The Introverted Evangelist

   Hey now, it might seem impossible, and it may feel like the end is here, but I know a place of refuge . It's dark and difficult right now, and you might  feel   empty and lost , but I know the One who fills you and invites you in .    There is nothing too dirty for Him to  wash away . There is no shame in the Presence of the Father. Whatever lies the enemy has drilled  into your mind are debunked  by the truth that is in Jesus.    The devil relentlessly attempts to destroy  you, but God graciously blesses you. The action of lifting hands, humbling spirits, and falling tears is our white flag. We're admitting we can't do this, not alone that is. We're not strong enough, not without God's strength. We're hopeless, that is unless we put our hope in Him.    "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." ( Psalms 119:114 ) God is our shield . If we just fully cover ourselves in this shield, and immerse ourselves in His Word,

   "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." ( 2 Timothy 4:5 )    Fulfilling our own specific ministries destined by God is our life-long journey. Each step on the rugged road to Heaven is a step taken to fulfill the Lord's plan for our lives.    It's often very difficult to keep on going, because our adversary chimes in and tries desperately to mess with us. Our enemy's ultimate goal is really to ruin  us. He only wants to destroy  God's children and distract  them from doing what God has for them.    However, what we don't acknowledge in the midst of the chaotic attacks is the fact that God really has the best  in store for the ones who love Him and follow Him.    "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." ( Jeremiah 29:11 )    See right there, it is written  that

   The perfect One entered into our imperfect world, so that He could save the people He loves. He loves, and that's truly what Christmas is about. Christmas is about God's love, and how God's infinite love for us drove Him into action. This drastic action being the sacrifice of His only Son, His perfect Lamb.     The perfect Lamb of God is the real meaning behind our Christmas season. This season of   love, giving, and joy began because of God's love, God's Gift, and the joy that it brings to us. We have joy because Jesus gave us hope.     The day before that first Christmas, the world was so lost and dark and there was no hope, but God didn't leave us there. God didn't leave us for dead (to sin), so He sent the final sacrifice of Jesus. From that moment in time, Hope was born into the world.    "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather, he made himself nothing by taking t

   "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." ( Romans 5:6 )    The love of God is so perfect and pure that, while we were so dead in sin, He gave His spotless Lamb to redeem us. The blood of the Lamb of God saved us and gave us hope. Our salvation in Jesus Christ is the hope that's in our hearts forever.    "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus," ( Ephesians 2:4-6 )    Victory in Christ is completely secured for those who love Him. How we love our Lord, and we glorify the wonders of His works.     He loves us unconditionally, for He has shown us great mercy like no other by the sacrifice of His perfect Son. The perfect Lamb of God, the One who defeated death once and

   Hold on. Hold onto Jesus, even when everything seems hopeless . Jesus gives hope to the disheartened, strength to the weary souls, and peace to the restless. Hold onto Jesus, and you'll find your hope.    "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" ( 1 Peter 1:13 )    Jesus is our Wonderful Conselor, Lord of Light, and Healer. Trust in His goodness, unfailing love, and mercy. Jesus crowds out the darkness, so when you look to Him, even in your darkest hour, He will pull you into His light. In His light there is no  darkness.    "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness." ( John 12:46 )    So then, we are children of the Light. We are heirs with the One who has given hope for all humanity. The day Jesus entered this world we were set on the path toward eternal freedom. When He d

   Songs of hope and courage pour out from my soul. Joyous worship fills my mouth. My eyes are shrouded in awe at the wonders of my Lord. My overjoyed heart rejoices for my Heavenly Father, for He has shown me great mercy.    My Lord, I'll worship You forever. Thank You for redeeming my life and giving me hope and meaning and courage to continue. It is in You I place my trust.  Oh God of mercy, oh Lord of Light, I'll love you day and I'll love you night. Abandoning fright I'm covered in Your might. Keep me in Your glorious sight.    When trials come and cloud my vision, I'll take heart  and trust in Your promises. You, Lord, are my sovereign Shepherd. You guide me on the path of Your everlasting light. "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." ( Psalms 119:105 ) "Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip." ( Psalms 17:5 )    Your lovingkindness blesses me and it touches my hea

   Your struggle hasn't gone unnoticed. It may seem like no one hears or cares, but I assure you that the One who loves you with an unconditional love sees every tear. He hears your every cry, and He wants you .     He wants your attention, your affection, so He can heal your affliction. Turn your eyes away from all this chaos, and gather up all your strength to focus on Christ.    Gaze upon grace, pray for peace, and reach for Him. Reach out for the hope that's found only in our God. He is already inviting you in; all you need to do is say yes. Declare your decision to be decidedly His.    Verbalized your desperation for the Father, and your adversary will depart. No matter the incoherence of the sounds from your mouth. Whether your call is quiet or loud, if you're formerly scared or proud, God is near to all who call. There is hope and courage for those who call.    "He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.&quo

