"Home" A Poem by Laura Mayo

Home

I've known from the beginning
You're where I'm supposed to be.
A special place of refuge
Where it's safe to just be me.

There's no place else comparable
There's nothing even close
To laugh and dream and live in You
Is what I cherish most.

Your aroma is a sweet one
Your resting place sublime
Exquisite yet familiar
Without a doubt divine.

A remarkable destination
A place I never want to leave
This life lived in Your presence
It feels like home to me.

The Mitchell Report: MLB

I know this has nothing to do with "Convergence For His Glory", but since this is my blog I guess I can write whatever I put my fingers to typing.

I was not surprised but yet still disappointed when I read all the names mentioned in the steroid investigation led by Senator Mitchell. There were three guys on the list that I actually played with during my 7 year Minor League career, and did have my suspicions while I was playing they were using steroids. I never actually saw these take steroids or even discuss it with them but in a locker room you hear a lot of things. I don't believe these guys should be crucified before the media by any means. What I do believe is that Major League Baseball needs to do whatever it takes to clean up their act. They have recently implemented a much tighter policy all the while the players have figured out a way to not test positive. A water based steroid does not remain in your body nearly as long as an oil based steroid and is not easily detectable with a urine sample. HGH (Human Growth Hormones) can only be found through a blood test. I would like to see Major League Baseball implement a blood test rather than a urine test. While it may be more expensive there is no doubt the results will be more comprehensive and accurate.

Two of the three guys I played with are still currently on Major League rosters and one, I believe, is still on the Minors. I will not list their names here although they are on the list provided by The Mitchell Report. When looking at the list I played with or against about 10 of these guys. My prayer is that all of these guys realize how dangerous these type drugs are and if they haven't already stopped using they will now. I believe God has a purpose for everyone. We are all created in His image to do good works.

If anyone has any further questions about my experience regarding steroids I would be wide open to dialogue with you. To answer the most important question. NO, I never used steroids, or HGH.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Blake

Decree or Agree?

I have heard the word decree a lot lately and I wondered exactly what that meant. I have heard that term used before but something triggered in mind to make me look into it. Now I will not go down a deep theological road here in fear of chasing a rabbit so I will just make it as simple as possible.

The question has to be asked do we have the power to decree something and it happen? In Job 22:28 we read, "You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways." (NASB) Most translations use the words declare or determine rather than decree. The word decree is transliterated in English, primarily denoted "an opinion or judgment" (from dokeo, "to be of opinion"), hence, an "opinion expressed with authority, a doctrine, ordinance, decree;" "decree. Note: Krino, "to determine," is translated "hath decreed","hath determined."

In the New Testament we read, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13 KJV)

So which is it?

The easy answer that probably wouldn't satisfy some would be that considering we are the New Testament Church, maybe we ought to consider the words of Jesus. Maybe it's just that I am more comfortable leaving up to God. The part I play is coming into agreement with Him. Regardless of what I determine, declare, or decree it still has to be what will glorify God!

Agree or Decree? I say agree!

Blake

Lincoln, Alabama

If you ever move...... May the Lord bless you with the same type we have been blessed with in making it happen. We are thankful to God for so many close friends and family who made this process a smooth one.

A thought of sorts....

Recently I have heard many people refer to Philip being transported immediately after baptizing the Ethiopian Eunuch as a wonderful miracle and how we can experience this same type of miracle in our own lives. Though I agree that God can transport people and still does today, I find the greater miracle in that when Philip told the this Ethiopian Eunuch that he needed to be baptized (because Philip had led him to the Lord) a pool of water was readily available right in the middle of a desert. I think being transported by God would be a really cool thing, but how could that ever supersede someone being saved? It can't! God's heart is to see people born again. The Gospel (good news of Jesus Christ) must be shared to all! (Matthew 28:19-20)

Praise Him!

Blake

SOLD!

Unless something changes that we have no control over, we will close on our house Sept. 28. We have continuously prayed that God's perfect will be done through this whole process. Not that we never were anxious, impatient or didn't get frustrated during all those days commuting, but we would always come back to this, "We trust you God with our eternal destination, so how can we not trust You with something as simple as selling a house." To God be the glory!

