He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. – Psalms 62:6

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. – Proverbs 24:16

The above verses came to me in the middle of last week as I prepared for a sermon I’d be preaching on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I was seeking the Lord about what to preach when a line from another sermon from Keith Moore popped into my head.

“I remember being a fighter,” Br. Moore said, “I’d be on the ropes, bloody, getting pummeled, and think, ‘Now I’ve got him right where I want him!’ That’s the way we have to be with our faith. We have to be able to take a beating and keep on coming!” – Keith Moore (slightly paraphrased)

The Lord then lead me to put together the biblical proof for such a claim. I was amazed at how that message is so prominent in the Bible. I’d even say it is one of the CORE message of scripture. Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Daniel, Jeremiah, David, Jesus, Peter, Paul, etc, etc, etc. They all went through immense trials and hard times, but all bounced back. Amazing. Maybe we are meant to be the toughest folks on earth.

So I made the outline, learned it, memorized some of the scriptures, and headed to the Gulf Coast. At the church I preached my heart out. “YOU’VE GOT TO BE ABLE TO KEEP ON GOING! KEEP FIGHTING! NEVER, EVER, EVER QUIT!” I preached. At the end of the sermon someone gave the pastor a letter.

“I had decided to give up. But today, God spoke directly to me through the message. Now, I’ll keep going.”

Praise God! We left, had a great dinner, and spent the night with some good friends.

The next day my truck, which has run perfectly since I bought it, broke down on the side of the road. It acted like water was in the gas. We bought a gas additive to evaporate water. Nothing changed. We changed the fuel filter. Still broke. A bit later God sent a man to help, and I got to share a little about God’s love with him, as we laid underneath my truck across from Subway.

“I think God has brought you here for a reason man. Than you so much for helping me, but I think the Lord is drawing–”

My phone rang. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Darlene. How’s it going?”

“We’re working on it. May be the distributor. Cost around 200 bucks.”

“Oh. That’s sucks.”

“Yeah, but we’re gonna keep working on it. I gotta go.”

“Hey, one more thing. Mom just called. They had to take Reep to the vet. He’s got parvo.”

“What?”

“Yeah. They said it’s about a 70% chance he’ll be okay, but it’s gonna cost $300.”

“Great. We don’t have it right now. Just tell her to do it, and I’ll figure something out.”

“Okay, I’ll tell her.”

So we hung up, and we worked on the car for a few hours more. No luck. I mean we had JUST put it up for sale to raise money for our missions Journey for goodness sake. That was a MONTH AWAY. It had never given me problems before. Finally, I parked it in a parking lot and rode with my friends back to their house. Dad would come help me tomorrow. We spent half the night talking and playing Band Hero.

The next morning my phone rang. It was a good friend who had set up our last speaking engagement before we were to leave. It was very important, as it was the only one left. Our last one had been cancelled.
“Hey Man, what’s up?” I asked.
“Hey Dustan, I’ve got bad news. The engagement got cancelled. Nothing about you guys, just some unavoidable problems.”
“Ok, thanks for letting me know. Wanna meet for coffee?”
“Sure man, I’ll fill you in.”

And so our last two speaking engagements were cancelled. Not good, as we are believing to meet step one of our budget ($5,000 a month). On top of that, Darlene and I are standing in faith for $25,000 to help get us and the ministry to a place where we don’t have to be so concerned with finances as we are ministering to the unreached. The biggest struggle last time was not the food, nor the travel, or sleeping on dirt floors. It was managing bills on a baby budget while preaching to Muslims, Buddhist, and Hindus all over Asia. It was exhausting. So now, we’re believing God to grant us the money up front so we can owe no man anything, but to LOVE them (Romans 13:8). Thereby setting us free to REALLY go all out for the Gospel.

The next day Dad arrived. To fix the truck required a part that I didn’t have the cash to buy. We loaded it up on a dolly, and took off home (three hours away).
“You know Mom,” I said to Mom, who was smushed in the backseat of Dad’s dodge. “None of these things move me. We tithe. We give. I know God is working this out for our good. I mean, we are–”
Suddenly there was a loud pop. A tire on the dolly pulling my Xterra blew out. We pulled over. No spare. We made a few calls. No answer. Over the hill rain clouds formed, as we beat on the rim trying to get it off. Cars flew by much too close to the edge of the road.
“Move Over!” I screamed at a car that skimmed our backsides. Yeah, I was P-Oed. Hey, I can say P-Oed, it’s my blog.

Well we finally got in contact with my aunt, who opened the tire shop she worked at just to help us. Mom and Dad went off to get the tire fixed, and Darlene and I stayed and fumed. What more could happen? Two times the money we had gotten at the church was spent already. Our Dog was sick. My truck broke. A flat. Two cancelled speaking engagements. Our bill money gone. Geez. We had JUST cut up all of our credit cards with the declaration, “We trust in God, not Credit!” (I’m still glad we did. Interest is SATAN!)

That was being tested. But we stood. We kept declaring the word (in between inaudible cuss words – lol). Mom and dad came back an hour later. We changed the tire, and the truck wouldn’t crank long enough to get it on the dolly. Dad and I eventually were able to push it on (with my Heman Mother’s help), and we arrived home.

Truth: Christians are not supposed to back down at opposition to our faith. We must stand strong. We must be willing even to die for this gospel. We must forget the crazy notion that no trials will come, but rather learn to rest in Christ in the midst. I preached that message, and the Devil threw a one-two punch on us. In the words of our ex president, “Our resolve is being tested.”

But you know what? I say ‘bring it.’ I can handle ANY situation through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). It’s not by my own might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). I am STRONG in the Lord and in the power of HIS might! (Ephesians 6:10) When my enemies turn on me to destroy me, I will watch their destruction with my eyes! (PSalms 27:2)

My faith will not be shaken by a bad week. I will not be moved! (Psalms 16:8) I say we have all of our budgets met in Jesus name. I declare we have received the $25,000 by faith! Our bills are paid, and we are FREE to go, worry free, into the unreached domain of the devil and rescue the souls, feed the bodies, and educate the minds of those that the Enemy of our Souls torments daily. It is ours in Jesus Name, for God’s glory!

