Christmas Time

You know,

This Christmas was an interesting one. It was also a hard one. I miss my grandpa, the man I have always considered my dad. Christmas is not the same without him. But with that said, I love the family that I still have. During Christmas time, presents have never been a super big deal to me. I know that financially my family may not be as good as others, but that never has been anything that bothers me. Worldly goods only go so far, but my family puts their heart in anything they give me. For that I am thankful. I mean I did get a decent bit of money for Christmas, but all of that will be spent on text books for next semester, but the important thing was the family time we had. I needed this, I love my family. They help get me through a lot of junk.

I am looking forward to this next year. God has been equipping me for something big. I have been going through a period where I have not been in the frontlines of spiritual warfare. I actually have been being refilled by God, being able to rest, and prepare. This has been interesting, and nice, because I have never experienced such a period. I am a General, someone who leads, and looks forward to battle, but even I have to be poured into. I do so much pouring into others, that it is hard at times to receive my pouring into, but God has done this for me during this period. I am ready to walk into the promise God has for me, and I am willing to do this whenever and however and with whatever it takes.

It is time!

Love you guys,

Big Ron

Probably The Best Birthday Weekend Ever

You know,

Reflecting on this weekend, I have realized that this is probably the best birthday weekend I have ever had. It is not about the material goods, honestly it has never been about that, but really the people made a difference. For one having over 160 people wish me happy birthday was great; knowing that that many people if not more care about me. It shows that I am at least doing something right in my life. To top it off I had the best weekend in my life, and I spent it with some of the best people I know. For the first time in 20 years I spent my birthday away from home, now of course I miss my people at home, but this was an experience that I needed. It is a part of growing up. One of my favorite things this weekend was spending time with the teaching fellows here at CSU. We had a great cookout/sleep over on Friday night filled with games, food, and movies. It was great spending quality time with these people. I care about them greatly, and I feel that they too feel the same way. I don't think words can describe the feelings I felt with them, and these are not perverse feelings or anything like that, but a feeling of truly being understood. I love entertaining people, cooking for people, and just talking and spending time with people and this was a great bonding experience. Then Saturday night, spending time with my fraternity brothers and some of the sisters, well I would not trade that experience. I honestly know that it was meant for me to join PKP, and for once I feel like I belong. This is important, because it has been hard for me to gain that feeling. It's good having a group of guys that I can spiritually bond with, as well as enjoy being around and doing whatever. Even if that is just playing video games or talking. And today, getting to go to dinner with the teaching fellows, and take pictures and fellowship was nice. I feel like we are growing closer together as a group which is great, and I have been developing bonds with many people in that group. Then after that, going to applebees with some of my closest friends, just because to hang out and be together, how could I even want to trade that experience. It is nice being able to grow close to people without the fear of being hurt or rejected, being able to be myself, and just hang out. So thats why I say it was probably the best birthday weekend of my life this weekend!

Love you guys,

Big Ron

All it took was a few chances

Okay,

So I have been really slack as of late updating my blog. Mainly because I have been super super busy. However I thought it was fitting with me turning 20 this year that I at least do some kind of post. I think this is a great opportunity to do some reflecting on my teenage years.

Let's just say that I may have lived the most unusual of teenage years you may have ever heard. Actually it is so interesting that I really want to write a novel one day. I am a believer that if you have a story you should share it; to bring glory to God, and to bring hope to those who are going through similar stuff that you have been through.

There was a time when I asked why? Why me? Why do I have to be the one to go through all of this stuff? Why do I have to grow up way before I am supposed too? Why was I chosen to do this? I will be honest, I struggled with this for a good deal of time, but with the love of certain family members, and the friendship of those closest to me, and with the help of some great youth pastors, and answers from a mighty God it was revealed to me.

With that being said I think I need to say thank you. Because if it where not for people taking a CHANCE on me I wouldn't be in the position I am in right now. That's right you might look at me and say thats a solid person, he must have had everything growing up...but this is not so. If it were not for the people who took a chance on me I would not have anything. It started at a little old methodist church in a little community called Sampit. Where a church body gave a young teenager a chance to serve God. Where a 21 year old pastor gave me a chance to do things people my age usually don't get the chance to do, and where a grandfather, saw the gifts that God had given me and decided to disciple and mentor me in them. It is all about the chance. You know what I love about God the most though, it's that He likes to take the underdog and give him big chances and put him in positions to do great things. At an early age I got the opportunity to preach at that small church...and it was then I knew the power that God has, and how I could be used to do great things.

