Carrying on from the last post, I'll explain what the two things are: "...and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." and "And I will give him the morning star." Verse 17 and 28 of chapter 2 in Revelation.
Basically, the white stone is a ticket and a reward and the morning star is another name for Jesus Christ.
FIRST off, the white stone:
According to Baker Commentary on the Bible, white stone = ticket/voting piece. "The new name on the white stone is that of being a Christian, for whom everything was made new (new covenant [Luke 22:20, 1Cor 2:25, 2Cor 3:6, Heb 8:8], new commandment [John 13:34, 1John2:8], new creature [2Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15], new man [Eph 2:15, 4:24], new heavens and new earth [2 Peter 3:13, Rev 21:1], New Jerusalem [Rev 3:12, 21:2], all things new [2 Cor 5:17, Rev 21:5]. In antiquity a white stone was used as an entrance ticket, or voting piece. Here it guarantees us entrance into God's kingdom and blessing" (pg 1205).
According to William MacDonald's Believer's Bible Commentary, "The white stone has been explained in many ways. It was a token of acquittal in a legal case. It was a symbol of victory in an athletic contest. It was an expression of welcome given by a host to his guest. It seems clear that it is a reward given by the Lord to the overcomer and expressing individual approval by Him. Alford says that the new name indicates acceptance by God and title to glory" (pg 2357).
According to MacArthur's Bible Commentary, "white stone. When an athlete won in the games, he was often given, as part of his prize, a white stone which was an admission pass to the winner's celebration afterwards. This may picture the moment when the overcomer will receive his ticket to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. new name. A personal message from Christ tot he ones He loves, which serves as their admission pass into eternal glory. It is so personal that only the person who receives it will know what it is" (pg 1997-1998).
SECOND, the morning star:
In all of the commentary's that I've read, they've all said that the morning star in this case means Jesus Christ. You can find what they have to say in the same pages i have already given you for the topic of the white stone.
The one thing that made go "eh." to that is the fact that in the beginning of speaking to that church leading up to the verse containing "morning star" (i'm looking at verse 18 if u'd like to follow along.) It clearly says, "These are the words of the Son of God..." and I thought, "why would Jesus say, 'I will aslo give him Christ' when it's already Him? Why couldn't He just say, 'I will give him Me'?"
So it made me think that the word "morning star" must have meant something else; i was confused. BUT remember the Trinity? A term for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Remembering them as one, verse 18-28 is different. Even though in verse 18 says, "These are the words of the Son of God..." it could also take in the form of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit because they are one and the same (haha i learned that from ENLI :) when we talked about the Holy Spirit [which Dave suggested that we recommend the course to everyone!! PLEASE TAKE ENLI!!! IT'S A BLAST AND U LEARN A LOT!!].
Anyway, i'm done for today. Maybe next time, I'll go over Rev. 3?? But then again, i want to talk about the animals in ch. 4 (along with Ezekiel and Daniel...it's amazing how everything in the Bible ties together and talks about the same thing but written from different times and in different books of the Bible ^.^)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
"The mystery of the seven stars...and of the seven golden lampstands." Rev 1:20
So i've been reading Rev. 2 over and over and over again. What really gets to me is how holy God is and how imperfect I am. Read the chapter before you read more into my entry.
The first church he talks to vs 1-7 is where you see that the seven lampstands He stands in the midst of are the seven churches He talks to. Granted, you are given the representation in the last verse of ch 1. But it's very intriguing to me that all the verses in the Bible coorelate to each other in every way! Why? Because they all point to God :) See the connection in vs 5? "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
Another thing that really interests me is that each introduction and conclusion are different for each church. To the 1st, intro: these are the words of him who holds the 7 stars in his right hand and walks among the 7 golden lampstands. conc: I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
To the 2nd, intro: these are the words of him who is the first and the last, who died and came to life again. conc: will not be hurt at all by the second death (meaning heaven).