Today, tomorrow, and next year, as you move forward in being SET APART for Christ, remember this: The testing of your faith builds endurance. And when endurance is completely built, you will be complete and whole, lacking NOTHING (James 1:2-3). Thank God for the trials. Thank God he holds out sometimes so our faith can grow. We are becoming complete. Whole. And, we are being led, through the testing of our faith, to a place where we will lack NOTHING. Seek his grace and strength, and when you have done all to stand; STAND (Ephesians 6:13).

The new testament Christian who is returning to the faith of our Church Fathers, MUST not let circumstances dictate our response. When the world and the Devil get you on the ropes, know that you’ve got them right where you want ‘em. Or, in the words of Rocky Balboa…

“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place… and I don´t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me or nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life. But ain’t about how hard you hit… It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward… how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That´s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you worth, go out and get what you worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying: You ain´t what you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain´t you! You´re better than that!” – Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa)

Have a great day.

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:17

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. – John 15:4

This morning, I woke up again early to pray. Honestly, since my last posts this has been consistent, and I love it. Why? The quiet; the slow fade into day; the way no one is calling; It’s great. I’ve finally got where I fall asleep before midnight and get up before six. About time eh?

To be honest, it’s been a struggle. I’d try to make myself go to sleep, then lay there until two. Other times I’d set the alarm, but not get up till eight. I failed time and again. Another part of my life I’ve fought with is the gym. I go, don’t get me wrong, but I still don’t crave it like I once did. I make myself do it. Perhaps once day soon I’ll get those endorphins back that make me crave it. I don’t know. Then there’s writing, which I love, but day in and day out it’s the same story of me kicking myself to get started. Afterwords I glow all day, because I love it.

Truth: Sometimes, our flesh, is a bigger enemy than the devil. It is an enemy that you must conquer to be set apart for God. Your flesh is a quitter, a complainer, and will NATURALLY do everything contrary to what the Spirit desires. It is at war with the reborn spirit (Galatians 5:17). But, not like we war with Satan, but rather as a lazy, selfish, part of us that always tries to take the wheel and drive us somewhere we don’t need to be.

Our job is to put this flesh in check. It’s part of that dreaded word, discipline, which is the root word for discipleship. Now, wait, don’t think I’ve got this all down, I don’t. But, I will tell you this, I’m making some progress. I’m not the moron I once was. I do finally know that if I go with every feeling this glorious piece of meat feels, I will wind up broken, divorced, empty, and mad at everyone. I’ll wind up blaming God for it all, as this flesh can’t take responsibility. I’ll wind up broke and miserable or rich and miserable, cause the only type of riches this flesh can grab are those that are either quick or deprave, both of which Proverbs says goes away, but leaves sorrow, or stays with sorrow.

One thing that really helps me is one sermon I heard by a great guy on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. His daughter had Mono. One day during the sermon he explained that people who get it, keep it (without a miracle). He said that the person had to keep their immune system strong, or Mono would try to sneak back in and take control. He applied that to our flesh. We must daily, take it to prayer, ask God for grace to control it, reprogram it with the word, and put it in line every time it tries to take the reigns.

C.S. Lewis described it like this in “The Problem of Pain.” Adam controlled his flesh totally by the grace and power he got from God. The moment Adam disconnected himself from God, the flesh reverted back to it’s Animal instincts. It was made from the same dirt as dogs and raccoons. When we are disconnected from God this flesh reverted back to instincts: first, survival; second ,procreation, and normalcy is mixed in there as well. When they mix unchecked you have a selfish, spineless, pervert who watches out for #1 above all else. Or in other words, the opposite of Christ. To make things worse mankind got so far from God over the years that eventually he had to be called on (Genesis 4:26), then he said His spirit wouldn’t contend (struggle, put up with) with man because he is all flesh (Genesis 6:3). Then, in mercy, God shortened our lives so we wouldn’t be tormented by the results of our selfishness for hundreds of years. Sorry Twilight fans, it’s better to not eat the forbidden fruit. Bella made a bonehead decision. Life here, forever; no thanks. Our spirits lost control of the flesh, and now life of earth can be hell – without the peace of God.

When we were born again our Spirit was renewed and plugged back into God. The old damage is done, but now we have the power to master this flesh again. But we MUST be connected to the vine, Jesus. We MUST abide in him. We must have HIS grace. We get it on our knees, and in the Word. We fast to master it. Why? Without mastering this flesh, your one in a million, and in no way set apart for God. You are an animal. That’s why evolutionist get confused. Our bodies are not made in the image of God as God is a spirit (John 4:24). And without the Spirit ruling it, we are animals. Crazy.

Today, before you get going take some time and get the power-up you need from God. Examine yourself. Is selfishness the motive for what your planning to do today? Have to been trying to control this thing without being hooked up to Christ? Is fear driving? Does fear decide what your doing with your life? The root of fear is the survival mode; that’s flesh. Get wisdom instead, it accomplishes everything you want fear to, without locking you in chains.

Today, either my spirit will drive or my flesh will. So…

I better go pray.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 1 Corinthians 1:27

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. – Luke 10:21

I awoke this morning fifteen minutes before the scheduled sunrise. I had set my alarm clock to this time and told it to slowly increase in volume to a worship song until I was gently pulled from REM sleep to a smiling awake. I stood and immediately grabbed a glass of water to wake up my insides. Then I got dressed, slipped on my rainbow flip flops (who were still where I had placed them last night), and took a dusk walk with my beautiful wife. It was new to me, this whole process, but it is part of a new way of life for Dustan. Discipline to spend more time with my Master, and be more productive with the time he has given me. As we walked it seemed we weren’t alone. Perhaps God still takes time, after painting sunrises and sunsets, to take walks with His children. Maybe.

