My Alpha Story and Teen Challenge (Part 2)

My friend Rob Dean wanted me to share my story about Alpha and Teen Challenge I have two motivations one focused on Alpha and another focused on Teen Challenge this Thanksgiving I wanted to share both. Grateful for our prayer team and to Jesus for seeing him change lives (Acts 1:8). 

My adolescence took a dark turn when I let music and pain shape my choices. After family trauma, I turned to drugs - believing I was in control, when in truth, I was lost. What followed was two chaotic years of addiction, broken relationships, and a downward spiral that led me through multiple treatments, arrests, and eventually, the psych ward - four times.

At my lowest point, I faced a choice: long-term psychiatric care or a long-term treatment center specializing in dual diagnosis. I chose treatment. There, I began to understand my mental and spiritual condition. The program spoke of a “higher power,” but I couldn’t accept an undefined God. One day I told my counselor, “I believe God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. He died for my sin so I can have a relationship with God. I feel like I need to give my life to Jesus and accept him into my life as Lord and Savior.” He simply said, “If that’s what you believe, you should do it.”

I walked out of that office, surrendered my life to Jesus, and felt the weight of guilt and shame lift. Peace flooded in. I decided to rebuild my life - returned to college, studied accounting, and began walking with God daily.

Decades later, I’m almost 30 years sober and helping others discover that same freedom. At Teen Challenge MN (TC), we introduced Alpha as a way for residents to invite family into their recovery journey - to see firsthand who Jesus is and what He’s done in their lives.

We’re now in our third year of hosting Alpha in the long-term TC. We’ve tried different formats - family dinners, then dessert nights. Our desire is to create space for authentic conversations. Today, a dozen men gather weekly around one table, watching the Alpha Film Series and discussing questions of faith. Every Thursday, we pray for them by name.

Through these conversations, we see lives changing. Fathers and sons being restored, men finding hope and purpose. I share my own story: once estranged, now entrusted as the executor of my parents’ estate - a full-circle redemption only God could write.

The world’s prescription for a thief is jail time. God’s prescription, from Ephesians, is transformation: “Let the thief steal no longer, but work diligently with his hands so he may give to those in need.” That’s the kind of renewal we witness through Alpha—men discovering a God who doesn’t just forgive but gives new purpose.

Every session reminds me: when we follow God’s revealed will, He reveals His personal plan. Morning by morning, we see new mercies. Through Alpha, we’re creating a space of receptivity where Jesus heals, restores, and calls men into His Kingdom - for their good and His glory.

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My Alpha story and Teen Challenge

My friend Rob Dean wanted me to share my story about Alpha and Teen Challenge I have two motivations one focused on Alpha and another focused on Teen Challenge this Thanksgiving I wanted to share both. 

My story with Alpha began with a deep desire to share the gospel with people who didn’t understand the Bible or church history, people who thought they had already made up their minds about faith. Early in life, I joined many evangelistic outreaches: handing out materials on city streets, serving workers, and sharing short gospel messages. Yet, I began to sense a gap between quick introductions to Jesus and meaningful exploration. At my church, we had a “Next Steps” program for those ready to serve, but nothing for people just beginning to question. So, I helped create a “First Steps” series inspired by Ravi Zacharias’ framework: Origins, Morality, Meaning, and Destiny. My desire was to spark honest conversations about God. While that series struggled at church, it flourished in my workplace, where non-believers engaged deeply and authentically.

A turning point came when a Teen Challenge representative mentioned they were piloting Alpha. I’d seen Alpha posters before but never experienced it. Within days, I joined their volunteer team, went through fast-tracked training, and began leading small groups. My first session felt chaotic. We were in a cramped room, cafeteria food, skeptical faces. Yet, beneath the sarcasm, I found pain and real questions: Where was God when my dad died? Why did He let this happen? Through weeks of Alpha, conversation by conversation, we saw walls break down. During the Holy Spirit weekend, I prayed with a man named Brandon as he asked Jesus into his life. Months later, he was transformed. That moment changed me too. I’d gone years seeing maybe one person commit to Christ; now I was witnessing several each month experience true spiritual renewal.

