Revolution: "a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving."

In 2008, I have made up my mind….I will no longer be content with writing New Year's resolutions. For me, resolutions have always been ineffective. I can't recall a time when I carried out, over an extended period of time, any New Year's resolution.

This year, I am determined to make "drastic and far-reaching changes" in the way I think and behave. Especially when it comes to sharing the wonderful message of Jesus Christ.

Allow me to share several examples of the incredible things that have taken place since New Year's Eve. 

Let's go back to Saturday, December 29. I was driving around Knoxville searching for a open field where my dog could enjoy some exercise. After driving twenty minutes, I noticed a (Weslayen/ Methodist) church, that appeared to have plenty of acreage.

As I drove into the driveway, I saw a car pull in behind me. In case this person was nervous about me being parked in the back of their church, I thought it would be best to introduce myself. As I walked up to the vehicle, I noticed that the man inside was Spanish. I was somewhat concerned that I would not be able to explain to him what I was doing on his property. Much to my surprise, this man was the pastor of the church, and he spoke a fair amount of English.

Pastor Funes wanted to talk about the Lord, and I felt that this meeting was not by coincidence. At the end of our conversation, he asked me to preach their New Year's Eve service. Pastor Funes is an incredible pastor, with a heart toward God!  He is so passionate about the work of God! 

Fast forward to New Year's Eve…we went to the NLDM (New Life Deliverance Ministries) youth service. What an fantastic group! We talked with them about purpose and how that purpose, by definition, was the end of a thing, and not the beginning.  Finally, we encouraged them to fulfill God's purpose in their lives, and take their walk with God to the next level in 2008. 

We headed back to our trailer, to get ready for service, when Pastor Tharp called and said we needed to get to the church right away. During another New Year's Eve party, the group began discussing worship, which led into a discussion of baptism. Before long, 6 people had been baptized in Jesus' name and 7 had received the Holy Ghost!!!  What a party!!

We raced to Pastor Funes' church. The incredible worship was led by a passionate group of young men, (Obed, Angel David, Felipe, Guirremo, and Israel), and the presence of the Lord quickly flooded the sanctuary. It's true…even with a language barrier, the presence of God is undeniable!

I preached with an interpreter. (Alisha did a fantastic job!) The church responded to the presence of God and by the time the clock struck midnight, people all over the sanctuary were speaking in tongues, and worshipping the Lord! 

What an incredible New Year's Eve!  

On New Year's Day, we enjoyed a visit from Jarrod and Kathy Brunelle. Jarrod and I grew up one block from each other. We laughed about old times and shared stories of where God had brought us from. This couple really loves the Lord, and is open to going deeper with God.  

Jarrod spent several years in and out of prison, addicted to cocaine, and many other substances and vices.  However, in one of our recent conversations, he told me that God delieveed him from the drug use, as well as nicotine!  This is incredible, as he has smoked since we were kids!

Kathy is a nurse in Alabama, and is an incredible balance for Jarrod.  she loves the Lord, and is a very sweet lady.  We really enjoyed our time together with them, and look forward to the future.  

As we sat in Starbucks, we began to talk about water baptism. Jarrod and Kathy had been baptized another way and realized the importance of being re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. 

Jarrod stopped me and said "I want my sins forgotten. Can we do this now?" His wife responded, "I want to be baptized too." Thrilled with what God was doing, we went back to the church and baptized both of them in the name of Jesus!!

What a New Year…and it's just beginning!

Take that Devil!!!