The Full Circle Moment

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11a

This is the inspiration for the feature sections of the newsletter. “The Blood of the Lamb” to empower you to receive communion during your personal time with God. “The Word of their Testimony” to give you faith to believe that God cares about the circumstances you face, even right now, and will step in on your behalf.

The Word of their Testimony

The Full Circle Moment

This weeks testimony comes from a long time friend. It’s a good reminder that God is able to accomplish his plans for our life, despite our decisions, when we surrender ourselves to him…

In high school and even before that, I felt called to work with kids. Whether I was interacting with babies in the church nursery, helping in children's church or even babysitting, I always felt a connection with kids. In college, I choose to major in health and physical education with a minor in coaching. I hoped to impact kids and youth by connecting through sports and developing relationships.

In college, I made some choices that changed the trajectory of my life. I was involved in a serious relationship with my high school sweetheart, in my freshman year she got pregnant. We had talked about getting married, so when we found out she was pregnant we got married. Shortly after finding out that I was going to be a father, I dropped out of school to pursue a career so I could provide for my family. We now have four children, two grandchildren and have been married for 26 years.

When you have a young family and you’re working to provide for them, life can be extremely busy. Over the years God provided opportunities to coach as our children started getting older. I coached my son’s baseball team, and my daughter’s youth soccer teams.

When our second daughter was going into high school, I pursued an opportunity to coach high school soccer. Through the process I prayed that God would open the doors if this was what he wanted me to do. As I was praying, it felt like God was saying, I had this plan for your life, your choices took you down a different path, but this is this is a full circle moment. I was extremely blessed and got the opportunity. Through my entire tenure, God's hand was on it and I believe he used me to make a difference. My wife and I were on the same page. My employer approved me to leave early for practice and games, when I shared my heart with them, it felt like it fell on ears that were receptive and they said go for it.

Success started with the culture in the locker room. Talking about God, recognizing him and bringing him up in conversation. We had a student led prayer before every game. After every game we prayed in a huddle. I had students that were Christians and some that weren't. I tried to be an example without pressure anybody. God was present in the culture that was created. I would often come to the field before anybody showed up for practice or the game and would walk the field and pray a blessing over the girls.

My heart was truly for these girls to have a positive experience playing high school sports. God used me to impact the lives of those athletes and that would not have been possible without him. The program wasn’t doing well before I took over. We were typically the doormat of the league winning one or two games a year. By the time that I left, nine years later, we were making district playoffs. We had a winning record most years. It’s a big testimony in my life with the way that God worked.

The Blood of the Lamb 

Lord, the night you shared communion with your disciples was the night you were betrayed by Judas, a friend. By receiving this bread, I am receiving forgiveness for all the times I turned my back on you. I choose to extend this same radical forgiveness to my betrayers. I bless and release every person who has ever betrayed me.

Body/Bread

With this bread, your body, I am made whole in body, soul, and spirit. I receive the same resurrection power that caused you to overcome death. Thank you for paying the highest price on my behalf so I could live with you forever. (Receive the bread)

Blood/Wine

Lord Jesus, I thank you for shedding your blood for the forgiveness of my sins. I receive the life union with you that is found in your blood. I plead the blood over myself and my family. I declare that your blood continually washes me white as snow, frees me of guilt and shame, and delivers me from the clutches of sin, providing a way of escape for every temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) It causes death and disease to pass over me and my household. (Exodus 12) Lord, I sever witchcraft from myself and my family with the precious blood of Jesus and receive full life, wholeness and health of body, soul and spirit RIGHT NOW. (Receive the wine)

In case you missed it

Bitterness will choke the seed of your hope and your potential before it has been developed…

Lyric of the week

"He has good plans for me, So, I will take heart in deserts and gardens
He has good plans, He has good plans for me. If I know my Father, I know my Father has good plans" 

Scripture

Moses encouragement to Joshua before Joshua was to lead the nation into the promised land, spoken to Joshua in the presence of all Israel. These words can be an encouragement to us this year.

Share your story

We would love to hear your story. Share your testimony by emailing us at [email protected]