At this stage of my life though, God called me to move forward, but this required me to leave that small church. This was something that I really did not want to hear but having praying over it, and discussing it with my grandpa, I decided to follow the call. I got an opportunity to serve at the Church of God, where I def. learned of the gifts of the spirit. I went to 2 youth camps that greatly influenced me to pursue things such as prophesy and speaking in the Spirit. I got the chance to be a leader there, and actually spoke for a series of weeks while there was a transition between youth pastors. They took a chance on me. Thank You! Then, I went to the First Assembly of God. I became very involved in the youth group. Became a leader there, and did things that helped me greatly. Supported by a super youth group, who backed me in things that I did, we saw growth spiritually, which is important. I had the opportunity to go to nationals and do a short sermon, went to conventions, and other things, that helped develop me spiritually. I got the opportunity to preach in that church twice, and lets just say that had to be some of the best experiences in my life. So Thank You for taking a chance on Big Ron!

Then lets just say I found a home between the involvement I had in the last two churches. This was at Georgetown Community Church. Oh man, how do I begin to describe this? There is so much that has happened there. At this church God gave me the gift of speaking in tongues. Oh man, that was an experience. There is a youth pastor there that gave me a chance, I remember him looking at me at one of the first times at the youth group there and saying "Big Ron, there is greatness inside of you, God is going to use you to reach to many people, He is going to bless you greatly." Oh how this came true. I love this youth group. I have been there to see friends come and go, and new ones being raised up! I am proud to say that I am a spiritual leader there. Oh yeah how can I forget about other things I have done there. I started out as a camera man, great experience there. Then came the biggest opportunity I have ever received. It came this summer, after the pastors being able to observe the gifts that God has in me and deciding to take a CHANCE. I was offered an internship at the church as a type of children's minister. This was what I had been wanting for so long, and someone gave me the CHANCE. They told me that this was my "baby" that I was in charge of it. I fell in love with a great group of kids. I really learned why youth pastors do what they do, and how rewarding it was. All I can say is thank you.

Of course, there are many more things, but why tell them all just yet. Like I said thank you Scott J., Papa, Pastor Josh, Pastor Steve, Pastor Benji, Pastor Chris, and to all the people who gave me a chance. Without you giving me that opportunity, where would I be?

To everyone who reads this, I love you.

Big Ron

What Language does God speak to you in?

I have been doing a good bit of reading lately, actually I am reading two books at one time. The one that has been hitting me hard is Max Lucado's "He Chose the Nails" In this there is a statement that Lucado makes that really has impacted the way I think about God. He states how there is no language that God does not speak, and this is not limited to just a verbal language but spreads to other things. When reading this I realized that God speaks into my life through the language of provision.

As I look back into my life, I see that there has been many times when I would have been lacking in something, but God always pulled through for me. He delivered things to me that I needed, at the exact moment I needed them in. When my family was kicked out of our house, God provided a new home through my grandparents. When my dad left us, God provided a new father through my Grandpa. When we didn't have the money to pay some bills, God sent the money through some random people. When I needed money to go to CSU God sent it all my way. With my faith in God, God has not let me down.

The most recent act of provision that God has given my family is through my mom. My mom lost her job this week because the restaurant she has worked at for 6 years closed down. I struggled through this because things had been going good as of late. The way I look at it now is that God has to make sure that I am still vulnerable to change, that I do not allow my pride to get higher than the humility that I contain. But with that being said yesterday at church (which was amazing by the way) I started claiming prosperity over my family. I claimed a job for my mother, and that the loss of one is the beginning of a new season that my family will prosper in and will be blessed. I felt the spirit come over me like it has not done in a while and I new that it was done, that God would provide. Well low and behold today God provided. My mom texted me saying that she got a job today, making more money than she had been making before. There was an excitement in the air and all I could do was praise God. She didn't know that I had claimed a job for her yesterday, but never the less God still provided. It's amazing how God works.

Love you guys,

Big Ron

Decisions

You know, there are sometimes I like to think and reflect on the decisions I make in my life. I know that it is something that I should not dwell on because it can distract me from the task at hand, however we do need to do some reflecting. There have been times that I have wondered what Big Ron would have been like without Christ in my life. It's a scary thought really. Because at this point in my life and for at least 6 years before now, Christ has driven me, the desires that I have had are ones that He has for my life. So I wonder what kind of nonchristian would I have been, or how would I make the decisions that I have had to make. These are tough questions to ask myself. Really I don't want to to think of me like that. I don't think I could be as optimistic as I am. I am not the blamer type...if I do something I take responsibility for it, I man up. Would I do that if I did not have Christ in my life? who knows.