To the 3rd, intro: these are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. conc: I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. (more on this white stone later)
To the 4th, intro: these are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. conc: I will give authority over the nations - he will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery - just as i have received authority from my father. I will also give him the morning star. (more on the morning star later)
There are three more, but that's covered in ch. 3. Now in between each intro and conclusion are different likes and dislikes that God has with each church. in the 1st, He didn't like how they forgot Him (vs 4). in the 2nd, He was basically encouraging them to have more faith in the midst of "...the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." (vs 9). in the 3rd, He didn't like the teachings of Nicolaitians that some of them had (vs 14-15). In the 4th, He didn't like how they tolerate Jezebel (vs 20).
Now look at the church (body of Christians/congregation) in general in America alone. Are there churches that have lost their first love - God? Are there churches in the midst of hypocrites? Are there churches that hold on to idols or sexual immorality? Are there churches that tolerate men and women who call themselves prophets and prophetess' but aren't? The answer to all these is yes.
Judgment is severe for God is just, but He is also love so repent and He will forgive. Revival is needed...enough said.
The first church he talks to vs 1-7 is where you see that the seven lampstands He stands in the midst of are the seven churches He talks to. Granted, you are given the representation in the last verse of ch 1. But it's very intriguing to me that all the verses in the Bible coorelate to each other in every way! Why? Because they all point to God :) See the connection in vs 5? "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
Another thing that really interests me is that each introduction and conclusion are different for each church. To the 1st, intro: these are the words of him who holds the 7 stars in his right hand and walks among the 7 golden lampstands. conc: I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
To the 2nd, intro: these are the words of him who is the first and the last, who died and came to life again. conc: will not be hurt at all by the second death (meaning heaven).
To the 3rd, intro: these are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. conc: I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. (more on this white stone later)
To the 4th, intro: these are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. conc: I will give authority over the nations - he will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery - just as i have received authority from my father. I will also give him the morning star. (more on the morning star later)
There are three more, but that's covered in ch. 3. Now in between each intro and conclusion are different likes and dislikes that God has with each church. in the 1st, He didn't like how they forgot Him (vs 4). in the 2nd, He was basically encouraging them to have more faith in the midst of "...the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." (vs 9). in the 3rd, He didn't like the teachings of Nicolaitians that some of them had (vs 14-15). In the 4th, He didn't like how they tolerate Jezebel (vs 20).
Now look at the church (body of Christians/congregation) in general in America alone. Are there churches that have lost their first love - God? Are there churches in the midst of hypocrites? Are there churches that hold on to idols or sexual immorality? Are there churches that tolerate men and women who call themselves prophets and prophetess' but aren't? The answer to all these is yes.
Judgment is severe for God is just, but He is also love so repent and He will forgive. Revival is needed...enough said.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Fire In His Eyes
If there's one thing that i desire from God, it's simply this: to see His eyes for just 5 minutes without being blinded permenantly.
Dude, you know how CRAZY that'd be??!! Reading Revelations 1 is just mind blowing! The part that describe His eyes as fire. I was trying to look at the sun a few days ago trying to contemplate what it'd be like to see Him eye to eye. Man, I had to lower my head in less than a minute! And to think that it was a star that I had to lower my gaze from! Wow, how fast would I drop if I were to gaze in God's eyes?? That's too much!!
I know that if I were to have the priviledge and the honor to see His eyes for even 1 minute, I'd be blinded within 2 seconds alone, but to just think...if my eyes were to not get scorched or damaged in any way, what would it be like to look at His eyes for 5 minutes? What would I learn? What would He tell me in the eye communication - the unheard conversation? You know what? Now that I think about it, I'd probably be that one dude and be dumbfounded for not just a few days, but for many years.
Now I have some understanding of the disciple's actions when Jesus said, "Follow me." They automatically dropped their nets and followed them. Even in human form, His human eyes radiated spiritual fire!
