Unexpected Transformation

It's funny how God sometimes shows up in our life unexpected. Or maybe I will speak for myself. I didn't think for one moment that I would ever have the encounter with Jesus in my dorm room that I did. The same thing happened to the most prominent New Testament writer the Apostle Paul. I have really been digging into his conversion (Acts 9:1-9) lately and I left with one statement.

"God can take anybody at anytime and use them for his will no matter where their headed or their past."

This statement speaks volumes to non believers and believers as well. A lot of times we have this mindset that somewhere down the line we will choose Christ when we feel were ready but the reality is we will never choose Christ first he always chooses us. And usually it happens when we least expect it. The Apostle Paul witnessed God choose him in the most unexpected time ever.

Paul previously Saul of Tarsus, was headed down the Damascus road in a furious rage (Acts 9:1). He was a persecutor of Christians and he was headed to persecute more. Paul had no idea his plans were about to be stalled for good. A light shines down on him and it comes with a voice behind it. Yep, It was Jesus and Saul was on the ground face down. Christ manifestations of himself to poor souls are many times sudden and very surprising. It forces us to humility. Those who Christ destines for they greatest honors are commonly laid low first in humility. Those whom God will employ are first struck with a sense of their unworthiness to be employed. The charge against Saul was persecuting Jesus (Acts 9:4). "A humbling conviction of sin is the first step towards a saving conversion from sin." He was humbled and he even recognizes Jesus as Lord (Acts 9:5) When Jesus shows up in our lives there is no one that compares to him and his distinction is not that hard to figure out. He is the only person who is able to humble us and bring us to the realization of his power. He got up from the ground and he was blind and did not eat or drink for 3 days. Jesus sends Ananias to place his his hands on Paul to regain his sight and after hesitance he did it and Paul regained his sight.

What I really love was (Acts 9:19-20) was Paul after he opened his eyes and got some food, the same people (disciples) he was persecuting he was now spending time with and verse 20 says, "HE BEGAN TO PREACH THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD."

I want to leave you with a couple thoughts.

• The work of conversion in Paul was not tied to the church. Jesus has the power to change your life no matter where you are or where you are headed.
• Sometimes the grace of God works on sinners when they are at their worst.
• Let us not think the renewing grace of God and the pardoning mercy of sin is not for the greatest of sinners. He loves the lost.
• Those he chooses to be his instruments, will be his instruments. (Acts 9:15) 
• Paul begin only in a few days to preach the gospel. What is holding you back?

God Bless


 

I'M BACK!!!!

Wow! Well it has been a while and I have had so much going on. I have written so much in my journal but haven't transferred any of it to my blog. I'M BACK. I am currently in Nashville at the Every Nation School of Ministry with 13 other world changers from all over the place. Canada, Florida, Texas (not the real UT), Tennessee, and California are all being represented here. It has been wonderful getting to know them and see all of the different gifts come together. It has been a time of deep searching and examining of our hearts and conviction, but also learning, an uplifting presence, and challenging ourselves to grow. I wouldn't take these four and a half weeks back for anything. Great Every Nations leaders such as Paul Barker (Director), Nick Jones, Gregg Tipton, David Houston, Larry Tomczak, Dr. Gregg Mitchell, Dr. Stephen Mansfield, and James Lowe have all been apart of imparting into our lives. I will always remember at least one quote Pastor Paul used. He said,

"We are more wicked and flawed than we ever dared believe, but we are more loved and affirmed than we ever dared believe."

This quote speaks volumes about us as human beings. Our lives have been that of people who consider themselves to be good but when we really get to the depths of our hearts we are flawed. That explains why we need something that in our lives that is the complete opposite to show us the way. Jesus is what we need. We are loved and affirmed through Jesus Christ.

This is a life changing experience and I can't wait to get back to my campus and reach this generation. Keep us in your prayers as I will do the same. And I promise consistency with the blog from here on out. I got plenty to unpack and share.

II Timothy 2:13 "Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself."