Anthony & Emily's Experiences

By definition, is faith even exercised if our lives are acted out in situations of certainty. Hebrews 11 defines faith as, “confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” So, what is, “stepping out in faith?” Should we all, at all times, be exemplifying this type of extreme lifestyle? Making decisions on a regular basis that ask more of us than we seemingly have the capacity for. It says that Abraham moved his family to a place he had never been because of direction from God. Incredible. I have heard that, “perfect obedience leads to perfect faith”, and that “obedience-is faith best illustrated.” That being said, what is God asking you? What is your conscience tugging at? For the rest of my life I will be working on my attitudes, and behaviors, challenging my beliefs, and questioning my mindsets. I know for certain that there are things I believe now that will not make sense 5, 10, 20 years from now, so, I leave room for truth to change what I believe. 2 Peter 1:5-9, “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Warning) But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.” Seven attributes that each could be thoroughly taught over, but the point for this is that the Bible is explicitly saying we should constantly/consistently be challenging ourselves. Whether we are developing as individuals, or increasing our faith through obedience, each day should be filled with introspection, that leads to outward obedience. GUILTY. This is not always me. There are daily choices that I make (which are good) that have become habit, and aren’t as calculated as they were eight months ago. Which, in itself is a good thing, but is that where it stops? Certainly not, where is my challenge. There is still areas that need to be changed and mindsets that are contrary to Jesus’s, so my level of urgency and challenge should be no less than it was the day I left a twelve month rehab center. Paul said, “I have not already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Sure doesn’t sound too satisfied, despite the completion of two-thirds of the New Testament.

Agenda: Look, this is a lot of explanation for a few very simple principals: 1) Our faith should be consistently taking us to uncomfortable places. 2) Our level of urgency should never diminish when it comes to character development and advancement of the gospel. These are always written as much for my criticism, as it is for your exhortation, but today hits home with a greater thud. There is conviction and I am doing my best to welcome it. I pray it is never said, “I became short-sighted,” but unfortunately my vision isn’t always that great. My Savior has saved me from much, and the least I can do is try and become a better person, or be obedient when He tells me to talk to someone. I began writing this understanding that although I have a busy life, and it is as fulfilling as it has ever been, I am relatively comfortable. I am ending this post disappointed, because I have not been obedient enough, and obedience is a pre-requisite for taking my relationship with God to the next plane.

I found out this past week that we will be going to Greece to work with Syrian refugees. It is exciting, and nerve-racking considering the circumstances, which will be filled in as they come. But, this morning, what is reverberating in my Spirit is my own effectiveness while I am there, and without a doubt I know it is contingent on my obedience-and that begins now. You see, God is the most effective solution and He has a plan to be used, but it is up to us to be obedient to that plan.

I am grateful for His direction and conviction, and by faith I put my trust in His plan, no matter what that creates. He is closer than you know.

Until next time.

Anthony

One of the most beautiful things I have seen in the body of Christ is bold, shameless eagerness that young believers get once they realize the authority and power they have, when God is on their side. In most cases, it leads to outlandish plans of million-man-march proportions, but there is nothing more refreshing. Incredible things are being accomplished across the world for the Kingdom and each began as a mustard seed. Young dreamers hear the same way as established visionaries, because the Holy Spirit is no respecter of age, or demographic, education level, even legal record, for that matter. We must encourage, not stifle innovation, for the sake of the alternative-complacency, status-quo, fear of change. All God breathed dreams have legitimacy, and He is still revealing these through inspiration, creativity, and origination, all attributes He has privileged us with. With reality as a reminder, our generation is the future leader of the Church, and He is developing those leaders right now. I pray God is piercing our hearts with His direction, and that we are listening for His guidance. The truth of the matter is, the most loud and obvious God has been in many believer’s lives was at the beginning of their pursuit of Him, and this must not be discredited. He does still speak, and He does have plans the world has never seen. God told the Prophet Habakkuk, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.”(Habakkuk 2:2,3) Record, share inspirations and visions from God, not so much for posterity as with Habakkuk’s case, but for preservation until it does happen. It goes on to say, “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”  It is a patiently, extraordinary principle that finds balance somewhere between a supernatural God, that is accomplishing impossible things in a natural world.

