into a season where the Grace we experienced before will be somewhat lifted and great judgement will come upon those who refuse to give God their all and obey His word.The Bible teaches us that many will say, "Lord, Lord, did I not cast out devils, prophecy and perform miracles in your Name?" And the Lord will say, "Depart from me, for I never knew you..." I believe it's not enough to believe in God and do great works in His name, but that each person is responsible for taking the time to know God on a personal level. You can't truly consumate a marriage without physical intimacy. God calls for a spiritual union and purity in our relationship with him. We commit adultry and idoltry when we disobey his Word and go after the things of this world instead of finding our pleasure in Him. There is nothing wrong with enjoying his blessings, but when we begin to worship his creation instead of the Creator, that's where we begin to lose intimacy with Him. And in time, we spiritually divorce ourselves from God and so "Depart from me, I never knew you..." comes into play...All I know is to continue to get up each day, seek the face of God and do all I can to obey His will. He is truly an amazing God and is in the little details of life along with the big ones. If we truly know and love God, we will examine our lives daily, asking his Holy Spirit to search our hearts (Psalms 139) and make sure we allow Him to mold and shape us into the image of Christ. It's not easy...oh no...but whatever sacrifices you make here on earth to follow Christ, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifice in eternity...If we truly know God, we can't help but love Him and desire to do His will...