Why Am I Thirsty?

It's a good question, don't you think?As humans we have a few different systems running together in our bodies that make up something we call life. Without our digestive system, we would not survive. The same is true with our nervous system and our reproductive system - well, maybe we could survive, without the latter - ah never mind.

Today's Holy Week verse is I am thirsty. John 19:28.

Our human bodies have drives and instincts that respond to all sorts of stimuli as well as an ongoing chemical analysis going on in our body. We have the drive to eat, to drink, to reproduce, and instincts, senses and emotions that drive us to what it is that we do as humans.

The good news is that we, unlike any other animal, have an other system, another dimension which we call spirit. There is the unredeemed version we call evil, and the redeemed version that most evangelicals refer to as "saved." I confess, I don't really know how God's Spirit co-mingles with our spirit, but I know when it happened.

Thirst, even the thirst which Jesus had on the cross, is often analogous for spiritual thirst. As a longtime Christian, for me, it's sort a worn out analogy. I want something more, something deeper, something meaningful.

There are many symbols for the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Psalms refers to the "deep calling deep." (Psalm 42:7) There are terms for rivers (Matthew 3:16) and rivers of living water (John 7:38) and water so deep we can measure it by another cubit. (Ezekiel 47) So?


But isn't there more? Isn't there something deeper to our thirst than just another sermon, another worship tune, and another Easter service?



I don' think we thirst for more of God, or a deeper understanding of Jesus. If that were the case, more Christians would be flocking to church and more of them would be asking less questions about his existence, moral character and his ability to do things like heal.

WHAT IS THAT WE ACTUALLY THIRST FOR?

As Christians it's easy to be like the Israelites and demand water from a rock. Demanding things from God won't work. Why? Because what we thirst for is PURPOSE. Each one of us has a God-given purpose and destiny. Our choices bring us closer to it or farther away; at the very least, they keep it at bay.

Today as you ponder the crucifixion of Jesus, and again on Sunday morning as you celebrate His resurrection, ask Him to give you a drink of His especially designed purpose in your life - to take a drink of your destiny in Christ. For you to be in the Kingdom of God here on earth, "like it is in Heaven!"

Isn't that what you are thirsty for, to know the will of God for you family, your job, and flow with that? You want to know where God is going, right? The good news is that, like a cold beer on a hot day, he is never stingy.

If I Could, I Would Leave Right Now!

This week, the faithful and varied Kingdom Bloggers will be writing again. I would add, that I have not written here for quite some time, so it's nice to pop in on one of my favorite subjects, missions! 

This week, we'll be answering a hypothetical question: If you went for 6 months, what country would you go on a mission to? Some of our answers may be based on dreams and hopes, and others, such as mine, will be based on previous experience.

I am choosing Brazil!

The classic version of missions has been to spread the church and the Kingdom of God in heathen nations; to go where Christianity wasn't and bring it there. Brazil still has Indians in the Amazon region, there are Aborigines in the Outback of Australia, and other, often tribal peoples, scattered at various places around the globe. And then there are those that live in entire nations which are closed to Americans.

I didn't always have a heart for missions. They sounded awful, and it seemed, people made so little progress when the money and time could be better spent at home. All of that changed one day. I was at a meeting and the minister said "I see planes flying here and flying there. I see that God has given you a heart for the nations." Although I didn't care for uncomfortable conditions in a country where I didn't speak the language, oddly; it resonated in my spirit.


Later that year I was leaving a church service at the Salvation Army. A friend of mine was preaching that evening. It was a very small group, less than 10. There was a drunk woman, a Brazilian. The pastor wanted to help her, so he sent one of the men at the meeting down the street to see if there was someone at the Brazilian church who could interpret.

As I was leaving, the man came back with a pastor from the Brazilian church. I decided to stick around to see what was going on. Before I left I spoke to Carlos, and we became great friends. Not only did we preach and teach in the US, but I traveled with him 3 times to Brazil.

Why do I like to be in Brazil? It is the very thing that God has made me for. When I am there, I am free to participate in meetings, do street evangelism, and most of all fellowship with a wonderful culture and people.

Most importantly, it is where I God and I connect as we partner to build the Kingdom of God.

God Said It, and it Freaked Me Out!

The difference between the truth of God and revelation is very simple. Truth is where God’s been. Revelation is where God is. ~Tommy Tenney, The God Chasers

This week on Kingdom Bloggers we’re going to find out where God is. We’re no longer going to camp on a past move of God (as good as they are to remember and reflect) but we are going to hear current testimonies of what God is doing now. Kicking off the week is David Johndrow. Since he left Kingdom Bloggers as a weekly contributor, he’s been on an adventure with God. Enjoy the update.

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What would you do if God showed up and gave you a list of things to do, then added to that a few statements about where you are in life, and how much He loves you?

Well that is what happened to me in 1994, and again in 1998 - it all freaked me out! Prophecy freaks me out because it always speaks to the impossible in my life. God will often go after forgotten dreams and undisclosed prayers.

Last November, while I was in California, I received a prophetic word from a young lady (14-years-old) about the acceleration of things that I have been puttering around in the Kingdom with for decades - my space shuttle was about to take off! That's pretty exciting because I have been a part-time minister/missionary on-and-off for many decades. It freaked me out because I didn't see how God could possibly turn my disorganized and busy life into something that he could use.

I also received words from Joyce and another from Linda. Spot on ladies!

Sometime last fall I left Kingdom Bloggers behind (as well my own blog: Fire & Grace and a music CD I was working on) as the Lord asked me to . That is what I heard in prayer. It was tough, I love to play guitar and write blogs about Jesus! He told me through those exercising the gift of prophecy that I would be busy - this was the year - this is the time - the was my time...

For those that don't know me, I started something called the 5-Fold School of Ministry at my church last January. The most recent class only had about a dozen folks from my congregation, and 5 times that many with other Christians from the New England/New York region.  It is one of the things that is accelerating. Last year we held 3 schools (well I had a heart attack between schools 1 and 2), and this year it will be 8 at my church, and a few in other locations - nations actually.

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite facets of Kingdom living (besides study and worship) is to lay hands on others and see what God does. Some Christians like to teach or preach, others like to play worship, some enjoy kids ministry, some pray a lot and others dance; me, I like to pray for the sick, and prophesy. Sure, I preach and even know how to clean a toilet, but the laying on of hands is awesome. Why? Because God always gives me something personal, and important for others to hear; it's one of my gifts.