I was prodded into these changed by some very uncomfortable situations this past week. As you probably know we are about to set out on another mission journey around the world. We will be going to some of the most unreached places, and we must be ready. One of the preparations is to contact some missionaries that are already working in the areas the Lord has laid on our hearts. So I wrote some, and got some great responses. However, there was one response I received that was the most condescending email I have ever received. It was written in disdain and the core message was: ‘Stay off my turf. You have no idea what your doing. Go join a group that will train you in mission-o-logy. We’re the ones working here. Don’t come back now, you hear?’

After reading I typed out the most Southern Straight forward email that I could, effectively telling the guy what a jerk he was and how his work is being made ineffective because of how he is discouraging everyone else that feels called to the same country. Yes, I backspaced that one; the Lord wouldn’t let me send it. The final version was along the lines of: ‘Thank you for your words. I will consider some of them. Thank you for what you do for our Lord.’ Two days later he write me again rebuking me for something else. Come on, I’ve never met this guy. My reply was simple: ‘Don’t write me anymore.’

This got me thinking too much. In my mind I started reviewing every policy I’ve built in RLI, from avoiding ‘secret missions’ to working with others. I started taking inventory of everyone of the stacks of books I’ve read on missions. I started rehearsing to myself all the experience I had sleeping on floors in foreign homes, and how many long conversations I’ve had with Muslims, Atheist, and communist worldwide.

I was busy filling myself full of it, when the Lord reached inside and smacked my backside. He was like, “Seriously? Your kidding right?”

Why? Because God is not a liar, and the truth is that on my own I am totally unequipped for this work. The truth is that you, on your own, are totally unequipped for this work. The truth is we’re all idiots on our own, and no amount of reading (other than the Word) can undo that. We can NOT trust our own understanding. We must realize God knows more and that his ideas and ways are smarter. He’s not looking for the tallest of the brothers, he’s looking for the shepherd boy out back worship the Lord. He’s looking for faith, hope, love, courage, and humility (undeceived honesty about yourself). The method book has already been written and it out-sales every other one. It’s called the Bible. It’s full of simple instruction and places (over and over again) more importance on character than it does on skills. It calls fishermen and fools the smart ones. Why? Cause they know that they are not smart, not really, not without Him. It says God uses these foolish things to confound the wise. It says Jesus, in Luke 10, after sending out his disciples, had a bit of a Holy Ghost party rejoicing that God chooses the babes. Babes. That’s me. I’m a babe…. umm reword, I’m a child.

This has made me more than ever want to press into His presence and His Word. I need Him, and I want people at the end of my life to not attribute what the Lord accomplished through us to a school or a certain church planting method. Rather, I want them to say: ‘Man, god used a fool to do great things. Some uneducated dude who loved Jesus. He saw it in the bible, copied it the best he could (rough at times), prayed and tried to obey, and look what God has done! Look what GOD has done!’

I want to be more disciplined with my time. I want to read and study anything God wants me to. I want to let Him build this fool up a bit, cause I know I need it. Everything we’ve done so far has been totally because of HIS grace and strength, not our pathetic might and power. He get’s the glory, really. We had to obey yes, but hey thats the fun adventure.

I admit it. I’m a foolish thing. It’s okay. I’ll be the spectacle.

Today as you go out, forget the lie that you have to act like you have everything together. You don’t, nor do you have to. You just need Him, His Word, His presence, a little faith, and humility. Try that instead. Perhaps God will use you to raise up a cripple man, then when you are questioned the crowd will go, ‘Man, this guy in uneducated, but he sure does act a lot like Jesus.’

If I’m out of mind it’s You, You.
Cause I’m crazy in love with You, You.
Inebriated by You.
Cause I’m head over heels for You, You.
- David Crowder

So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. – Genesis 39:6

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. – Genesis 29:23

Currently, I have begun a ‘Read the Bible’ in 90 days plan. Usually I don’t like these things, but in order to increase the discipline on my life I decided to go for this one. As of day three, I’m loving it.

This morning I read about Joseph, the Dreamer. You know, I identify with Joe a lot. First, when I was younger I saw some things to come, and it birthed a bit of pride in my heart. I didn’t realize that the dream God was giving me wasn’t about ‘my brothers bowing down’, but rather was about me reaching down and lifting my brothers up. I get that part of the story. It’s nice to realize that your dream from God is always about helping people and not about making us the next big ‘preacha’. Honestly, after traveling the world and meeting some awesome people, that kind of dream is pathetic. It’s not Biblical. Fame is no reward, but a tool. Money is to be mastered and used, not served. If our religion is spotted by selfish ambition, if the light in us is dark how DARK is our DARK (Matthew 6:23).

Anyway, that’s what the Lord has taught me over the past years, but about what I noticed this morning. Everything that Joseph did he did well. The blessing of the Lord was on Joseph, and everyone knew it. It wasn’t him trying to convince everyone that he was blessed, they saw it by how WELL he done his work for others. As soon as Potiphar placed Joe in charge business started booming. In fact, the sign of his success was that Potiphar did not concern himself with anything but the food he ate. Awesome.

Not fast-forward. Joe gets falsely accused and thrown in prison. But even in prison the Lord was with Joseph. The warden wound up putting Joseph over everything. Here, we see the line again:

So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Once again, Joseph is in charge, and his overseer is so confident that he doesn’t even pay attention. He knows Joseph will do the job right everytime. Bosses, wouldn’t that be a dream.

And finally Joseph winds up in charge of Egypt. When the big famine hit Pharaoh said, “Go to Joseph, do what he says.”

In my life I wish for the Lord to be with me and his blessing to be on me. I have it through Christ, but a SIGN of that blessing is that I will work harder and better that the standard, even to the point that those I work for will not have to wonder if I am going to do the job right. A sign of success is that your boss won’t be concerned that you won’t do the job, but will prop his feet up and brag to his coworkers how he can count on you. A sign of success is that even when hard times hit we keep working with all of our heart. We may hit a few bumps, but we just do a quick somersault and keep on swimming. A sign of success is that we bring Glory to God, by representing Him well in our job, home, ministry, and prison. A sign of success is that we accomplish all of these things with the final product being others being rescued and lifted up. A sign of success is that we can do all of these things with slipping into the corruption of the system, be it in the religious world or corporate.

