Casualties of War…

Pr 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Q. What do ‘carpet time’, meditation, soaking, the green line, the secret of Obed-Edom, and the searing, weeping fire of God experienced in worship have in common?

A. They are all manifestations of the presence of the living God, Holy Spirit meeting with people, directly, intimately, personally, and directly, in their lives.

I have watched some of my best friends, and fellow servants of the Lord die over the past couple of years, and though we are comforted in the truth that we will see them again, I asked God, WHY?

We will meet again, in glory, in heaven, but for now, their death leaves a hole in our heart, and provokes me to write some things that have been percolating within me for some time, as I have watched some of God’s tremendous servants die, or suffer horrible attacks of sickness, or infirmity, when the Word of God is clear:

Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him,

I have watched people who I love, die, prematurely, and have hurt, and mourned their loss.

WHY?

And He has answered, and shown me, and no matter how politically incorrect it may be, I’m going to preach it, for this particular truth, will save many lives….

I heard Rev. Keith Moore preach a message at some point about developing a strong spirit. Brother Kenneth E. Hagin, preached and published a book entitled ‘Developing an Excellent Spirit’, and these foundational truths are what I must share.

It’s really simple, yet incredibly deep.

We are created in the image of God. God is trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We are trinity, spirit, soul, and body.

^{1 Thess 5:23} And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is much resource in the earth to develop our body and our soul, but few take the time to develop their human spirit.

I remember my pastor Billy Joe having a vision, a revelation, of people growing up, going to college, going to work, having children, buying a house, perhaps buying a lake house or boat or some kind of toys, then dying and going into eternity, without Jesus, or, if they had somehow become born-again in their life’s journey, stepping into eternity, with little or no eternal reward, because they had developed their soul, at the expense of their spirit, and

1Co 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Somebody once made the wise comment: ‘If the devil cannot stop you, he will get behind you and push!”

Seems that I have seen great people, often servants of God, that got ahead of God, and it cost them their lives.

Here in North America, foundations for buildings are generally made of concrete. You generally dig a hole in the ground, then fill it with concrete and steel, and if you have done it correctly, you can build a structure on it.

Someone once said, that you cannot pour concrete in a hurricane, and it seems that the same thing is true in our lives.

Generally, when the storms of life hit, our foundation needs to be deep, well-laid, and able to take the weight of the structure we are trying to build.

Some people have minds like concrete though, all mixed up, and thoroughly set!

In our own particular race, or journey through life, it seems that God is continually going deep within us, setting down deep roots in His Word and His love, so that the structures we build (family, church, businesses, organizations), easily stand upon the firm foundation of our faith, with no great stress to us.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

So we will face storms, trials, and struggles in this life, Jesus Himself promised them, but we are designed to overcome them all, and the way we must do this, is by faith.

In my book, I talk about the parable of the sower in great detail, but know this: that the spiritual battles we all face, are won, only by faith.

Yet, Jesus loves us, this I know, and Ga 5:6 faith which worketh by love.

Along the road of life, I have learned this about walking with Jesus: sometimes, we need to slow down, to speed up. We need to cultivate quiet, reflective time with Jesus, and allow Holy Spirit access to our deepest hungers, and needs for intimacy, acceptance, approval, comfort, encouragement, strength, and courage.

Job 34:29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?

Isa 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:

We are required to walk by, and fight the fight of faith, yet faith works by love. We must learn, in whatever way works for us, to allow the deep roots of God’s love to fill the deepest creaks and crevices in our souls.

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

This is done, daily, personally, in peace, quiet, and rest.

Since faith originates in the report, or comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, then we are shown that the great fight in each of our lives, is for this quiet time, this personal intimacy, the love of our heavenly Father, this one and only thing, that is the most precious thing in any of our lives, that is the presence of God.

As an addict needs their drug, as an alcoholic needs their next drink, as a drowning person needs their next breath, we need the presence and love of God in our lives. Nothing else will satisfy.

His presence is like the water that softens the soil of our hearts, that the Word of God might root, grow, and produce mountain-moving, nation shaking, history making faith!

Mt 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Q. What do ‘carpet time’, meditation, soaking, the green line, the secret of Obed-Edom, and the searing, weeping fire of God experienced in worship have in common?

In what is now known as ‘The Toronto Blessing’, Holy Spirit revealed the love of the Father, to a group of hungry, broken, fatherless people, and when He came, we all fell down, and learned how to soak, usually for hours, on the lines that had been duct taped to the floor, all over the sanctuary. Some wept, some shook, some laughed, some went into a deep peace, other went into a trance like state, and many of us received powerful visions, words, dreams, or out of body experiences in the glory of God.

It was addictive! Yet, in my life, something beautiful began to occur: somewhere during the years I attended the 21 conferences in Toronto, I learned to receive directly from God, home in my bed, listening to the audio Bible, the deep needs met, that my heart hungered for.

I left Toronto in 1997 for Rhema Bible Training Center, and have only been back a couple times to Toronto since, yet still, to this day, ‘soaking’, is part of my experience with God, and though difficult to put into words, it is this ‘receiving’ that is what I am trying to describe here, for I am convinced that this is where the deepest needs of our heart are met.

Brother Hagin used to talk about meditating upon the Word of God, and I am convinced, that He met God this way, quietly spending the needed hours, to get his hearts hungers satisfied, and questions answered.

“Soaking”, has become a term, for this kind of experience.

In certain cases, holy, anointed intercessors, will pray for people, for extended periods of time, while the Holy Spirit, ‘marinates’ them, softening their hearts, and loving out their deepest, sickest secrets, trauma’s, and core pain issues, and showing them how precious they are to heaven, as royal, adopted, children of the most High God.

The Green Line is a humorous reference to the green lines in Dave Roberson’s church, where people are instructed to line up for prayer. I was listening to the band ‘Halo Jordan’s’ song by this title, and it is really funny, but the message is still there, and it is deep. Some of the band members have come out of horrible circumstances, and the drug scene, but they received healing, revelation, and restoration, directly and personally, on the green line. What happened? Exactly what I am trying to describe: Somehow, they were able to meet directly with God there, and His presence is addictive. Their song describes the hunger, and the meeting place they found with God, on the green line.

A friend and mentor of mine, the evangelist Daniel King, wrote a great book, ‘The Secret of Obed-Edom’. I liked it so much, that I read it to my children as a family devotion. In it, he describes the life transformation of Obed Edom, as he encountered, and became addicted to, the presence of God. Clearly, Daniel knows exactly what I am trying to describe here.

