Mud on your face

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9:1-7 NIV)

How many of us sitting in front of God with mud on our faces and telling God " if you remove the mud I will go "? How many of us are waiting for God to do something before we move? How many of us are waiting in our uncertainty for things to be more clear before you move in the direction God is calling you to? What journey is God calling you on that you want all the details first?

The blind man could of refused to go because he couldn't see what was in front of him. He could of refused to go on the journey Jesus told him to go. Why was the man blind from birth anyways?

God doesn't always give you step by step details because He wants you to trust Him more.
Maybe through your journey your miracle awaits.
Maybe God wants to do something in you that can only be explained by knowing Go did it.

You may be completely blind or Jesus may have put mud in your eyes. Either way He has a journey for you and if you trust Him you'll go home seeing.

I am Chris, son of Lee and Lynnette Stewart

Let me introduce myself; my name is Chris, son of Lee and Lynnette Stewart.

In Mark 10:46-52 there is a story of a man named Bartimaeus. He was the son of Timaeus. Bar, B-a-r, means son of in Hebrew. In this story Jesus and His disciples were with a large crowd leaving the city of Jericho when Bartimaeus begins to shout out "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many people began to rebuke him and told him to be quiet. He shouted again, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

The thing that really stands out to me in this story is the fact that Mark wants us to know that Bartimaeus is the SON OF Timaeus. There are several stories in the scripture where the writers don't share the names of others (the poor guy, the widow, the orphan), but Bartimaeus is Timaeus' boy.

No matter our skin color, social background, financial status or our education we are all "Son of someone". Don't place people in a box because of selfish things. That's what happened in this story; everyone in the crowd pushed Bartimaeus to the side because they were embarrassed that again he was begging, but this time for mercy from the Savior of the world.

Jesus stopped and had them call to Bartimaeus. Jesus asked him "what do you want me to do for you"? Bartimaeus said "Rabbi, I want to see." Jesus told him that his faith had healed him, and immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and began to follow Jesus.

Truth is we should all see people as Christ does and love them. Don't let your selfish ways get in the way of empathy.

Bartimaeus got what he needed, both mercy and sight, only because Jesus looked at him as someone who mattered. Jesus asked one simple but powerful question, "What do you need from me?"

We are all Sons and Daughters of someone, and we all matter to Jesus. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask "What do you need from me"?

Love your neighbor!

I met a man that saved my life!

Abandonment left me searching for approval for most of my life. I turned to alcohol, drugs and many failed relationships to help me feel better. I hurt and took advantage of everyone that got close to me. Sick, tired and dying from alcohol poisoning I needed someone to help me but I hurt them all. I was in so deep the only one able to rescue me was Jesus. He was right there the whole time. August of 2000 I gave my life to Christ. He promised never to abandon me. I am married now for 10 years to my beautiful wife Kristen and we have 5 wonderful children. Our prayers are for others to know the transforming power of Jesus.


For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

My Mom

Proverbs 6
20 do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 
21 Bind them always on your heart; 
   fasten them around your neck. 
22 When you walk, they will guide you; 
   when you sleep, they will watch over you; 
   when you awake, they will speak to you. 
23 For this command is a lamp, 
   this teaching is a light, 
and correction and instruction 
   are the way to life,

I remember before I encountered Christ my mother was always praying for me to meet Him and that He would keep me safe. There were many times my mother knew I was being dishonest and she would give it God. My mom is an awesome woman of God full of faith and always knew what I needed. She raised me in church and made sure I was there for all the events. She did her part and taught me well. This Mothers Day I want to honor my mother and thank God for her. I feel sure her teaching, instruction and love guided me to Jesus. Mom you rock! Happy Mothers Day.

Faith

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Moving forward with God's plan for Transformation House has been a great experience. God has provided all of our needs in such miraculous ways. The culture of change in the Transformers has engulfed the west end of Greenville. That culture is a product of their time spent with Jesus which started with their encounter with Christ.

With this culture and our faith that we are walking in God's will and obeying Him, God continues to provide even the things that may seem minute to others. I don't want to say it's been easy, but when we hear God's voice we don't ask questions, we move. It takes a lot of faith to do that.

Transformers, we are living out Hebrews 11:6 and I am honored to serve with you.

Transformation House
Creating a Culture of Change

Wisdom

Nothing you desire can compare to wisdom. (Proverbs 3:15)
It's been 9 months since my last post. The busy matters of everyday life have prevented me from even reading much. I have managed to read a few scriptures everyday but to dive in and study has not happened. On my shelf I currently have 12 books I haven't read. I get up at 6 a.m. every morning to start my day and I am at work by 8:30. I arrive back home around 8:30 p.m. in time to see the kids for about 30 minutes before they are off to bed. It's crazy and I suspect I am not the only one that has days this hectic. On my days off, I am so far behind, it's catch up time (bills, chores, family, church, etc.).
This morning I woke up and my brain was starving and the above scripture is where God led me. So I decided to take sometime today and dive in. I feel better already. I plan on reading a great book today from Pastor Steven Furtic (Sun Stand Still) and God's Word. I guess I will have to start getting up at 5 a.m. Oh, wait...I need to exercise too. Pray for me!

Transformation House

If it's planted in the heart....

Psalm 1:3 (Amplified Bible)
3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Isaiah 32:16-17 (New International Version)

16 Justice will dwell in the desert
and righteousness live in the fertile field.

17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Life experiences shape us.... Jesus Transforms us.
TRANSFORMATION HOUSE