Lord, help me. I want to be a success in your eyes. I know, we’ve got a long way to go, but I know that you’ll finish what you started. That’s me, the unfinished one.

What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. – James 4:14

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – Matthew 10:39

Twenty eight years ago I was born alot smaller. I was welcomed into the world with congratulations. Little did I know that I was born into war times. Thank God for Christ, who brought the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Love to earth so that I am able to step in the battle lines with millions of others demanding good triumph.

Birthdays are interesting to me. First off, it seems the Lord gives me some sort of present every year. My first and second sermons were at my birthday. I’ve spent multiple birthdays in foreign nations. It has been a great ride. Every year I look back on the last year and see if I am pleased. This year I am pleased once again, although the second half was one of the most challenging times since I became a Christian. The Lord brought us through as always, he always causes us to triumph, but I had to come to terms with what the clergy has become in much of the world and it is heartbreaking. Honestly, there are some AMAZING men of God out there, there are, but I tell you the politics, diplomacy, cowardliness, and business minded tactics have really brought a bit of a stain on the foreheads of many who call themselves some church title. It is honestly heartbreaking with the world in the mess it is in. We don’t have time for this. It has been this way for many years; I just noticed it after we had a new type of anointing come on us in Ghana. It was one of discernment I suppose. Better said, we have been blessed to be able to see through silliness and bullcrap. Ignorance is bliss, but not an option for a person called to be set apart and a revolutionary. Truthfully though, I am SO blessed to have gone through it. Now I can appreciate the men of God who show their faith not to be feigned (masked – 1 Timothy 1:5). I love those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. They are SUCH a blessing. I am not everyone’s judge, but I do choose who I will follow and befriend. Because I have pulled away from some (all over) I have found the friendship of many. Now with those who are sold out to this I can run towards the finish line with all my heart.

A few names I am thankful for are Tommy, Jim, Todd, Steve, Joel, Brandon, Brad, Scott, Raven, Dean, Brent, Sandra, Jay, Amanda, Tim, Emmanuel, Gandri, Andrias, Jeremy, Jennifer & Will. The name I am most thankful for is Jesus, who makes this earth worth it.

For the next year I realize the Lord is calling us to step into both the public eye and to be hidden from it. We need to continue to build the platform that we need to build a ministry to touch millions around the world. We must increase in every way to complete with honor the work the Lord has called us to. 10,000 missionaries in a life is alot, but not impossible. I KNOW that we can do the things the Lord has given us to complete.
At the same time the Lord Jesus is calling us to go into all the world once again this year. This Christmas and birthday will be spend with the unreached, right where I belong. We will base from SE Asia, and go into double digit nations to expand and strengthen the Kingdom of God (Love). We leave in a few months.

The next year of my life I want to push myself to new levels. I want to go further into the world, challenge myself to new levels physically, spiritually, and mentally. I want to eat new things, sleep in strange places, and see thousands come to know the Lord for the first time. I want to raise up disciples in every nation we are able to minister in, and open the door for the Kingdom of God in new lands. I want to pioneer. I want to make HIS name famous!

Before we left on our last journey I was laying in bed and the Lord spoke to my heart (not an audible voice). He said, “You need to know that life is a vapor.” Twenty eight years is a blur. I’ve done my best over the last five years to live to the fullest by laying down my life for our Lord. It has flown by. We’ve had to buck religious ideas and ask no ones permission to serve our God with all of our hearts. We’ve lost friends, gained new ones, but regret NONE of it. Life is short, too short to serve money or man. We must lay down our life in LOVE for God and LOVE for OTHERS. We must make the rescue of this broken poor world everything. No matter the cost, I’m in.

Some of you think we’ve really done something. Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet. We’re going deeper into the jungles and mountains and cities for longer. We are going to GIVE ourselves to God to the fullest and LIVE the abundant life HE died so that we can have. Sure it may look different, and my not involved being comfortable every day, but the day you sit on the edge of a mountain whispering the Gospel to a thankful monk, and you see life come into his eyes, or you see a young Muslim friend understand the beauty of the ONE and ONLY God’s ultimate sacrifice (korban)for all sin through Jesus, or feed a hungry child, or help a ministry raise orphans meant for sex slavery grow into mature honorable Christian men and women, or travel thousands of miles to be brought to ONE person the Lord has heard praying, then you’ll realize what ABUNDANT LIFE really means.

What about you? Is the VAPOR of life evaporating with you still unsatisfied. Well, I am about to tell you the secret to abundant life. Here it is: If you want to find it, lay it down. In love for God and Others. You’ll find it. I promise. I promise. Lay it down. Lay it down. Whatever you know the Lord has put on your heart to do, find and take step one. Purify your motives and go for it out of Love for God and Others.

That’s the only way the set apart life will ever be truly “SET APART” from the rest.

One last thought on this celebration of my birth. Today is totally not about me. I was created, imagined and knitted together in my mother’s womb (Psalms 139:13-16). Raised to fear God. Rescued by Christ. Called, chosen, and am being set apart all TOTALLY by GOD’S love. So with that I have ONLY one last sentence…

HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER!

P.S. If you haven’t bought the FAITH + HOPE + LOVE cd by Hillsong, go now. NOW!

Romans 10:17 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Oh it’s good to be back blogging. Over the last few weeks I have finished the rewrite of my fiction book, started production again, and planned a trip to California. It’s been wonderfully busy and FILLED with the blessings of The Lord. Honestly, I have seen a MAJOR upgrade in the effectiveness of our FAITH walk. It’s been wonderful. We have major ministry needs and the Lord is supplying them ALL! Praise His Holy Name!

SO what was the difference? What exactly can I chalk this increase to over the past month? First, and always, to the Grace of our Good God, but many people rely on His grace daily and remain at the same level.

One example is that we needed some extra money to make the move to the place that will be our home/office here in Mississippi while we are on the field. We need somewhere to put out stuff and handle all the office equipment at the same time. I remember walking outside at our old place, leaning up against Darlene’s car, and whispering, “Lord, I know you will provide. What should WE do in the meantime?”