I also wonder what path I should have taken in terms of college before USC. I am pretty sure that USC was not the initial plan that God had for me in the beginning. I chose that route because I wanted to see what the world had to offer. God knew however that I would be back, so he allowed me to see what the world had, and the route changed to get to my destination. There are many Christian Universities that I could have went to instead but, I believe that now God has me where I need to be at. Now with that being said when I recognized that this is where God has called me for this season of my life He put a vision in my heart. Really He birthed in me this thing that I am supposed to do here. Let's just say that there has been some major praying about this, but right now it is like fire shut up in my bones...It is a great feeling by the way. I have always heard how God will give you a vision if you are willing to accept it, but now I actually know how it feels. I have been burdened by something God wants me to do in service to him. When I dedicated my life to God, I said that I would be willing to do what is necessary, I will obey the call that he has for my life. I have been doing that, I attended and completed pledge and I am now involved in PKP a frat that God led me too. There is something that I am supposed to do within it, although I do now know just yet, I do know that this is a group of men of God that I belong with. I have faith that the direction will be given to me when God feels it is time to reveal it. So I urge you, follow the call of God!

Love you guys,

Big Ron

You can't do it all on your own

So, out of all the things I have learned from pledge; trust me there has been so many already, the biggest thing is I have learned that I can't do everything by myself. If you know me then you know that I have had a problem with trusting people to help me with different things. I will be honest this comes mainly from me having the fear of yet another person letting me down. So I developed this habit of doing things all on my own. It seemed like it was much easier that way. But I know that God has made it apparent to me through pledge that this is something that has to be dealt with if I am going to truly move in Him. I am going to be starting a prayer group sometime soon. God has instilled in me a vision for it, but he has called me not to be the sole head of the group but to find others and minister into them, and allow them to minister into me, so together we can lead this group. God has had to help me build confidence in others, and to be willing to share responsibilities with others. I can honestly say that deciding to pledge, had showed me things that I need to deal with that otherwise I may have ignored if not through the experience. Whether or not I get in is yet to be determined, but even if I do not make it i am still thankful for the exp I have gained from the process.

Love you guys,

Big Ron

When You Feel Empty

I have been going through one of those dry seasons as of late. This one has been feeling like it has been going on forever now though. I have heard it put though that sometimes God allows us to enter into a dry season to test us. To see if we can truly use the gifts that He has given us, and too see if we are ready for the task to come. Maybe this one has been extra long/tough because the next step in going to the next level in my relationship with God is going to be an extreme experience. During this period it has seemed like I have been giving and feeding into people, but I myself have not been fed into like I should have been. It all catches up with you sooner or later, and the challenge I have as such a strong willed person as allowing someone to feed into me. Yes I spend time with God like I should, not as much as I should, but I do get some "God" time. I am always on the go, hardly anytime for rest. I get tired after a while. I have been feeling kinda empty lately. I am pretty sure that I know where that is from, so one of my goals for the week is to change that. Friday Fire was amazing this week! It really helped push me out of some of the dry feelings that I have been experiencing, and it was also a great refresher. I need to worship God a whole lot more than I currently do. This was revealed to me on Friday night. I also really need to get back into writing poetry, I miss it so much it is crazy actually. Well that will be all for now.

Love you guys,

Big Ron

No doubt

You know, there were times during the summer when I was worried about transfering to CSU. Like I really would question myself thinking "Is this really where I want to be at?" The hardest thing to do was when I dropped my last class at USC and it said "Are you sure you want to drop this class because if you do you officially withdraw from the University of South Carolina?" For about 5 mins I stared at that screen thinking to myself is this really what I want to do. But then I realized it is what I have to do. I may not have wanted to but it was something that I had to do to be in the will of God. Often times the things that God wants us to do is what we may not want to do because we often have to give up things that we think are important to us. But God has to see if we are truly devoted to him and that we are willing to give up anything. I spent this summer giving up many things, things I though that I would never give up but I realize now that it had to be done.

To be honest with you not once have I questioned leaving USC while being here at CSU. It is like God intended me to be here after all, and I think that is why this transition has been so smooth. It is a great thing to have good Christian friends and a decent Christian atmosphere here at CSU. I am expecting that God is going to open more doors for me, as He already has been. I have been doing my part in walking through those doors, and I can def. tell that God is working. It is a great feeling. That is why with confidence I can say no doubt I am supposed to be here!