I met a new group of Christians while I was at Bethel Church in November 2011. One of them is fast becoming a good friend. His name is Dan Roberts, the pastor of Life International Church in London, Ontario.  A few weeks ago he and I taught and ministered for 3 sessions at the school, and then we were invited to a home church named Place of His Presence. There, 50 hungry people, and the Spirit of God poured out through two very unlikely men met: me and Dan.

Me and Dan Roberts from LIC in London, ON

Our little meeting went on for 4 and half hours! After about an hour in, we asked people to leave whenever they needed to; they stayed. And they called friends and family to come and receive from God. The meeting got bigger!


God what are you doing!?! I thought I was going to do a little 20-30 minute teaching about the Apostolic Church. Their little worship team brought down the glory with this song by Robin Mark. The presence of Holy Spirit was so amazing, so sweet, so indescribable... one woman drove to the meeting and said that she saw demons at bay outside the house. I am glad she waited to tell us about it until a few days later!

Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I am going to be in London, ON in a few weeks - well after I get to Florida and meet up with some other folks that the Lord put me together with at Bethel. The little school is growing. We now have a bank account, a part-time bookkeeper, a part-time AV guy, a web site, and a growing list of teachers and guests. WOW!

With all the excitement and opportunities for larger venues, I still love doing the little home churches. That is how I got my start with the Brazilians 13 years ago. It gives me the chance to really flow, and to be close to the transformations in an intimate setting.

Ministry for me is not a vocation, not a job, not something I do, it is a way of life. I am always on duty.

Life in the Kingdom is never about offerings, or big names - in fact I love to promote others. There is nothing more exciting than taking a new convert, or a believer who is new to the things of the Spirit and letting them lay  hands on others. God always does amazing things! Always.

The good news is that you can do what I do. If you need help learning, grab a couple of dozen friends and let's get together. I am never too busy to go where God is opening a door.

It's hard to end a blog like this. I am so excited about all that God is doing. I don't believe the climax of the story has come yet! It is more of an introduction to the things that lie ahead.

I guess for now, you can follow me on Twitter for the rest of the story. Love and blessings to my friends here at Kingdom Bloggers, and to the new additions my departure made room for!

Flying Here and Flying There...

There are lots of ways to view Christian Missions. I left a church a few weeks ago and there was a sign on the way out of the parking lot "Entering the Mission Field!"

In November it will have been 12 years since I went on my first mission trip to Brazil.

In April of 1999 I met a Brazilian pastor in Hyannis, MA. He is now my good friend Carlos. You can read some of that story HERE. Through him many doors were opened for me to minister in his community both here and abroad. He was my faithful interpreter and has seen me through the good times and the bad times.

The real story of Brazil starts in January 1997. I received this prophecy from a gentleman named Denny Cramer.

"I will give you a heart for nations as well, says the Lord. And you will travel from coast to coast. And you will learn what I am doing upon the earth. You’ll pick up this truth and that truth. I see you going to several major conferences. I see several airline tickets being purchased. I see you getting on a plane-- flying here, flying there, flying here, flying there."

Regardless of how you feel about spiritual gifts, let me tell this was all very exciting; yet bewildering. After all, I am afraid of heights, I don't like flying and had a fear of being in a country where I don't speak the language. It rocked my complacent, little, religious world.

Not long after I met Carlos, he introduced me to a couple of other Brazilians, in particular; one named named Lessak. Pastor Lessak did not speak English at all; therefore, all of our conversations were translated. He was convinced that the power of God was not something you could actually experience - just something to have faith in. He told me me, God was not going to knock him down, and no minister was going to push him either. Though falling in the spirit is not an essential Christian experience, I had seen it happen one quite a few occasions over the years. He stood there and challenged God like Gary Sinise atop the mast of the shrimp boat, in the movie Forrest Gump.

He readied himself like a linebacker before the call to "set." So I gently touched two fingers to his forehead and simply asked Holy Spirit to come. The power of God came like a shotgun to challenge his beliefs.

As he lay on the floor across the room he began to prophesy in English-- "Dav- i - G (the sound of my name in with a heavy accent) will be a minister on our team in Brazil. He will come with us to Brazil."

Wow! Ummm I mean, thanks but no thanks. I like it right here in the good ole' US of A. Carlos was trying to make sure that I knew what he was saying. I heard him loud and clear in English. Carlos assured me that he did not know any English.

The word of God is like fire in your bones. PS Lessak's words resonated in my spirit, but I was scared, Brazil was really unknown - well except for all that bad things on the news. What was going to happen to me in a foreign land? What if it was too hard, or something happened to me? What if I was imprisoned or got sick? How would I pay for it? What if I couldn't get the time off from work? What if...

The wheels of the Kingdom began turning. Not too long after, I decided I would go to Brazil, though I had some real concerns. Making the decision was hard - it was way, way, way out of my comfort zone.

After I had a chance to minister in a couple of dozen Brazilian churches here in the states, I started to become comfortable with the culture and the language. I had a few friends - and well, it didn't seem so unbelievable after all. I thought: "If I am with Carlos, and Lessak, I can trust them." The what-ifs seemed to lessen a little...

Carlos set up an itinerary for me in three cities in southern Brazil.

Funding the trip was going to be a problem - and I sort of felt that if God would pay for it, then I should really go (that was my out). The two Brazilians and I went to the beach and prayed for about an hour. We prayed about it on a number of other occasions too.

In the midst of all this, I was asked to participate on the ministry team of a Refresh conference, through a friend. In the process, one of my teammates wrote me check for $1000. That was enough to buy tickets for me, and help the others.

One obstacle down.

I also needed to get time off from work, so I went to the owner of my company. He needed me there, so 21 days was going to be significant. But he gave me the time off with pay!

Two down!

The next step was to get a passport. I thought this would be easy, but it wasn't. Check out Part II.

Yesterday I had coffee with the neighbor across the street. He is a Brazilian and we had a wonderful talk about his country. You know, maybe I will get a new passport.

To know him is to…really want to write a book or two.

I’ve not read any of the post here this week for a reason because you see, we’re roasting my good friend David Johndrow on Kingdom Bloggers this week, and I didn’t want to taint what I have to say…

And I have a lot to say!

I met David in the blogosphere in 2009. He first commented on my personal blog at Tony C Today on January 8th of 2009 on a post about the futility of atheism. Apparently, it was part of some kind of New Years Resolution he’d made about attracting more readers to his own blog at Fire and Grace. He must have read an article or book or something…anyway it worked, and we started a relationship of mutual snarky comment remarks that's lasted to this very day.

