Better reaching an industry...

An exciting idea has popped up in better ministering to the bodybuilding industry! One of the challenges not only for us who minister in the bodybuilding industry but also in the church at large is to properly disciple and mature believers in their faith. In bodybuilding, many of the athletes travel extensively on the weekends, so making it to a church on a regular basis can be difficult. Furthermore, the athletes don't live in one central location; they live all over the country! But recently, a couple of dear Christian brothers from the Tampa, FL area brought up an idea which would help reach and disciple these athletes all over the country in a close, personal, and intimate setting. Please pray for Stronghold Ministries as we prayerfully consider what part we are to play in the implementation of this strategy.

Jesus told His disciples to go and make other disciples - not simply converts. We have to create a way to better meet people's individual spiritual needs and grow them up. And hopefully, this method can be part of this taking place...

back from Florida...

Orlando turned out to be a great trip! I really got to further many relationships in the bodybuilding industry as well as create some new ones. It is so neat to be able to help answer some of the questions that a new Christian asks or even someone who doesn't know the Lord may ask. In their hearts and minds, finding answers to these questions is vital to whether they pursue God and a deepening relationship with Him or not.

I also got to spend time with my friend Jeff, who was in the hospital. He's been through alot over the past 2 years that I've known him, and yet his faith continues to grow. Please pray that Jeff's body is healed and that the desires God has placed in his heart would come to pass.

And lastly, I'd like to thank Scott and Monica Brant-Peckham for just being an unbelievable blessing in my life. They have been so kind to me and my wife since we first met them. Seeing them this past weekend and spending some time with them greatly encouraged my heart. The bodybuilding and fitness industry is definitely a better place because of their presence in it!

Leaving for Orlando, FL...

Today, I will be leaving for Orlando, FL to speak tomorrow at a men's Bible Study/luncheon put on by my friend Jeff McCarrell. I will then be staying there through the weekend as there is a pro bodybuilding and fitness contest at which I will be ministering. Please pray for God to move through the power of His Holy Spirit in the lives of everyone I meet. May God give me His words, and may I trust completely in Him for everything this week.

Also pray for Holly as she is not coming with me. She has to work everyday this week, so pray for strength; but also pray for peace as she will be alone. May our Almighty God protect her in all her ways while I'm gone.

Thanks for your prayers and support...

God is moving....

It has been an amazing week! God is really stirring in alot of people's hearts out here, especially among the spiritual leaders in LA. God is showing all of us that it won't be one minister or one ministry that will bring about God's will for LA; it will be as God's people unify and work together that many people will repent and give their lives to Jesus Christ! I have had a number of encouraging conversations with people who now understand this and want to begin to take action on this God-given idea. Please pray that God gives wisdom and insight into what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and who is of the same heart and mind. Thanks!

Also, praise the Lord that He miraculously met a big need for us this week! God is good!!

Obedience...

Why is it that sometimes we are more excited about being obedient in "bigger" things and less concerned with obedience in the "small" things? So quickly we forget Jesus' commentary about such flawed thinking: if we cannot be faithful with little, then we will not be entrusted with much.

This truth has really hit home in my heart the past couple of weeks. I have been procrastinating on finishing up a devotional I started writing 1 1/2 years ago. I'm 1/3 of the way done but have just let it sit for a long time now. It's gotten to the point where every time I pray for God's leading, He gently leads me back to this. The only thing left to do is to repent of my procrastination and simply be obedient. If I truly desire God's blessing in my life, the least I can do is be obedient - even in the "little" things. So next time you see me, ask me how the devotional writing is going =)

Thanks for your prayers!