Big Ron

Why does God have you where you are

Do you ever wonder why God has you place where you are in your life? I know that sometimes I do. I often ponder the reasons why I am in Charleston, because I know that I alone would not have made the decision to move here and change schools. God gave me just enough to come here, and I have had many words spoken over me why it is necessary for me to be here, but I do wonder when all of the promises that have been made will come through. Now I do realize that I also have to meet God somewhere in the middle. There are many times when I pray for the direction that I need to be moving in to meet God. There are so many opportunities here in Charleston, and I just hope that the path I take is the one that will lead me closest to God. When I talk with others about things that they are facing I tell them that the most important thing is to keep God first, because if you do then you will not go wrong. So this is the time when I need to take my own advice and keep God first. I have given up things that would hinder me, and also left friends behind that can slow this process down, only to still feel like I am struggling. I know in the end that it will be fine, but sometimes the process is painful. It was shown to me a couple of weeks ago that this period of my life that I am entering will bring new struggles that I have not faced to this point in my life, and that there will be great tests. Some of these things are starting to be revealed to me, but the big picture is still not there. I know that these are just stepping stones to the major test that is coming. Posting helps me a lot, it allows me to get all of these thoughts out, and helps piece them together.

I know I have to be here, but for what I am not entirely certain as of yet. I have given up things that I would have myself pursue and taken up the things that God wants me to pursue. I know that there are people who believe that I am crazy, most of them are not believers in Christ, but its okay. One day they too will realize. Tomorrow I begin the search back at my grassroots. I will be attending a Methodist church for the first time in about five years in my own free will. I have moved away from it, but I believe that God may be calling me back and maybe bring a change to the lifestyles of some people. I know that God can def. use me there; I realize this after previously thinking that he couldn't. This could be the first part of my test. I am definately not turning away from it. I will be bringing that same passion and fire that I have with me, and that may be the second part of the first test being that God needs to see that I can keep my passion and fire in the most unlikely places that I have believed that I would not be able to take it. Will this be test number one, I honestly do not know, but I will soon find out.

Love you guys,

Big Ron

Do You Ever Wonder

So as you guys know if you read my blog, there are so many things that go on in my head. I think about alot, actually sometimes I just zone in and start processing things and forget about where I am at times. Like I will be at work, working physically, but I will also be reflecting and pondering at the same time. It is hard to describe but thats ok.

One thing I think about often is friends. Like I wonder, sometimes why I have the friends I have. Throughout Highschool my best friends were not Christians. It's that plain and simple. I often wonder what if they were, because I know they would be some jam up Christians. We choose our friends based on qualities that they have that are similar to the ones that we have. So I wonder how can they have the same qualities as me but not be Christians? That is why I say they would be great Christians. Still today they are so loyal, don't talk bad about me, and are supportive. I don't know what I would do without my best friend. He supported me with the change in school, even making the comment "Ron, I want to see what the real Pastor Ron is going to look like." That meant a lot to me, even if he did not realize it.

I have been having this feeling in my spirit. Like something big is about to happen. I don't know what it is, I do have some ideas, but only time will tell. I love this feeling though, even though I can't really express it. I can only think of those words spoken over me at the youth conference, and I am excited about it. Let's go! Get pumped! It's time for leaders in God's army to arise.

So much is going through my head right now. I move in at CSU on Tuesday. I am super stoked, ready to see how God is going to use me while I am there. I am going to be leading a Bible Study, which is going to be good. I am also thinking about joining the Christian Frat there. So much to think about, so little time. That is all for now

love you guys,

Big Ron

Revolution Youth Conference

Okay, so I just got back from the Revolution Youth Conference in Greenville South Carolina, and it was amazing. You know that feeling I had in my spirit in the last blog I wrote, well that was confirmed with the great times at the conference. So many powerful things happened. One of the biggest being this preacher who preached on Thursday night was insane. At the end of his sermon he started calling people out from the crowd. You could def. feel the Holy Spirit in the air. Then when those people came near him, the Spirit was flowing off of him and into those near him. Everyone of them fell out in the spirit. It was insane! Little kids, old people, and teenagers; all of which fell out. He brought this had to be 9 year old up there and said "repeat after me: God if this is real, let me feel your spirit" the kid repeated and fell out! It was great seeing God move in this way.