What a Smile!

Renewal is For Everyone

Amongst many variables that come with moving, Laura and I have still been able to experience a renewal in our journey together. I believe that is what Jesus' ministry was all about. He went about doing good. This good brought with it a sense of renewal to those whom He encountered. Even those who opposed Him.

Let me see if I can explain it.

In the gospel of Matthew Jesus is quoted saying, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Many zealots misinterpreted Him thinking He meant a natural/physical/political war. Jesus is telling you and me and the whole world that He is the Light that pierces and exposes darkness. His teaching was about a renewal that far outweighed any physical confrontation or political strategy. His renewal was spiritual, explaining why their was a sword not peace.

Even those who despised Him were renewed in their way of thinking. They still rejected Him but this does not negate the power of Jesus and His Kingdom. I love what Sam Storms says in his teaching on the Kingdom of God. He says there is no secular. Everything and everyone are subject to the Kingdom. Jesus is the Kingdom that has been revealed to us by the Holy Spirit which allows us to see the Truth and receive it.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

Continue to enjoy your renewal!

Scripture Source: English Standard Version

Yep, We're On Vacation

Rest

Some of you may know this already but Word Alive takes the month of July off. It is called the Sabbath month being that July is the 7th month of the year. Anytime I tell anyone about this I get these strange looks much like the one I gave when I first heard of this. Now that I am on the inside of this "Sabbath" concept I understand it to be something I would want to implement in my own church one day. It's not that we forget about the Lord for a month, it is more about resting in Him. How often do we as Christians really rest in Him?

So, if you hear that I was at a church besides Word Alive in the month of July please know that I am visiting because we are not having services. You know how 'small' Gadsden is when it comes to word on the street. Ahhhhh........ Rest!

Blake

The Favor of God

I was reminded 2 times this week of something that happened to me and our group from 12th Street as we journeyed back from Guatemala after providing medical care for a village of Kekchi people, an Indigenous group in the jungles of North Guatemala.

We arrived at the airport in Guatemala City extremely tired and beat up. Rachel Jones was using the garbage cans in the airport for barf bags and the smell of the airport was far from a fragrance found in a flower garden. We had spent 3 days in the jungle with no running water or power and for 7 days had to use bottled water to brush our teeth and rinse our mouth with. We were tired and ready to get home.

While looking for our place in line we quickly noticed that airport security was tight. They were looking through each persons suitcase. They would totally remove stuff and not put it back neatly. We all saw this and instantly became frustrated. Rachel was sick and we were all tired. The last thing we wanted to deal with is someone snooping around in our luggage for fun.

Suddenly a thought came to me. I heard this in my spirit, "Ask me for favor." My countenance change and my faith began to rise. I let everyone know that I was asking God for favor with the security. That none of us would have our luggage checked. As we approached security a lady with a stern look in her eye locked in on all of us and told all five of us to go on through. The other 4 in our group looked at me and all began to praise God.

His favor is something we need and can have. Ask for it in Jesus Name and see your faith rise!

Blake

And, There Were 12

Twelve students from different backgrounds and different talents joined together to make SIFAT a week to remember. (From top left) Christina, Cierra, Jacklyn, Haley, Cody, Canaan, Andie, Barry, Macey, Amber, Kale, and Blaze (sitting) spent 5 days of their summer in order to learn about international and local missions. They learned various appropriate technologies for third world countries such as spinning yarn from sheep wool, making candles, creating saw-dust stoves, and how to add safe eating/vitamin filled leaves to sugar cookies. The week was not just about survival, it was about learning how to serve. We are so accustomed to thinking of ourselves (I-Pod's, MySpace, etc) that we sometimes miss why we are here on this earth. What these 12 students did was very similar to what Jesus did when He walked the earth. He served. He served while not even having a place to lay His head.