There is nothing like God inspired aspiration. It is the purest, most stout motivational tool I have ever experienced. It keeps me focused when vain ambitions seep through, and graciously protects my mind from old pursuits. It is the most adventurous, fulfilling thing I have ever experienced. Yet, until only recently have I actually seen myself involved with these visions of grandeur. You see, up until this point every time I had ideas of amazing feats for Christ, it was through other people. For the most part, throughout the day my internal conversations have centered around my beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and whether they line up with the Word of God. But, over the past three weeks I have been blown away by God. The conversation has shifted from an internal emphasis more towards an outward focus. I am like an irrational sports fan the first day of spring training, or two-a-days, envisioning Gatorade baths and cutting down nets. God is building on the momentum generated in Asia and it is irresistible. Life is definitely half-full and aren’t we called to be the most hopeful people. Paul said it best, “This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message.” (Colossians 1:26,27 MSG)

Until next time.

Anthony

It is difficult trying to generate enthusiasm while explaining spiritual moments that, apart from being intertwined with God, naturally seem ordinary. This is arguably the most frustrating thing I’ve encountered since pursuing God-trying to communicate what is going on in my life, coupled with ensuring the spiritual magnitude is adequately relayed. Nevertheless, the underlying implications of any situation, conversation, encounter is the most important part, because that is where God is at work. All believers have had life changing moments, where it was undeniable God’s presence was moving, and shifting things in the atmosphere, re-designing thought process’, bringing back a lifetime of memories to create a paradigm shift in our minds. Yet, these moments have caused exasperation in the believer, confusion, disappointment, even the instance when silence met a blank stare and a head dropped to the table. All the while, searching for the words to describe what just happened. Well, this is where I am about my trip to Asia.

The past 20 months has had plenty of influential, life altering moments. But when I consider this trip, and all it did to my priorities, perspectives, even value system, this had to have been the single greatest personal shift I have experienced. All my future goals and ambitions have been re-framed. The term “pursuit of happiness” has been personally re-defined. Basically, God shook my world upside down, in the best possible way. HE was loud on this trip. Opening doors that only HE could. Creating opportunities that only HE could manage. The blessings were overwhelming and felt undeserved, then, Jeremiah 29 came alive (MSG). “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. I was speechless. You see, everything I experienced while in Asia was necessary, in order for all that is mentioned above, to be changed in the way HE intended for me to be. I know God left impressions on people through us. I know people heard the name Jesus for the first time, through us. I know God impacted people through our obedience. And even though these are monumental occurrences, I feel the greatest impression left, was on me. Then revelation struck, “God is focused on me, before He is focused on people through me.” Undeniably, I am of minimal help or impact in the Kingdom, if I am not operating at the capacity HE has strategically planned for me. So, God, in His sovereign design, offered me this trip.

No one could have anticipated, expected, or even dreamt of this stuff happening the way it has, but thank God it did. I can’t imagine life like it was before. I can’t imagine missions not being apart of my life right now. Frankly, I can’t imagine doing anything else right now. But look, what I do know, and what is most importantly understood through all this rhetoric and jargon, is this-what I have experienced and encountered is available to everyone. I am not unique, and becoming a missionary is not required for God to blow you away. He is just looking for your next “yes” to Him. And it all starts with a very small, simple “yes, God.” Position of the heart.

Above all else, HE is good to us and HIS plans for us are way better than anything we could come up with.