“Start packing. I’ll make the way,” I heard in my heart (not an audible voice).
I walked inside and hit the CHECK MAIL button on my Macbook. A five hundred donation came through in between the time I walked outside and came back in! God is Good!

Another example is our printer. We have always mailed nice newsletters out to our partners once a month, but in the first five months after we arrived in the USA our income was nearly cut in half (not anymore, Praise God!). We were forced to scale back on our printing because our Laser printer died and to get it printed cost hundred of dollars without it. Well we out out a twitter message starting our need, and two days later ordered a new Color Duplex Wireless Laser printer. We sent out latest mail-out early this week. Thank God, and thank you partners for being the channel of his blessings.

Ok, one more. This one is amazing. After all was said and done we had very little money left over for administration work. We five 15% to our mission projects and partner missionaries worldwide and then from there we handle our ministry work. That day I got absolutely agitated at the bottom numbers in quickbooks. This could not be. I took fifty dollars out of our God Account and gave it in faith. Because we often leave our home and family for the sake of the Kingdom of God we qualify for the hundred fold return (Mark 10:30 ) in this life and the life to come (with persecution). We are currently standing in FAITH for $5,000 dollars per month so we can truly do the work of the ministry with all of our hearts. We will still be living by Luke Ten, with the people eating their food, but with this extra income we will be able to do larger and more projects and training sessions everywhere we go. Well a few days later (we told nobody but family what we were believe for) we received a $5000 check in the mail! That’s ONE month of our budget met! Praise God! It pushed us to stand in faith even stronger for monthly pledges from all of our partners to match that!

$5,000 per month, you are ours! God has provided all we need!

So, what was the difference. Well I know for 100^% sure what the change was. It wasn’t in the economy. It wasn’t in our clever emails. It wasn’t in my business skills or social networking. It was completely connected to my level of FEEDING MY FAITH. The people who gave told us, “We just felt the Lord put you guys on our hearts.”

Amazing.

A month ago I decided that my FAITH walk was not where it should be, so I decided to start eating. I downloaded probably fifty sermons from Keith Moore’s website and began to eat them up steadily while at the gym and at home. I ‘ate’ like a starving pig. Sometimes three sermons a day played on my iphone. Forward in Faith, True Faith, Laws of Increase, etc. I had to get more and more. As a result my faith was built up from hearing the word, my talking and actions changed, and when I gave I gave in Love and TRUE expectancy that something would indeed grow from this planted seed (2 Corinthians 9). Our numbers have grown this month to now I feel good about putting up that we have reached $2500 of our $5,000 a month goal! The one time gift put us back to where we need to be and now we are getting more and more faithful people who are being led to support us.

To be set apart requires that we train our minds to have the Faith, Hope, and Love of Christ in our lives. That comes from hearing the WORD OF GOD. Once faith is there, put a faith action with it, and watch God honor your trust in Him. Like never before the world needs us to be blessed to we can do our part in rescuing the un-reached and suffering worldwide. Today, get iTunes and get to downloading some free podcast that will help you complete the work the Lord has given YOU TO DO.

Ephesian 5:28-32
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

SORRY. NO PROOF READING TODAY!

For those of you who have wondered why I have not posted in the last week, it is because of an abnormally busy schedule. First, we moved 2 hours from our previous temporary base. Moving takes time for sure, then once you move there’s all this other stuff to do. Right now there is a small mountain of cardboard boxes sitting on back porch. The garbage runs tomorrow, better get those out. To add it it, we are doing a face-lift to the ministry; new business cards, fliers, teachings, videos, missionaries, and a new website in the works. All of that makes day 20 comes almost a week after day 19.

Regardless, I am taking the time to announce that I will be taking the day off on the 14th. Why? Because on the 14th of April three years ago I got married to the most wonderful woman, Darlene. Today we will drive a few hours to do nothing but enjoy one another. Thank God. It’s nice to take a day off, but it is difficult. It’s hard to just forget it when what you do IS a hug part of who you are. I will work hard today to stop thinking about the things the Lord has directed us to do to raise our ministry’s $5000 a month budget, or how many months SEASON 1 will take to edit, or how we can strengthen and enable our Indian and African brothers to bless their communities with the whole gospel.

I think that is one of the reasons Darlene and I go so well together. We still wake up every morning and welcome each other to the day with a morning kiss. We walk in the same direction, with the same passion in our eyes. We walk arm in arm, urging each other forward. Revolutionary Life is the result of two people with the same dream from the Lord coming together. It is amazing. I love being able to discuss the hardships of being a love revolutionary with the one I love more than anyone. She is my covenant partner. She has everything I have. She is me. I would hurt you for hurting her. Really.

In these scriptures Paul tells us that the mystery of Christ and the church is much like a husband and wife. Why? Because they are both blood covenants that require the same dedication. It’s not about comfort or feeling, it is about blood. Back in the day when two people cut a blood covenant they cut somewhere on hand or wrist and mingled blood. Some put drops of blood into a cup and drank each others. It meant that from that point on, for life, they were bound to each other in such a way that it could require all they had, even their life, if circumstance demanded it. What I mean is that if you and I were in covenant and you or your family got in trouble, I would BOUND to give and do whatever I had and could to rescue you; even if it cost my life. If you were hungry, I was to feed you. If someone you loved was in danger and you asked my help, there was no discussion – I must go. Everything I have is at your disposal at your need. Everything you have is mine. I am not my own. You are me. I am you.

Welcome to marriage. Welcome to Christianity.

The absolute worst part of some very popular doctrines out there is not the thought of God lavishing us, but that in that lavishing OUR covenant requirements are neglected. Somehow we have strayed away from New Testament Christianity and found our selves reclining in the spa of comfort while our covenant partner is beating at the door of our heart demanding our help. We feel we can ignore His cries because it’s our choice. We think, “well if I don’t help that person God is asking me to it’s no big deal; I just want get any rewards in heaven.” My friend, that is insane. Read Matthew 25. You are required to give anything and everything the Lord ask. This isn’t some get out of jail free. This is a BLOOD covenant. We have requirements. Praise God that every time we make a mistake we are not cut off, but if we turn our eyes away from everything that God loves and cares about we are breaking covenant. We are committing the most terrible offense in old cultures. The breaking of a blood handshake; ignoring the one we have given ourselves too. What does God care about?