   To my Father in Heaven I cry. With eyes filled with tears of desperation, I seek. I seek Him with all my might. Every ounce of my being trembles in desire for my Lord.    What more can I do? What must be done to feel You more and more each and every day, God? Come down and flood my soul with your peace and goodness. I long for the light of Your Presence to shine upon me. Come Father, come.    I've been weary, and I've felt deprived. I want to be so hidden in You, Jesus. I want to be wrapped in Your love, and in awe of Your glory. What splendor there is in You, Yahweh!    Inhabit my every thought and fill my mind with Your truth only. I don't want to stray or lose my focus, but I want my mind to be set on You. Everything else takes the back seat, because You are my ultimate and sovereign God. You are my all.    No attack can plunder the treasure that's in You my Lord. You are my first Love, for I was created to praise You. From the start, my heart

   Lately I've been a little distracted. I haven't been seeing things right, and it's been zapping my energy and vitality. I'm in great need of a revival of hope. I'm searching for more of Him.    The love of God is immense. It's so great that when I think about it for a long time, the hardness built up on my heart begins to erode away. Then, there is revealed a tender and empty heart begging to be filled with this love, this Lord. Dear Lord, I need to be filled with more of You.     It's clear that when people are empty, they do not thrive. Empty people are searching, hungry, and hurting people. What is it that we seek? Do we even know? God knows. We are all looking for love, but we keep getting let down. People cannot fulfill what our hearts crave. The only love that can satisfy is the Love of God. His love is perfect, and His love is a river .    In Him there is no more emptiness. When we come to the Well, we don't thirst . When we reach

   Giving thanks at all time. All times. Good time. Hard times. Trying times. Tiring times. All times. Giving thanks requires a shift in focus. A turning of eyes away from the circumstances and onto the Creator. He creates joyfulness and abundant peacefulness.    "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4:7 )    It's the shield of faith in who He is that never lets up on our outlook. This shield protects our minds and attitudes. It refreshes our eyes to view things in a new way. A God-centric mindset covers over all the hurt.    His peace transcends  all else. It gives hope, courage, and clarity to the hurt, scared, and confused. He is a caring Father after all. He only wants what is best  for His children, and what's best is looking to Him. In all situations and at all times, look up.    Thanks be to the One that saves. He saves our souls, our joy, and our peace. He w

   Today, and everyday, I'll remind my soul to whom I belong. I belong to Jesus. I'll write His name on my heart, my hand, and across every land. Jesus. I'll trace those beautiful letters everywhere I can. In a journal, in the sand, in the fog, or in the snow. I don't know where it'll go, but I'll keep on telling self that I'm His and He's mine.    No matter the day's difficulties, I'll find hope and peace and rest at the mention of His name. The day can completely turn around with one five letter word - Jesus.    I know I'll fall short throughout the day, and I'll find myself in many dead ends, but with the help of my Savior, Jesus, I'll come out victorious. There's nothing at all that can ruin me, because I have Jesus . All I need is... Jesus.    It's so simple. Fear is not needed, and surely  not welcomed, for I have the God of all comfort on my team. Sometimes it's easy to become consumed with earthly things

   All this time I've been trying to earn  and honest relationship. I seem to have forgotten that His Word seems to have a trend for weary souls.    I'm not supposed to work  for peace or work  for love. Farm from it! I'm called to rest  in my Father's loving arms. All that working can earn for me is a heavy, burden-laden heart. Does God really want that for me? Does God want His child to feel the need to restlessly try and earn  His love? How could I possibly earn something that's already been freely given as a gift ? Why do I so linger with this difficult realization? Why is this love  so hard to grasp?    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 )    The God of all comfort . Embrace this today. He is the One

   "Now have come the salvation  (σωτηρία) and the power and the kingdom  (βασιλεία) of our God, and the authority  (ἐξουσία) of his Christ  (Χριστός). For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses  (κατηγορέω) them before our God day and night, has been hurled down  (βάλλω)." ( Revelation 12:10 )    βασιλεία/basileia : This word basileia  depicts a kingdom , but it is also  royal dominion .  Basileia , in this verse, is the kingdom of God . It also expresses the rule within our hearts as Christians , and the way we are lead by Him. This word used in Revelation 12:10 reveals to us that the day is coming when the eternal kingdom of Christ  and all of His awesome glory shall reign.     σωτηρία/sōtēria : Sōtēria  comes from the word sōtēr , which means a savior , deliverer , and one who rescues another from destruction or danger and places that other into a shelter of safety . This root is so incredible to me, because of how the word sōtēria  is used in this verse.    The w

   "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices  (ἀγαλλιάω) in God my Savior  (σωτήρ), for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed  (μακαρίζω), for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name." ( Luke 1:46-49 )    Mary describes her spirit as rejoicing . This word rejoicing  is the Greek word agalliaō /ἀγαλλιάω and it's a verb. It is the word that means rejoicing , exulting , as well as possessing exuberance .    This word  agalliaō  comes from the words agan  (which means very much ) and the word hallomai  (which means to leap ).    Therefore, when these two words are glued together, you get a verb that pictures much leaping and bounding . Now it must come without surprise that the word  agalliaō  also means to show joy with skipping, dancing, and excessive delight .    I find it quite significant that the Virgin Mary chose this word to tell of how her spirit celebrates  the

