#itsreal

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Murder, attempted murder, prison, mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, attempted suicide and EVEN DEATH aren't too much for God!! He is a changed man! #jesus #freedom #transformation #hope #itsreal”

That was a little post from the "always amazing Natalie" last night.

Oddly enough she left out cancer and being shot. I guess her fingers got tired. I know my mind was having a hard time wrapping around what I was hearing as well.

You see a goal of mine for FREEDOM CHURCH this year is to share the power of “THE STORY”. The bible talks of the power of the story in Revelation 12:11.

Revelation 12:11

They triumphed…by the blood of the Lamb and by the "word of their testimony"…

And last night was the first of our “stories” for 2014; the “triumphal”story of James.

And Natalie wasn’t exaggerating when she was describing the “events”of James’ story in her post. All of it was “#itsreal.”

Over the course of James’ very intense, very rocky life he has experienced all of those things described. Doing time for taking and attempting to take a life, severe illness, being shot at and targeted by mafia types for crimes against “the family”. And that just scratches the surface. The list continues of trials, bad decisions and gritty consequences. Too many to list!

Yet through it all, there was James sharing his wonderful “story” of deliverance, grace, possibility, and hope from the stage at AHOP last night.

It was amazing and inspirational. He has triumphed!

James’ shared of lying in a bunk in a penitentiary desperate and lost. His bunk mate was an addicted mess; responsible for manufacturing hooch and working the drug traffic in the prison. And yet, James knew something had to change. He had known the Lord since his childhood and the Lord was calling him back. So in that cell James fell to his knees and asked GOD to save him.

And guess what.

GOD did.

In spite of all the demons remaining in that cell with him, James has remained sober since that day. In spite of serious health issues, continued adversity and consequence, James remains faithful to this day with his recovery, his zeal for Christ and his walk.

In fact James has even coined a phrase when it comes to his trials, “Just another thing”, he says. And I believe him!

The enemy has tried his best to take him out, but thanks to Jesus James keeps doing the impossible. But that is what GOD does.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

This is one of those mornings I wish we podcasted FREEDOM. But for a lot of reasons we don’t. Then I could share James’ “story” with a few more today.

But suffice it to say James’ embodies the true nature of GOD’s AMAZING GRACE. That when we are done, that when we come to the end of ourselves and “IT”, GOD is always ready to step in, take over and do something amazing!

Psalm 107:6

“Lord, help!” (James) cried, and he did!

GOD sure has for James.

He will for you too!

Psalm 118:5-7

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me. He is for me! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me? The Lord is on my side; he will help me.

And like Natalie said…”#itsreal”!

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney