Zacharias speaks again...

Okay, so it's been a really long time since my last post, but to be honest, I have been busy with my family and the intern program at Homes of Hope.

My wife and I are learning a great deal about waiting on God, and doing things in His time. It has been almost two years now since our house burned down, and we are in the process of trying to buy another one, and though we would like things to happen quick, God has other plans it seems.

Tomorrow at church we are dedicating our daughter Jude, and we are all excited about it! Jude doesn't know quite what to think, but I told her that we were just going to get up and tell the church how much she loves Jesus and promise to always do what He wants her (and us) to do.

The Cleansing Stream mini retreat Call2Freedom for cleansing stream alumni happens next weekend in Atlanta, and as always the devil is wreaking havoc on our lives, trying to trip us up any way he can, I guess in hopes that we won't make the retreat. Not gonna work... I am going on the ministry team as an intercessor, and hopefully as an anointer to the next full retreat. Little nervous about that one, but the Holy Spirit always has my back!

My father passed away on the third of November. Growing up I never considered my dad to be a Christian, but in the couple years before he died he did make a profession of faith and told me that Jesus was his savior. I can't judge this, only God can do that, but I do know that we serve a just God, and things will be as they are supposed to be.

Thats it, short and sweet. I intend on posting more regularly, so if I don't feel free to call or email me and tell me to get on the ball! I love you all, and pray for you as you are called to my remembrance. God bless, and if you don't know where you will spend eternity, remember; you are going to live forever... where you spend the time is up to you!

Home again Home again...

Hello all, It has been a little while since my last post but it is not due to anything going wrong, in fact life is getting better every day. I feel extremely blessed, and I am looking forward to what God has in store for my future and the future of my family. I would like to extend a special hello to Chris Sorrells and Amy Hofmeier. I have known you guys for a long time, and we all have been through much. You both are in my prayers, and you hold a special place in my heart.

Well, I have entered the next phase of my internship with Homes of Hope, I have moved back in with my family. I know that this is going to be a huge adjustment, but I know that it is time, and I know that I am ready. I will still be fulfilling all my duties as an intern with the ministry, the only difference being that I will also now be fulfilling my duties as a husband and father. My wife and I both have a lot of growing to do, a lot of maturing in Christ that needs to happen, and we are both looking forward to the adventure that has been set before us.

We just got back from a weekend in Montgomery Alabama where her brother is stationed in the Air Force. We didn't do much but eat and swim in the pool, and it was great! I am including a few pictures, though I didn't take that many. Jude had a great time, jumping off of the diving board, and getting me to toss her into the deep end. She wore a floatation vest, which made all the difference in the world in her confidence level (and mine...).

Please pray for a friend of mine, Chris who is going through a rough time right now. Also, please pray for my family as we go through this transition, and my son Tony, that the Lord would draw him near.

Herky Jerky Christians

Came across this video while searching for some old Brownsville Revival footage. If you think Redemption World Outreach Center can get a little out of hand, take a look at what can happen in other countries when the Holy Spirit descends on a service. I want to understand God's weighty presence, as well as feel it manifested. I know what it feels like to have the Spirit descending on you like an ocean, and it can be a little scary. Just remember; in the book of acts, as spectators looked at the disciples being influenced by the Spirit, the only explaination they had for what they were seeing is that the disciples seemed to be drunk. When God manifests his power to us, our earthly vessels don't know quite how to handle it, and may operate beyond our control, and may seem to take on a life of their own, but God IS in control, and we should learn to let go and trust Him. This lesson is for all areas of our lives.

Are you ready to let go?

This next video is a testimony from the Brownsville Revival. I remember that when I went down to this church for the revival, you could feel the Spirit of God the moment you stepped on the property. This is the ONLY time in my life I have ever been slain in the spirit. I was very skeptical of that sort of thing, but this woman came towards me to pray over me, and when she got within like 2 feet of me I was knocked flat on my back. I got up going "Oh my God, what just happened?!" It was really freaky and hasn't happened again since, but I welcome the Spirit Should He choose to do it again!

That's it. I just thought you might like to see some old-school and some foreign-school worship. I hope all is well, and God bless you. God is in control, but it is up to you to walk it out!

On slipups and fasting...

Okay, so heres the deal... I got scared, and I did what i've always done, I slipped. I found out that I still have issues that I can't seem to trust God to deal with. I also found out that my flesh still is able to take dominion over my actions, and quench my spirit.

Heres the good news... Today is day 27 of a 40 day fast. The longest I have ever made it, or should I say my flesh has ever allowed me to make it. My record before this was 3, yes 3 days. Because I do physical type work with Homes of Hope, I chose not to do a water only fast. I drink V8 juice and milk. I also add some carnation instant breakfast to the milk at lunch and supper time. God has given me a good measure of grace, because I have not found it hard (most of the time), though a thick steak sure sounds good right now. I quit getting insatiably hungry after about the first week, and now a glass of juice and milk (seperate of course!) quenches most, but not all of my hunger. God was quiet the first few weeks of my fast, not speaking much to me. I guess He wanted to see if I was serious about conquering my flesh this time. As I pray, and as I listen, He is opening up to me, and He encourages me daily. He lets me know that though I am currently doing well, I still have a long way to go to put my fleshly ways of dealing with lifes issues behind me.

My wife, what can I say except that she is a "woman of God". It is my desire that I should be known as the "man of God", but I know I am just not worthy of that title yet, but my wife is. This woman has faced adversity that most women would have freaked out over, but she has grown from it, and she seems to have a relationship with God that most women would envy. God knew what he was doing when He put us together, though at times my wife would probably tell you differently! I hope to one day be her hero, her night in shining armor, leading her and our daughter valiantly through a life dedicated to service to God. I love you Anne...

That's about it for now, it is what it is. I have to spend an additional 3 months here as an intern, but what is 3 months in the grand scheme of things? I am posting a video I made of Homes of Hope stuff, the photos were taken with a cell phone, but hey, what a blessing!