   "And we know that in all things God works for the good  (ἀγαθός) of those who love  (ἀγάπη) him, who have been called  (κλητός) according to his purpose  (πρόθεσις). ( Romans 8:28 )    πρόθεσις/prothesis: noun. a purpose or design set forth for a plan. The Lord uses this as the heart of His calling specific people to salvation. You see, all along God knows who He is going to use for His great plan/will/prothesis. He calls certain people for certain reasons. Those whom God chooses are called for His own good pleasure and design, not because they've earned it or deserve it. It's all for His ultimate purpose.    "For those God foreknew  (προγινώσκω) he also predestined  (προορίζω) to be conformed  (σύμμορϕος) to the likeness  (εἰκών) of his Son  (υἱός), that he might be the firstborn  (πρωτότοκος) among many brothers  (ἀδελϕός)." ( Romans 8:29 )    Let me focus on the word conformed . This word is the word σύμμορϕος or symmorphos . This word is comprised of

   Well over a year ago, I experienced a very traumatic event that forever changed me. It not only changed the way I live my everyday life, but it also affected my feelings towards being alone. That dreadful Friday evening I was abandoned, or so I though. Turns out I had unlocked a treasury of marvelous Presence. The Lord was closer than ever .    I would've never believed that such an awful time in my life could've turned into something so beautiful. But, God likes to make beauty out of ashes, doesn't He? Ah, He never ceases to surprise me in the most delightful ways.    However, that experience did leave it's own share of scars. I now face a fear of being alone, but I know I'm not ever really  alone. I know that the Lord is always by my side. I know from personal experience that even when the going gets tough, and I feel abandoned or forgotten, my Father holds me close.    I've discovered the most satisfying Well of Truths. I have unleashed a brand new p

   I trust in You, Father.  I know that I am safe in You.  I believe that You are greater than the storms that rage.  Though the wind blows and rainfalls extravagantly, the Lord is my shelter.    Thunder crashes all around, and bolts of light still abound.  But I will not fear, for the Lord my Shepherd is always near.  My heart is set on trusting in You, and I know that You will see me through.  I will always have this delight, because I am safe throughout the night.    The Lord is loving, caring and pure. His protection is for sure.  Let Him hold you safe and sound, and feel His grace all around.  Whisper of His gentle voice allow me to still rejoice.  Father, I know I'm secured right here.    -The Introverted Evangelist

   When Your light shines upon my face, I can feel the warmth of Your love. The animals sing songs of praise to their mighty Creator. The water rushing seems to cry tears of joyfulness. Here I am Lord, Your little lamb. I am ready to be swept away by Your abounding, compassionate, love.    The world around me is full of grief, but in You I find my shelter. In You, God, I am hidden. I will bury myself inside of You. I will cling to my Father's hand, and in Him I hear His thoughts towards me . The enemies snarl and grasp for me, but my Lord is my protection.    I never want to leave. I never want to ever depart again. The life within my soul shines because my God has saved me. He renewed my hope, and established my ways. He tells me what is good and pure and trustworthy .    "This is what the Lord says- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'" ( I

   My eyes are filled, they're filled with tears of joy and gratitude. This love I find in the Father is so pure. It's never ending and never failing. It hasn't given up on me, even though the road has been rough and often painful. Through all of the hurt, I know I can press into my Savior.    With all my might I cry out and plead for a hand to grasp, only to find I'm already being held in His arms. Love so deep it erodes the fears. Intimacy so pure it changes my heart's desires. Now all I want it to be with my God.    Renewed vision of who You are, Father, gives me more reasons to fully trust in You than I could ever count. I know why there is an awful roadblock. It is because my enemy wants to keep me from You, Father. He wants to stop me from praising You and living for You.    The very thought of being kept from You tears me up and breaks my heart. I never want anything else but Your presence filling my being. Please don't ever let this longing leave.

   I am constantly in awe of God. Sometimes I sound like a broken record going on and on about how much I cherish the relationship I have with Him, but I don't mind one bit. The way I see it, as long as my heart is beating, it's beating for Christ.    Everyday comes as a mystery to us, but not to the Lord. He will provide for us. I know so much more than I did about who He is, but there is still a vast amount of knowledge yet to be discovered. Each day holds the opportunity to get to know Him more and more.    The future is utterly unknown, but my God is fully faithful. Fear is frivolous, and trust is vital. Each step we take in faith is accompanied by a strong, loving Lord. It may seem like I've written all of these things before, but it has come to my attention that there is a truly endless  treasure chest of wonders found in He who is the one and only YHWH.    It's hard to find the right words sometimes, because in His presence I'm often speechles