You know, for just 5 minutes of looking into His eyes, i'd be willing to give up my sight for life. I'm positive that having that experience will allow me to get in tune with tons of things about God, but when i think about it..it would really be a mere scratch-on-the-surface of the mystery of Him even with that amazing experience if i were to have it experienced. He's so mysterious that even your most amazing experience/insight of Him is just an outer-range of who He really is; He's just that deep.
Thinking about His eyes...the fire within...and to know that His eyes burn for us? Us unworthy, but valuable in His eyes?...man, that's too much. I'm gonna stop before I go crazy. I feel like i've been repeating the same thing over and over >.<
Dude, you know how CRAZY that'd be??!! Reading Revelations 1 is just mind blowing! The part that describe His eyes as fire. I was trying to look at the sun a few days ago trying to contemplate what it'd be like to see Him eye to eye. Man, I had to lower my head in less than a minute! And to think that it was a star that I had to lower my gaze from! Wow, how fast would I drop if I were to gaze in God's eyes?? That's too much!!
I know that if I were to have the priviledge and the honor to see His eyes for even 1 minute, I'd be blinded within 2 seconds alone, but to just think...if my eyes were to not get scorched or damaged in any way, what would it be like to look at His eyes for 5 minutes? What would I learn? What would He tell me in the eye communication - the unheard conversation? You know what? Now that I think about it, I'd probably be that one dude and be dumbfounded for not just a few days, but for many years.
Now I have some understanding of the disciple's actions when Jesus said, "Follow me." They automatically dropped their nets and followed them. Even in human form, His human eyes radiated spiritual fire!
You know, for just 5 minutes of looking into His eyes, i'd be willing to give up my sight for life. I'm positive that having that experience will allow me to get in tune with tons of things about God, but when i think about it..it would really be a mere scratch-on-the-surface of the mystery of Him even with that amazing experience if i were to have it experienced. He's so mysterious that even your most amazing experience/insight of Him is just an outer-range of who He really is; He's just that deep.
Thinking about His eyes...the fire within...and to know that His eyes burn for us? Us unworthy, but valuable in His eyes?...man, that's too much. I'm gonna stop before I go crazy. I feel like i've been repeating the same thing over and over >.<
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Art of War
There I am, a Christian, standing in the midst of a spiritual war. I am placed in an army fighting in the land of FSU. Knowledge flows of what was, what is, and what is to come. The alarm must be made. My King commands me to sound the alarm! I look around while i stand in oglesby union. There's no one there, but wait! I see...a figure walking towards me. The scales on my eyes and the deafness of my ears are removed and I saw the person now clear. I am tramatized; the outer shell is dead. The face expression..there was none, but I see it's soul trying desperately to escape it's fate. The soul was consumed by black flames; it's screams were of screams of agony and torment. The flames of Hell.
The soul's hand reached out to me; it was looking at me while the outer shell was looking forward with a dead gaze. I know and understand the reason of the hand. I have something that can save the soul from it's hell. I have the Remedy and the Life; it is my King that is within me that can save it from destruction it goes to. The student walked passed and my gaze followed; still the soul tried to reach out to me while screaming extremely loud. I turned back because i heard more noise. They were the noise of useless chatter made by the outer shells of a big crowd. I realized this is the battlefield. These were the students of FSU. As their outer shells talked with dead faces, their souls screamed and reached out trying to escape their bodies. In the midst of the crowd were soldiers of my army. I knew because their souls were in comfort and were not in flames and did not try to escape, but I felt discomforted because while in the midst of the souls screaming, they did not speak nor fight. They have lost the art of war - the strategy that can end the despair around FSU. What is the art of war? What is the strategy? It is the declaration of Jesus Christ; the sharing of the gospel. Our Lord and King is the only Art of war and the only Strategy. As He declares, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" My King did not declare, "I am a Way, a Truth, and a Life."
Who am I? I represent all Christians who are awake and this is what I see.
