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, ...

   "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 )   ...

   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 himsel...

   "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 On...

   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 tow...

   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 ...

   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 wh...

   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 prai...

   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...