Finally, I wish to describe why I have attended Victory Christian Center here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For several years after we had returned from the mission’s field, we were attending three different churches each week, and they are all tremendously strong ministries. Then, I had a face to face prophetic encounter with Billie Joe Daugherty, that kept me up an entire night praying. We had never been members at Victory, and though we had heard much about the ministry, had never attended church there. So, my wife said: ‘Well, we love these other churches, but Chris, you are called to world missions. Do you honestly thing you can fulfill the call of God upon your life in any of them? Why don’t we check out Victory, and see what they are up to?”

That first service, sometime in worship, I had a searing, savage, encounter with our living God, that tore away my thin façade of civilization, and met me in my deepest, most painful places. Again, I was addicted to the presence of God!

Those two encounters, got us hungry to discover more about this ministry, and for the next six months, we were in some type of service, almost every night of the week!

For many years, every week, and in almost every service, at some point, I found myself meeting with God, deeply, personally; where God Himself speaks to me, often quite apart from whatever is being sung, preached, or ministered on. When a friend of mine asked me why I had left a previous church, when there was such incredibly anointed Bible teaching there, I found myself saying: ‘You’re right! Pastor _______ is one of the most anointed Bible teachers I have ever heard in my life! Each week, he breaks down the Word in such a way, that it is like he is talking to me personally, and showing me how to apply the Scripture to my day to day world. But, at Victory, I encounter the searing, passionate presence of the living God Himself, personally, and this is what I need in my life right now!”

So why all the discussion, trying to describe this?

Well, the Lord has shown me, that clearly, this manifest, personal presence of God, that fills our hearts, and meets with us, is the difference between life and death.

In the early years, I had such deep needs for a Father in my life, that Holy Spirit would come and meet with me, granting me affirmation, acceptance, comfort, approval, confidence, that empowered me to become the man I am called to be.

In most cases, we, as men derive our self worth, from what we do, accomplish, build, develop, perform. (please read: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/not-by-works-its-all-about-love/)

God loves us, unconditionally, only because of the shed blood of Jesus, and our self-worth, our work, development, and performance is to be gauged by one yardstick: ‘Did we obey what He asked us to do?”

The Lord has shown me that many have been authentically called into their particular vocations, but have become so busy with the work of the Lord, that we forgot the Lord of the work, and like a hamster on a treadmill, we are running hard, but going no where.

In fact, this is how people die. They either work themselves to death, running, working, and laboring for acceptance, approval, love, encouragement, earthly reward, that they pour themselves out to the point, where they are so poured out, cored out, and exhausted, they cannot receive the deep, intimate presence they need, to restore, heal, and empower them for the next season of life and ministry.

Suddenly, heaven looks really, really attractive….

I remember on encounter with Jesus, on the carpet in Toronto, that bears repeating. My father had died of cancer, the church I had been attending had split, and I was hurting, badly. ,I had shut down emotionally, numb inside. During ministry time, a group of pastors and intercessors prayed for me, and I fell down under the power of God, but felt disconnected from what was happening. I kept whispering, ‘Jesus, I hurt, please heal my heart.” Suddenly, in a vision, Jesus was there! He was kneeling beside my head, and He was angry! He spoke to me clearly:

‘I am trying to heal you, but You won’t let me!’,

Suddenly, I saw the incredible wall in my heart I had erected to protect myself, and somehow, I allowed Him in! Deep, deep, searing pain, began to bleed from my heart, as He surgically opened the wound in my soul. Like a scab being torn off of a puss filled wound, He cut into my emotional pain, and purged, and healed me deep inside.

Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

He literally took out my heart of stone, and replaced it with a heart of flesh again…

Was reminded of the story of Mary and Martha today. Both were in the actual presence of Jesus, able to hear the same teaching, and words from the Masters lips, yet one was busy with the work of the Lord, trying to please Him through works. Mary got instructed, transformed, Martha got rebuked.

When the chips were down, and their brother Lazurus had died, Martha got a sermon, Mary got a miracle.

Seems God is a respecter of persons consecration, and attention to Him..

All comes back to this intimate, quiet time, consecrated to Him, each day…

Here’s how it is working in my life:

Pr 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

I study, I pray, I learn, and while I am working and praying, I deliberately, on purpose, pray in other tongues, usually for many hours each day.

If you have not yet experienced this miracle, please read: (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/is-speaking-in-other-tongues-of-god/)

Then, at some point in the day, He comes…

When He does, I have learned to go to a quiet place, and let Him marinate me in His presence, as He gently fills every creak and crevice in my soul, and washes, and massages away the stress of the day, and imparts wisdom, revelation,understanding, comfort, healing, into places I had no idea I needed it.

This has been very difficult for a man like me, that is hard wired to work, perform, go, accomplish my To Do lists!

Yet, as important as fulfilling responsibilities is, He is Almighty God!

He can do more, in one second, than I can do in a lifetime, and this I know full well.

Seems as I slow down, He speeds up in my life, and things I have been working towards, suddenly happen, miracles happen, and projects get done!

Let Him search, and reach deep inside of you today.

I know not how to describe it, because, it is a literal, living encounter, with Holy Spirit, that continually recreates us into more than we were, so that

2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Clearly, I see, that this living encounter, with our living God, is the difference between sickness and health, poverty and wealth, burn-out or empowerment, confusion or answers, human works vs the power of God!

Those that find, treasure, cultivate, and seek this, live long, prosperous, victorious lives.

Those that don’t, die prematurely, while those around them, wonder how?

Why?

Just the letter of the Scripture, will not produce this, nor will works of service. We must meet with Him, personally, intimately, daily…

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, only You can grant to those reading this, the experience of Your presence, I am trying, so hard to explain. Please take everyone who reads this, deep into your river, the deeper places of Your heart, Your presence, and feed, fill, lead, reveal to them, Your love, intimacy, person, passion, direction, power, miracles, and grace, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen”

Martyrs…

Martyrs…

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

We watched the movie: ‘God’s Outlaw’ some time ago, the story of William Tyndale, the man who translated the Bible into English, and who was burned at the stake for distributing it throughout England, in defiance of the king, and the Roman Catholic Church. His final prayer as they burned him: “Lord, open the eyes of the king!” History records that the kings eyes were opened, and he allowed open distribution of the Bible amongst the common people.

History records that ‘the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church’, that as Christians have been killed for refusing to deny their faith, that God vindicated their blood, in establishing strong churches where the gospel had previously been forbidden.

There is a Christian classic book called: ‘Foxes book of Martyrs’ and a ministry today in the earth named ‘Voice of the Martyrs’ that teaches us that wicked people still kill Christians today, and that God still works, even when His servants are slaughtered.

At this point in my life, I have too much left to do for Jesus in the earth, to consider looking for that final crown, Scripture calls ‘the martyrs crown’, shared by all of the apostles, and many, many great saints over the ages.