Yea so this is a vision that i had a while back. During the time of when Ross and OneThing talked about apathy and how we need to wake up from our slumber. In the vision, it wasn't me that was the main character, but it was a Christian who was spiritually awake and saw the unseen things that Paul was talking about. I saw in the perspective of that Christian so I don't know exactly who it was..it could and might even be you. Who knows? But I think the point of it was...well it's already self-explanatory..basically be alert b/c you're fighting for the King and it's up to us to fight for Him. Why? B/c we're soldiers and He entrusted us to do His will. Even though the apathy words from speakers are passed, i tied it up with the series at ENCM: The Art of War.
The soul's hand reached out to me; it was looking at me while the outer shell was looking forward with a dead gaze. I know and understand the reason of the hand. I have something that can save the soul from it's hell. I have the Remedy and the Life; it is my King that is within me that can save it from destruction it goes to. The student walked passed and my gaze followed; still the soul tried to reach out to me while screaming extremely loud. I turned back because i heard more noise. They were the noise of useless chatter made by the outer shells of a big crowd. I realized this is the battlefield. These were the students of FSU. As their outer shells talked with dead faces, their souls screamed and reached out trying to escape their bodies. In the midst of the crowd were soldiers of my army. I knew because their souls were in comfort and were not in flames and did not try to escape, but I felt discomforted because while in the midst of the souls screaming, they did not speak nor fight. They have lost the art of war - the strategy that can end the despair around FSU. What is the art of war? What is the strategy? It is the declaration of Jesus Christ; the sharing of the gospel. Our Lord and King is the only Art of war and the only Strategy. As He declares, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" My King did not declare, "I am a Way, a Truth, and a Life."
Who am I? I represent all Christians who are awake and this is what I see.
Yea so this is a vision that i had a while back. During the time of when Ross and OneThing talked about apathy and how we need to wake up from our slumber. In the vision, it wasn't me that was the main character, but it was a Christian who was spiritually awake and saw the unseen things that Paul was talking about. I saw in the perspective of that Christian so I don't know exactly who it was..it could and might even be you. Who knows? But I think the point of it was...well it's already self-explanatory..basically be alert b/c you're fighting for the King and it's up to us to fight for Him. Why? B/c we're soldiers and He entrusted us to do His will. Even though the apathy words from speakers are passed, i tied it up with the series at ENCM: The Art of War.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Who am I?
As u see in my first blog, i like to write. What else about me? Well, i love God and want to grow more in Him. I'm in the process of growing and recently, i've found my calling and it's a long story, but it's amazing. So shall i start my summary of my life in these recent days?
A while before the year (Fall 08) started, I've been getting attracted to full-time ministry. I've been teaching middle school to high school girls when i was a sophmore here at FSU. I didn't think i was worthy and I didn't really think i'd be good enough, but after a while i got to love it and I still love it and don't regret it. I became a student leader at FSU ENCM and started co-leading in a lifegroup of women from FSU. Then I became confident about my calling into full-time ministry after a time process of just talking to God, fasting, and prayer and that's when the trouble began :)
I told my parents and they refused with no explanation. Just a simple, "No." My mom said, "No, I know what God told me. You're not supposed to be that. Why can't you just be normal? Just go to church. You can do ministry when you're a doctor. You don't have to travel the world to be in ministry. If you want to be in ministry, you should be a doctor or something."My father agreed with just a simple, "No." They believe that i'm just passionate because i'm at this age. "Trust me, I know."
So that made me sad and I felt hindered from doing what I'm supposed to be doing and I hated the idea of not doing this calling because I felt I had no purpose then. There is absolutely nothing because God would definately curse me for disobeying Him. So what happened after that was me feeling like i was in jail and i wanted to get out so bad because i was held against my will. I told God that I would forsake my family for Him and it was hard. God knew that I held my family close to my heart and that was the ultimate test He could ever give me. "Family or Me?" He challenged. I surrendered with tears. And then I went to Campus Harvest. I just went expecting to get confirmation. At campus harvest the first night was when someone shared the verse of where the disciples were unshackled and the jail doors opened by the earthquake and I immediatley felt my roof of my family completely shatter if there was any left over after I told God that I'd surrender and walk away from my family. It's completely gone by this point.