Until next time,

Anthony

 

 

 

 

Much has gone on the past month since last writing. The lecture phase of Discipleship Training School began wrapping up, and unfortunately the latter few weeks has had its diverting moments, but as outreach approaches and I consider all that is about to transpire, it’s like adrenaline to my spirit. The culmination of twelve weeks of teaching and revelation, combined with the ever-present motivation to share what God is all about is stimulating. Over the next 63 days I am scheduled to travel 20,000 miles, visit two nations, two states, and most importantly encounter individuals I never would have had the opportunity to, had I not followed God’s direction and came to YWAM. A “Thank you” seems so inadequate to express my gratitude to all who have helped make this dream a reality. Without support and encouragement from family, friends, mentors, pastors and strangers these recent months would have been impossible. But, I’ve reached the point where training becomes application and this is what it is all about: making the Kingdom of God a reality to the nations.

The “Kingdom of God” in itself sounds like an audacious pronouncement, that surely could not be defined in a few words or singular idea, but Romans 14:17 defines the Kingdom of God as, “living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” And it goes on in the next verse to say if we choose to live a lifestyle that meets these three conditions, “you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.” This is the aim of what the Gospels are communicating to believers and it’s the first plea in the Lord’s prayer, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is Heaven.” The template for prayer Jesus gives in Matthew 6:9-13 is talking about here, now, and not “when we die, heaven or hell.” Salvation is an eternal decision, but it is also an immediate lifestyle: an existence of victory, a presence of relationship, and life of totality, it is “righteousness, peace and joy.” That is what my burden is these next few months, communicating the Kingdom. It is vital, life-changing, hearing for the first time that as Christians we do not have to wait till heaven to experience all He has for us. Psalms 34:8 says, “Come, taste and see that the Lord is good.” Right now! That is what it is all about. Jesus is the hero of this story. It is the explanation why Napoleon Bonaparte, the conqueror of civilized Europe, near the end of his life while exiled, reflected on his accomplishments and the person of Jesus said, “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I myself have founded great empires; but upon what did these creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very day millions will die for Him.” He understood one thing-that he did not understand. But fortunately, that is where we fill in the gap as believers, we link the Kingdom of our God, to the reality of our world. It is our commission.

Please be in prayer for the people of South Lousiana and East Asia. Pray specifically for open hearts and minds to the Kingdom and its principals. Holy Spirit have your way.

Until next time,

Anthony

 

 

 

 

Over the past few weeks I’ve been talking to people I haven’t seen, or heard from in the last few years. Each conversation has been amazing in its own way, despite some awkward moments, on both ends. Some of these guys I once considered “closer than family” during different periods of my life. These people know my darkest secrets, they have seen me at my worst-most shameful moments, I have used and avoided them, but they are all people I genuinely love.

The truth of the matter, is that probably 80% of the people I’ve known throughout my life haven’t seen, or heard from me in the last 2 to 3 years. People from Trinity, to Monterey, to Auburn; from soccer and sports friends, to FFA and 4-H; Lubbock to Atlanta. I really did not have many meaningful conversations during that period, because of my addiction. Well that’s over. I get that it’s different to hear from me now and it is not about getting drunk, or I am not telling you about my latest court case, but it’s better this way. There are times I’m embarrassed about instances, but I’m not ashamed of where I’ve been. Without my life going the way it has gone, I never would have brought myself to the point of total dependence on God, and I’d still be the same person I was two years ago.

I look back and see the amazing people I’ve been blessed to know. I see the unique way each has had a positive influence. The way some shaped my personality, demeanor, and confidence, while others imparted real-life wisdom and tips for no other reason than they loved me. My past, is my past, and as long as I keep viewing it with regret and remorse, then I am minimizing all Jesus has allotted to me. Right now, I’m grateful, for the diversity of influences I’ve had, for the variety of personalities that have been in my life, but above all, for God’s hand of grace that’s kept me alive through it all. It has made me who I am today, and today I am a sinner saved by grace.