History records the life of a great martyr, bearing the same name, a theologian named Justin Martyr, who lived during the reign of Emporer Junius Rusticus (who governed from 162 and 168. The Emporer ordered Martyr to bow before him, and this is what history records:

‘The Prefect Rusticus says: Approach and sacrifice, all of you, to the gods. Justin says: No one in his right mind gives up piety for impiety. The Prefect Rusticus says: If you do not obey, you will be tortured without mercy. Justin replies: That is our desire, to be tortured for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and so to be saved, for that will give us salvation and firm confidence at the more terrible universal tribunal of Our Lord and Saviour. And all the martyrs said: Do as you wish; for we are Christians, and we do not sacrifice to idols. The Prefect Rusticus read the sentence: Those who do not wish to sacrifice to the gods and to obey the emperor will be scourged and beheaded according to the laws. The holy martyrs glorifying God betook themselves to the customary place, where they were beheaded and consummated their martyrdom confessing their Saviour’

I believe we are called to live a long time, and that we can believe for God’s protection:

Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Ps 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

These are the verses I stand upon for my life, at least the first part of Ps 92:4, I want fruit in my older age, but I  got back into shape, so I am not looking to fulfill the ‘fat’ part!

Seriously, though, we as Christians should not fear death. One person held at gunpoint said to their would-be robber: ‘You cannot threaten me with heaven!’.
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Death has lost it’s sting and is swallowed up in eternal life. Anyone can die, it takes courage and God’s power to live, and experience Jesus promise of life and life more abundantly!

Let’s Pray:
“Father, I want to live for you. I ask you to make me fruitful today, and that you protect me from all harm, and that the promise of Jesus, of life and life more abundantly, become real in my life. Deliver me from the fear of death, may I have such a revelation of your perfect love, that all of my fears are destroyed. On that final day, if I am to be killed for my faith, give me courage, boldness, and faith, to glorify you in my death, without fear, in your name I pray Lord Jesus

Empty Enemies

Empty Enemies

1 John 2:15 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.
16 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.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

And so we see the enemies of God: This worldly impersonal organized system devoid of love and life – the world, the Bible calls it.

Organizational structures that are sterile, void of care, concern, compassion, yet strong enough to endure generations. This is why we know the letter of the law kills, it is the spirit that brings life. If we build these empires, organizationally and administratively clean, yet without care and concern for the people these structures are supposed to serve and help, the very people we create these to serve, become crushed beneath their weight, the tyranny of unfulfilled expectations, that places people on a treadmill like a hamster: ever running, but going nowhere, making no difference, living and dying as fuel for the machine, blind to the rule of the one behind it, the god of this world, satan himself. The Nazi’s had order – just no love, nor life in their system.

Then there is the lust of the flesh: The savage passions for promotion, power, possessions, people, places and things, that can never be satisfied. Fallen flesh, that is ever hungry for more. More what? More money, more food, more power, more sex, more entertainment, more friends, more stuff, more knowledge. Always hungry, never satisfied: lust. No matter how much you feed it, it leaves a painful empty ache each time you indulge it, because you know that you fed the wrong thing, and your true hunger, for God, for intimacy, for purpose, for passion, for peace, for honor, for love, for holiness, was never met, no matter how much you indulge carnal appetites.

Is 55;1 ¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

There is that which will fulfill our deepest thirsts! Come to Jesus!

Then there is the pride of life: Look at me, look what I can do, look at my house, my status, my company, my associations with the right people. Beautiful wife, beautiful life, empty, void of life. Spending time and money to impress people who neither understand nor care about you, or who you really are, For what?

Satan was Lucifer, the chief worship leader in heaven, closest to the throne before he fell. Why? He became proud. Those who are blinded by him, become like him – proud, selfish, screaming for entitlement, power and control. Love serves….

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Have you discovered the emptiness of life yet? Have you run hard enough on your little treadmill of work, relationships, activities, pleasures that leave you dry, weary, poured out and cored out – a hollow shell of who you are created to be? It may take some time to learn how to feed on that which truly does satisfy – to begin to feast on bread of life and things of eternal glory, but is is worth obeying that deeper nudge…that itch that has never been scratched by worldy pursuits, for you are created for much more than this world can offer. He created the universe – and is the only One big enough to fully satisfy and understand the complexity that is you!

It is Jesus who alone can satisfy the thirst and deepest hungers in your heart. Let all these enemies of God and you, die, slain at the cross, that you, like Jesus, might experience the resurrection life, found only in Him.

He is more than enough…

It has been said: ‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears…’ Are you ready yet? He is waiting, still, with loving heart, and open arms. He knows, He cares, and He waits, until you are ready to receive Him…

Let’s pray:
‘Father, I see the tyranny of the world: The hardness, the severe toughness, of the daily rough and tumble of the world. It has left a coldness, hardness, and meanness deep within my soul. How well, I know see the foolishness of my own passionate pursuits, that have left me empty, dry, hungry for what truly satisfies. So I have fallen into the comparison trap, the competitive need to impress people I barely know, nor care about. My own self will, determined to do my own will, against you. Forgive me Father, and have mercy. Meet with me, and show me why I exist, Your highest and best for me and my life. Fill me with Your Spirit, for I hunger deep inside, and nothing satisfies me…help me Jesus. Amen’

How Bad is It?

Reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah today, and thought about some really bad days I have experienced…

Jer 20:14 ¶ Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.

Here we see the heartache of a man of God, at the hands of wicked man, that had obeyed God!

This is no politically correct preaching, but is the Word of God!

How about Job in his affliction:

Job 3:1

[ Job Laments His Birth ] After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth

Joseph in prison?

The apostle Paul after being beaten, put in jail and in chains?

I think he wrote these words, back down through the corridor of time, so that we might understand his pain and desperation, we are not alone, and Jesus is worthy of it all…

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

Truly, they all found victory in God, eventually, but they each, at some point despaired even of life itself.

I am not preaching to everyone today, I am here for someone: Is it you?

I know where you are at. Not specifically, but I think of the years praying for my family through cancer, and then having them die. Shattered, my faith in tatters, pain beyond belief, numb.

Yet, God was with me, and had my resurrection in mind.

He has yours too.

This is not the end of the story, simply a dramatic chapter of your life. Here’s a verse not commonly preached:

Ga 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

There is a place in Jesus, where you realize that no matter what any person might say or do, you are going to live for Jesus. This was the verse the Lord gave me coming off the mission field, after five brutal years. One by one, the people and ministries I had believed in, let me down, and I was left with Jesus, who will never leave nor forsake me.

He sent a servant into my pain, pastor Billy Joe, and somehow he knew, he understood, and he loved me and believed in me, when I did not believe in myself.