Anyway, I had a dream during this tough time. The dream: I walked out of my parent's house and started jogging down the neighborhood with tears and then the scene changed to me running full speed on a highway and it was POURING down rain and at this point i was crying my heart out the tears of sorrow, but at the same time I felt extremely happy in my heart. I rested under a bridge and looked out the rain and smiled.
My roommate, Lauren, interpreted the dream when i shared my dream with her. She explained: Once i take that initial step from my parents, i'd run headstrong. It's guaranteed that i'd face tons of hard times (that's what the pouring rain symbolized), but i'd still keep running and there will be times when God will give me bridges along the way to rest and smile with Him when I look back and see how far I'll go for Him.
I've been led to an internship called Engage. It's an internship in London hosted by Every Nation London and it's a 9 month internship that concentrates in all kinds of ministry. Each week or month or so, we do one ministry and then go into another. It's goal is for you to determine if this is your calling. I'll be applying September 2009 after I graduate Spring 09. Goal: $18,000.
I e-mailed my parents telling them that I don't care what they say; i'm gonna go because God is calling me and I can't ignore Him. They told me to come home and so I went back home in Ocala to see my parents a week before my spring break. My dad gave me a private talk and told me that they're still not too happy about it, but the bottom line is that they'll agree. I'm telling you, that made me extremely thankful and grateful to God. Once you surrender to Him, He'll bless you right back. Once I gave up my family, it seemed like in an instant He blessed me with a family. Now don't get me wrong, I can't guarantee immediate blessing from God here on earth if you surrender all to Him, but I promise you that He sees and He'll give you reward in Heaven when the time comes and you have fought the fight and ran the race II Timothy 4:7 :)
My dad told me that their main issue is money. This reminds me, I got Answering the Call by Ron Lewis and I got more confirmation through reading it. It's SO GOOD!! Anyway, when i heard my parent's issue about money for me, i understand their point of view, but i was like "Psh, money? Man, if God blesses me with my family, what's paper got to do with God? He can do anything!" So i'm not really worried about money, but i totally understand that it'll be hard but you know what? I don't care. It's what He wants me to do and He'll provide.
When I came back to Tallahassee, I went to IHOP and prayed to God for more confirmation after I prayed a prayer of thanks dealing with my family situation for a long time. I prayed about their issue with money and I asked Him to provide and for Him to confirm this calling that I already know is meant for me. I have no doubt. As soon as I stopped praying and walked out, my friend came up to me and pledged $1000 to me saying that I was meant to go to the internship that I'd like to go to. She shared with me her testimony of how God led her to pledge to me and I started crying. I went back and prayed thank you over and over.
I kept praying for confirmation and a while later, another confirmation came. My other friend gave me a check of $100. I never told him about it, but he said that he heard from the Grapevine and that was enough for me. Again, I prayed a prayer of thanks. God is good ALL the time!!
I soon got to talking with Ron Lewis to thank him for writing Answering the Call. He asked for updates and I told everything that's happened in summary form and it was just fantastic! And then I get an e-mail from him wanting my address to give me a check. And I just got it in the mail today.
My parents are supporting me of $4,000. I'm still amazed at the change of heart, but what can I say? I have a Father who can do all things. God is good all the time...even during the times when you don't see it.