The most important thing to me was the word that I received from Pastor Tim from Redemption World Outreach Center. During a youth pastors meeting we had a time of worship and prayer at the end, and he went around laying hands on everyone in the room. When He got to me, he just took a deep breath, started speaking in tongues, and finally looked at me and told me an insane word. I was told that God had me where I am for a reason, and that I need to keep pursuing him. He also told me that the new level that I wanted in my relationship with Christ was closer than I thought, and that God is about to be putting me through a series to tests to call me to truely serve him. He told me that those tests can lasts for months, years, or even a decade; it just depeneding on if I could pass the tests. He said that God was putting a fresh and new word into my heart, and that great things are coming soon. He said that a big opportunity is coming, and that I have to be careful not to miss it. The last thing he said to me was that during the tests that I will hit a plateau in my relationship with him, but if I weather it, God will promote me.

This trip really lit my fire, excited me, and I am ready for the move to Charleston, where God has placed me to be.

Oh yeah a side note:

I miss all of my salkehatchie friends. I wish they all lived with me here in gtown, but thats why we have our family reunion every year in andrews. Most of all I miss my new favorite person Katie Holden, who I really enjoyed having on my site and getting to know. I miss you kid!

love you guys,

Big Ron

That Feeling In your Spirit

Have you ever had that feeling in your spirit that is so hard to describe? Like it is so joyful and feels so good, that it makes everything around you seem the same? I have been feeling like this for some time lately. I think it is due to this youth trip we are about to take to Redemption World Outreach in Greenville for the Revolution youth conference. I feel that this is the trip that we as a youth group have been needing to push us over this hump that we have been experiencing for some time. Another reason is because I will get to see the girl who honestly makes my life better; and just thinking about being able to see her if only for a few mins. makes me happy. We are nothing more than friends, but it is hard to ask for it to be any other way.

This conference is going to be great. I am expecting the Holy Spirit, to show up and do mighty works. It is hard to explain how I feel when that power comes over me. I pray that I am prepared to allow God to move in many ways in my life, and to take me to a new level. Spiritually I have never been at a higher level than this, but God has been preparing me to step forward and to move into this next one. I welcome new challenges that are coming my way, and I know that with God I will push through them.

With each level comes more challenges, and stuggles that physically we do not want to go through, but spiritually we need to, allowing us to grow closer with God. My life has been full of these. Everything that I have gone through has been there to prepare me for later things, most of which become revealed after the fact. I am fine with this, it is better that it happens this way.

To those who read my blogs, thank you. It means a lot knowing that people care about my thoughts, and through reading this you may better be able to understand the man that few truly know.

Big Ron

It's been a whole year

It's been a year. I long and tough year, without the man I looked up to my whole life. I am talking about my grandpa. Let me be honest with you, it sucks just living with my mom and sister. I miss him so much, somone I could talk to about my problems and struggles. I often question why he had to go so soon, but I know why..thats whats weird. We actually talked about it before he died. I wish he was still here. Sometimes I feel lost spiritually, and it seems like I am alone in finding my way. It is hard especially with the role I have in my church leading a bunch of 4th 5th and 6th graders, basically as a youth pastor to them. It is hard sometimes because when i am feeling down spiritually i know that I still have to lead them in the right direction spiritually and I do not want to lead them in the wrong way. But, this program has been going great. The kids are growing so much, and it is just great being able to lead them and help them find who they are in Christ.

I often wonder what life would be like if I lived a normal one. If you know me then you def. know that I don't live a normal one. It's kinda funny really, life takes so many different turns if you are Big Ron. I have the most unique friends you could ever think of. Most of them are not Christian, but can be better friends than my Christian ones. I always wonder how great it would be if they were Chritians. We could set this town on fire for God, because they are such great people. Passionate about what they live for, not worrying about what others think of them. Recently I have gotten alot of friends that are younger than me. It's weird in a way but it has its benefits. I am able to help them through stuff that I have gone through which is a plus. I am ready to start school back, ready to leave this town. It's just crazy. When I go back though i will still be coming home to go to church but that will be the only reason really. Well Till next time my fellow readers.

Big Ron

About Time

Man it is been so long since I have updated it. It is so hard to do this sometimes because it seems like i don't have the time to. I work 40 hours a week, and by the time i get off i am just so tired sometimes. But this is no excuse. However, there is something that I am super excited about. My chuch is allowing me to intern with them, and I am in charch of this OTC Step up program. I will be working with 4th 5th and 6th graders preparing them to be a part of the youth group. We are meeting once a week for like 2 to 3 hours. The hardest thing about taking this internship position was telling the youth pastor at the other church I helped out at, that I would not be attending the youth group there any more. But God has a bigger plan, and it was time for me to become more involved at my church. Another thing, I am officially attending CSU in the fall, which makes me really excited. I have a lot of work ahead of me, to get my double major accomplished, but i am up for it. It is going to be a good summer/school year. God is doing some big things in my life.