I had obeyed God, and lost everything, persecuted, betrayed, abandoned, and broke. Yet, God had my resurrection in mind!

I know I am speaking to someone here today. He will never leave nor forsake you either. What He said, shall surely come to pass, He cannot lie. People may come and go, but He will remain, and He will bring faithful people to your side, to walk with you throughout this life, and I’m sure, in eternity.

Some old saints used to call these seasons, ‘the long dark night of the soul…’ It will end. There is light at the end of the tunnel, that is not an oncoming train. There is joy and intimacy with Jesus in this place. Talk to Him about it: He knows, He understands, and He loves you.

I am praying for you today, you are not alone. I love you, and I remain, faithful to the call…

Wake Up or Die!

Wake up!

I read this story, and had to share it!

The man huddled on the cabin floor was slowly freezing to death. It was high in the Rockies in southwestern Alberta, and outside a blizzard raged. John Elliott had logged miles that day through the deep snows of the mountain passes. As he checked for avalanches and as dusk and exhaustion overcame him he had decided to “hole-up.” He made it wearily to his cabin but somewhat dazed with fatigue, he did not light a fire or remove his wet clothing. As the blizzard blasted through the cracks in the old cabin walls, the sleeping forest ranger sank into oblivion, paralyzed by the pleasure of the storm’s icy caress. Suddenly, however, his dog sprang into action, and with unrelenting whines, finally managed to rouse his near-comatose friend. The dog was John’s constant companion, a St. Bernard, one of a long line of dogs famous for their heroics in times of crisis. “If that dog hadn’t been with me, I’d be dead today,” John Elliott says. “When you’re freezing to death you actually feel warm all over, and don’t wake up because it feels too good.”

This moving story illustrates the spiritual condition of many people today. They are cold spiritually, and sadly are oblivious of their true condition. Thank God for all the ways in which He arouses such sleepers. He sends His messengers to nudge them awake. Sometimes the methods used to awaken them are drastic, but always for their good. Let us not imagine that because He shakes us, He therefore hates us. He awakens us from lethargy because He loves us, and wants to save us from an eternal death. When we were “ready to perish” (Isaiah 27:13), He was “ready to save” (Isaiah 38:20). Trust your life in His hand.

The Prairie Overcomer.

I pray I do you at least as much good with this, as that dog did that ranger!

Serve Jesus, today!

Let’s Pray!

‘Father, HELP! Lord Jesus, I need Your strength and grace to serve You today. Help me! Send people to help me direct my life in You and Your Word, TODAY! Amen’

Why Do Children Die?

Yesterday at church, I was asked why a baby died. As I inquired about the circumstances, I learned that the mom had been raped, and was living in the drug scene. I was reminded of this verse:

Isaiah 57:1
The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

Children are always gifts from God, yet seems that sometimes, they get raised in heaven, when parents are not living for Jesus down here.

Let’s pray:

Father, for those that have lost people prematurely, please in Your mercy, comfort them, draw them close to You in Your love. For those who are not serving Jesus, may this time become of time of soul-searching, and positive change. Make a way for them where there appears to be no way, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus. Amen’

You Will Not Die – Jesus WILL Deliver You! The Cure for Islam and ISIS

Today, as I read this article, I thought of all the people stuck in religions, countries, and situations, where it appears that to convert to Jesus, would get you killed: http://worldnewsdailyreport.com/isis-fighter-converts-to-christianity-after-allah-refuses-him-entrance-to-gates-of-heaven/

I have word of freedom from these verses:

Isaiah 28:15
because ye have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we in agreement. When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.”

Isaiah 28:18
And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.Jesus is not only willing to forgive people in gangs, Islam, ISIS, masonic and secret societies, satanists, and others that entered into agreements through ceremony unto death if they broke them, but the Lord showed me that if you would turn to Him, He would deliver you and protect you from their retribution, when they came to kill you. He is Lord God Almighty, and He is not only the way, but the waymaker!

One of the names of Jesus is ‘The Lion of the tribe of Judah!’

^{Heb 2:13(The Voice)} And in the words of Isaiah,

I will wait for the Eternal One.^[c]

And again,

Look, here I am with the children God has given Me.^[d]

¹⁴ Since we, the children, are all creatures of flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood, so that by dying He could destroy the one who held power over death—the devil— ¹⁵ and destroy the fear of death that has always held people captive.

¹⁶ So notice—His concern here is not for the welfare of the heavenly messengers, but for the children of Abraham. ¹⁷ He had to become as human as His sisters and brothers so that when the time came, He could become a merciful and faithful high priest of God, called to reconcile a sinful people. ¹⁸ Since He has also been tested by suffering, He can help us when we are tested.

So how does He do it?

The reality is, if you leave a gang, they hunt you down and kill you.

Same with Islam, if you convert, they will kill you.

Same with the Masonic lodge, covens, satanism.

Many other religions, societies, and associations are exactly that way – attempt to leave, and we will kill you…

Yet, I hear the voice of Jesus speaking to me, that He will protect, deliver, and grant you freedom and life, if you will give Him your life and listen to what He says.

¹³ And in the words of Isaiah,

I will wait for the Eternal One.^[c]

And again,

Look, here I am with the children God has given Me.^[d]

¹⁴ Since we, the children, are all creatures of flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood, so that by dying He could destroy the one who held power over death—the devil— ¹⁵ and destroy the fear of death that has always held people captive.

¹⁶ So notice—His concern here is not for the welfare of the heavenly messengers, but for the children of Abraham. ¹⁷ He had to become as human as His sisters and brothers so that when the time came, He could become a merciful and faithful high priest of God, called to reconcile a sinful people. ¹⁸ Since He has also been tested by suffering, He can help us when we are tested.

¹³ And in the words of Isaiah,

I will wait for the Eternal One.^[c]

And again,

Look, here I am with the children God has given Me.^[d]

¹⁴ Since we, the children, are all creatures of flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood, so that by dying He could destroy the one who held power over death—the devil— ¹⁵ and destroy the fear of death that has always held people captive.

¹⁶ So notice—His concern here is not for the welfare of the heavenly messengers, but for the children of Abraham. ¹⁷ He had to become as human as His sisters and brothers so that when the time came, He could become a merciful and faithful high priest of God, called to reconcile a sinful people. ¹⁸ Since He has also been tested by suffering, He can help us when we are tested.

John 10:27The Voice (VOICE)

²⁷ My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me.

Sheep have Shepherds, that kill and protect the flock from predators. When you become His, He will protect, deliver, and fight for you, when you do what He says!

