Sozo Today

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:8a It was a great afternoon with my four kids and my oldest daughters fiancé as we enjoyed dinner and some shopping together. After dinner we meandered in and out some of the stores in the mall, when my middle daughter, who I call may “blond haired blue eyed angel,” reached over and put her arm around me. Not a hard squeeze, but certainly warm enough that I could feel my eyes begin water. It was just one of those special moments that you don’t want to end[…]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped (expected) for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 For most, expecting a child to be born is an exciting thing, but I can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary! She was a young teenage virgin when she became pregnant with Jesus. She knew the truth of how it all happened, but no one else in town was buying it. If it had not been for the Angelic appearance, even Joseph would have called off the wedding.  I’m sure being frightened and feeling all alone at times[…]

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) I’ve heard it recently said that, “Every new level in life you aspire to requires a different you.” At eighteen I was tired of being a quitter. I hate to admit how many jobs I had had by my eighteenth birthday. It seemed that if it wasn’t easy I wanted no part of it. And, after graduating high school and embarking on a sales carrier path I was already tired of it, so I[…]

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[…]

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 At first glance it wouldn’t seem like I had much in common with these guys. They’re avid hunters, I haven’t hunted since I was a teenager. They’re anglers and although I enjoy fishing, I’m not that good at it. They can fix anything, while I don’t own any tools. So what’s the connection you may ask? It’s Jesus and His Grace. Now please don’t misunderstand, they’re no[…]

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 Recently my youngest daughter and I were putting out concert posters. We were walking in and out of business in the downtown area, as we had done in the past, putting posters up in windows. With that neighborly small town feel and charm that we enjoy so much here, business owners are always eager to help. As we walked in one particular new business I introduced myself to the shop owner and asked if[…]

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[…]

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:2-3 It was a beautiful sunny afternoon in Eastern NC as I headed out for another visit to Goose Creek State Park. The afternoon couldn’t have been any better as I set out to do a complete round on the wooded walking trails. My heart was full of anticipation. I was asking Him for an encounter….“Father, I’m asking you to restore my soul on this walk.” Just[…]

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 “No” is just not a favorite word for most people. Nothing makes a toddler push out their bottom lip and tears run down their face faster than the word “No.” As a “Believer” and a “Faith person,” I’m called to believe and not doubt, and when doubt tries to creep in I’m to believe harder, deeper and stronger. But, what do we do when the thing we are believing Him so[…]

 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[…]