Since then, Alpha has become a rhythm of grace in my life. At Teen Challenge, we’ve refined the cadence. Two episodes a night, meals that foster community (even Papa John’s pizza for “Holy Spirit weekend”), and an open-door structure so anyone can join at any time. Graduates now return as mentors, walking with the next generation through their own questions and breakthroughs. What began as one small group in a crowded room has grown into a movement across campuses, workplaces, and even internationally, I helped bring Alpha Youth to an orphanage in Myanmar with 60 children.

Today, I’m honored to serve on the Alpha Twin Cities prayer team, praying weekly for its reach. Through Alpha, I’ve seen skeptics turn seekers, addicts find purpose, and believers rediscover the joy of sharing faith. God used Alpha to show me that creating space for honest questions can change everything. Lives are being renewed, hope restored, and the gospel shared—one conversation at a time.

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Turn God’s grace from rare experience to daily, renewing encounter

I've been enjoying meditating on Ezra 1:1, 

"...in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation" 

and Ezra 1:5, 

"...everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord..."

I had wonderful conversations with my leadership team this week, catching up with David and Eddie also. At our leaders meeting our fellowship centered on "what worship music moves your heart close to God." In our one on ones we got to share on topics about Personal life and Spiritual health. Family, community, work, other, prayer and encouragement. I've set my heart on following where the Lord leads and I'm open that it may not be where I thought originally, and I believe this is for the best. 

• Proverbs 4:23: Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
• Psalm 119:11: I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
• Proverbs 23:5: When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

My prayer continues to see the Lord before me like a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Make my path straight so I can see clearly where I'm going. Light my path so that I don't step in the mud or fall into a ditch. Help me build a bridge so that others can follow where we're going. Give me eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that understands, that I might have an abundant multiplying effect for others, for your kingdom, for your glory, amen.

True worship is submitting yourself to God wholeheartedly (Jer 17:11-18:17), I was struck by this thought: God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17). I've gotten lazy and sloppy in my devotion to the Lord. I've had a performance mindset instead of a worship mindset that sees beyond current result into the eternal kingdom God is calling us to. I find myself needing a daily reset, morning by morning new mercies I see. Last night we enjoyed the Northern Lights dancing above my house (pillar of fire at night). My house has a new roof, new furnace and air conditioner, new floors and will soon be painted. I'm looking forward to hosting Lane, Chloe, and Roman and helping them setup for a life of success. 

Last night my friend Art (in his grief over losing a life long friend), said "I'm sorry, I don't feel the Holy Spirit, never hear from God and I'm put off by this religion being pushed on me." We had just watch Alpha: Who is the Holy Spirit? and he was distracted and got nothing from it. I affirmed him and said I was glad he felt comfortable with us to share that level of honesty. 

• Honesty is a character trait from God because God is inherently truthful, and His followers are called to reflect that nature through their own actions and words. This is demonstrated by the biblical principle that "God cannot lie" and Jesus's statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". The tradition emphasizes that while people are not naturally honest, spiritual growth involves developing honesty as a reflection of God's character, a process that includes being truthful with oneself and others, and doing so with grace. 
• I've witnessed God at work in Art's life as have others, but he's not able to see it yet. As we talked we all agreed that seeing God's work in our lives is sometimes only clear after some distance from the events. 
• My goal in life is shorten that distance between experience God's grace from episodic to daily, morning by morning new mercies I see.

I had a vision of prayer, an analogy of calling someone on the phone. Worship is mechanism like picking up the phone, Gratitude is the number we dial, Listening happens when we're in a quiet place. Sometime we need go on mute and get to a quiet place, sometimes the quiet place is found through Fasting. Fasting is like repairing the control tower after a storm, it takes time and involves removing the stuff that cut down the wires. Active Listen with God includes knowing his character and his word. 

Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 19:21: Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Luke 12:14-38

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

1 Timothy 6:17-19: Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

James 5:1-3: Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Hebrews 10:34: You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

1 Peter 1:4: and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Philippians 3:20: But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 4:18: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Matthew 13:44: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Matthew 6:19-20: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Ecclesiastes 5:10: He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile

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In Christ, In the Spirit, ready to stand against the devils schemes (Eph1:3,6:10-20, Rev 19,Heb 11:3)

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

My friend Kevin Black shared the analogy that I first saw from Nicky Gumbel (Alphausa.org) that explains being"In Christ" is like a piece of paper with your name on it, being placed inside book and it's connection to baptism. Where the book goes you go. In a mystical way, when Christ died, you died, when Christ resurrected, you resurrected. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The phrase "in Christ" is key. Jesus describes this as "Abiding in me" - John 15. Another friend related this idea as when people are delivered from an evil spirit, but refuse to abide in Christ.

Matthew 12:43-45 (and Luke 11:24) where an unclean spirit, after being cast out of a person, wanders through "waterless" or "arid" places seeking rest, but finds none. The "arid places" are interpreted metaphorically as spiritually dry, empty, or God-forsaken places that provide no true rest for the spirit. This parable is a warning that a person or generation that is delivered from evil but not filled with God's spirit will be more vulnerable to greater evil returning. 

Last night (Oct 16) at Teen Challenge Spiritual emphasis family reunion. We leaned into the full armor of God. The power box with the switch in the off position represents everyone who is currently not "in Christ" - this is core power that makes everything in the house electrified (light, heat, charged, ready). Many have "tried" Christianity and found it doesn't work because they're doing the religious actions without the relationship with Jesus. Like plugging into the wall socket that has no electricity coming from the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker comes on when we agree with God about our sin, guilt and shame and apply the free gift of salvation (SAVIOR) by putting our whole life in God's hands (LORD). Fully trusting in the finished work of Jesus 100% (HOLY). 

The "belt of truth" needs to be fitted around waste, tightened and in working order.

Likewise we can have the light switch "on" but the dimmer set so low that we can't see anything. This is being "in the Spirit" 

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NLT)

4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

To God’s holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Jesus promised in Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." James 4:3, adds that you must have the right motives. Here's what it looks like

"For I cried out to him for help,
    praising him as I spoke.
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen!
    He paid attention to my prayer.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer

    or withdraw his unfailing love from me. (Psalm 66:17-20)"

These thoughts have been percolating in my heart for weeks now (Nov 4). I was sitting with Russ, Karen, Rich Scherber and Rob Dean, Tom Truszinski gave the message on Eph 6:10-20. I saw that the link between the Spirit of God and his Word bring Salvation to us when we pray (Eph 6:l7-18). Revelation was given to John who was "in the Spirit" worshiping (Rev 1:10). I saw the link between the unseen world of our thoughts and our ability to understand by faith, that can extinguish the arrows of our enemy (Eph 6:16, Heb 11:3). 

The Word of God is Faithful and True, From his mouth came a sharp sword (Rev 19:8-9,10,11,12,15). God knows me deeply and empowers me to live in the truth of his Word. I give myself over to Him as Lord and Savior, the gate. Those who come in through Jesus will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures (John 10:9-21). 

Lord, help me to hold on to your Word and be clear minded and self controlled so that I can pray and not get swept away, but to stand. 

Ephesians 6:10-20 (war clothes)

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Heb 11:3)

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Rev 19 (wedding closthes)

After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting,

“Praise the Lord!

    Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

His judgments are true and just.

    He has punished the great prostitute

who corrupted the earth with her immorality.

    He has avenged the murder of his servants.”

And again their voices rang out:

“Praise the Lord!

    The smoke from that city ascends forever and ever!”

Then the twenty-four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, “Amen! Praise the Lord!”

And from the throne came a voice that said,

“Praise our God,

    all his servants,

all who fear him,

    from the least to the greatest.”

Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:

“Praise the Lord!

    For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

Let us be glad and rejoice,

    and let us give honor to him.