I could give multiple testimonies of people who were instructed by God in the Rwandese genocide, to hide in the jungle, and how they heard His voice daily, until they go through to the Congo, and other parts of the world. He spoke, He led, He delivered. Same thing happened in Uganda when Idi Amin was killing Christians,

Yet, the danger is real.

Jesus is alive, and all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him. It is devils working through people who want you dead. He rose from the dead, and those same devils could not stop Him, for He is Almighty Lord of Heaven and earth.

They cannot stop Him or us now either, when we follow Him.

Jesus did not come to make bad people good, or good people better, He came to make dead people alive!

Except a person become born-again, they cannot even see the kingdom of God.

Religion, any religion, is man’s set of rules that if followed, supposedly make a person right with God. Yet, there are no good works good enough to justify us before a holy God who can allow no sin in His presence. In order for Him to forgive, a price had to be paid for our sin, and Jesus paid that price upon the cross, when He the only pure and sinless person to ever live, took upon Himself the penalty for all the sin of humanity. The cross became an alter where His life was willingly laid down as a holy sacrifice before God our Father in heaven.

As I said before, religion is man’s attempt to reach God, but when Jesus died upon the cross, this was God’s attempt to reach man. It is not what we think about what Jesus did that is important, rather, what God thinks about it! He has accepted Jesus death as full payment for our sins, and sin of all humanity.

Now, it is up to us to receive what Jesus did on our behalf.

Eph 2:⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

John 1:12New International Version (NIV)

¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

Pray with me!

“Jesus, I receive You, and I need You to make a way for me, and give me courage to do what You say. I trust You to protect me, and make a way where there is no way. I choose Your life, and I will live and not die, and declare Your glory, Amen”

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC

Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Jesus Heals!

Healing of Trauma, Memories, Abuse, and Atrocities

Pr 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Joh 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Some years ago, I read a book called ‘Healing the Damaged Emotions’ by a man named David Seemans. He was talking about the affect that trauma and deep sin had on a person, and how Jesus, set the person free. Many of us have been affected by horrible atrocities, I pray Holy Spirit make this alive today, and set you free!

John 21:15 ¶  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16  He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17  He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

We recall that Peter had deliberately denied Jesus three times, and the third time, had called down curses upon himself. Peter at that point in his life had actually denied the Lord,  but we are to see, the Lord did not deny him.

I believe that God was interested in not only meeting with Peter, but in restoring Him. Just sweeping Peter’s denial under the rug, would not have strengthened Peter, and restored his confidence in himself and the Lord.

Here’s what I believe happened that day:

Jesus had cooked a breakfast for the boys on the beach, and was with them in His love and glory. He had risen from the dead, and He loved them. These were His leaders, that He was about to use to build His glorious church upon. Peter, was about to become a bold apostle, but first he needed to be restored, in his emotions and memories, or satan would surely find a moment of fatigue or weakness, to beat him up for his failure and betrayal of the Lord, and divert him from providing the strength needed to keep the church moving forward with clear direction.

Jesus comes to Peter, and stands before Him in His love, power, and glory, and gently says to Peter: ‘Do you love me?’ At that moment, I believe Holy Spirit brought to Peters rememberance, the memory of the first time he denied Jesus.

Let’s look at Marks account in Mark 14:66 ¶  And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

67  And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

68  But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

69  And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

70  And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

71  But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

72  And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

On a dark, horrible night, not too long before, in the last time Peter saw Jesus alive, there was another fire, that Peter warmed his hands at. In the cold darkness, Peter denied His Lord.

Now, we have Jesus, standing before Him, loving him, in front of another fire: A warming fire, in the light of day, filled with joy, laughter, and loving fellowship.

It has been said by people that have faced horrible atrocities, or who have committed them, that simple circumstances can trigger memories deep within ones subconscious.

I remember the time I toured the prayer tower at Oral Roberts University, and they had a walk through story of Oral Roberts life depicted. As we walked through, the presence of the Holy Spirit was very evident, and in our tour group was an older couple in their seventies. At the end of the tour, they prayed for us to receive Jesus, and this older gentleman turned to me, and said, ‘Son, what are you going to do with your life?” I said, “I am going to preach the gospel around the world!” He began to explain:

“Do you think there is any hope for me? I told him that Jesus loved him, and that He had only died for sinners. All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that Jesus would forgive him, no matter what he had done.

He went on to tell me of the horror of Viet Nam, how as a young man, they had served there, and how he initially cared deeply about the Vietnamese people. When they went in to occupy a village of the Viet Cong, US soldiers would save their chocolate from their rations, and would give it to the children of the village, and would love on them. The enemy figured out this soft spot in the US troops, so began sending children out to meet the troops, strapped with grenades. This man saw a company of his friends blown up by one of these child suicide bombers. New orders came from his commanding officer, when they occupied a village, shoot everything that moved. They were in the jungle, and they were scared. Yet, they followed orders, and killed many women and children.

Now, this man had been back in the US, for over 30 years. His children had grown, and he would have them over for family dinners on holidays. Yet, sometimes, his grandchildren, would come toward him, with arms raised, wanting to be held, and he would black out, and after he was restrained, would discover that he had gone into a killing rage, and had broken up furniture, punched holes in walls, and did not remember doing it. He looked at me with tears in his eyes, and said, ‘Is there any hope for me? When I see my grandbabies, I still remember the horror of killing all those little children in Viet Nam, that would come out of the village, arms raised, expecting chocolate.”

I felt like I had been sucker punched at the moment, with the wind knocked out of me, but I did manage to squeak out a prayer, and to pray for the man.

I was deeply troubled by this, and sought the Lord, for some time. Began to do a Bible study, on the English word, ‘mind’, trying to find something in the Word of God, that would help this man.

Seems there are twelve different Greek roots, for the one English word we call ‘mind’. Many refer to ‘sub conscious reasoning’s’, or ‘thoughts and intents of the heart.’

The Lord graciously gave me:

Hebrews 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and animals could provide an offering for the outward punishment for sins, in Jesus, His blood will cleanse not only the outward affects of sin, but even our deepest memories, reasonings, and trauma’s. I prayed for the man, and I know God set him free.

Some have said, well if someone kills a child, or is a pedophile, did not Jesus Himself say:

Mr 9:42  And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

I am not making light of sin, just making much of the cross of Jesus. As a father, if someone was to attempt to hurt one of my children, or they were attacked by a pedophile, I would kill them, and rid the earth of them.

Yet, God is greater than me, far, far greater.

King David committed genocide, and killed men, women, and children in his raids, when he was running from Saul.

1Sa 27:9  And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.

1Sa 27:11  And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

I believe there were earthly consequences to David’s actions:

1Ch 28:3  But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

He didn’t get to build the temple. Yet, he found eternal life, and lives forever with God in heaven.

