Sharpen Your Ax

I know it's been a while since you have heard from me. In December, I was busy with Holiday Hope along with many of you. I want to say a big "Thank You" to everyone who helped out or contributed financially. It was a great success.

In January, I had the honor and privilege of being invited to both the Swearing In and the Inaugural Ball for President Barak Obama. It still amazes me how God has me, the boy from the "hood", to walk through incredible doors and stand before great men.

Now, let me tell you what's on my heart for this month's blog.

Sometimes it may seem like you're giving all you've got and you don't see the harvest you thought you would see.

I know this past year has been a year of great sacrificing and trial because of the new things God has been birthing in the body of Christ. I am reminded of some of the most challenging days I have faced in my over 20 years of serving God. I never expected for my life to take so many unexpected turns. I was just happy to be saved. Many times I wondered how God would fix the mess I had made of my life and reverse bad decisions I had made. As the years went on, I learned how faithful God is and that He would always work things out for His Glory.

I know how God moves us through the seasons of life and only He knows what the end result will be. We have to learn to trust the plans He has for us. Although there were many transitions in 2008, I was excited to see the new life God has already begun to bring into the ministry. I want to encourage you to continue in faith no matter what may be going on around you because God does have it all worked out.

One thing that I have noticed this year in Operation Go is that all the ministries have increased in the amount of children, teens, and adults coming to our services. This lets me know that the cry for help is increasing. My heart is blessed to see the teenagers setting attendance records. Many of them are facing very difficult situations in their lives and they still pursue God with all they have. God is moving on the hearts of these teens, many of them are gang members, many of them have other challenges. I love to see the underdog win! I want to make sure that we empower them and everyone who is part of this ministry to serve God. We want to make them soldiers who will unleash the power of God on their communities.

I have had my share of ups and downs, just like you, and still I know that I live a very blessed life. As I write to you, I am in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I am preparing to speak in a conference to Pastors who have come here from all over the world. I believe God has given me a word for them. I will have several sessions this week for them and will be headed to preach in a youth conference Saturday and Sunday before making my way back to the USA.

If the ax is dull,
And one does not sharpen the edge,

Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success.
(Ecclesiastes 10.10, NKJV)

I have traveled to several countries now, and I always make it a point to sharpen my blade with God before I travel anywhere to deliver a word to His people. This should be true for you, too. No matter where you are and what you are doing, always be as sharp as possible because you never know who might need your words. You never how God will use you to bring a word of wisdom or encouragement to someone, so be skillful in the word of God and in prayer.

I haven't heard from you in a while or so, if you don't mind, please add your comments below.

Until next time.