For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb,

    and his bride has prepared herself.

She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.”

    For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”

Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: “Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared. Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and strong warriors; of horses and their riders; and of all humanity, both free and slave, small and great.”

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies.

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PRAY: Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield

Alpha Teen Challenge Portland House is starting. There are so many different models of prayer, which is wonderful. Using different models when praying can help everyone connect with the presence of God. One tested way to lead prayer during the team huddle is to P-R-A-Y:

P = Pause to be still

R = Rejoice with a scripture or song, and give thanks to God for all he has done

A = Ask God to reveal his love to the guests and to the team

Y = Yield is another way of saying “yes” to God 

P - Pause

Romans 5:5 “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy

Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Invite the Holy Spirit to come, wait in silence, and welcome his presence.

R - Rejoice

1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be

called children of God! And that is what we are!”

Rejoice and thank God for all he has done to bring you here tonight! Have people

pray out loud and complete the phrase “God, I thank you for...” 

A - Ask

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share

with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

One of the greatest ways to love people is to pray for them. Each week, we will pray

for our guests and for one another. This week we will pray in groups of three. Please

self-identify in each group who is #1, #2, or #3. We will take 3 minutes to pray for

guests now.

Ask God for the guests:

1. That God would give each guest the courage to attend.

2. That pre-registered guests would turn up, and God would send more guests who

are not registered.

3. That the guests, hosts, and helpers experience laughter and connection.

And now we will take 3 minutes to pray for the team.

Ask God for the team:

1. For wisdom and discernment to place each guest in the right group.

2. For the emcee(s) as they host the evening.

3. For the health and safety of all team members and their families

Y - Yield

Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to

offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and

proper worship.”

“Yield” or more simply put, “Say yes to God!” He wants us to experience the joy

of partnering with him. Tell God that you surrender and say “Yes!” to everything he

wants to do on this Alpha. Let’s enjoy the adventure! 

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Fasting and Prayer from believing God, undisciplined from unbelief (1 John 5:14, John 9:31, Jonah 3:5-10, Jer 14:10-12)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” 1 John 5:14, "We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will."  John 9:31

"(They) believed God’s message...pray(ed) earnestly to God... turn(ed) from their evil ways and stop(ped) all their violence...When God saw what they had done (believed) and how (turned) they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:5-10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:10-12).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Eph 1:3

I'm excited to get back to Teen Challenge Portland house this Tuesday. Guys and anyone on their guest list comes with their own dinner at 5. We start the video at 5:15, we have 30 minutes to discuss and dismiss at 6:15. This year we're doing the 9 week Prayer Course, Followed by 5 weeks for the Unanswered Prayer Course. 

We pray for the guys by name on Thursdays (over Google Meet), ask them to join while in line for food. We add treats and gifts to incentivize them like Sliced Apple and Carmel for dessert with cookies and giving gifts to anyone who comes two weeks in a row, with an additional bonus gift for 3rd week. These gifts are books on prayer. Keys to Powerful Prayer, How to Pray: The Best of John Wesley on Prayer, Prayers to Start Your Day, Winning Your Spiritual Battles, 199 Promises of God. 

This week in BSF our doctrine is prayer:

Prayers of the repentant: Jonah 3:5-10,Acts 3:19,1 John 1:9, shows they "believed God’s message" and committed to "(fast and) pray earnestly to God", turn from their evil ways, stop their violence with hope that God would spare their lives. 

• When we believe God, it's always followed by repentance. "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." Acts 3:19
• "if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." 1 John 1:9

Prayers of non-believers are not answered by God: Proverbs 1:24-28,Isaiah 59:3,Jeremiah 14:10-12,John 9:31 because He calls but non-believers refuse to answer, He reached out but non-believers ignore His advice and reject the correction God offered. So when non-believers "cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me." Proverbs 1:28

• Non-believers are undisciplined who are God's people: Isaiah 59:3 says look at your hands, they are the hands of murderers and our fingers are filthy with sin, your lips are full of lies and your mouth spews corruption. Jeremiah 14:10, LORD says to his people: You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves. Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins."