Yet, at the end of his life, God said:

Acts 13:22  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

I take great comfort in this verse. If God can forgive David for genocide, murder, adultery, and still use him, then there is hope for any of us. Jesus died upon the cross for all sin, not just the socially acceptable ones.

In light of eternity, this is the way you can be remembered, a man after God’s own heart!

Though I have never killed anyone, God has done a deep work in my life, and as painful as the journey has been, I would do it all over again, to experience the wonderful peace of mind that I presently experience. No more nightmares, depressions, fits of rage, because the very traumas, wounds, and abuse that caused that behavior have been healed by the power of God.

I think about it this way: When we accept Jesus, and become born-again, He literally comes to live inside of us, and old things pass away, all things become new. We now have the power of almighty God living on the inside of us, to overcome sin, and our sinful tendencies. The best illustration of this is of a roaring lion: When I first became a Christian, that roaring lion of sinful desire got placed in a cage, and could no longer control my life. He still roared, but he was in a cage, and I did not have to yield to his tyranny, the bars of the Word of God and Holy Spirit, gave me grace and power to not sin! Yet, the desires were still there, warring against my will, trying to get me to sin.

As I walked with God, and Holy Spirit has gone deep within my soul, and grown fruit of the spirit within, there came days of victory in my life, where the lions of various sinful desires got killed. The cage was no longer needed, because, I was free!

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool

Let’s get back to Jesus restoring Peter:

I believe that we can only receive truth that sets free, in the light of His love.

Pr 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Here we have a shameful Peter, confronted by our loving Jesus.

He knew what Peter did, He was there.

He knows what you have done too, He was there, and saw it all.

Peter, do you love me? I believe at that instant, Holy Spirit brought Peter back to the memory of the night of Jesus betrayal. The fire, being the element Jesus used to trigger Peters memory. Peter, hung his head and said, ‘Lord, you know that I love you.” I believe a miracle occurred in that instant, that Holy Spirit not only gave Peter a revelation of Jesus forgiveness and total acceptance of him, but that in that instance, Peter faced truth, and went free! He lifted off of Peter all the trauma, shame, guilt and fear. Jesus said, ‘Go feed my lambs.’

Yet, Jesus was not done yet. Again, he gently probed, Peter, do you love me? I believe the same dynamic occurred, and Holy Spirit brought to Peter’s remembrance, the second denial, and again, Peter received God’s love and truth, and in the mercy of God, Peter received truth, and this iniquity was purged from his mind.

Now, Jesus probes again. Not only bringing to Peters remembrance the third, most passionate denial, the one that should have got him killed, but probably, the very motives, reasonings, and thoughts inside of Peter, that caused him to do it.

Again, after Jesus says, ‘Do you love me?,’ Peter receives Jesus love, and affirmation, and again, Jesus commissions him to feed his sheep. Peter now had some more food for God’s sheep, at a very deep level.

This is why I could preach good news to the perpetrators of the genocide in Rwanda, boldly proclaiming over the radio to the one million people listening:

Matthew 4:16

The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned.

Yes, the darkness of genocide was great death in the land, but the glorious light of Jesus love has come to Rwanda, healing the deepest, sickest secrets, and bringing God’s grace to forgive the unforgivable. He who did it in Rwanda, will do it for you, too…

Now, let’s pray:

‘Father, you know us. You know what we do, but why we do it. Today, I am asking for a deep revelation of your love that will allow me to face and receive your forgiveness and healing for not only what happened to me, but more importantly, for the wicked, crazy things I have done. You were there when they happened Father, yet you love me. I have tried with drugs, sports, academic pursuits, and many other things to keep running from my pain and shame, but I am so, so, tired, and know not how to proceed. Reach deep within me, and set me free, and show me what you have for me to do for you. I see how my pain has blinded me from you, for oh so long. Take it away Father, make me whole, in Your name Lord Jesus and in the power of Your name, Amen.’

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC

Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Strength in Old Age!

Couple years ago, I went through what I call ‘male menopause’. Don’t know much about aging, but after I hit age 50, I ‘felt’ old. Seemed I was out of shape, had a hard hand dealt to me in life, I ‘felt’ weak, and powerless to really change, nor make an impact with my life.

Well, not I’m 53, having lost 45 lbs, working out 4x/week, aiming to bench 315 again before 2014 ends, with my fire, passion and zeal focused upon Jesus!

Ever thought about getting older?

What is old anyway?

Is it an age, or a state of mind?

I like the quote I heard in Africa: ‘When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground!’

I remember hearing the testimony of a dear sister who was 93 who loves to visit seniors in nursing homes and retirement centers to read the Bible with them, tell them about Jesus, and to sing and cheer them up. When asked what she was planning that day, she said she had to pop in and visit a 72 year old sister in the Lord, because ‘she’s old!’.

I saw what she meant. Here she was, 93, and full of joy, vitality, vibrancy, and enthusiasm for what her and Jesus would do together each and every day. Her youth was renewed, as she walks through life in child-like faith, laughing her way towards heaven.

Your gift, your life experiences, your talents are still needed down here! If you are truly satisfied, then go out with a shout, and meet Jesus, for heaven is certainly better than down here, but why not live a long time just to make the devil mad! Heaven doesn’t need ‘another angel’ there, we will all be there soon enough! We need your gift, your wisdom, your voice, and your prayer, here, on the earth. Rest later, now, there is work to be done.

Hear the words of Jesus: Matthew 10:7The Message (MSG)

^5-8 Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

Some, lose vision, hope, get hurt, offended, bitter, and lose their will to live, simply because they do not understand the Word of God, and the heart of God. Jesus still gives life, and life more abundantly!

How are YOU going to finish your life?

Will you quietly slip into the shadows, unobtrusively allowing your life, passion, and strength to wane, as you walk towards the one appointment we will all keep one day: death?

Or, will you get out of yourself, and start deliberately serving, loving, and helping those around you that are hurting and needy, trusting Jesus for strength, help, and grace for each day?

If you choose the latter option, you will quickly discover Jesus to be very alive and active in your life! There can be great joy and power made available to any of us, so that when that final day comes, we can explode through death’s door with a shout, giving Jesus a high five and a hug as we enter heaven’s gates, laughing as we see the great cloud of witnesses who have been watching our live applauding, and joyfully greeting our loved ones who went on before us.

 

If you want to hear a whole lot more about how to live victoriously in your latter years, get ahold of Keith Moore’s teachings on Biblical longevity. He has studied the lives of many people who lived joyfully well past 100, and has figured out their secrets to a long, happy and prosperous life.