This is my testimony I wrote at Shiloh back in May. This is a prophetic act. The same mercy and grace that was afforded to me is available for everyone. Claim it. Walk in it. This is why Jesus went to the cross, to restore us back to him.

Anthony.docx

June Newsletter Testimony

“And they have defeated him by the blood of the lamb and by the words of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.” Revelation 12:11

Love y’all. Until next time.

Anthony

 

“Infinite Love + Perfect Intelligence

+ Perfect Love + Infinite Intelligence

= God’s plan for my life.”

-Larry Allen

One of the biggest lies the enemy would lead us to believe is that pursuing a relationship with Jesus will prevent us from living an “exciting life”. That weekend plans, as described by Will Ferrell in the movie Old School, become the Christian norm, “Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Saturday, we’re going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don’t know, I don’t know if we’ll have enough time.” This couldn’t be further from the truth; you live a boring life, if you are boring! God wants our lives to be exciting, because His plans for us are exciting. This past weekend I heard a quote from Christian apologist and evangelist, Winkey Pratney that said, “God is looking for someone that gives Him the most bang for His buck.” That’s you, if you’ve made yourself available. Jeremiah 29:11 in The Message says, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” He designed us, God is well aware that we are creative creatures. Liam Coventry puts it this way, “We were designed, formed, fashioned and created to enjoy a life giving, life receiving, adventure filled, excitement driven, full of wonder and awe relationship with Jesus Christ.” There’s a level of bondage, if our lives have become monotonous and mundane. We’ve been given creativity and imagination, it’s what keeps our attention, what fosters hope in hopeless situations, what propels believers that have been pursuing God for 70 years. It’s impossible to exhaust God, or His plans, and each day we have the ability to make the ordinary extraordinary, if we’re plugged into the infinite God. That motivation never runs out.

“‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”‘ Isaiah 55:8

Recently, I learned that I will be traveling to East Asia for our outreach. The details have been exciting and the plans far exceed anything I would’ve came up with. But, considering it all, the best part, truly, is having the opportunity to share with people about my God-and that’s available anywhere. I am absolutely blessed to be in this position and have the opportunity to travel 8000 miles for this, but I wasn’t thrill seeking by joining YWAM. What I’ve learned is this: it’s just thrilling when you are fulfilling His will. He is faithful and will not let you down.

Blessed. Until next time.

Anthony

 

 

 

“The quickest way to enter ministry is by telling someone they have worth.”

Dean Sherman

It’s no secret that the “ruler of this world” is in every aspect of society. Literally, “(prowling) around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5).” He has free reign to influence and infiltrate anywhere he chooses. Work, school, stores, media, church, are all candidates to become a stronghold. These are sobering facts. The same as a raccoon, from its earliest intuitions and animal instincts was meant to sneak, scour, and scavenge, the god of this age knows no different. It’s a live war and he’s actively pursuing the corners of our culture, unless met by opposition.

Recently, I’ve been considering the above statement. It’s gripped me. At first glance it’s easy to dismiss as another “well thought out-mostly true-definitely couldn’t be proved inaccurate” statement that’s meant to get the congregations attention. But after mulling this over, it’s sadly accurate-for two reasons. One, it illustrates the encompassing reach Satan has on our world; two, it sheds light, more personally, convicts, the church for its lack of issuance of such an easy solution-reiteration of how the Father thinks of every individual. Satan has shaped a worldly standard of success that very few achieve, yet all are striving for. His objective is to keep the focus of the world on achieving these seemingly possible aspirations, all the while not concerned with a relationship to a God that’s not accessible. And we’ve fallen for it. Most choose an ever-changing definition of success, over what our Lord deems valuable. It’s impossible to be loved by God any more than you are, no achievement or folly can affect that. What would the world look like if everyone had revelation of that security? Which introduces a more personal issue, “why aren’t the people around me aware of this unconditional love?” Throughout my past, with no hesitation, I can see how pride has prevented me from valuing others the way God does. But, now knowing that there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8), it’s provoking that so many Christians are still struggling with self-worth. It’s a much larger issue that I don’t have all the answers for but, if I can shift somebody’s day around by reminding them how our Lord views them, then I want to be a part of that. A woman of God recently told me, “people don’t always remember what you said, but they remember how you made them feel.” It’s a simple solution to a stranglehold that is plaguing western societies.