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Regeneration Recovery, 12 steps with Biblical References

Enjoying regeneration recovery looking forward to getting this started at Portland house this January.

Step 1 (Admit): For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. - Romans 7:18 (ESV)

Step 2 (Believe): Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is

renewed like the eagle’s. - Psalm 103:2-5 (ESV)

Step 3 (Trust): But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved - Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)

Step 4 (Inventory): Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. - Psalm 51:6 (ESV)

Step 5 (Confess): But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:7-9 (ESV)

Step 6 (Repent): So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)

Step 7 (Follow): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)

Step 8 (Forgive): Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. - Ephesians 4:32-5:1 (ESV)

Step 9 (Amends): Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. - Romans 12:17-18 (ESV)

Step 10 (Continue): Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! - Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

Step 11 (Intimacy): And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom you have sent. - John 17:3 (ESV)

Step 12 (Regenerate): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  - 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV)

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Principles and applications in praying for others

John 17

• Jesus prays with eyes toward heaven. When I pray what is my focus on?
• Jesus praying for glory, in order he may glorify the Father. When I pray in my hour of need how will I glorify God? 
• Jesus was given authority over all people. When I pray, will I focus on the author and perfecter of our faith? Hebrews 12
• Jesus was granted authority to give eternal life to everyone given to him. If eternal life is knowing and abiding in God (John 15-16), how great is living under the authority of Jesus?

Studying the Gospel of John in  BSF this year has given me a new perspective on "the least of these" Jesus speaks about in Matthew 25. 

I've learned in serving my Father in Law after the stroke that faith grows daily. I've watched him go from crippled to walking, healing is a miracle and motion in medicine. While all this was happening I was studying John 12-13.

• Then Jesus cried out, "Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me (John 12:44).
• Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me (John 13:20)."

John listened to our recommendations and accepted our help. Often in life we shy away from receiving love from others. Advanced Neurologic Therapy has been wonderful. "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me (Philemon 1:17)."

I would thank God for John's healing every day with him. Now John started praying with us over meals. "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6)."

I've known for a long time that faith comes by hearing the message about Christ but over time I'm seeing that faith comes when we love people as though they are Christ. "and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself (Galatians 4:14)"

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me (Matthew 10:40)."

"Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me (Luke 10:16)."

Grateful to God for answered prayers. Salvation, mercy, loving kindness, faith, hope, and love. 

How Much Power Are You Using? | “Your Prayers” by Pastor Robert Morris | Gateway Church

God has deposited His power in us

Luke 24:49 NLT

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Acts of the Apostles 1:8 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

We must release His power through prayer

John 7:37-39 NKJV

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Daniel 10:2-3 NKJV

2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Daniel 10:12-13 NKJV

12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

God adds His fire (power) to our prayers

Revelation 5:8 NKJV

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:1-5 NKJV

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

Luke 3:16 NKJV

16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Update from June this year. John's miracle healing reversing the stroke: John's miracle healing

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Blessed with the Spirit's power, faith, wisdom, love, and understanding (Matthew 5:3-12,1 Cor 2:4-12)

I'm so excited to start this new course in January at TC. I've purchased blank journals for the participants to hear from God. https://app.messengerx.com/en-US/watch/5NWN1FHnz2afPjuEvv3yhN/brightcoveVideo_6173779675001

 1 Cor 2:11

My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing

No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Cor 2:4-12

Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself? Job 15:8

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. Proverbs 20:27

To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:8

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Prayer course at Portland house (TC)

The week of January 7, 2024 we'll start a Prayer Course instead of running Alpha twice a year (as it's a 13 month program). We'll either meet on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday (as Friday had two many other things going on consistently. 

Kick off meeting: Is That God Speaking? How to Hear God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5bOrtpFHGw

Whole Course:

https://app.messengerx.com/en-US/watch/5NWN1FHnz2afPjuEvv3yhN/brightcoveVideo_6173783811001

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