Anyway, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Here are a couple of Bible promises, to strengthen your faith for today:

Psalm 91:16 [Full Chapter]

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation

Satisfied that you have done everything Jesus wants you to do down here? Cause if you are not satisfied, there’s much to be done!

Joshua 14:11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Here, we see a renewed mind and spirit in the life of Caleb, standing bold on the Word of God, in his older years.

Ps 103:that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 92:14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Proverbs 3:2

for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

I believe the Spirit of God is putting fire back in my step, my walk, my thoughts, renewing strength, vitality, youthfulness, enthusasim, and a spring in my step! How about you?

Let’s Pray:

‘Father God in heaven, don’t leave me down here to be a burden to others, but make me a blessing! Fill me with strength, passion, vision, joy and a sense of humor to alleviate the darkness and despair in this sin sick world. Forgive me my sin, as today, afresh and anew, I receive You Jesus, Your will, Your plan, Your desires, into my heart, as together we walk throughout eternity, doing life and life more abundantly. Amen’

 

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC

Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

 

Casulties of War…

Casualties of War…

Pr 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Q. What do ‘carpet time’, meditation, soaking, the green line, the secret of Obed-Edom, and the searing, weeping fire of God experienced in worship have in common?

A. They are all manifestations of the presence of the living God, Holy Spirit meeting with people, directly, intimately, personally, and directly, in their lives.

I have watched some of my best friends, and fellow servants of the Lord die over the past couple of years, and though we are comforted in the truth that we will see them again, I asked God, WHY?

We will meet again, in glory, in heaven, but for now, their death leaves a hole in our heart, and provokes me to write some things that have been percolating within me for some time, as I have watched some of God’s tremendous servants die, or suffer horrible attacks of sickness, or infirmity, when the Word of God is clear:

Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him,

I have watched people who I love, die, prematurely, and have hurt, and mourned their loss.

WHY?

And He has answered, and shown me, and no matter how politically incorrect it may be, I’m going to preach it, for this particular truth, will save many lives….

I heard Rev. Keith Moore preach a message at some point about developing a strong spirit. Brother Kenneth E. Hagin, preached and published a book entitled ‘Developing an Excellent Spirit’, and these foundational truths are what I must share.

It’s really simple, yet incredibly deep.

We are created in the image of God. God is trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We are trinity, spirit, soul, and body.

^{1 Thess 5:23} And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is much resource in the earth to develop our body and our soul, but few take the time to develop their human spirit.

I remember my pastor Billy Joe having a vision, a revelation, of people growing up, going to college, going to work, having children, buying a house, perhaps buying a lake house or boat or some kind of toys, then dying and going into eternity, without Jesus, or, if they had somehow become born-again in their life’s journey, stepping into eternity, with little or no eternal reward, because they had developed their soul, at the expense of their spirit, and

1Co 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Somebody once made the wise comment: ‘If the devil cannot stop you, he will get behind you and push!”

Seems that I have seen great people, often servants of God, that got ahead of God, and it cost them their lives.

Here in North America, foundations for buildings are generally made of concrete. You generally dig a hole in the ground, then fill it with concrete and steel, and if you have done it correctly, you can build a structure on it.

Someone once said, that you cannot pour concrete in a hurricane, and it seems that the same thing is true in our lives.

Generally, when the storms of life hit, our foundation needs to be deep, well-laid, and able to take the weight of the structure we are trying to build.

Some people have minds like concrete though, all mixed up, and thoroughly set!

In our own particular race, or journey through life, it seems that God is continually going deep within us, setting down deep roots in His Word and His love, so that the structures we build (family, church, businesses, organizations), easily stand upon the firm foundation of our faith, with no great stress to us.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

So we will face storms, trials, and struggles in this life, Jesus Himself promised them, but we are designed to overcome them all, and the way we must do this, is by faith.

In my book, I talk about the parable of the sower in great detail, but know this: that the spiritual battles we all face, are won, only by faith.

Yet, Jesus loves us, this I know, and Ga 5:6 faith which worketh by love.

Along the road of life, I have learned this about walking with Jesus: sometimes, we need to slow down, to speed up. We need to cultivate quiet, reflective time with Jesus, and allow Holy Spirit access to our deepest hungers, and needs for intimacy, acceptance, approval, comfort, encouragement, strength, and courage.

Job 34:29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?

Isa 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:

We are required to walk by, and fight the fight of faith, yet faith works by love. We must learn, in whatever way works for us, to allow the deep roots of God’s love to fill the deepest creaks and crevices in our souls.

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

This is done, daily, personally, in peace, quiet, and rest.

Since faith originates in the report, or comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, then we are shown that the great fight in each of our lives, is for this quiet time, this personal intimacy, the love of our heavenly Father, this one and only thing, that is the most precious thing in any of our lives, that is the presence of God.

As an addict needs their drug, as an alcoholic needs their next drink, as a drowning person needs their next breath, we need the presence and love of God in our lives. Nothing else will satisfy.

His presence is like the water that softens the soil of our hearts, that the Word of God might root, grow, and produce mountain-moving, nation shaking, history making faith!

Mt 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Q. What do ‘carpet time’, meditation, soaking, the green line, the secret of Obed-Edom, and the searing, weeping fire of God experienced in worship have in common?

In what is now known as ‘The Toronto Blessing’, Holy Spirit revealed the love of the Father, to a group of hungry, broken, fatherless people, and when He came, we all fell down, and learned how to soak, usually for hours, on the lines that had been duct taped to the floor, all over the sanctuary. Some wept, some shook, some laughed, some went into a deep peace, other went into a trance like state, and many of us received powerful visions, words, dreams, or out of body experiences in the glory of God.

It was addictive! Yet, in my life, something beautiful began to occur: somewhere during the years I attended the 21 conferences in Toronto, I learned to receive directly from God, home in my bed, listening to the audio Bible, the deep needs met, that my heart hungered for.

I left Toronto in 1997 for Rhema Bible Training Center, and have only been back a couple times to Toronto since, yet still, to this day, ‘soaking’, is part of my experience with God, and though difficult to put into words, it is this ‘receiving’ that is what I am trying to describe here, for I am convinced that this is where the deepest needs of our heart are met.

Brother Hagin used to talk about meditating upon the Word of God, and I am convinced, that He met God this way, quietly spending the needed hours, to get his hearts hungers satisfied, and questions answered.

“Soaking”, has become a term, for this kind of experience.

In certain cases, holy, anointed intercessors, will pray for people, for extended periods of time, while the Holy Spirit, ‘marinates’ them, softening their hearts, and loving out their deepest, sickest secrets, trauma’s, and core pain issues, and showing them how precious they are to heaven, as royal, adopted, children of the most High God.