Now he’s taking a God-led hiatus, and quite honestly, I have mixed feelings. Paul talks a lot about this in his Epistles. Exactly now where do I go with my sarcastic comments motivated by the flesh?! Don’t get me wrong…I absolutely love Joyce, Tracy and Andrea, but my southern heritage along with my former officer and a gentleman indoctrination via the USMC (oorah!) practically forbid me make snarky comments on their blog post. Hey…call it sexist if you like…but you just can’t make a coconut cream pie with apples!

So I don’t know where I’ll sarcastically remark now that you’re quitting David. Guess I’ll go unload on Appling over at the Church of No People and get lost in 700 or so remarks he generates with each post. My apologies for the Comment envy Matt…

Anyway, mutual comments lead to a Facebook friendship which lead to telephone calls and text messages which lead to praying together and for each other…and before you know it…there’s virtual holy kisses of greetings going on all over the place! Thanks to DJ, I clearly understand that’s scriptural now.  I believe you’re onto something Joyce with your doctorate dissertation hypothesis about social media connections.

David and I are very much kindred souls despite the Mason/Dixon line that separates us. We’re both married WAY up, love Jesus first and foremost, both have three daughters and look or have looked like a Hollywood celebrity. Come on! Look how much Johndrow looks like James Woods! They’re practically twins!



So what celebrity do I look like? Depends on where we are in my timeline…



Or…



You can stop laughing now…

Seriously, I love my friend David Johndrow who has helped me be a better light for Jesus. Through his words of encouragement, dissection and analysis of the Word, and love he shares with so many others, David is following in the very footprints left by our greatest teacher and Savior. I know in my heart that he is following where being lead…and that too is yet another lesson to be noted by all of us.

God bless your mission in His name my friend. Mwah!

Pieces & Phrases

When I think of David the following pieces of thoughts and phrases come to my mind:

• All consuming passion
• Fire in the belly
• Sarcastic and funny
• Prophetic words

These are the things most David to me.

The passion that burns strong in David, that drives him to seek God and His work above all else, calls out to the spark in my own soul, and stirs it up. Watching David continue through the hard times, through rejection, and times when life didn't make sense, has provided me with a picture of what the Spirit's fire in a person produces. Getting to enjoy a laugh or two, and a different perspective, all curtsey of David; well, it just makes life more fun. David's helped me learn what an asset a real prophet can be to Kingdom Living, and caused me to question those religious ideas I've lived most of my life around.

I'm grateful that I met David in the blogoshere, and that I've had the honor of getting to write alongside him here at Kingdom Bloggers. I'm excited about all the doors God is opening for David and I look forward to hearing more about all God's blessing to, and through, David.

Blessings & Honour

Joyce Lighari, co-writer on Kingdom Bloggers is completing a dissertation and is conducting research to answer the question: can Facebook build Christian community? I don’t know if Facebook, in particular, builds Christian community but I know that Christian community can be built and strengthened on the internet simply through virtual association.

The reason I’m certain is because that’s how I met David, and subsequently the other Kingdom writers.

I’m fairly new to the blogging world (about a year) and somehow I stumbled upon Matt Appling’s blog, The Church of No People. Like most blog readers, I stalked the site reading the posts and comments. What I noticed that David was among of the first few to [almost] always make a comment, and I liked what he said. So much so, that I began to read his blog, Fire & Grace, every week.

I commented on his blog and we started a mutual (I think) respect for each other’s views. One thing lead to another and bidda-bang, bidda-boom - we’re running off to be married – just kidding. That’s not even remotely true (I’m checking to see if people actually read the posts).

This is Google image #6 for David Johndrow.

Seriously, I’ve never met David personally but I can say with certainty that he is a man of God, chasing after God’s own heart. David honours his wife and his family; he honours his church and ministry. David has a heart for revival and empowering the church to live and be ready for the harvest. David is a prophet and a teacher, and a good one at that. His ability to teach Biblical concepts in short blog posts is what impressed me most.

When he announced to the other Kingdom writers that he was taking a hiatus from blogging, I wasn’t surprised. God is opening opportunities for David and David is following them – exactly as he should.

I want to bless and honour David for his vision and contribution to Kingdom Bloggers and I want to release him to move forward in what God is doing through him. David has impacted me and I know I’m not the only one. I’m honoured that David suggested I take a lead role for Kingdom Bloggers; it’s been his vision and letting go can be bittersweet, no matter the reason. David may guest post occasionally, so I look forward to hearing from him when that happens.

David admitted that he isn’t a ‘words of affirmation’ guy, so even though he doesn’t need to hear it, scripture says that if we honour a prophet in the name of a prophet, we receive a prophet’s reward. So really, this isn’t about David at all, I just want my reward.

David, I leave you with one verse, Philippians 1:6, being confident of this, the he who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Blessings, my friend.

From Glory to Glory

Wow - hard to believe I've been contributing to this blog for almost two years now - I came on in December of 2008 - my first blog KB blog is here.

It was David who reminded me of how many words have been spoken over my writing a book. I still haven't written it... but that's another story.  However, David believed in what God had spoken long before I did.  He encouraged me to write.  And I have.

A picture David took (stole it from his website) of me praying in Norway.
Unfortunately, he's not in the picture though... good times!

I never thought that of all the people that we went to Norway with in 2002 that David and I would be the ones who remained connected.  I don't know if he is still connected with anyone else from that trip - other than our leader and his wife, I know I'm not connected with anyone.  Even that connection is very superficial - life does move on.

Ahhh, Norway.  What a trip that was - so many things to say, so many memories.  All of them good!  except maybe looking at pickled herring at breakfast.  You'd think I'd be used to that growing up in a Norwegian home.

I'm sad.  I'm really sad that David is moving on.  Oh, I know we'll stay connected.  But somehow, change, even when it is for something good, is something that makes us sad.  God has kept His hand on David - forming, molding him, changing him, and now releasing him into greater things in God.  For that I rejoice with him.

I know you'll miss him too.  I think today of a verse that seems appropriate for those of us carrying on with KB:  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6 NIV).  God used David (and Tony and David T) to start this good work - He'll complete it... As David moves on to greater things in God, my prayer for him is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18 And David, who with unveiled faces reflects the Lord's glory, continually being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (Paraphrase mine :)


From Glory to Glory David - 

The End of One Season Always Leads to the Beginning of the Next

Family Photo With Required Goofy Expression

One day Dave T, Tony C. and I were on a 3-way call. I was sitting in the parking lot of McDonald's (I have since been asked to stay off the property - more in a in a bit). It was the beginning of Kingdom Bloggers in October of 2009. Our vision was to tell personal stories about how we engaged the Kingdom of God. HERE is my first post. We weren't really teaching, but giving testimonies about our doubts, our fears, our favorite verses, and the predicaments that we found ourselves in where God showed his faithfulness - even ones where we heard his voice. If you look back over the years of posts, you'll get to know a lot about the virtual church here at KB and the people in it. Our Christian lives are not theory, not about what we know, and certainly not about being perfect (I'd like to cite Tony C. as an example) but how we live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ on a day-to-day basis.

