The Asylum exists to Reach out by Equipping others to Connect and Live.

Ok so here is the new purpose statement for The Asylum.  We are becoming a revolution of warriors.  You see recently I was asked a question.  That was this "That if I had one prayer for the "Church" what would it be?"  Now that is not just the local but the world wide body of Christ.  My answer is this.  God make us VIOLENT.  I mean to the point that hell shakes when we open our mouths.  That when we speak life against the death that is trying to take our souls.  Be it poverty, starvation, politics, family issues, whatever we get our desired result.  There is no plan B.  You see we have to get violent b/c the devil is kicking our anus-cab-anus.  We need to step up and speak the WORD of God.  That is where our power and authority lies.  There isn't a demon in hell that can stop the word of God.  The power lies with us.  If we decide to put our faith in the things of Jesus gave us.  If we forget about the little voice in our heads telling us "Hey what if this doesn't work?"  "What if God doesn't hear you?"   You see think about this since Jesus rose from the dead WHY wouldn't He hear you.  He is the one who empowered you to be the soldier you could be.  Shut up and pull the trigger.  A words are just words until you put the power behind them.  Don't be a pussy.  Just step up and be the one.  So if you are interested in joining this revolution we meet evey Sunday Night @ 5:30 pm.

So if you need to be that soldier pray this:  Father I'm sorry for being a punk.  Help me to be the soldier that You want me to be.  Thanks.

Have questions give me a call:  309-648-2897

Ok think with me for a minute.  I want to think drive thru's.  Yes those things on the outside of the restaurants that we flock to.  Now I understand the concept behind the drive thru.  It is easier and sometimes faster.  But think why a drive thru?  Really?  It all comes down to convince.  It is more convenient just to drive up place your order and continue on your way. (Especially when your van has 3 kids in the back screaming)  However the drive thru has so influenced our society that everything is done in the name of convenience.  We want everything done faster.  I mean there are even self check out lanes in the grocery stores so the shops don't have to bother with employees.  I mean think about it.  When you go to a sit down restaurant you have to build a relationship with your server and vice-versa.  The drive thru eliminates that.  There is no relationship building in the drive thru.  (Except for Starbucks some how they have the ability to build a relationship even in the drive thru.)  For the most part places what your money and on to the next one behind you.  Service usually is horrible and very impersonal.  So the point of all this is this. Relationships take time.  That is a very valuable item to all of us.  But think about it.  When you were a kid how did you know who your friends were?  Because they spent time with you.  So here is the thought.  You say that you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then don't treat Him like a drive thru employee.  He doesn't exist to fill your order.

Yesterday as my 5 year old son Luke soccer game ended we discussed going to Target.  So we did.  However seince Betty (Carrie's mom) was with us I suggested that Katie (sister-in -law) that just got her drivers permit drive our van with me.  So Carrie and the boys got into thier van and KT and I got in our van.  It quite exciting for both of us,  i mean she was so nevous that I had to remind her to breath.  I tried to get her to relax and jus tlet the car drive itslf and not try to force it.

Then about half way there I had a thought that i shared with KT.  Driving is a lot like being a Christian.  At first everything is unfamilair and somewhat  unknown.  So you kind fidgt with everything.  Things like to much gas, to much brake, and forgetting to check mirriors.  The thing is those never really go away b/c we grow comfortable in the vehcile much like in our Christian walk.  We start along this to slide.  We forget or don't feel the need to wear our seatbelts even though it is a law.  Mush like we forget or don't feel the need to read our Bibles and pray.  That is how accidents happen.  When people get careless.  Both behind the wheel and in our spirits. 

So today remember to check your blindspots.  Sometimes we have look over our shoulders b/c sometimes it the things we don't see that can cause the most pain.  So to KT thank you for this.  You did a great job and remember to breath.

Everyone on your feet!  repeat after me "This is my Bible I’m hardcore b/c it makes me hardcore!  It has to start somewhere!  It has to start sometime!  What better place than here?  What better time than now?  All hell can’t atop us now!!

Matthew 28:1-5

This is the scene where Jesus rises from the dead.  I want to point out something that my pastor pointed out this morning.  The big hulky soldiers where the ones that where on the ground in fear.  The two ladies that where looking for Jesus where not afraid.  Which goes to show that when you are looking for Jesus and He shows up you won’t be afraid.  However if your not looking for Him when He shows up your gonna be terrified.  So the question asked in Romans 8:11.  "If".  If he you have excepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then you have His spirit dwelling inside you.  "If".  That is the condition.  The condition of "If". 

"If" you haven’t then please give me a ring or something.  I would love to talk to you.  Thanks. 

Ok imagine for a moment that your where there.  You just helped roll the stone in front of the tomb where Jesus body is laying.  As you walk home what would you be thinking.  I mean for three years you have followed this man and know He is dead.  Would you go back doing what you did before b/c that is what the disciples did.  They went back and forgotten what Jesus was about to do what He said He would.

Now let think about the devil.  You just watched the One person that you feared the most die.  You just defeated what in your mind would be God.  You finally did what you set out to do since before time began.  You have defeated the One.  Or at lest you think you have.

Now let’s put ourselves in Jesus shoes.  You have been here on earth for about 33 years.  Now you are about to complete the purpose for why you came.  "It is finished" where the words you muttered from hanging on the cross. Now your standing in a place that you have never been before.  It’s like it has been a big chess match the whole time you setting things up for your victory.  Now the time has come for checkmate.

It’s the day before Easter Sunday morning all three scenarios have been put in motion.  Either to go back, sit in your self made glory, or finish the game.  Well as we all know Jesus finished the game.  Tomorrow morning is Easter.  The day that Jesus rose victoriously from the grave.  When He did that the disciples came back from going back and the devil was dethroned.  So raise you cups in victory and remember this since you are a child of God you share in the freedom the that the empty cross and the empty grave provide.  If your not give me a ring @ 309-648-2897 and well get  a coffee and talk.