Pray for Passion

We are soon approaching the Passion Week. With it, will come multitudes of church outreaches (where churches go out to minister to people not in their churches) and in-reaches (where people are invited to churches by family and friends often for the first time).

For those who follow Christ, now is a time to pray as one body and with one mind for all the upcoming church efforts to reach people with the Good News that God so loved people that He sent His only son to die for them that their sins might not keep them from God and heaven. For those who DO NOT follow Christ, now is a good time to look into Christianity to discover what all this means and "why did Jesus have to suffer and die?" More importantly, everyone should seriously ponder the historical fact that Jesus did not stay dead. For Christians, this fact is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our faith is absolutely meaningless.

Think about it with me, if Jesus was just a prophet or a good moral teacher, then all that He said and did was "nice to know." And if He died a normal human death and is buried in some undisclosed grave, then I am a man to be pitied beyond every other delusional, psychotic, weak-minded fool that ever lived (the Apostle Paul once said the same thing). Seriously, at that, people should lock me and every other Christian in the looney bin because we have given our lives to a dead man if in fact He was just a man. What's more, this "dead man" lives inside of me, has given me purpose, has given me hope, has answered ALL of my prayers, has never given up on me, has proven Himself to me and loves me with a passion no other person can possibly understand. Oh and by the way, He speaks to me through His Spirit and is coming back for me really soon!

If He is still dead, then please send all your good thoughts and heartfelt pity to me and hope that I may live a "normal" and sane life that when I die I will close my eyes, reach equilibrium (as we say in the field of biochemistry), and cease to exist except in the sense that my elements and chemical energies will once again re-enter the eco-system and conserve the mass and energy of the universe. Now that's reason enough to keep on living!

But that's just it. As is often said, Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic or He was who said He was and who the Bible says He is-the Lord of all Humanity, the Messiah, the only Savior, the lover of our souls, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and the one who spoke the Universe into existence! But this doesn't just go for Jesus. As a wise man once said, "who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?" (ok I'm a Star Wars fan). All of us Christians are either liars or lunatics, or we are truly telling the truth to the world. Jesus loves you, accept Him today!

Repeat After Me

Jesus,

I admit I am a sinner

I believe that you died for my sins

I confess my sins and ask you to forgive me

I commit my life to you know as my Lord, Amen!

That's it. As my Drill Instructor used to say "Simple Right?" This prayer is your prayer of affirmation, a wedding vow if you will. It may sound weird, but a little prayer like "Repeat After Me" can save your life, give you life and change your life forever!

For those within driving distance of Hollister California, you are invited to watch a free and licensed showing of the original release of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ" Friday March 25th at 5:00PM at Faith, Hope, and Love Center of Hollister at the corner of Line and Central Avenue.

For those who can not make it, please pray for us and for all the churches in the world who have a passion for God and for people and who are attempting to bridge the gap between the two of them. Wow, what an honor! God chooses His sons and daughters to bridge the gap between Him and the future members of His family. But then again, He chose His own Son to do the same thing! Follow Christ and please visit a church this Easter season.

Dare You To Move

A Terracotta Soldier

A sleeping army frozen in time, just waiting for the word to march on to one of the last battles for the souls of mankind. If you listen closely, you can hear the distant footsteps of an army of soul winners marching in place and on the verge of moving. Just like the ancient Chinese Terracotta Army unearthed by peasants back in 1974, this sleeping giant we call the "Last Day's Revival Movement" has been re-discovered and is finally re-awakening, breaking out of its shells.

Standing By

The last trumpet call is only moments away, but before that trumpet sounds, one last push for the full measure of souls is about to burst forth. It's going to push the four walls of our churches right over as the army unctioned by the Spirit of God walks through, over, and around the things that keep us from winning the souls we were called by God to win before He comes back for His people. The days of retaining walls are over. The days of maintenance sheds and reservoir pools are behind us. Those arms and legs that do not move will be broken off and left behind to watch the fort. The remnant of the body of Christ so motivated, will drag itself to the streets if that is what it takes.

Who will respond to the fire burning in these bones buried in the Valley of Decision? Rest assured these Terracotta Soldiers will move. They will break through. But who are they? Will it be the seasoned ones who have seen the glory in revival times past? Will it be the adults who have settled down in our Spirit-filled churches? Will it be the young adults making their way in God? Will it be the youth who are finding themselves and their God-given purposes? Will it be the children who are so often overlooked, but who have the Kingdom of God in the palm of their hands?

This army accepts all who will say "yes Lord, here am I, send me!" I dare anyone reading this to move out of their comfort zones and do two things 1. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal friend and savior and 2. Share this simple message to anyone within arm's reach: "Jesus loves you, accept Him today!" I dare you to advance the kingdom of God one inch every day, one soul every day and get the momentum going. Each step of faith taken, will motivate a second, and then another and another, until finally the sleeping giant that is the majority of our churches runs the final marathon lap around the globe and meets Jesus at the finish line up in the air.

I'm not speaking to those that are active in ministry. They're already in the heat of battle. They've long since gotten over themselves, over their luxuries, conveniences, rest, relaxation, and air-conditioned Tents of Transfiguration. I'm speaking to the bones of a buried and dusty army. Like the old sports car in mint condition under the tarp in the cob-web filled garages that are our churches. I'm daring the immovable, which is held in reserve by its own reservations, to move. I'm speaking to the Aarons and the Hurs who are watching as the hands of the Lord's Servants, the Moseses of our generation, are growing tired and as the Joshuas are falling behind from the sheer weight of the souls crushing down on them. The harvest is ripe and ready indeed, but where are the laborers? Where are those Reserves when we need them most?

An Army that's Rousing

First things first, let's agree as one for our Apostles (Missionaries), Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. Wherever they are around the world or around the corner from you. Join one of your hands with them in the Spirit. Set a stone of prayer and encouragement under their tired arms and lift them up. Pray with all your might with them and for them, clutching their hands so hard that they can feel it.

With the other hand ready your weapon of the Spirit, the sword which is the word of God. Begin to dust off your full body armor with the rattling of your sabers. When the stones are set in their place and immovable under the arms of the anointed servants of the Most High God, let out a battle cry to all whom it may concern (the weapons formed against you, the forces of righteousness to whom you are rallying, and the Lost who are held captive and waiting for liberation). Let them know you're coming. Let them know you're on the move. A Joshua is born every second.

Jump out and feel what it's like to walk on air!

Grab the church doors tight and give them a good kiss. Don't hold on too tightly, just give yourself a better push out of a perfectly good ship and reassure her that you'll be back soon with new painted faces behind you. Go ahead and jump into the dead space, decay and darkness that is our lost world. Do not be afraid. Be bold and courageous for the Lord your God is with you. With you is the eternal life, salt and the light of the world. Once you're on the ground, join up with your brothers and sisters in arms at the battle lines. They'll be glad to see you. Give them some suppressing fire so that they can catch a breath or two.

Once you get the taste of winning souls, you'll never lose it. You'll live for it. There's no adrenaline-pumping rush like it. Come on, I dare you to...

Move in Jesus' name!
Bro Danny Jr. Morales

Memories of Lumpia

To the friends of Light the Fire Ministries in Monterey:

You all have no idea how much a blessing you were to Martha and me last Monday night, which was the night after our anniversary. The roses were beautiful, the soda was bubbly, the cookies hit the spot, and the lumpia and sauce were, well, memories made in heaven. But even more memorable was the time we shared together. You Women and Men of God are the best thing about Monday nights and I look forward to seeing you every time!

The ministry in Monterey has seen its share of lonely nights, but that night, was the highlight of our Monterey ministry. It was family night. Thanks for the memories, lumpia and all. I think I might have them and the rose petals cryogenically frozen so that I will never forget. Well, on second thought, lumpia tastes better fresh, I'll just ask the Lord to keep the memories even fresher from now until eternity!

Roses by Bro Steven

You guys are up and coming leaders of full-fledged ministries that will soon touch the world for Christ. It is an honor to be a part of the birth of your ministries. It is a pleasure to share with you so many things: a passion for prayer, praise and worship, the indisputable laws of leadership (which are at times indisputably long-winded), the focused vision of We Build People, the big picture of evangelism and discipleship, and most importantly Jesus. As I said on Monday, I pray that you become filthy rich in souls for Him!

Here's to God and Here's to People!

Cheers,
Martha and Danny

P.S. Thanks Mom and Dad for the flowers!

Happy Anniversary Martha!

Happy Anniversary Momma

Alright, I know it's late. The kids have been asleep for hours, and I have had a chance to re-acquaint myself with my 3 babies (Martha, Danny Boy, and Michael D), catch up with my e-mail, voice-mail and blogs. All is quiet in the house. I couldn't just go to sleep on time with all the thoughts of winter camp sugar plums dancing, or was that us dancing? Anyhows, I just wanted to say that a huge part of my being was absent at Winter Camp this year for the first time ever. God was on my mind, the youth were on my mind, but you Martha and my babies were always right there with all of them. Thank you for giving me a chance back on Christmas Eve 1997. I'll never forget how big those Arizona miracle snowflakes were that night when I sang my heart out to you. I'll never forget the taste of your tears. The next morning God gave me a dream of me holding my destiny as a fish caught from a running river-my Christmas present and Birthday present all rolled into one (my testimony about how we hooked up is coming soon to a blog near u). What a catch you were then, what a catch you are now and a catch you always will be! Winter Camp just wasn't the same without you. Happy anniversary Team Mate, Ship Mate, Home Mate, and Forever Soul Mate.