What's all this season stuff about? Well, Kingdom Bloggers is not going away anytime soon!

David, however; is taking a new direction in his walk with Christ - no I am not going to become a Buddhist or a recluse, praying night and day, I am being promoted. The Lord has called me to some other areas of the Kingdom which have been on my heart for many, many years. Like any good web site, no one wants to read all the fine print, so here are some FAQs:

Q. Are you leaving KB because of some un-named incident?

A. No, in fact, I have already been asking God that when I die, I get to live on the same street in Heaven as Tony, Joyce, Dave, Michelle, Stephanie, Tracy and Andrea. I did ask that Tony be at the end of the street - I heard he snores. I love these folks and they have been powerful in my life, very powerful. In fact it is easier to get them to pray then some of the folks I have come across at the local church. I'm just sayin'!

I have often taught, you train people to take your place in the Kingdom; you model it, you encourage it, and when they step into their destiny, you can be promoted. Tony, Tracy, Joyce and Andrea have become seasoned and committed bloggers. You can count on them to be consistent, thoughtful, sensitive to the Spirit, heart-felt, and best of all: real. Those are the qualities of great Christian Bloggers; it's not about visitors, page views and popularity.

Q. Are you quitting blogging?

A. Mostly, yes.I have been writing blogs since 2005, and there are now over 1000 of them floating about the Internet. I am sure you haven't read them all. In addition to my weekly contribution on KB, I have written personal blogs on Fire & Grace, and recently posted a few wise cracking blogs about weight loss on MyFitnessPal.com.

Q. What will you be doing with your extra few hours a week?

A. It's a good question. I am devoting more time to teaching and ministry (conferences), which; is a great honor, privilege and joy. I had a prophetic word about returning to my second love (ministry over a year ago), it is just time. I have written a second book which is out for editing (the first one is free online HERE). I hope to publish it as soon as I can afford to do so.

On a personal level, I am taking care of my health, my marriage, and my family. The heart trauma put stress on every area of my life. I now get up and run 2 miles pretty much everyday, and have dinner with my family every night. It's all good - we'll be just fine.

I will be posting on KB as I have time. This is a great crew and a wonderful expression of the Kingdom of God!

Q. How can I find out all that is going on with David?

A. You can follow me on Twitter DSJohndrow or Fire & Grace, that is the best way. I am going to be writing 140 character blogs on a regular basis to update those who care about my work in the Kingdom, the progress of my new book, and probably what I had for dinner - I often post grill pictures! Facebook is a good option too- but that is more about posting pictures of my family with goofy expressions.

Q. Will you miss blogging?

A. Of course I will, but what I loved about it the most was the people, not the words. Please stay in touch, and be blessed. As soon as the Lord gives me a street address in Heaven, I will be sure to post it. Until then, you can find me at FireAndGrace.com.

Q. Is there anything else?

A. Yes, the teaching and ministry requires travel, and I could use your prayer support. A couple of people asked if they could give financially, and the answer is yes. I need a plane ticket for late October. Let me know if you want to be part of what is happening!

Is That You?

This week's round of Kingdom Bloggers is over at Abundant Life!

Get ready to hear personal stories from the Kingdom Bloggers about how God speaks to us. They are as personal as our relationship with the Lord; no pattern, no formula, no cut and dried, sure fire way to know that it is God. However; as His sheep, we have grown accustom to hearing his voice.

Here is what happened to me:

Read More...

Before, During and After the Fall

Every year I make a trek to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and one to Cape Cod, MA. As a life-long New Englander, although fall brings and end to summer, there is something wonderful about the crisp morning air.

The week the roaming Kingdom Bloggers are writing about fall over on Sounds of Hope. As residents of the northern hemisphere, the warm days of summer are coming to a close; air conditioners switched off, fans packed in the attic, and days beckoning a walk among the hardwoods, yes, fall is nearly upon us.

Read More....

The Key to the Christian Life!

One morning I woke up after a dream. I had this feeling that I had learned the key to life, to Utopian happiness. As I searched the dream, I couldn't remember what it was. How disappointed I was that morning. I went to the kitchen and made my self a bowl of Cheerios. I searched my memory all day long - even today I wonder what was it that I dreamed that day. I really can't explain it.

This week the Kingdom Bloggers are going to write about a facet of Christianity that they are most passionate about. Each of us comes from a different background, and walks with God in a personal way; the defining moments we wrote about last week are the building blocks of our lives.

Whenever I speak with Christians, whether they are new to the game, or long-timers like myself, there are always a few things that I am passionate about. Sure there are loads of important Christian things we need to do: prayer, Bible reading/study, church attendance are all good; they are. Priorities are good: God, spouse, children, work, ministry, and hobbies/sports, they are essential for allowing God to manifest himself in our lives.

If you are a reader of Fire & Grace, you know that I am passionate about the 5-Fold ministries Paul wrote about in Ephesians 4:11. You would also know that as much as I hate labels, I am Charismatic embracing the spiritual gifts, miracle healing, prophecy, the casting out of demons and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. You would also know that I think growing up as disciples, and spreading the Good News is an awesome responsibility!

Of course, I am most passionate about my Savior, Jesus!

There is, however; one more thing that I want every believer to know about. It is the very revelation that changed my Christian walk. In fact, it changed my life more than my own salvation experience. One day I was wrapping up worship rehearsal, and I asked the leader why we couldn't play a certain song? He replied, "because I don't feel that God wants us to." Before I could continue in my confusion - I mean I didn't ask to play a Black Sabbath tune - he continued: "David, we walk by faith. We can't just do things that sound Christian, but only those things that God is actually leading us to do."

I was actually stunned, because it was the difference between logically applying a Scripture, and hearing God, and being obedient to that.

Certainly there are a million Scriptures we could act upon at any given moment. For example, we meet a co-worker with a need for salvation at the coffee machine. We know they are lost, and they don't. The question is do we dump Romans Road on them, or is God up to something else?