He Never Let Go (Sermon From Sunday Night)

God doesn’t let you go when you are struggling. Some of you need to start praising him right now. Because you know that if it wasn’t for God, that you wouldn’t be here right now. If it wasn’t for God you would still be in that abusive relationship. If it wasn’t for Him, you would still be addicted to alcohol, drugs, or pornography or all three. Any of these will destroy your life, and if you are struggling with them, its time to let it go. The time is now! If it wasn’t for God you would still be in that spiritual drought, finding it hard to praise him. God never let you go!  If you are still struggling with that stuff today, I want to let you know that God is right there, waiting on you to turn back to him. He doesn’t like to see you struggle, and he wants to help you. That’s why tonight, is your night! I might need to say that again. Tonight, will be the night that you let all of that junk go. Tonight is the night that you say, Devil; you have no place in my life, and it’s time for the chains to come off, it’s time for a fresh start. In 2 Samuel 22:18-21 it says: “He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Tonight, your struggle might be music, or TV. You know if you are doing something wrong, and its time for that to change. You may think that those images you view, or words that you hear don’t affect you but you are wrong. If you are not moving forward in God, you are moving backwards. There is no staying complacent when it comes to your relationship with Christ. If you put yourself in situations where you will come face to face with sin, then you will struggle. But it doesn’t have to be that way, you can change, it’s time for change brothers and sisters. Romans 6:11-13 “¹¹In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹²Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ¹³Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.” For my friends about to go to college, let me tell you, be careful with what you get into. Keep yourself out of situations that may cause you to struggle, and if you find yourself in them, get away as fast as you can. You can be the strongest Christian you think you know, but this doesn’t mean that you are immune to the struggles of sin. In college, it is everywhere. Sometimes it feels like you have been yanked out of a cultured Christian environment and put in the middle of Hell. But you can be successful, and do well; just remember God won’t let you go.

Right now you might be saying “Ron, I know that if it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be here, but I just don’t understand why.” The funny thing is that I asked God the same question. Honestly, I wanted to know the same thing, and through the praying that I was doing, God answered. Let me tell you, he answered pretty bluntly too. Simply he said, “The reason I never let you go, Ron, is because you are My body.” Did you catch that? God won’t let you go because you are the temple for the Holy Spirit. Your heart is his heart. Your hands are his hands, and your feet are his feet.

God never ceases to amaze me, because he revealed this to me one night; he just woke me up with that word. And see the great thing is that being the Body, God doesn’t leave you without protection. God protects what’s His, and he reminded me that passage we all know so well from Ephesians 6. We will pick up from verse 13 “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. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

You see, God knew that by living for him you would need protection. Just because you are redeemed by Christ’s blood, doesn’t mean that the Devil will take a break from pressuring you. Actually, he will attack you more. If we examine that verse closer, it says “Put on every piece of God’s armor.” It doesn’t say put on part of the armor, or the pieces that you want to wear, but it says the whole armor. God knew that if you only had pieces of the armor on, then you would be vulnerable to attack. If you don’t wear the helmet, the Devil will attack your mind. He will say things such as you are worthless, who would want you, or why would God want you; you have done too many bad things for him to forgive you. If you lack the body armor you leave your heart open, then the Devil can use depression against you, blinding you from the love that God wants to show you. Then we get to that shield of faith, ever so important, because faith is important. Without faith, how can you believe that God has a plan for you, or wants to use you to do miraculous things with the abilities he has given you? But finally God doesn’t want you to have to sit back and take abuse; he gave you a way to fight back. The Sword of the Spirit which is the way that we as the Body, can do damage to the forces of evil, and fight back.

Being the body comes with great responsibilities. It means that we are to use our feet to go out and reach others. To share with them that Jesus loves them, and that he redeemed them, and that He has never let them go. Our hands, are intended to be used to perform great works like that of Christ. See what you may not realize is that these hands can do damage, to the forces of evil. But the body has to act as one to do that. If your faith is right then you know that God has empowered you to heal those who need it and to cast out demons. What keeps people back from laying hands on others to heal them is that they don’t have that 100% faith to know that God will work through them to do the healings. So they doubt that ability, and instead sit back and let others do it. Do not be afraid to attack the forces that bind our people to day. Don’t be afraid to give someone a word that God lays on your heart, because that just might be the word that will bring them out of that slump that they are in. Remember through doing this God does not lift his hand from you, he doesn’t let you go on your own. It’s time to start acting like the body. It’s time to start moving forward, and the time is now! Remember, the same way that God never let you go, don’t let go of those around you, help them through their struggles and God will be there to help you through yours. 