People. Particularly those lost and suffering. If it cost all your riches, you are required. Whatever he ask. He will bless you above and beyond, but the goal is not to accumulate fuel for the end time fire, but to take his side even if it means death.

If tomorrow I found out that Darlene’s dearest friend, or family, or Darlene herself was in real danger, what kind of husband would I be to do nothing? I wouldn’t be a husband; I’d be despicable. I’d be pathetic. I would not deserve her from that point on. If she made a major mistake what kind of sad man would I be to write her off? I would never want to. I love her. She’s my covenant partner.

We could never earn our salvation. It is a gift. We aren’t thrown away every time we make a mistake or struggle with our flesh. But, once we enter covenant there ARE requirements. They do not call all of us to travel to the ends of the earth (some it does), but right where you are there are some who God loves in need.

For most people there is nothing sacred left. How did we get here? Where someone dedicating their life to us means nothing. Lord help us; Lord help me. Covenant is Sacred and should never be broken. Ever.

Today as you go about what you do, consider the blood shed for you. Consider your covenant partner. Have you ignored your sacred covenant for the sake of comfort? Think about it; I am. To be set apart for the gospel means to keep your covenant.

Thanks for reading so often. You are amazing people. Together we can change the world for good.

I’m off to kiss my wife happy anniversary. Three years; more to come.

WARNING: This is my journey of seeking the Lord and what he is doing to me. It is not about you, I’m sorry. These are honest thoughts from a heart needing God. I’m not going to be churchy or politically correct about myself and beliefs. If you are unable to deal with that, please don’t read this. Move on; it’s cool.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

- Zechariah 4:6

First off, I know it’s not day 19 of this journey, but I have decided to start numbering the post so it’s not so dang complicated figuring out what day it is. So let today be day 19, thus sayeth Dustan.

Today we moved out of one house into another. It was a great day of moving that will be followed up tomorrow. See, Darlene and I got an opportunity to get a small place in the woods near my family. We will be able to leave our things here when we head out into the mission field again this September. It’s great. Until we go we will be close to family while saving some money for our mission journey.

It’s never easy leaving family. Actually, that is an understatement. Leaving family again and again sucks. Period. There, I said it. This will be my third time leaving everything and everyone I know to go spread the Love, Hope, & Faith of Jesus Christ. Every single time has been PACKED with thick, hard, painful tears. The sobs are brutal and make your throat hurt for hours. It’s natural, not faithless. Before you judge me, you do it.

None the less, THAT MATTERS NONE. I will leave again and again because my Savior asks me to. Although I feel pain, I will not consider it sacrifice, but an honor. This is what any follower of Christ must be willing to do in order to follow Jesus. Go let the dead bury the dead, if you love father and mother more than me you can not be my disciple, pick up your cross and follow me, anyone who leaves mother, father… These aren’t just lofty ideas, they are the commands and stipulations of the Christian’s master. “Why is he so brutal?” you ask? Well it’s two reasons. 1) He loves the lost and suffering that much. You are rescued now he wants your help to rescue others. He loves them just as much as He loves you. 2) This is not the only life there is. When we really believe that this life is all there is we won’t dare follow Christ away, but when we settle in our heart the Hope we have for an eternal never-ending life the decision is not as painful.

Do we really believe in heaven?

The last time we were on our trip we slept in some of the dirtiest places. We follow Luke Ten – eat, sleep, drink what your given. The thing about that is that day one and two may seem strange, but from then on you set the atmosphere in the room and with a little of Darlene’s touch soon the most filthy places can become home. We have slept in corn shacks, in rooms with hindu idols peering into the windows, in rooms with condom stickers all over the walls, on dirt Tibetan floor with a mother yak urinating ten feet from your head, on buses, three tier six birth trains, and on the side of the road waiting for the sun to rise so we can find a bed. To us each new place and strange food is another story to tell. Like our Christmas dinner two years ago; goat brain and goat liver served happily from a wonderful Indian woman who was so excited to watch us eat the delicacy she prepared for her guest.

Mushy, but tasty.

I remember twice on our trip we were criticized. One of the criticisms came when, after a month of solid outreach in Southern India, sleeping in a room connected to a hallways full of pictures of ganesh, we visited the Taj Mahal.

“They sure look like they are having a lot of fun over there,” said the person, but not in a good way.

The other came when after getting caught in the border guard military dispute in Bangladesh, then a month witnessing in a 99% Muslim town, then dealing with a car wreck situation of some of our good Indonesian friends (God spared us! He is Good!), then a ten hour bus ride on our anniversary, overcoming some more physical attacks of sickness in Malaysia, we took some of our own money and spent four days resting and celebrating my birthday and our anniversary on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our room cost us $8 a day. It was amazing. Well, some people saw that and commented how we looked like world travelers and not missionaries.

Honestly, what more offensive thing could you say to someone who is literally, in terms of this world, putting his neck on the line to spread the Gospel. How cruel is it to demand your missionary be broke and miserable. 8 dollars? Really? Hello people; knock knock knock on your forehead. Are you that spiritually crooked and mistaken that you can not see that this is how the enemy makes people NOT follow the call. He makes the best job on planet earth (to me – I’m just sayin) look terrible because and he puts such strict demands on your missionary that they quit because they are depressed and broke.

Not this white boy. From that point on I ignored such silliness

I was told later that I should not have told people. Just go, but keep it quiet. Well that’s dishonest; one thing I am not, by the grace of God and of Momma and Daddy. I’m not going to add to the silliness. We don’t stay in five star hotels like many I know who go to foreign countries. I eat the food instead of demand they go out of their way to please me. The same man who told me not to tell people also in a round about way told me that it was my fault that some folks said those things. I scoffed.