I once met a guy that felt strongly about preaching the gospel to his new next door neighbor. He said, "I heard God ask me to do it." He would regularly engage the neighbor doing lawn work, or picking up the mail at the curbside box. The neighbor was often heading out for a run about the same time he was getting the newspaper from the sidewalk. "Why don't you come running." his neighbor joked seeing him in his bathrobe and headed down the sidewalk.

This man finally started running at a gym in private to build up his strength. One morning instead of getting the newspaper, he showed up in his running shorts, and surprised his neighbor. They ran together for two years just about every morning. Finally, the neighbors were over for a backyard BBQ and the couple came to the Lord.

About 6 months later his neighbor's home was invaded; his running mate was murdered, and his wife sexually assaulted. I know, I can't even imagine all the dynamics. I just remember this man saying, "I am just so grateful that God led me to love my neighbor in a way that he recognized was God. If I had been too busy to hear God, or had some sort of religious agenda, I doubt this would have turned out the way it did."

I still think abut that testimony when I need to know what to do about work, home, or even what to say to folks I meet in my day-to-day. If I can hear God, and walk by faith, I will always know what to do next in my walk. Sure, hearing God is not easy, but I believe that he wants to speak to us. Of course He does that in many different ways, but my favorite is hearing His still small voice. Over the years, I have learned to trust it (and yes, I have been wrong). However; I expect to hear from him now, and as I look back over my life since that day I was packing up my guitar after worship practice, I know that God spoke to me through the worship leader.

How about you, how does God speak to you?

Why Do I Do What I Do?

One day I sat down at my computer; it was a fall day in 1998. To my surprise my friend Holy Spirit came powerfully upon me. For a few minutes I was completely engulfed by the presence of God. At the end I felt inspired to write about the Wedding in Cana. I began to type an email, and when I was done I sent it to about a dozen friends from church.

This week the Kingdom Bloggers are going to talk about why they blog, their motivations and the need that it fills. As Christians, God speaks to each one of us differently, and he also gives us gifts for expressing the voice within.

The story behind my blogging is far more than a good idea that popped into my mind one day. Even though God creates a destiny for us before we are knit together in our mothers womb, I wasn't aware of his plan for me to write until a Saturday morning back in January of 1998. I was attending a conference in Connecticut with some pretty well known speakers, neither of which I had ever heard of at the time.

I sat a table during a leadership breakfast, and listened to Denny Cramer minister prophetic words over leaders from the church where this conference was being held. First, I don't know how I got in the meeting, but I was invited. Second, I was here only on the recommendation of a friend; I didin't have a clue. Third, I was not a leader anywhere, nor was I participating in any ministries at my own church. And finally, I sat there and wondered what God would say to me through this man, if I even was chosen to receive a word.

Then, as I was finishing a fork full of scrambled eggs, I felt his hand on my shoulder. He began "Son there was a time"...

There was a number of important things in the word he gave me about leadership, missions and prophetic ministry. What was most intriguing was this line: "and God says you will write, write, write!"

I was skeptical, but those words burned in my spirit. I listened to the recording over and over... there was just something about it that I can't explain. I also wondered if God knew that I had failed English and reading 9 out of 12 grades? Didn't He know that I had a form of dyslexia? I thought maybe he had the wrong guy... but the words burned in my heart.

Not too many months later I began to write THAT email. A friend liked it so much that he sent me about 100 email addresses for my list. As a web designer I set up a site entitled Time After Time and people from around world signed up for my daily messages - that's right, daily. I wrote 500 eamils in less than two years time.  My list was 30,000 readers from 81 countries. Some of my emails were pretty rough, but one of my readers was a journalist and taught me some basic grammar skills. My mother, an English teacher and grammarian at Yale, bought me a copy of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. I tried to learn.

I am still not much of a writer, but God doesn't really care about my vocabulary and grammar... He just don't!

After my divorce in 2000 I stopped writing the daily emails, and other than some teachings for our church newsletter, I didn't really write again until I started blogging in 2006. I decided to mess around with some political rants, and then one day I decided that I wanted to write a book about me and Jesus. I thought the blog would give me a way to tell some of my stories of faith. I thought that eventually I would have enough material for a book. It worked. I penned a book entitled From Darkness to Light - The life of a bumbling Christian and his God. It is out for a second round of proof reading as I type these words. I have found a great editor, and when I can come up with the $800 to pay him, I also think I have a publisher that will take me on - I think - I pray - I feel like it's in my destiny.

My blogging was a chance to write about my frustration in the church, my love of family, some funny adventures I have had, moments in life that were meaningful to me, as well as a chance to have an opinion about politics and other subjects that interest me. At this point I have written about 1000 blogs in 5 years time. I used to be pretty religious about asking God what to write about, now I just go with whatever is happening. However; far more importantly, I get to write about my life with Jesus, my testimony and honestly, when I write those blogs, I could care less if anyone reads them, they build my faith.

Since my heart trauma in April I have had a hard time feeling ambitious about much of anything... in fact I am taking on guest bloggers over at Fire & Grace to keep a steady flow of blogs. If you are interested, just let me know, and maybe you can have a slot!

The Recipe of My Life - Building Blocks To Individualism

Some Days I am a Lot of Things!

Dr. Phil wrote a cool book entitled "Defining Moments" or something like that. I heard him hawking it on his show. It was all about the 7 or 8 experiences in life that really define us, the significant ones make us who we are. And with a spiritual twist, that is what each one of the Kingdom Bloggers will be writing about this week.

I suppose that if I was to go back through my life I would find some experiences that defined who I was; well when I first met Jesus. I was abused kid from a broken home. I ended up with a drug and alcohol problem (I kept running out!). I had certain talents and likes that shaped some of my decisions: art, hockey, and music. I still like all of them nearly 50 years later. There were activities that I did with my family, or because someone in it enjoyed, so I joined in. Many of those I don't do anymore. Especially camping!

I have an average intelligence with and aptitude for mechanics and logic. It comes in pretty handy as a software engineer. My love language is "time together" and I love kids, especially girls. Both are required skills for navigating the sea of progesterone at the Johndrow' house!

This topic is about moments, but in July of 1978 I crossed the river that separates light from darkness. That moment, the perspective of my addiction, the abuse, even my own talents changed so dramatically, some of the guys from high school don't believe what they see in me 35 years later. Jesus will do that to you. He can take those moments of pain and agony, the ones filled with hopelessness and despair, and poof, they are healed and meaningless.

Don't get me wrong, I still have stuff, but I have piled on years and years of blessings which far outweighs the good old days.

