Where did God show up in my life? Well about 2 1/2 years ago I was trying to live my life on my own... which I was doing a very poor job at... I had no direction and really didn't live my life the way I should have God had shown up so to speak in my life many times before but like many people I just thought well you can do this one on your own Mike. Then one day a little over a month after meeting my now wife Danielle I was setting in a revival service I'll never forget it because at first I felt kinda funny being there but I had been coming to Living Water for about a month and God had been deeling with me for a couple weeks before the service and there was alot of talk of "Getting right with God" and I knew deep in my heart that if something was to happen to me that I hadn't made peace. Pastor's dad preached a sermon on December 4th (my mothers b-day) and while Pastor John was preaching the Lord began to speak to me and it was like he was saying Mike I can show you what you are missing, at the end Pastor John gave the alter call and asked and I will never forget his words, he said "is there anyone out there who would like to know Jesus as there savior" before I could think my hand was in the air and honestly I think it was more than me just raising it because I felt for the first time drawn inward to God, before then I had never felt God's love the way I was feeling it that Sunday. Pastor it was beautiful I'll never forget that moment as Pastor John began to pray with me to accept Jesus into my heart and to walk with him. Since accepting Jesus I have a new lease on life I feel my life is now complete because Jesus is more than my Master he is my best friend and I can share anything with him that I desire. But that is where God showed up on my door step.

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I think that we all have problems with others, when we get saved. Once God becomes the focus of our lives, then those who do not know him or do not have an intimate relationship with him can't understand why we don't have the same interests anymore. I remember that my sister and I always enjoyed Rod Stewart's music and we saw him in concert several times over the years. She couldn't understand that I would rather spend time in the presence of God more than anything else. (Rod Stewart just didn't do anything for me anymore). I wanted God time and Holy Spirit experiences more. Those who don't understand--tend to be critical of us, expecting us to be "perfect and holy". A friend of mine once told me that Christians are a work in progress---we all make mistakes and fall short of man's expectations. Thank God for his grace and mercy.

The most important thing is to let God's light shine, so that those who don't understand can
see that you are changed. I pray daily for God to fill my heart with "love and joy" and let it flow over onto those that I come in contact with. It's hard to be forgiving when people hurt us, but if we consider what Jesus went through and remember that his last thoughts were to forgive those who persecuted him, then it helps. Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do".

Pray blessings for your "enemies" and you will be blessed. Stay focused on God, praise your way through the difficult times, and you will experience his glory. Don't forget that you walk in the favor of God. Be Blessed!!!!

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There is definitely something happening in worship. God is preparing us for something great. Worship will be a big part of that. We are building a house of praise and a tent of meeting.

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