Really I did. Why? How is it my fault?, I asked. Well, because I looked too happy out there.

I love doing what we do. Sorrrrry – no not really.

In your life my reader, you are created to do something for the good of mankind and the glory of God. It is your ‘calling’, your purpose, your mission. For me, that is missions. I am called to go to far reaching places and spread the gospel and train up other to do the same. I THRIVE when i do it. I am MADE to do it. I’m GOOD at it. I see RESULTS. I LOVE it. When we finally learned to rest in his grace (the empowerment of the heart by God to do the thing he is leading you to do), every hard moment became just another story to tell of the miracles God was going to do this time. Once we were on an boat, with a military driver, going up river to who knows where, in the middle of the dark, in the thickest jungle I’ve ever seen. We were cracking jokes. How? By his grace. It’s not our power that does that. Even watching the video freaks me out. What was I thinking? Well, I was thinking God is Leading so I will follow. What came of it was nothing short of miraculous. The truth is that we are doing what we are meant to do, a faith step at a time, and it’s working, and although there are challenges His Grace makes us smile and joke when we think someone is hiding outside of our guesthouse waiting to hurt us. HIS GRACE makes us smile when we’re homesick. His GRACE makes us turn and walk through the terminal, leaving a weeping mother and father. Even in the nastiest moments His grace is sufficient. In weakness He is stronger in us by His grace. He is our joy when things are impossible. He laughs at that word, impossible.

Why do we look so happy? Are we just joyriding? Yes, I’m riding the Joy of the Lord. If I didn’t I couldn’t handle the memories and things I’ve seen. Piles of dead bodies leaves a scar, but BY his grace I am free from scars. Through Christ, I can handle any situation, I can do ALL THINGS and so can you.

Darlene and I hear it all the time, “I could NEVER do what you guys do!” I used to say nothing, but now I HAVE to speak when someone says that.

“Yes you could. If God sent you, you could handle it and you would be good at it. It’s his Grace, not your strength. Listen friend, you are stronger than you think. There is a great strong person in you, made for a purpose, and in that purpose God’s Grace is your power!”

We moved again today. Our fortieth something time in the last two years. We are at another place with another mission, and guess what, we are thrilled…

by His Grace,

Psalms 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalms 31:3

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;

How blessed of a man I am. I truly believe it. In my short, almost 28 years, I have seen and done things most dream of their entire lives, and Darlene and I are just getting started. I wanted to take this blog entry today not to focus on my walk, nor rant about silliness, but to do the most important things and thank God for how good He has been to me. I have a wonderful family and a beautiful wife. I have been to sixteen nations in my lifetime and seen 4 of the wonders of the world. My wife and I are in love and tell each other so daily. I am truly a blessed man.

The main thing I am thankful for is that inside I am still that 16 year old kid that wondered on a pier in Pass Christian, MS and threw God my life. God caught it, rearranged it, and threw it back before my hand stopped moving. Amazing. I will NEVER forget that day. Every doubt I’ve ever had is crushed by that moment when I became new; clean. I even had a small vision about it years later. In it I was covered it in mud six inches thick- face and all. I threw the marble that represented my life, and instantly I was struck my lightening. All the mud crumbled and fell away. Then, from up and to the right a coat fell and wrapped around me. I remember as clear as it was yesterday. I stumbled back (in real life) and took a deep breath. The air went all the way down. The pressure was gone. And, as is often the case in testimony after testimony (this must be what salvation feels like, What do you think?), I felt the weight of a thousand tons lift from my shoulders.

I walked away a different boy.

Truthfully, that moment is why I do everything I do. From the books I’m writing, to the mission work, to ranting about a misrepresentation of our good God; it ALL stems from that moment. Reading about men of God like Hagin, John G. lake, or David. David was forever the boy picking out five smooth stones from the brook and declaring the Lord as his Rock just before slaying the giant. Hagin was forever the boy raised from his Death bed only to spend the rest of his life following close the one who lifted him up and teaching others to do the same. Lake was forever the boy who was deathly ill, healed, and set out to allow the same one who healed Him to heal others.

For me, I’m still sixteen; thankful; in debt forever. I am called to this, sure, but the real reason was born by the ocean, years ago when I first became sixteen. That was the moment this process of being set apart first started. Like a good cultural Chinese story, I shall serve the one who saved my life forever. His blood sealed our covenant. I am no longer mine. I make myself his servant forever. He is to be trusted. He is good.

Thank you Lord.

There is nothing like Your love
No exchange for all You gave
To be welcomed into life
So I can know the love that saves

Now forever to belong
To walk with You for all my days
Theres no greater love than this
You are the Author and the Way

This is the sound of the redeemed
Rising up to praise the King
Our hope is in You
This is the sound of the redeemed
Rising up to praise the King

Singing glorious glorious One You have saved us
Honor and Power and Praise to the Savior.
You are the Answer You are the Answer

You come with power come with fire
As we lift Your name on high
And join with all the saints to sing
In bringing Honor to the King.

We the redeemed
Hear us singing
You are Holy
You are Holy

- Hillsong: We the Redeemed -

What about you? Comment and tell me, what’s the root of your beliefs?

WARNING: This is my journey of seeking the Lord and what he is doing to me. It is not about you, I’m sorry. These are honest thoughts from a heart needing God. I’m not going to be churchy or politically correct about myself and beliefs. If you are unable to deal with that, please don’t read this. Move on; it’s cool. Also, I was warned not to speak the truth on certain subjects as some folks may not want to have anything to do with me afterward, labeling me ‘radical’. Well, I don’t believe that. I believe that there are good folks who want truth regardless of how popular it is. I don’t mind being radical if that radicalizes my love for God and Others. I welcome comments and rebuke. Help me find truth.

Acts 17:10-12

¹⁰ The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. ¹² Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

This morning I got up and headed to my beloved couch to spend a few minutes seeking the Lord before the day started. I really am useless without Him, honestly. I sat down and made the mistake of grabbing my computer before I hit my knees. For me the computer and technology can be the biggest distraction from seeking God. I know better. Even if I am going to use the computer to search the scriptures it is best if I hit my knees first. But I didn’t. Instead I went to a website to listen to a preacher. I started the sermon, set the computer aside, and set my bible in my lap.