These 12 also spent 24 hours in the 'global village' (simulated 3rd world village representing Asia, Africa, and South America) experiencing the life of a third world citizen. An example of the extreme differences this presented the 12 students compared to their normal Alabama lives, is how they obtained drinking water. How many times do you leave the water running while you brush your teeth? In third world countries women and children will walk up to five miles, one way, in order to gather a bucket of dirty water. When they arrive back to their mudhut or make-shift home they must then boil the water on an open fire for ten minutes in order to make it safe to drink. This process is done everyday. If we brush our teeth in the morning and at night and leave the water running we have used about the same amount of drinking water a third world family will need for one day.

I have never been more proud than I am of these 12 students who worked extremely hard in very difficult circumstances and succeeded in their efforts to become more Christ-Like.

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

8 "Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."

When I read this short passage found in Pauls first letter to the church of Corinth I am amazed at how people of similar faith and passion find different theological philosophies in regards to the nine manifestations listed in 1 Corinthians 12, especially tongues and prophecy. Cessasionists would take this passage and attempt to convince you and I that tongues and prophecy are not for today, for when the cannon of Scripture was closed (v. 10 "the perfect comes") these ceased to be of any use to Christians. On the other side of the aisle, those who might be called charasmatics, pentecostals, third wavers, etc. would look at this passage and find validity in their super-natural experiences. Those who believe the nine manifestations are for today would look at verse 10 and say that when Paul says, "When the perfect comes," he is referring to Jesus' second coming. Until then Christians need these manifestations and are encouraged to pursue them (1 Corinthians 14:1).

I find it astonishing that Christians on both sides of this passage are just as passionate as the other, yet disagree on the interpretation. Who's right? Thankfully God is!

Blake

Who's Right?

If you do not know my history path in ministry let me keep it brief. My first stop was at a Pentecostal church. My second stop was at a Southern Baptist church. And my third and current stop is at a non-denominational church that leans more towards a charismatic church. All stops have taken place over a 4 1/2 year period, with my longest stay being at 12th Street Baptist church in Gadsden, Alabama. During this time my philosophies, doctrine, and theology have changed some but one thing has remained a constant. What has remained is tolerance. A tolerance that is positive in nature not negative. I guess if you put it positively it would be expressed with words like understanding, forgiving and considerate of others.

So when you try to figure out who's right about everything pertaining to the Bible throw up your hands as an act of surrender and know that God is.

Who cares if you're are right. Get connected to the body of Christ and move in the gifts God has given you and enjoy this life of Christianity.

Blake

Hannah Grace

Romans 8:1

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Note: Some manuscripts add who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit).

This scripture is a great promise to those of us who call ourselves Christians. An interesting thing about this scripture is what is found in the "Note:". Most translations add "who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit)". The problem I have with this add-on is that it places a condition on it. I buy into the truth that Jesus took our condemnation to the cross and put it to death. Praise God!

We must keep in mind that God is not in the business of condemnation. Our job is not to condemn but to encourage. In this scripture a single word is profound to me. "now" Even today in a world doused in sin, this promise of no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus is one of if not the greatest promise in the New Testament.

Romans 8:29

"For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29

When I read this slowly I find myself repeating the first eight words, "For those whom He foreknew He also predestined." In my systematic theology course at Birmingham Theological Seminary I was taught that foreknowledge does not interfere with the action or responsibility of any individual. When that was taught to me I got it, but when you add the last 3 words of the 8 I emphasized above my theology crashes within my ability to reason.

Looking at this one scripture in a non-systematic way, it tells me that while God may not dictate all of our actions, He most definitely knows and predestines those who will be conformed into the image of His Son. Some will say in response to this, "God always gets His man." While I agree with this to some extent, I still I am baffled with how individual responsibility works in and through this. Since I can't explain that to you I will end this topic abruptly. I am open to comments and criticisms!

Blake

Do We Really Want "IT"?

Do we really want to see God move in a way that would totally mess our plans up? I, and many others have been saying for a while now that we want to be part of a great move of God, but with that comes a death. The death of self. Do we really want what we say we want? We talk about it. We seem to look for it as if we would know where to find it. We might even go as far as saying, "Lord whatever it takes, we want to be a part of a great move of Your Spirit." But do we really mean "IT"?