I'm just giving you a quick summary of all the major things that's happened, but by no means have i listed all the bumps and hills during this journey so far. There's been a lot of trials and i know it's gonna get tougher as I grow, but with blessings as well. I tell you it's tough, but what fuels me is the vision of me slapping God in the face if I were to ignore this call. Instead of kneeling at the feet of Him who sits on the throne right now, i'd be standing up in defiance and slap Him in blasphemy if i were to do something/anything else. He must be feared!! And trust me, you don't want to fight Him at any cost and in any situation! Think about it: He can kill you the next time you even lie! Acts 5:1-11
That's how powerful He is. He must be feared. He is Just and at the same time Love.
A while before the year (Fall 08) started, I've been getting attracted to full-time ministry. I've been teaching middle school to high school girls when i was a sophmore here at FSU. I didn't think i was worthy and I didn't really think i'd be good enough, but after a while i got to love it and I still love it and don't regret it. I became a student leader at FSU ENCM and started co-leading in a lifegroup of women from FSU. Then I became confident about my calling into full-time ministry after a time process of just talking to God, fasting, and prayer and that's when the trouble began :)
I told my parents and they refused with no explanation. Just a simple, "No." My mom said, "No, I know what God told me. You're not supposed to be that. Why can't you just be normal? Just go to church. You can do ministry when you're a doctor. You don't have to travel the world to be in ministry. If you want to be in ministry, you should be a doctor or something."My father agreed with just a simple, "No." They believe that i'm just passionate because i'm at this age. "Trust me, I know."
So that made me sad and I felt hindered from doing what I'm supposed to be doing and I hated the idea of not doing this calling because I felt I had no purpose then. There is absolutely nothing because God would definately curse me for disobeying Him. So what happened after that was me feeling like i was in jail and i wanted to get out so bad because i was held against my will. I told God that I would forsake my family for Him and it was hard. God knew that I held my family close to my heart and that was the ultimate test He could ever give me. "Family or Me?" He challenged. I surrendered with tears. And then I went to Campus Harvest. I just went expecting to get confirmation. At campus harvest the first night was when someone shared the verse of where the disciples were unshackled and the jail doors opened by the earthquake and I immediatley felt my roof of my family completely shatter if there was any left over after I told God that I'd surrender and walk away from my family. It's completely gone by this point.
Anyway, I had a dream during this tough time. The dream: I walked out of my parent's house and started jogging down the neighborhood with tears and then the scene changed to me running full speed on a highway and it was POURING down rain and at this point i was crying my heart out the tears of sorrow, but at the same time I felt extremely happy in my heart. I rested under a bridge and looked out the rain and smiled.
My roommate, Lauren, interpreted the dream when i shared my dream with her. She explained: Once i take that initial step from my parents, i'd run headstrong. It's guaranteed that i'd face tons of hard times (that's what the pouring rain symbolized), but i'd still keep running and there will be times when God will give me bridges along the way to rest and smile with Him when I look back and see how far I'll go for Him.
I've been led to an internship called Engage. It's an internship in London hosted by Every Nation London and it's a 9 month internship that concentrates in all kinds of ministry. Each week or month or so, we do one ministry and then go into another. It's goal is for you to determine if this is your calling. I'll be applying September 2009 after I graduate Spring 09. Goal: $18,000.
I e-mailed my parents telling them that I don't care what they say; i'm gonna go because God is calling me and I can't ignore Him. They told me to come home and so I went back home in Ocala to see my parents a week before my spring break. My dad gave me a private talk and told me that they're still not too happy about it, but the bottom line is that they'll agree. I'm telling you, that made me extremely thankful and grateful to God. Once you surrender to Him, He'll bless you right back. Once I gave up my family, it seemed like in an instant He blessed me with a family. Now don't get me wrong, I can't guarantee immediate blessing from God here on earth if you surrender all to Him, but I promise you that He sees and He'll give you reward in Heaven when the time comes and you have fought the fight and ran the race II Timothy 4:7 :)
My dad told me that their main issue is money. This reminds me, I got Answering the Call by Ron Lewis and I got more confirmation through reading it. It's SO GOOD!! Anyway, when i heard my parent's issue about money for me, i understand their point of view, but i was like "Psh, money? Man, if God blesses me with my family, what's paper got to do with God? He can do anything!" So i'm not really worried about money, but i totally understand that it'll be hard but you know what? I don't care. It's what He wants me to do and He'll provide.