Even when I was drunk in the Spirit, rolling around laughing and just having an Acts Chapter 2 experience on Saturday night, I screamed for "my babies." I love you my sons and my armor bearers. You my sons are the first signs of my strength. I thought I would repost a special tribute on the night of our Anniversary and After-camp Family Reunion of a family story about a little boy and his dream. It's entitled "Danny Boy Dreams of Jesus." As Pastor Roger said so powerfully, "God has room in His house for a dreamer." Thank you Pastor Roger for being a great role model and Daddy to your children and to me and Martha.

In our home, we do have a dreamer. His name is Danny Boy. Here's our home, here's our story, here's his dream and yes, here's our Savior, Jesus...

Posted on January 17, 2005 at Light the Fire Ministries:

Last night was a great night of family devotionals. Devotionals in our home means reading a short passage of Scripture, sharing our thoughts about what it means (with plenty of examples from personal experience), and then prayer. My wife and I have seen a tremendous growth in our oldest son. He shows such a keen understanding of the Bible and what it means to be a Christian.

Last night we read about having the faith the size of a mustard seed and how this faith can literally move mountains (Matthew 17:14-20). This really struck a chord with Danny Boy as one of his favorite songs is "Si Tuvieras Fe," which is a Spanish song based on this Scripture set to a tropical Latin beat complete with movements (Salvador has a great version).

To demonstrate the Scripture, I shared many stories of God's miraculous powers. One amazing but true story that my mother had just told me over the phone minutes earlier was about one of their member's near death experience, visitation to Heaven, and miraculous recovery from a coma. I relayed to him of how God had also worked a miracle with this Lady's son, whose car had all of sudden quit working while on the road. He prayed and then immediately felt a strong push that allowed his car to reach his destination. I explained to him that these miracles moved mountains in the lives of these people, all of whom happen to be ministered to by his grandparents. All that was needed was faith (belief in God) the size of a mustard seed watered with a lot of prayer.

Danny Boy was pretty shocked by the fact that there are people who do not believe in the stories of the Bible, like the story we had just read and discussed. The reason for his shock is that he has not only heard stories from the Bible, he has actually experienced them firsthand.

As we began to pray after our devotional we sensed a strong and beautiful presence in our living room. We immediately recognized this presence because we experience it on a routine basis at church, work, home, and just about everywhere when we pray---it's the presence of God.

I noticed Danny Boy look up to a corner of the room and then scan around the room. I knew by the expression on his face that he had just seen something. Interestingly, minutes earlier, I had seen some movement out of the corner of my eye while I was reading the passage of Scripture (I kept this little observation to myself).

After scanning the living room, he looked around to me and then said rather calmly "Dad I just saw an angel." I asked him where he had seen the messenger (angel means "messenger") even though my wife and I had both seen his actions as he scanned the room. He pointed to the corner of the room near the ceiling. As I looked up and back to him I saw a small flash of light dart from the corner. He then retraced the messenger's movements around the room.

A picture drawn by Danny Boy the day after our angelic visitation depicting the angel he saw in our living room

I told him that angels bring messages from God and that we are supposed to only pray to God and not to angels. I knew that God had a message in store for Danny Boy.

As we prepared for bed, Danny Boy asked me "Dad what does Jesus look like?" I told him that I did not know for sure but that based on a dream that I had had of him, that matched the accounts of the Transfiguration and those in the book of Revelation, he looked very much like the pictures we often see of him. He was content with my answer and soon fell asleep.

This morning he woke me up in excitement. "Dad last night I saw Jesus in a dream." He added, "I saw the cross and him dying for my sins." Remembering our messenger's visitation the night before, I asked him "did he tell you anything?" He responded "yes, he told me that he was hungry and had no place to go in." Immediately, I was reminded of the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-40). He then said that he woke up and looked for Jesus but did not see him anywhere.

I knew this was a message from God for several reasons one of which is that Danny Boy has never heard the parable of the Sheep and Goats (we have been his Sunday School teachers all his young life).

This morning as I prepared to post this blog, I remembered the Chinese missionaries that are taking the message of the Bible to the most dangerous places on earth: the Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu countries along the old Silk Route to Jerusalem. Recently, the Assemblies of God has challenged its members to give to this effort. These missionaries, who are a part of the "Back to Jerusalem" movement are giving spiritual food to people who are spiritually lost, hungry, and homeless. They are ministering to people who resemble the Jesus of Danny Boy's dream. You will be inspired by their amazing stories and those of others. You can learn more about and give to their cause and similar causes by:

Emailing:

Bible Alliance

Visiting:

Back to Jerusalem
http://www.backtojerusalem.com/

Testimonies from Back to Jerusalem
http://www.backtojerusalem.com/news.htm

Danny Boy's dream is not that uncommon when you check out some of the visions and dreams that these Chinese missionaries have had. Amazingly, Muslims are having visions and dreams of Jesus, as well as angelic visitations. However, unlike Danny Boy, they do not know who this Jesus is. That is, until someone tells them, feeds them, and shows them the only way into God's home. Have you met the Jesus of Danny Boy's dream? He is knocking at your door. Follow Christ.