I want it! But, how can you want something that you don't comprehend, see, and are absolutely afraid of? I'm not really sure. We can look at the disciples and how they spoke with their actions. Their actions said two things; 1. It's worthy trying for 2. It's worthy dying for

I want "IT"! Don't you?

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)

Come on Jesus!

TULIP

Today I felt an urge from my flesh to share where I am at on the TULIP.

Total Depravity of Man: I absolutely believe that all are born into sin. No way out of this.
Unconditional Election: There is no getting around election in the Bible, yet I do not believe this eliminates responsibility so today I am still struggling with the "Un".
Limited Atonement: Atonement is limited only in application. Jesus died for the sins of the world but His blood only cleanses those who believe otherwise everyone would be destined for heaven.
Irresistible Grace: Between this one and unconditional election is where I experience brain freezes. If it was irresistible then we eliminate responsibility again. 5 pointers would argue that grace is irresistible to those who are elected so responsibility is still alive and well. Whatever!?
Perseverance of the Saints: Yep! Disagree? Hebrews 6:4-6, John 10:28.

Yeah Boyz!
Blake

Prophetic Conference Coming to Gadsden

I thought some of you might want to know about this.

May 4th and 5th there will be a Prophetic Conference at the Gadsden Vineyard.
David Saunders will be the speaker.

Friday Night:: 7-9:30pm
Saturday:: Sessions will begin at 9:30am. There will be multiple sessions during the day with breaks for lunch and dinner .

David Saunders will be teaching and there will be a lot of worship, prayer, and ministry time. There is no charge, but love offerings will be accepted. For more info contact Bobby Sparks or Gadsden Vineyard

Elected to Hear

When reading through Matthew 13 we find many parables about the Kingdom. Each parable takes a different angle to reveal the greatness of the Kingdom and the importance and honor of being in it. After sharing the parable of the 4 seeds, best known as "The Parable of the Sower," we read the following:

10 "Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" 11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed,lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them."

The question has to be asked, "Who are them?" Terrible english, I know. In this passage them=Pharisees and today them still=Pharisees. Many go to church, attend Sunday School, give money to the church, and yet is a very real possibility they could be "them". The Pharisees understood the Old Testament Law better than most, but Jesus totally exposes them. In essence Jesus speaks to them in parables so they want hear.

Whether you and I agree on election or not, there is no debating that Jesus is looking for those who hear His voice. How else could you respond unless the Holy Spirit draw you? Only the Holy Spirit can open ones ear to hear the good news of Jesus! So we are left with the question, "Did "them" not have a choice in hearing?

Good Morning!

This is what we are blessed to see every morning. We are still so excited that God chose us to be the parents of Hannah Grace. We know that God has a purpose and a plan for her and we can't wait to see it take place. This means that Laura and I have to get older but we are reminded that His mercies are new every morning and His mercy endures forever.

We are also thankful for our family and friends that God has allowed us to be blessed by. We are humbled every day by the great things God is doing in us and around us. Just take the time to look around and see the beauty of God's creation. We tend to focus entirely on the bad and miss the heart of God displayed all around us. What a great time to be alive. What a great time to notice the majesty and glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Be blessed!

Blake

It's Been A While

I know it has be a while since I last gave an update and I apologize to those who actually come this way wondering if I will ever put a recent picture of Hannah on here. I hope you like the picture and I hope it is an updated one. They are beginning to run together.

Things are well with Laura and myself, we are just extremely busy trying to sell our house, raising Hannah, staying happily married, me finishing school, Laura trying to find a job, and attempting to launch a full blown youth ministry at Word Alive. We had our first Wednesday night last night and it went pretty good. We had 70 students and things went really smooth considering it was our first night. We are totally dependent upon God doing something great here and know that He will make it happen according to His purpose and sovereign will.

Blake

How You Can Pray For Us

1. His Kigdom come, His will be done in our lives as it is in heaven.

Thanks!

Blake and Laura

Holiness Takes On A Whole New Meaning

Since becoming a Christian in 1996 there are a few Christianeze terms or phrases that I have had to learn for myself then try to figure out what they meant to other people. Many times people have asked if I was a 'religious person' and I would adamantly say, "No, I am a Christian." Over the last year if you would have asked me the same question my response would have been much more dignified with, "No, I am a follower of Jesus and His teachings." Now there is nothing wrong with either of these answers. In fact I will probably still use the latter in certain instances. But, I want to get back to the question. Am I a religious person? Are you?