I love my new bible. I bought it just a few months back after quite a search for the perfect one. I remember somewhere along the way I asked myself a question: ‘Why do all bibles have two columns on each page?’ I love reading books and figured it would be easier for me to read a Bible set out like a book. This thought led me to Lifeway.

“Excuse me sir, do you have any one column bibles?” I asked.

The young man looked through the entire shelf; none could be found. Agitated, I went home and searched Amazon. There were a few, but very few at this time. Well this got my mind going again. Why exactly do we have two column bibles? Who started this madness anyway? If that’s your cup of tea, drink it bountifully, but me, I was curious. A few webpages later I realized that there were two reasons for the two columns. 1) It saves money for the publishers. I get this. Psalms is poetry so each line must be set on it’s own. With two columns you can get MUCH more on fewer pages. Psalms is HUGE, but then there’s Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and most of the Prophets – all poetry. 2) Tradition. The original KJV (from my understanding) was done in two columns so naturally we have been following that ever since. That’s cool I guess. It sets the bible apart, but it also sets it in the hard to read pile.

Well those reasons were not enough for me. I wanted a one column because it just makes more sense to me. A month or so later I went back to Lifeway.

“Do you have any one column bibles?” I asked.

“Sure do! Come over here and pick out one. I like this translation because…”

I walked out a few minutes later with a new one column bible. Honestly, I LOVE it. It is much easier for me to read. But what happened in such a short time? I think the answer is deeper than this one instance. Lifeway is a business. They operate to make profit by selling worthwhile material to Christians to help them grow. That is awesome, and I have no issues with it; but that means as demand for something rises, they will order more of it. Seems to me, and I could be wrong, that there are more people than just me asking for one columns. What does this mean? It means people are asking themselves a simple question, ‘Why is it like this? Does this make sense? Why do we do it this way?’ Seems to me that people are being moved upon by the Spirit of God to seek the truth rather than tradition. I like that. Those questions are gold.

“Your blessing is connected to you being connected to the man of God!” said the voice from my laptop. “You can not be blessed and favored if you disconnect yourself from the man of God!”

My spirit did a kicking back flip. What? I know this man, a good guy, why would he say such a thing. Listen, the bible tells us to listen and obey (better translation is not to give a hard time – Hebrews 13:17) those who lead us in the church. We don’t need a bunch of rebellion running around, BUT those who would be our leaders must be the biggest servants (Matthew 23:11). If they are not they are not worthy of our following. We as ministers must lay down our lives for the sheep just like the good shepherd (John 10:11). We must wash their feet (John 13), leave our comforts for there protection and salvation (John 20:21), and protect them from sneaky deceits of men like this (Ephesians 4:11-13 – Ephesians 4:14-16). We are not to Lord over them like the system of the world (Matthew 20:25-26), but lead by serving. NEVER demanding honor (Matthew 23:8-10) (although we as Christians should give double honor to those who direct the affairs of the church [little c - local church] especially those who work HARD at preaching and teaching – 1 Timothy 5:17) but that is on us, not those to demand it.

NO ONE stands between us and God but Jesus. The veil was ripped dude (Matthew 27:51), the doors have been flung open, we now can approach God ourselves (Hebrews 4:16) because of what Jesus did. Study it out, the very fact that we can be filled with the Spirit (Acts 2) PROVES no one is between God and the believer. My favor and blessing comes from my relationship with and obedience to the great God who sent Jesus so we could be free; not to my obedience to you and your ideas. Those who serve the Lord by working in our ministry should respect and listen to me in the affairs of what we do because I’m the leader, but they will not be blessed because they are connected to me. They will be blessed because they obey God. If God tells them to work under us then they should obey. If God tells them to leave they better obey.

I am not the head of the Church. A pastor may lead a local church, but he is not the head. There is ONE head. His name is Jesus (Ephesians 5:23). Nowhere in that scripture is minister mentioned.

So why did this good man say these things? It’s because it is popular tradition these days, especially when finances are rough for many folks. It started WAY back but was revamped in the 70s when rebellion was running wild. The attempt was to curve the rebellion, but many overstepped and fell right off the edges of scripture. If the leader doesn’t serve with honor, he doesn’t deserve honor. The priest in the old testament were decked out in fancy clothes laced with jewels, but they spent all day taking those off and getting covered with blood. They stank at the end of the day from the burnt flesh and hair from administering the sacrifices for the people. Now, through Christ we don’t need someone to administer our sacrifice, but we as ministers must still be willing to get dirty for the good of those that follow us. We can’t take honor without the sacrifice, just like the Levites (Deuteronomy 18:1-2). We can’t lead people to somewhere we’ve never been. It is dishonorable to ask someone to go somewhere you are unwilling to go yourself. That is why Jesus came to us then sent us to the world. He is the ULTIMATE leader; the leader by example.

This good man said something because someone taught to Him when he was younger and someone taught it to Him when he was younger, but it is un-scriptural tradition that these days does tons of damage. This man may have a pure heart, but the next man does not perhaps, and if God leads that person who believes these things elsewhere to another part of the Church (big c – The Worldwide Body of Believers) or they stray for a while and are abused because they believed such non-sense then we have added to there hurt. To think that some might gloat at the poor souls pain. “I told them so.” Sick.

Just as I wondered why we have two columns, I think we, like those in the scripture above, had better start searching the scripture to see if these things are SO. If you can’t find it (without a missing link) in the new testament (especially Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – not to discount the rest but we only understand properly when we filter it through Jesus), then we better start asking ourselves why there are two columns.

Our blessing IS connected to our connection to THE MAN of God, JESUS. There in ONLY ONE church, with many small divisions. No one stand between you and God but Jesus.

Be careful not to get too judgmental. We all believe some lies because we have been told to. This is important, listen close. Don’t accept assumption, but love those who make them.