The base director of YWAM Denver, Peter Warren, spent last week with us teaching about the “Fear of the Lord”. It was a remarkable week that stirred the pot for all of us. Something that truly took a while for my conscience to allow me to consider was the idea that there really aren’t as many absolutes in the Bible as congregations impress. That most of the Bible allows for our conscience to dictate relative truths, therefore allowing contrary convictions to both be correct. My stomach churned, yet it was brilliant.

This is what’s been going on. Until next time.

Anthony

 

 

This is what’s on my heart.

There is an overarching concept circulating amongst believers that we are always either entering, or leaving a “season” in our life.  To a degree this may be true, and undoubtedly saying this is harmless and pure in intent. Even using this rhetoric properly to distinguish periods of life can create a goal-oriented mindset and help describe what experiences we may be going through. Which is wonderful. But considering these ideas, I see how the enemy, in his inexplicable cleverness has subtly penetrated the Church and Christian culture to prevent believers from achieving all that’s available to us.

As said before, only the deceiver could have twisted such well-intentioned ideas for Christians into a dangerous mindset that prevents us from ever truly experiencing what we’re after. It’s like we’re stuck in a Pac-Man screen moving from side to side, leaving the back door only to be entering the front. I know there are “seasons” in our life that have vivid goals and expectations. But those “seasons” aren’t the composition of our life, they’re descriptions of it, nothing more. Don’t get caught in the ambiguities of life. If you need more grace to endure, grab it, “All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”(1 Cor. 10:13).  If you’re after God’s intimacy, claim it, “For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!” (Is. 54:5). Declarations like these are found throughout our Bible for every “themed season” of our life. Though it’s risky to get caught in generalities. Speaking bluntly we must stop hiding behind vague clichés; truthfully speaking I struggle with this. Easier said than done. We have victory because of the Cross, nothing we can achieve. Apart from God we lose against Satan, so rather than looking for the next process, focus on this moment. God wants us to succeed more than we want to succeed, and that success is apprehended as soon as we identify with an event that occurred two thousand years ago.

This past week we were taught by Dean Sherman, an internationally known author, speaker and teacher of 50+ years. He spoke all week on the subject of Spiritual Warfare. An interesting idea he submitted to us that I’ll leave you with: “God’s very essence is relational. As long as we maintain a healthy relationship with God, others and ourselves then defeat isn’t an option.” Satan’s powerless; the only way he enters into our lives is through broken relationships. It’s the chink in the armour he’s looking for.

Until next time. Love y’all.

Anthony

 

 

I’m honored for each person that has taken the time to visit this site. My hope and prayer is that it benefits, encourages or exhorts in some way. I don’t know exactly what the content of this will look like, but I think I have the right mindset by not having any expectation. As Oswald Chambers said, “Do not look for God to come in any particular way, just look for Him,” and that is my anticipation for this blog-that God is displayed and portrayed the way He chooses. Most of whom reading this know me personally and can corroborate that neither am I, nor do I consider myself some spiritual being, but the one thing I do boast in at this point in my life is that I am a sinner saved by grace. That’s my most treasured asset, the only thing I have going for me, and frankly if it stays that way I’ll be just fine. Paul said it best in Philippians 3, “^12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Much of what God is looking for is effort. He’ll meet you where you are, IF you are looking. My first week is over in Discipleship Training School, but a statement stood out that I’ll leave you with, “Anyone can commit, but surrendering is rare.” The reality of that statement is that surrendering is exactly what The Master is looking for.

Until next time. Thanks for stopping by.

Anthony