When I came back to Tallahassee, I went to IHOP and prayed to God for more confirmation after I prayed a prayer of thanks dealing with my family situation for a long time. I prayed about their issue with money and I asked Him to provide and for Him to confirm this calling that I already know is meant for me. I have no doubt. As soon as I stopped praying and walked out, my friend came up to me and pledged $1000 to me saying that I was meant to go to the internship that I'd like to go to. She shared with me her testimony of how God led her to pledge to me and I started crying. I went back and prayed thank you over and over.
I kept praying for confirmation and a while later, another confirmation came. My other friend gave me a check of $100. I never told him about it, but he said that he heard from the Grapevine and that was enough for me. Again, I prayed a prayer of thanks. God is good ALL the time!!
I soon got to talking with Ron Lewis to thank him for writing Answering the Call. He asked for updates and I told everything that's happened in summary form and it was just fantastic! And then I get an e-mail from him wanting my address to give me a check. And I just got it in the mail today.
My parents are supporting me of $4,000. I'm still amazed at the change of heart, but what can I say? I have a Father who can do all things. God is good all the time...even during the times when you don't see it.
I'm just giving you a quick summary of all the major things that's happened, but by no means have i listed all the bumps and hills during this journey so far. There's been a lot of trials and i know it's gonna get tougher as I grow, but with blessings as well. I tell you it's tough, but what fuels me is the vision of me slapping God in the face if I were to ignore this call. Instead of kneeling at the feet of Him who sits on the throne right now, i'd be standing up in defiance and slap Him in blasphemy if i were to do something/anything else. He must be feared!! And trust me, you don't want to fight Him at any cost and in any situation! Think about it: He can kill you the next time you even lie! Acts 5:1-11
That's how powerful He is. He must be feared. He is Just and at the same time Love.
The War for Souls
Some know, but i am in the process of writing something very personal. This is the prologue of my story. A VERY ROUGH rough draft. This is just some of the stuff that i blurted out..didn't get a chance to revise revise revise it. It's completely shady compared to the clear cut vision i have in my head, but i'm sure when i revise it to at least into a rough draft, it'll be somewhat even more clear. Anyway, this is just an outline of the prologue. I'd share with you what the story is about, but i think i'll save that for my second post...but for now, enjoy the beginning of the beginning :)
Prologue:
My Beloved, awake…
Awake..
A whisper blew by my ear. Confused a voice with the wind I do not know. Physical damages; flesh cut deep, but burning alive within. Feeling came to the tip of my fingers and I felt the earth – wet, grained-like, and weak against my fingertips. Smell came through to my nostrils and I began to breathe slowly and deeply – the smell of the earth matched the soil I felt with my fingers. I now felt my cheek upon the hard earth; I have been laying here awhile. Awake, awake, O Sleeper…
The eyelids of mine lifted. Darkness became light and I began to see the world around me. It changeth not from before. The earth my feet stood upon was of dark color and what was upon my feet was the color of silver armor tainted. Yes, I was in the midst of war with the Great Illusionist and his minions. My head lifted and my hands pressed against the earth in the effort of lifting myself up. I could breathe not. As I tried to stand, the dead weight of my leg carried me back to the earth.
“This injures me not!” I cried.
The warmth of my blood ran down my injured leg, but the fiery heat of my blade burned for my hand – it calls out to me! I reached for the heat and grasped tightly at the ready handle. With one sharp painful grunt, I gave my all to thrust my blade into the earth. By doing so, the ground turned to rock. With my fainting strength, I lifted myself off the ground and tried to stand. My sword stood ready at my hand and calmed my fall as it punctured the earth even deeper. I finally decided to sit down and examine the damage.