My life is most easily defined by the risks (steps of faith) I have been willing to take. Jesus says go here, and when I do, amazing things begin to happen. I am going to talk about those, and leave some horror stories of my alcoholism and insane family life on the blogs in which I have already written about them. HERE is one on my alcoholism. HERE is one about my dad - a difficult relationship until he was finally saved.

So, in chronological order this is a list of my defining spiritual moments. Each title is linked to the full story!

-1 Salvation: This was pretty amazing, and so powerful I wept every time I talked about it, and sometimes I still do! I was sent off to an Alateen conference, and there, I went from being an atheist to a believer. It took some time, but it certainly took deep roots.
-2 Baptism of the Holy Spirit: I thought I had it all and then God opened up a faucet from heaven. David began to understand the Scripture "Rivers of Living Water will flow from your belly." (John 7:38) All I can say is that I went from passionate, to ON FIRE for Jesus. It was the doorway to releasing my spiritual gifts, a deeper relationship with Jesus, and eyes that opened to the spiritual realms.
-3 My Complete Overhaul: I went to a Marilyn Hickey "Save the Family Encounter" in 1994. Wow! All I can say is that I was not the same when I came back. Healing, encouragement, impartation - wow!
-4 Ken Sill's Prophecy: In 1994 I went to see a career counselor who was also a Christian. He gave me all the standard tests, and some of his own. In the end we prayed and the Lord told him to tell me to buy a Macintosh computer and the software Photoshop in 1994. It opened the door for me to be in business during the DOT COM boom, and I am still happily coding even today!
-5 Denny Cramer's Prophecy: over me in January of 1998 regarding writing, mission and prophesying. I had not had any significant experiences with prophetic people until this day in January of 1998. Hi words about writing, about missions, and about prophesying were amazing, wonderful and seemingly far fetched.... until they began to happen.
-6 My first mission trip to Brazil: I cannot describe what it is like to get on a plane in the US and land in a country where you do not know that language. Until it happened, I did not have a paradigm for it. It was as life changing as being Born Again for me. I love to do short term missions, and I am waiting for the next opportunity.
-7 Marriage: What can one say about the spouse who changed their life; all for the better!
-8 God leading me to Faith Worship Center: In 2010 I came to the end of a three-and-half-year journey in the desert. There 10 years of revelation, hope and anointing were released! So often it is easy t see the desert as a place of death. For this with spiritual eye, there is life everywhere.

How about you, can you tell us about one defining spiritual "ah ha"?

So You Want to Go to Church? - The Church at Boston

The worship leader rips a sweet and emotional guitar solo reminiscent of Santana. The presence of God gently wraps itself around me...

This week the motley crew, better know as the Kingdom Bloggers, are going to write about their church, worship style and things that are meaningful to them about the corporate gathering. Some of us are regular members, and others are on a mission to find a new form of fellowship - but we all look to regular gatherings of believers.

I would call myself a God chaser; I don't care about denominations, worship styles or any other religious trappings. In a nutshell: I'm a caffeine fueled reformer, a believer in Christ, a bit radical, a lot non-conformist, definitely a sushi-eating, rock music loving warrior of the King. For those reasons, I engage God in a variety of ways which may be different than the average believer. I confess, I am not very social at church, although I do enjoy people. Worship for me is time to get alone with God - seems strange to me too.

So what's it like where I fellowship on a regular basis? First, I don't know if 200 people is a big church, or a small church. I have belonged to home-churches as well as larger churches - maybe 750 members. We don't have mega-churches in New England, so I have only attended services at a couple; one is Connecticut and one in Florida.

I went on the men's retreat with the guy who is the greeter at the door. I look forward to a hug or two in the lobby (no holy kisses - but this is New England!). I get there early because I never know how long the service is going to be. Some Sundays it is an hour or so, others 2 or more. Hopefully is depends on God. (1 Cor 14) Because I have an hours drive, I pray as I listen to soaking music. When I run out of words, I just let the spirit say whatever it wants too. I am pretty pumped by the time I get there.

I often get to hear the worship team practice, say hello to whoever is there, and stand by the door to see what God wants to do with me and a new face. Sure we have great music, and really good preaching, but we also stop for prayer, call folks up for healing and pray for them, and to bring revelation to individuals and the church as a body.

You may watch a service HERE. But you'll only see a small percentage of what God is doing. You won't see people praying for others in the hallway, you won't see friendships being forged at a table in the cafe. You won't hear all the testimonies of healing that went on during the week, or the lives that are change with the inner healing and deliverance ministries; there is just not enough time. Nope, and you won't hear the phone calls or see the emails, texts and Facebook messages that take place in a single day between the brethren. Why? Because Sunday morning is a celebration of Jesus, and the rest of the week is actually church where believers care for one another in various ways.

My favorite part of church is personal ministry - the ministry that I am called to. I get to church expecting to love on someone, to share a word of knowledge or prophecy, a hug, a listening ear, or a prayer for healing. As a believer, it is my job to show up with something to offer, not just depend on the pastor and worship team to lay it all out for me.

It doesn't matter what the style of worship music or preaching is, it matters what good works the Lord has laid out in advance for me to walk into.

Here is a testimony that changed my life completely - in fact it was a message from God for me. I quit doing all the things I was good at and held out for opportunities to hear God and do it. (It's well worth it to listen to the first 2:55)



How about you, do you go to church expecting to be who God has made you and give, or just receive?

And His Train Fills the Temple

I stood there absolutely captivated by the presence of God. It was like being in a swimming pool - the King was in the house and I was just undone. The majesty of the most High gently washed over me and every cell in my body rejoiced!

This week the faithful are simply going to share a worship song with you, and fill you in on why it's meaningful. Enjoy!


I am trained musician, HERE is little more on that story along with a video of yours truly. In my lifetime, have listened to some of the greatest musicians that have ever lived. From the Rolling Stones to Andre Segovia, I have been at so many live performances I can't even begin to count them. I have played worship in Christian circles since 1982. I have even recorded a few with my friend Bob. (You may download 2 of them HERE - Praise to the King and My Heart Adores). Sure, I have written about my favorites Christian tunes HERE, but today I want to share one that changed me. Why? Because true worship has nothing to do with the music! For David, it isn't even about the lyrics, though many minister to my soul; no, it's about the anointing and the glorious presence of God.

In the late 90's I was at a conference here in New England. The worship team was comprised of musicians from around the area. Though Kent Henry was one of the headliners, this night was just a bunch of local guys. As I made my way down the hallway to the auditorium, I heard the chorus, "and his train fills the temple"... captivating. I made my way inside and closed my eyes - I am sort of an odd Christian, I pray with my eyes open and worship with them closed. And there the Lord and I met about my destiny, my future with Him. I can still feel the sense of the fear (reverence) of the Lord - there was no on talking during this song, as lives were being change all over the room. (This is the only reasonably decent version I could find online)

Send me Lord.