First we need to look at the word 'religion' and it's meaning. Religion is defined as, Man's (humans) response to God. So the answer to the question for anyone, Christian, Muslim, Jehova's Witness, Mormon, Atheist or Agnostic, is Yes! We (being the human race) are all religious. The good news for the Christian is their response to God is the only right response because of Jesus Christ.

I want to continue looking at this subject and get down to the nitty-gritty (southern term) and discover why so many Christians use the religious card as an excuse to sin. You see, many do not like to be taught on the subject of holiness because it kicks out from under a lot of Christians the "Religious Crutch." Holding other followers of Jesus to a high standard of holiness by means of a loving spirit is not passing judgment (which some term being religious). I ask the Lord often to discipline me and to put people in my life that will bring correction. The religious card is no excuse for sin. Sin is sin and every individual is responsible for their own sin.

It's time we as believers take a long look at what Jesus told many sinners. After ministering to them with a compassion never seen by such a prophet or teacher ever, He told them to go and sin no more. With this we must keep in mind the totality of the Scriptures and remember that all have fallen short of the Glory of God (Jesus) and no one is good no not one. It's not that we do not sin, it's that we should not want to sin. We need to take heed less we fall and seek to worship God with our entire lives!

Next up: Drinking alchohol. A look at the religious card on this one and what the Scriptures say.

Be blessed!

Tragedy in Enterprise

My prayers go out to the students of Enterprise High School and the families who lost a child as a result of a an EF3 tornado. May the peace of Jesus Christ rest upon this city.

"Father, I ask that Your Spirit will bring hope and restoration to everyone who has been effected by this tragic event. In Jesus Name, Amen."

Jeremiah 29:11

A Cool Picture of Hannah

This is one of my favorites!

So You Want It to Snow?

I thought some of you would like this picture from upstate New York. Over 100" of snow!

First Week at Word Alive

I really don't have much to share but I will attempt to give you something worth reading. My job for now is to observe the church and youth program for 1 month before really taking over and attempting to make any changes. I appreciate the wisdom in this decision because my personality would be to go in full speed ahead and although my intentions would be good mistakes would probably be made. The Lord has shown me some things that I believe will really make for some awesome days with the kids at Word Alive. Some things will happen right away but others will be a process.

I have met some really neat people and am trying to get to know them all as quickly as possible. The church is a multi-faceted organization that takes a lot of cooperation and serious communication. To pull off all that we are doing takes a lot of people working together for one common purpose. The most important thing for us is to find God's heart at Word Alive and to go for it. I am humbled to be a Christian and to be a part of a church like Word Alive.

Blake

Encounter

There is no way I could write all that me and Laura experienced during "The Encounter" this weekend at Shocco Springs. I will leave it at this...... I thought I was transparent!

We thank God for the people of Word Alive and their efforts to reach everyone, which I now know can only happen by being a transparent people. Jesus' light exposes our darkness to set us free not to shame us. Our marriage is already better after one day from taking part in this weekend. We met so many awesome people who loved on us and we are so grateful to be teaming with such a wonderful group of people. We are humbled!

Blake

Tax Season Again!

Zaccheus, a tax collector, found favor with Jesus when the Pharisees didn't. When reading this story it almost sounds like Jesus was just trying to stir the pot or give the 'religious right' a little shock factor. But, that was not the case at all. We find these words from Jesus in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost." What I find most interesting is in the previous verse (9) where Jesus tells Zaccheus, in response to his promise to give half of his gain to the poor, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham." You know this really ticked off the Pharisees because Jesus was telling them with this statement to Zaccheus that there eternal home would be in hades not Abraham's bosom. WOW! Jesus was not afraid.

Don't miss the point of this awesome passage that is only found in Luke's gospel account. Jesus makes gives us two commandments here and both are very relevant to the church today.