The Struggle

Okay, 

So basically I have been struggling this past 2 weeks or so with this transfer I could be making. Honestly this is the hardest decison that I have ever had to make. What makes it even harder is the fact that I have no dad, and my Grandfather passed away in July. You need to have a male to help you in a time like this. I promise myself that I will never leave my kids, when I have them, no matter what it takes. But let me say this, without my friends, I would be nothing. They keep me going, but when I tell them this, I honestly do not believe that they understand it in the magnitude that I believe it in. Some of them don't realize it, but I turn to them with things that I would turn to a father figure with, so in a way the stand in place of that. Many times I ponder about why it had to be this way, sometimes I feel like an answer is given to me, but others it just seems like I don't know what to think. I think it goes back to my calling. My dad had to be removed because it would keep me from reaching the level i needed to be at with the passing of my grandfather. But on the flip side my grandfather was here long enough to shape me into the man i was supposed to be. Spiritually he prepared me, as well as mentally. It hurt watching him go through so much pain, but he had to be here long enough for that to happen; it was God's plan for him to remain with me as long as he did. I could tell it at graduation, I saw that look of him having "won his race". But still, it would be nice for him to be here to help me with this, but I believe this is the moment when I have to trust God more than my own intuition. Either way, I am going to get to where God wants me to be, but it just depends on the paths that I take to get there, to determine how long it will take. 

I often find it weird that my best friends happen to be ones who are not religious. It makes me wonder. Maybe its that I see so much of myself in them, and that is why they are my friends. This will probably be my next blog topic so tune in next time!

thanks for taking time to read it,

Big Ron

Getting A Word From an Unexpected Person

So I am always amazed how God can give you a word at the most unexpected time from the most unexpected person. It's even cooler that the person doesn't even realize that he is giving you one. This happened to me last night. I was talking to a man in a cigar shop who just so happened to be drunk when he asked me the question "son, what is your plan in life, what do you want to be doing for your career in your future." This struck me hard, and I said "Sir, I am going to school to be a teacher and a minister." He then said "okay, what is your plan to getting there" I gave him my answer and he said good, atleast unlike your friends you know your plan. Then I find out that this man is worth around 15 million dollars. He said son, you have to remeber "flow" this is how to get to where you are going. If you don't have a plan you can't get where you want to be. You have to know where you are, and where you want to be, while knowing how to get there. This man had no clue that he was giving me a spectacular word from God. We talked for a good hour, and through this hour I learned so much. I had to omit the curse words, but beyond that it was a great word. Amazing right? just flat out crazy really. 

Big Ron

Okay, I must apologize for not having a blog up sooner than this...there has just been so much stuff to do lately it is hard to keep up with anything. Many times I think about friends, and why it is necessary to have them. Without friends where would our support base lie here on earth. Our friends know more about us than our parents do most time, therefor they know how to help us the best. But my question is: are your closest friends the ones that will tell you that you are doing wrong when you are? That is the quality of a great friend; they will always do anything for you when you need help, but they will also tell you straight when you need it. if you can find a friend like that you need to keep them, it will prove to be invaluable.

On a side note, I will be preaching at Georgetown First Assembly of God on Sunday night April 26, I would love it if you could come. God has given me a word that I am currently praying over and continually growing in. Every day more is added on to the sermon and I would love to see you there to support me. God bless,

Big Ron

I'M DIFFERENT

Yes, its about time that I do a blog on this, mostly because I have been inspired by by a sermon that my friend Caylie sent me. Now let me tell you it was crazy...it's like the pastor had all the answers to the questions I have been having. Honestly I believe that it was God sent for me to be able to overcome some things I have been struggling with. One of the first things you have to realize about me is that I am different; no if ands or buts about it. You can ask anyone, they will say that there is something about me that is just plain out different. But that is what happens when God has placed a special call on your life. God has called me into the youth ministry, but beyond that he has given me so much more. There are qualities  and things about me that I have that your normal "Christian" does not. God has really invest in me. This is mainly one of the biggest reasons why I am transfering next year, to move in that in which God would have me to do. The hardest thing for a person with a special calling on their life is to find someone who can recognize with that calling. That is one thing I struggle with, finding that "brother" that I can talk with who understands my situation. It would be good to have a strong Christian friend to be able to talk with things like this. But this is why I have my blog...So i can empty myself out and maybe it will bless someone who reads it...if you have something you want me to talk about let me know...or if you have a friend struggling with something send them to my blog please. Thanks everyone,

Big Ron

Passing Time

So I went home this weekend like I said in my last post... but I decided that I would drive back this morning to come back to Columbia. On the way I did so much thinking, honestly I don't know if I have ever done as much thinking as I did this morning. One thing that took up most of my time was just thinking about how fast college is going by. It seems like just yesterday I was in high school, and my first year of college has sped by. I wonder if all of them will be just as fast. I am excited about my future, (what God is and is going to be doing) but in a way I want to slow it down. I want to enjoy these college years, I want to enjoy being a "kid" as long as I can. But as most of your know, really have not been able to be a "kid" in my life because of situations and stuff, but college has given me that opportunity to experience things that I should have been able to do during my earlier teenage years. But it's cool, I realize that I have been through everything that I have been through for a reason. It has made me so much stronger, as a person. But to be honest again there is only so much that Big Ron can take. Don't even think for a min that I am saying that I am week...I have had to carry a lot of stuff that most adults could not carry. So it took me a while to realize that it is okay to give it to God, or to seek help from friends; that I should not have to go through it alone. I believe that as prideful humans we all struggle with this. I can even break it down more for you; as a male in a society that teaches us to always be strong, and to not show emotion we are taught to deal with things ourselves. It shouldn't be like this though, so if you are reading this I am saying that it is okay to seek out help. This is all for now

Big Ron

That Crazy Faith

Okay, I will be honest with everyone. If you are in any way familiar with the Pentecostal way of Church you will understand that speaking in tongues and "falling" out in the spirit is usually a pretty regular part of the service. So I can speak in tongues, many people know that...but I have never fallen out in the spirit...ever...until today. I was at church this morning, and Pastor Chris had an alter-call, well during the alter-call I was going around praying for people, and catching the other people falling out when Pastor Chris asked everyone if they were in need of a miracle. Well me with the transition I am going through right now, am most worried about the finances in the transfering to CSU. So I was like what the heck, I need a financial miracle so let me go up to the front. So I am raising my hands, and P.C. comes up to me and just looks at me and says "Ron Look up at me" He goes on telling me how I am a big guy and how God can fill me to the "capacity" to which I allow him to do. This was pretty crazy when he said this. I erupted with tongues and crying and he laid hands on me and "snap" like that I was falling to the floor, not knowing what was happening. I didn't even feel hitting the floor at all...all I remeber is me praying and someone praying with me just laying there, all frozen in praise. It was a great experience, I had always been scared of it because for one, who can actually catch me when I am falling, and two the uncertainty of what happens after. But let me tell you it is one of the greatest things ever, it was so hard describing it even on the computer but hey, it was amazing. Honestly, it is a big faith thing, if you don't allow God to take over then it won't happen, and that is why I never had before. Great day, Great day. If you have questions ask me...post them a comment or hit me up some how.

big Ron

Pondering Thoughts

A lot of times I find myself sitting around just thinking. Do you ever do that? Just think, not really knowing what you are thinking about but just sitting there. It's almost like everything else is physically passing by you, but your mind is going so much faster. It's pretty hard to explain, and I guess you would have to have experienced it to know what I am talking about. Sometimes I just like to sit back, or stand back and observe things....you learn a lot that way. People watching teaches you a lot about people in general, but if you get the chance to observe someone you know you realize the way they act tells a good bit about their character. That's all for now

Big Ron

My First Blog!!!!!!!

Well,

What can I say. . . but this is my first blog ever!!! I am so excited about this, I have been looking for a way to write reflections about life down, and now I have the perfect place to do so. Take it from me, life can be tricky, weird, and downright out there. Honestly where I would be without God, I could not tell you, He has done some super cool things for me. Right now my life has me at the University of South Carolina, my favorite college while growing up as a kid. But, the Mission that God has on my life is much greater, and I find myself in a secular school trying to lead the life that God would have me lead. It is much harder than you think, being out in the world; released from the culture of protection that my upbringing in the church has had me under. I often find myself sitting down, and pondering things such as where is the road going to end, or not even that, but where in fact will it split again, leaving me with the next big decision I have to make. Coming to USC has allowed me to meet some new friends, ones that I think I will hold on to in the future, after my time at USC is through. There is this guy named Andrew from near my home town that I met my first day in college, who has proved to be a pretty good person to hang out with. My friendship with him led me to another group of people all from Rock Hill who have really allowed me to fit in with their tight friendship. Good ole Coard, Erick, and a guy I call Asian John. We have had some fun times, late night trips to IHOP and even to Rock Hill...fun times, that I would not trade for anything. Well Tomorrow there will be more to come...

Peace out

Big Ron