My eyes lied upon my wounds and found the source of my pain. The damage has been done by the many flaming arrows and the attacks of all the demons that have no agenda other than to dethrone my King. I grabbed hold of the handle of my sword and transformed my weight to my sword as I forced myself to stand. The pain from my body made my lips utter the words that only pain could utter.
As soon as I lifted my head, my enemy stood before me. I lifted my shield and immediately held my sword upright forgetting my pain. With my breath heavy and my body burning, I walked around in a circle with my enemy. His eyes were filled with hatred as he glared at me. A beautiful angel to any naked eye, but beware for he was the Great Illusionist. His powers consisted of seduction and his purpose was none other than to destroy. He can seduce thee by promises of what thy heart deeply desired and corrupt thee all from the start of thine mind. Evil words he spoke; destruction he sought.
I stood firm upon the Rock on which I stood. He circled around me with hateful eyes. His aura offered fear and false riches, but none I shall take for my King is the One I serve. His beautiful figure turned to what he truly was – an evil sight.
“Join me~.” He whispered.
Anger spurned within as I replied, “My service thou canst seek; it belongs to another.”
“Can thou defeat my fire?!”
I held my sword as a threat towards my enemy and shouted, “Can thou defeat Mine?”
Prologue:
My Beloved, awake…
Awake..
A whisper blew by my ear. Confused a voice with the wind I do not know. Physical damages; flesh cut deep, but burning alive within. Feeling came to the tip of my fingers and I felt the earth – wet, grained-like, and weak against my fingertips. Smell came through to my nostrils and I began to breathe slowly and deeply – the smell of the earth matched the soil I felt with my fingers. I now felt my cheek upon the hard earth; I have been laying here awhile. Awake, awake, O Sleeper…
The eyelids of mine lifted. Darkness became light and I began to see the world around me. It changeth not from before. The earth my feet stood upon was of dark color and what was upon my feet was the color of silver armor tainted. Yes, I was in the midst of war with the Great Illusionist and his minions. My head lifted and my hands pressed against the earth in the effort of lifting myself up. I could breathe not. As I tried to stand, the dead weight of my leg carried me back to the earth.
“This injures me not!” I cried.
The warmth of my blood ran down my injured leg, but the fiery heat of my blade burned for my hand – it calls out to me! I reached for the heat and grasped tightly at the ready handle. With one sharp painful grunt, I gave my all to thrust my blade into the earth. By doing so, the ground turned to rock. With my fainting strength, I lifted myself off the ground and tried to stand. My sword stood ready at my hand and calmed my fall as it punctured the earth even deeper. I finally decided to sit down and examine the damage.
My eyes lied upon my wounds and found the source of my pain. The damage has been done by the many flaming arrows and the attacks of all the demons that have no agenda other than to dethrone my King. I grabbed hold of the handle of my sword and transformed my weight to my sword as I forced myself to stand. The pain from my body made my lips utter the words that only pain could utter.
As soon as I lifted my head, my enemy stood before me. I lifted my shield and immediately held my sword upright forgetting my pain. With my breath heavy and my body burning, I walked around in a circle with my enemy. His eyes were filled with hatred as he glared at me. A beautiful angel to any naked eye, but beware for he was the Great Illusionist. His powers consisted of seduction and his purpose was none other than to destroy. He can seduce thee by promises of what thy heart deeply desired and corrupt thee all from the start of thine mind. Evil words he spoke; destruction he sought.
I stood firm upon the Rock on which I stood. He circled around me with hateful eyes. His aura offered fear and false riches, but none I shall take for my King is the One I serve. His beautiful figure turned to what he truly was – an evil sight.
“Join me~.” He whispered.
Anger spurned within as I replied, “My service thou canst seek; it belongs to another.”
“Can thou defeat my fire?!”
I held my sword as a threat towards my enemy and shouted, “Can thou defeat Mine?”
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