The Green Line is a humorous reference to the green lines in Dave Roberson’s church, where people are instructed to line up for prayer. I was listening to the band ‘Halo Jordan’s’ song by this title, and it is really funny, but the message is still there, and it is deep. Some of the band members have come out of horrible circumstances, and the drug scene, but they received healing, revelation, and restoration, directly and personally, on the green line. What happened? Exactly what I am trying to describe: Somehow, they were able to meet directly with God there, and His presence is addictive. Their song describes the hunger, and the meeting place they found with God, on the green line.

A friend and mentor of mine, the evangelist Daniel King, wrote a great book, ‘The Secret of Obed-Edom’. I liked it so much, that I read it to my children as a family devotion. In it, he describes the life transformation of Obed Edom, as he encountered, and became addicted to, the presence of God. Clearly, Daniel knows exactly what I am trying to describe here.

Finally, I wish to describe why I have attended Victory Christian Center here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For several years after we had returned from the mission’s field, we were attending three different churches each week, and they are all tremendously strong ministries. Then, I had a face to face prophetic encounter with Billie Joe Daugherty, that kept me up an entire night praying. We had never been members at Victory, and though we had heard much about the ministry, had never attended church there. So, my wife said: ‘Well, we love these other churches, but Chris, you are called to world missions. Do you honestly thing you can fulfill the call of God upon your life in any of them? Why don’t we check out Victory, and see what they are up to?”

That first service, sometime in worship, I had a searing, savage, encounter with our living God, that tore away my thin façade of civilization, and met me in my deepest, most painful places. Again, I was addicted to the presence of God!

Those two encounters, got us hungry to discover more about this ministry, and for the next six months, we were in some type of service, almost every night of the week!

Every week, and now, in almost every service, at some point, I find myself meeting with God, deeply, personally; where God Himself speaks to me, often quite apart from whatever is being sung, preached, or ministered on. When a friend of mine asked me why I had left a previous church, when there was such incredibly anointed Bible teaching there, I found myself saying: ‘You’re right! Pastor _______ is one of the most anointed Bible teachers I have ever heard in my life! Each week, he breaks down the Word in such a way, that it is like he is talking to me personally, and showing me how to apply the Scripture to my day to day world. But, at Victory, I encounter the searing, passionate presence of the living God Himself, personally, and this is what I need in my life right now!”

So why all the discussion, trying to describe this?

Well, the Lord has shown me, that clearly, this manifest, personal presence of God, that fills our hearts, and meets with us, is the difference between life and death.

In the early years, I had such deep needs for a Father in my life, that Holy Spirit would come and meet with me, granting me affirmation, acceptance, comfort, approval, confidence, that empowered me to become the man I am called to be.

In most cases, we, as men derive our self worth, from what we do, accomplish, build, develop, perform. (please read: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/not-by-works-its-all-about-love/)

God loves us, unconditionally, only because of the shed blood of Jesus, and our self-worth, our work, development, and performance is to be gauged by one yardstick: ‘Did we obey what He asked us to do?”

The Lord has shown me that many have been authentically called into their particular vocations, but have become so busy with the work of the Lord, that we forgot the Lord of the work, and like a hamster on a treadmill, we are running hard, but going no where.

In fact, this is how people die. They either work themselves to death, running, working, and laboring for acceptance, approval, love, encouragement, earthly reward, that they pour themselves out to the point, where they are so poured out, cored out, and exhausted, they cannot receive the deep, intimate presence they need, to restore, heal, and empower them for the next season of life and ministry.
Suddenly, heaven looks really, really attractive….

I remember on encounter with Jesus, on the carpet in Toronto, that bears repeating. My father had died of cancer, the church I had been attending had split, and I was hurting, badly. ,I had shut down emotionally, numb inside. During ministry time, a group of pastors and intercessors prayed for me, and I fell down under the power of God, but felt disconnected from what was happening. I kept whispering, ‘Jesus, I hurt, please heal my heart.” Suddenly, in a vision, Jesus was there! He was kneeling beside my head, and He was angry! He spoke to me clearly:

‘I am trying to heal you, but You won’t let me!’,

Suddenly, I saw the incredible wall in my heart I had erected to protect myself, and somehow, I allowed Him in! Deep, deep, searing pain, began to bleed from my heart, as He surgically opened the wound in my soul. Like a scab being torn off of a puss filled wound, He cut into my emotional pain, and purged, and healed me deep inside.

Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

He literally took out my heart of stone, and replaced it with a heart of flesh again…

Was reminded of the story of Mary and Martha today. Both were in the actual presence of Jesus, able to hear the same teaching, and words from the Masters lips, yet one was busy with the work of the Lord, trying to please Him through works. Mary got instructed, transformed, Martha got rebuked.

When the chips were down, and their brother Lazurus had died, Martha got a sermon, Mary got a miracle.

Seems God is a respecter of persons consecration, and attention to Him..
All comes back to this intimate, quiet time, consecrated to Him, each day…

Here’s how it is working in my life:
Pr 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

I study, I pray, I learn, and while I am working and praying, I deliberately, on purpose, pray in other tongues, usually for many hours each day.

If you have not yet experienced this miracle, please read: (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/is-speaking-in-other-tongues-of-god/)

Then, at some point in the day, He comes…

When He does, I have learned to go to a quiet place, and let Him marinate me in His presence, as He gently fills every creak and crevice in my soul, and washes, and massages away the stress of the day, and imparts wisdom, revelation,understanding, comfort, healing, into places I had no idea I needed it.

This has been very difficult for a man like me, that is hard wired to work, perform, go, accomplish my To Do lists!

Yet, as important as fulfilling responsibilities is, He is Almighty God!

He can do more, in one second, than I can do in a lifetime, and this I know full well.

Seems as I slow down, He speeds up in my life, and things I have been working towards, suddenly happen, miracles happen, and projects get done!

Let Him search, and reach deep inside of you today.

I know not how to describe it, because, it is a literal, living encounter, with Holy Spirit, that continually recreates us into more than we were, so that

2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Clearly, I see, that this living encounter, with our living God, is the difference between sickness and health, poverty and wealth, burn-out or empowerment, confusion or answers, human works vs the power of God!

Those that find, treasure, cultivate, and seek this, live long, prosperous, victorious lives.

Those that don’t, die prematurely, while those around them, wonder how?

Why?

Just the letter of the Scripture, will not produce this, nor will works of service. We must meet with Him, personally, intimately, daily…

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, only You can grant to those reading this, the experience of Your presence, I am trying, so hard to explain. Please take everyone who reads this, deep into your river, the deeper places of Your heart, Your presence, and feed, fill, lead, reveal to them, Your love, intimacy, person, passion, direction, power, miracles, and grace, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen”