Sozo Today

“So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Luke 21:28 Recently I was in an awesome Church service, where the worship was so sweet and moving that I found myself absorbed in His presence. Standing there with my eyes closed, and my head bowed, I heard His still small voice in me say “Look up.” It wasn’t a call to look up at any particular thing or person, but it was a sense to lift up my head and soak Him in. As I thought about it later I realized that[…]

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.” 1 John 5:4 I’ll never forget as a young Marine when I really learned for the first time what battle streamers represented. It was at a Change of Command Ceremony when I noticed these brightly, multi-colored, ribbons hanging down from the Marine Corps flag and the announcer told what each one stood for. Each streamer represented previous battles and wars that Marines had so valiantly fought and been victorious throughout their history. In 1 Samuel Chapter 21, David finds himself[…]

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 Have you ever prayed for something so long and so hard that when it finally showed up it shocked you? It can definitely happen! I know in my own life there’s been something near and dear to my heart that I’ve been praying for for a very long time, and as the answer finally showed up it was a shock to my system.  It all seemed so surreal as the “answer to my prayer” answered back. The same thing happened to a young girl[…]

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 As this new potential client sat across from my desk, I knew right away we were meeting that day for more than just business. We both knew it was His business first as we began talking about God’s goodness and sharing our stories with each other. I love hearing peoples stories. Everyone has a story and I always realize after hearing someone share their story, just how unique and awesome they are. I find that if I[…]

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Recently I finished my work day early and decided to head out to Goose Creek State Park, just a few miles up the road from where I live. My walk was so peaceful and serene as I took in the beauty of that late after noon sunlight glistening on the rippling waves of the Pamlico River. There’s nothing like talking to your Father and enjoying[…]

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” John 4:14 (The Message) She was the “queen of failed relationships.” She knew it and so did everyone in town. That’s why she came to get her water in the heat of the day to avoid all the morning well gatherers. She had felt their glairs and heard the gossip. She had been through five marriages and the guy she was[…]

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 I’ll never forget his brokenness as he sobbed and cried in my office. In his line of work he was supposed to be strong, rugged and tough, but not on this day. His wife, whom he loved, had just cleaned out her stuff and took off and he thought his whole world was coming to an end. I didn’t know what to say or how to console him, so I just sat there with him as he broke down. In the silence God gave me a[…]

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 Have you ever found yourself in a place where God used you to encourage, or help someone through something that you yourself had walked through? I’m sure you have, because that’s how it works. It’s after you’ve “come through” it yourself and gained a new perspective, a newfound faith, and learned things you never knew before, that you can help someone “go through” as well. On[…]

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 I’ll never forget the first time I walked into a little dinner in the town in which I live that’s known for there “down home country cooking.”  Instantly the aroma of two smells hit me at the same time, collards and Clorox. Now I know that combination may not do much for your apatite, but it took me back to a place of fond memories from my childhood. The distinct smell of those collards cooking, along with the[…]