1. The Great Commission
2. Cultural Mandate

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost and pushed aside all boundaries of culture, which is easy to believe considering the culture of Jesus' day and how tax collectors were regarded unfavorably. The job of believers and churches is to follow this teaching to reach the lost and pose no cultural boundaries to prevent the message from being heard. Those who choose to seek for the perfect doctrine and theology in every jot and tittle might find themself under the label of a Pharisee. They were only interested in correct doctrine, and this of course is very important. But, not at the expense of the two commandments listed above.

You see, I too was once a Zaccheus!

Blake

Ed Newton

Just a quick thought about Ed Newton and the EQUIP Conference from last weekend. Please note that I just took Hannah Grace to see her mommy for a midnight snack. Aren't babies a gift from God!

I believe in Ed Newton and am so thankful God allowed me to cross paths with him. We have yet to sit down and discuss such great facets of the Word of God, like "being filled with the Spirit", calvanism vs. arminianism, eschatology, free-will, predestination, world-wide missions, but we have come to the conclusion that God's saints persevere to the end (eternal security). I believe Ed will do great things for God and will advance His Kingdom with the gifts and talents he has been given. My prayer for Ed is that he will bare much good fruit for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Go and check out the latest from Ed at www.ednewton.org

More later!

Blake

A Vision of My Call at Word Alive

During the Friday Night Worship at Word Alive International Outreach (WAIO) last night God spoke to me in regards to why I was headed in this new direction. I saw a foot and then my sight was zoomed in on the big toe. I heard in my spirit, "You will be their (students) big toe." As strange as this may sound it made perfect sense to me. The big toe in this sense is not referring to size but placement. If you take the big toe off the foot an inbalance occurs within the person standing up. I believe purpose as Youth Coordinator at WAIO is to bring about a balance to the students. God also spoke to me Isaiah 43. I was amazed at what I read when I turned to this passage. The passage is titled in some Bibles as "Israel's Only Savior." Please know that I am no savior, just a servant! But, this passage is prophetic to not only Israel but I believe to this new season of my life at Word Alive!

1 But now thus says the LORD,he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you,I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. 6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold;bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

8 Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! 9 All the nations gather together, and the peoples assemble.Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, It is true. 10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen,that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. 11 I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. 12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and I am God. 13 Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?"

14 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:"For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice. 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King."

16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior;they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches,for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert,to give drink to my chosen people, 21 the people whom I formed for myselfthat they might declare my praise.

A New Covenant

Jeremiah 31:31-34
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."

2007

I believe 2007 is going to be a great year for followers of Jesus. I see many victories breaking forth from the struggles of 2006. May God use us all to further His Kingdom! I agree with Don Potter that the church movement will soon be taken over by the Kingdom Movement. I believe that God is going to help mature many young believers by putting a hunger for God's glory (Jesus) in their hearts and minds. The results of this hunger being imputed into young people will be a deepening of the knowledge of God's Word and a more yielding humility to His Spirit. 2007 is not a breakthrough year through the 'seeing' of human eyes. But, 2008 will be. May God bless you all!
Blake

Goodbye 2006

The year 2006 was the year of extremes for our family. At times I felt like I was in sinking sand because of all the dents that God was allowing me to take. Looking back at all the drama of "TwelvEleven" I see the handprint of God's sovereign grace. I have never claimed to have done everything right during this time of clouded dialogue over differences of opinion on certain people and their beliefs, but I can say that my heart was in the right place. I believe I passed the test. Much to the credit of God and Laura.

To top off the year God gave Laura and I a wonderful gift in Hannah Grace. She reminds us of God's personal touch and love for His people. Laura is a wondeful Mother, and it is a privelage to see her at work. God also blessed us financially and allowed us to give more than we ever have. I do not boast of my own doing and will not be politically correct in saying that God really touched our finances. We treat our finances with much respect and have a full understanding that any pennie we may possess is ulitimately God's!

We both believe 2007 is going to be a great year for us in the Ministry of Jesus Christ and this would not be possible without the struggles (gifts in God's eyes) of 2006.

To Him be all glory, honor, and praise! Forever and ever, Amen!