I have never been the same.

Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. (You might enjoy the chapter HERE.)

Post a comment about your experience with the Lord, one where you might have been undone.

This Can't Be Happening!

There I was sitting cross-legged on the couch. A woman was playing a small electric keyboard and singing her heart out to the Lord. It wasn't very musical (I have a degree in music.) but there was something about it, something that I can't describe - a thick and wonderful presence - oh I knew it was Jesus. I had once sat in the candle lit sanctuary where the quiet presence of God was so heavy you felt as if you couldn't get off the floor - just amazing.

I love the presence of God, and sometimes it just makes me joyful! This week the brethren will be writing about one of those times! We hope it will lift your Spirit, and you may soar like and eagle in the presence of The Almighty!

I do love the presence of God, I mean isn't that what we are are going to do in heaven, be in His eternal presence!?!? The wonderful thing about being before the Father is that it is always different. The day that I passed from darkness to light, I can't even describe the feeling; I just wept. The time I sat on the floor of the sanctuary with Father Ralph, it was like a creamy topping was just poured out on us.

Of course there were times of deep sadness when I could feel the hand of the Lord on my shoulder as I grieved the loss of a friend. And that crazy day on the couch at home-group with the cheesy Casio keyboard and the woman with the screechy voice; my body seemed to shiver with waves of grace. There have been many times during musical worship that I could reach into the heavens and God would touch me in repentance; I mean my knees shook! Of course there were times when tears of gratitude flowed gently down my cheeks as listened to a chorus from a Vineyard song.

Did I say that I love the presence of God?

Years I ago I would read the Bible through in a year, but each day it would also include a chapter in Psalms or Proverbs. I read about shouting to the Lord (Psalm 27:6), dancing before the Lord (Psalm 149:3),  crying out in repentance (Psalm 51), or asking God to rescue (Psalm 40) the writer. There was so many things that I had not experienced yet. And then one day... the presence of God came on us at a Christian conference late in the evening. Me and some others were standing on the sidewalk outside the front doors of the auditorium. Among us was a woman with a Russian accent. As we reminisced about the meeting, I felt led to pray for her. “Lord, I just pray that your Holy Spirit would come.” She gently fell into the bushes along the sidewalk; her hair got caught in an evergreen shrub. As one of the women there helped her get untangled, I prayed for some of the others that were present.

One by one, the Holy Spirit descended on each of them. My friend Carlos was laughing so hard he could not stand up. Another friend, a Korean woman named Hyangnan, was doubled over laughing too. There was a woman named Kathy and she was hanging on to a fence railing unable to speak the joy was so wonderful.

Our little group of drunks prayed for everyone that came down the sidewalk. Soon there were a couple of dozen people, some standing, some laying in the grass, some laughing, some on the sidewalk, some healed, and some prophesying; it was amazing! As the instigator, I was enjoying myself in the presence of God as never before. If you knew me, this was far too out of control in the natural, but in my spirit it all seemed so vibrant, so rich, and so filling.

At exactly 1 o’clock in the morning, the lawn sprinklers went off showering the seemingly drunken conference-goers. Moments later the Campus Police drove pulled up to what must have been a familiar college scene. I was elected the spokesman. The officer rolled down the window, “What’s going on here?” he asked without getting out of the car.

“Officers,” I said “these men and woman are not drunk as you might suppose, but they are filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2)

They gave a look at those laughing, and laying on the sidewalk. “Well,” said the officer in the passenger seat, “do you think that you could get them to leave in an orderly fashion?”

“I could do that.” I replied.

We decided to go out to Denny's and spend some time talking about all that God had done that night. Even today, it seems sort of surreal to me; its been about 12 or 13 years since that time. It makes me joyful just to think about the presence of God, which you know by now, I love.

How about you, do you love the presence of God?

It's Been Long Time Since I was "Carded"

Some years ago - okay, like nearly 30 - I was standing in line at the local liquor store to purchase a "nip" bottle of Wild Turkey Bourbon for a guest  we were having to dinner. As an alcoholic (recovering since 1980), I had finagled a million ways to get booze while I was under age. Though I had a battery of fake ID cards, I had never been asked for one when I purchased an alcoholic beverage. Ever! This particular day I was in my mid-twenties and never gave it a thought.

"May I see your ID, sir?" the clerk said.

Slightly stunned (I had been sober for over 3 years, and I was well over the legal age of 18), I pulled out my wallet and handed over my Connecticut driver's license. I was sort of indignant, but decided not to say "who the hell do you think you are!"

On the way home as I was musing over what had just taken place, I thought the person who I had been was not very accurately described on my ID card. Although all the information was correct, it didn't really say anything about who I was. And thanks to our newest blogger, Andrea York, that is the topic here on Kingdom Bloggers this week: identity.


Dr. Phil often talks about defining moments in life. These are basically the events that shape who we are. Some of the significant ones were my addiction to alcohol and drugs, an alcoholic father, sobering up, finding Jesus, divorce, mission trips, my heart attack, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, being a husband and father, and most importantly a couple of prophecies that rocked my world! The thing that I love about prophecy is that it reaches in and finds a portion of your spiritual DNA, making it visible. Some times prophecy reveals the way that God sees us, and that is very comforting - and on occasion unsettling at the same time.

In my life I have often been defined by the roles that I have had. To my high school friends I was a hockey player, a druggie, an artist and that crazy kid on the motorcycle. To my teachers I was the bottom of the class. To the cops I was nothing but trouble. To my kids some days I was God, and others days I was the biggest fool they knew. At their school I was Zöe' and Erin's dad, as well as the guy who could fix a PC in the parking lot. At church I was Mary Anne's husband and the electric guitarist. For a season I was a local superstar during the DOT COM bubble. In Brazil I was Pastor David. To my blog-mates I am a writer, and to my pastor I am a teacher. To my parents there is a long list of things that I have been which I am glad are under the blood of Jesus.

I sort of like psychology, and in the process I have take all sorts of tests for temperaments, spiritual gifting, the 5 Love Languages and personality types. I found them to be very helpful in knowing who I am, and on occasion, why I act like I do. According to the tests I am type A, and sometimes a B and a C - or according to Dr. Myers and Dr. Briggs I am an INFP. My love languages are time together and affection. Based on the MENSA application test, I am not a genius. Because I am a certified nut case, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory says I am not schizophrenic among other things.

The real question is this: Who is David, and what is his identity? As you can see, who we are is made up of many different elements. All of the things I have mentioned really speak to my soul, but not about my spirit or my heart. I have heard it preached that my identity is in Christ for as long as I have been a Christian. I still ponder what that really means. If the new man is really Christ in us, then I am in good shape - well if I believe it. The Bible says that David is an overcomer and more than a conqueror. The writer of Hebrews says I am of the sort that doesn't shrink back. It goes on to says that I am of a divine lineage which makes me a warrior, a priest and eventually a ruler. Some days I just don't feel like that at all.

The identity that I enjoy that most is being a son of the Most High. There I sit in his throne room with my head on his chest, listening to the heartbeat of all creation. That is where I get to be "me." I don't have to act, to perform, to use authority or rebel against it; I don't have to be good at anything and I don't have to be ashamed. I just get to be David, son of the Most High. And even better I get to call him Daddy.

God Loves the Smell of Burning Flesh!

I have to say, as a suburban dweller, I love the gas grill. (Yes, that is swordfish on my grill!) But it is nothing like this!


Exodus 29:25 You shall take them from their hands, and offer them up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering for a soothing aroma before the LORD; it is an offering by fire to the LORD.

This week a diverse group of bloggers, both wise guys and brilliant woman, will endeavor to write about sacrifice. As a self-proclaimed wimp, I don't really feel qualified to start off the week, but that's my job - so here we go.


I find myself sort of an interesting character because I know what goes on inside my head and I easily amused. Occasionally I know about what is happening in my heart too. I am just trying to achieve happiness, have an easy life, and a find a way to make the most amount of money for the least amount of work! You won't find a lot of sacrifice in my day-to-day. Especially if you compared my lifestyle to that of some of the third-world slums I have been to in Brazil and various parts of the Caribbean.

I have met Christians that have given up a lot to serve that Kingdom of God. In fact I met a pastor just this week that gave up a job as principal to be a missionary in the middle east. He seems very happy serving God. Me, I gave up a few vacations to do mission trips, but nothing like him.

Sometimes sacrifice is not giving something up, but saying yes to the Lord. Obedience is better than sacrifice. I think that is more where I come from. I never sit down and say: "Lord, what would you like me to give up?" I will say: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" It's a more dangerous prayer, yet a better expression of my passion for the things of the Kingdom.

Let me explain with an example from my own life. In 1998 I was cruising along as a the CEO of a very profitable internet company. I was making a ton of cash, paid off my debts, drove a BMW, and was able to give generously to the church and its various ministries. Let's just say there was no sacrifice there. Then I went to a meeting with a prophet. I was a bit skeptical because I hadn't really had a lot of experience with all this stuff. He spoke some serious stuff over my life such as missions, international travel and writing. Wow, that was NOT me. I didn't want to go to a foreign country, especially one where they didn't speak English. And I laughed about the writing because I failed English, Grammar and Reading 9 out of 12 years in school.

All I can say is the prophet's words rolled around in my spirit for days, then weeks, and suddenly one morning the Spirit of God came on me as I sat in front of my keyboard and I began to write. For nearly two solid years I wrote just about every day, sending out a daily email. In the midst of that I met a guy from Brazil and our friendship turned into three mission trips to his homeland. All that I did was say yes to the prompting of God. It was in the obedience that I sacrificed some things in life. I didn't feel starved for them, I just focused on what God was having me do.

I guess my sacrifice happens more easily when I am blinded by love, love for my Savior. In the end I gave up useless idols and some conveniences, but the blessing of hanging out with Jesus is amazing!

As a footnote, sometimes we see sacrifice as painful, but many times it is freeing.

I would also add that there is a cost to following Jesus; a price to pay. On the return from my first mission trip to Brazil I came home to some serious situations which transpired while I was away. Within a year I had lost everything but a car full of personal belongings.

Would I do it again? YES!

What Do you Want to be When You Grow Up?

As a kid I really enjoyed my Matchbox cars (I still have some), art, the outdoors and machines. In those days we didn't have remote control TVs, personal computers, and the certainly the digital age was still a long way off. We walked or rode our bikes everywhere, played real sports with real people, and amazingly, cars didn't even have seat-belts. For sure technology has come a long way... but I have changed a little. I prefer to wake up in a hotel room instead of a sleeping bag on the ground. I still do love art and machines.

My conversion to Christ added a whole new dimension to my life, and I became passionate about certain aspects of the Kingdom. And that's what we will be writing about this week, the very thing that we dream about doing as Christians... the passion and desire of our hearts. Oh, and this week we are adding a new Kingdom Blogger; our Canadian friend Andrea. She debuts on Wednesday, don't miss it.


From the moment I encountered Jesus, I got supercharged about Christianity. I wanted to be the best and most knowledgeable Christian I could be. M encounters with God we so real, and I just wanted more and more and more! I loved to watch God at work in powerful ways such as healing, words of knowledge and prophecy. To be honest, I didn't really know what all that stuff was, it was just happening around me and I took it in. And worse I didn't know how to pray or read the Word either. But I know that I wanted Jesus: the Living, Powerful, Amazing One! My spirit was s excited I would lay away thinking about all the things that God would use me to do.

If you've read Kingdom Bloggers for any length of time, you know that I am not too good at all the traditional Christian stuff. I am bit off in the wilderness some days. It is just this past year that I actually found a church that could handle the real me.

My passion as a Christian is to be like Paul was. I want to teach, to travel and to operate in the power gifts. I certainly want to love on people as well. Next week I will tell you how come I am not quite there yet. :) The reality for me is that I have had a chance to travel as a missionary; in fact that is how I met Joyce. God opened the doors to ministry for me and financed it all too! I was out of the country on average about twice a year, and when I wasn't, I ministered just about every week in a Brazilian church in my region.

More recently I have been staging the next season of ministry. I taught a 7 week course on all the things I love about the church, and we have already planned classes out into 2012! I wrote 2 books and about 700 blogs. The best part is that I am working with a great team. And not unlike Kingdom Bloggers, we are starting to work well together. I love teams! I am at my best when I am with others that compliment my gifts. There is such freedom to pass the baton to a co-laborer for Christ and watch them succeed too.

As I look back, that is one of the biggest changes in me, I learned through Christ I need people. I love the gifts that he pours out on the church, and whatever they are, I want to be with them!

I still lay awake at night praying, and thinking about all the things that God has for me. I share my hearts desires, and He give me his. We're in this together for all eternity!

How about you, what's you hope for your Christian walk?