A Story of A Champion

Although this is a Christian girl site, we thought this would be a great story to share. It is a cross post from Consecrated to Him from 10/30/08.

Let me introduce you to my brother in law and brother in the Lord. He is living proof that our God is still in the business of doing miracles. After a 15 year drug addiction he has been delivered by God and is now completely sold out to Jesus. He is a JESUS FREAK!! I asked him to share his story and his experience from this weekend. I give you Mike Colon.. A story of a champion.

My name is Mike Colon and I am 30 years of age. This weekend I was blessed to have an opportunity to go into the prisons with the Bill Glass Prison Ministry WOC. Before I explain the awesome experience I had I figured I should give my testimony so you can understand just how big our God is.

My early childhood was pretty normal, grew up in a family with parents, an older brother, and a younger brother. We had a typical American Puerto Rican family. We lived in a nice home, had family vacations and grew up very close to our extended family. I was always a model student, played lots of sports and was actively involved in music in school. When I was going into the 8th grade we moved from New Jersey to Hollywood, FL and the transition really started my downward spiral. Within just a couple months of moving to Florida I was hanging with the wrong crowd, skipping school and started smoking marijuana. It was in my freshman year of high school when I just started living for the flesh.

My days started and ended with drugs, I was always late to class, grades fell and the things that were once important in my life didn’t matter anymore. It’s to no surprise that soon enough marijuana was not enough. My school was in a very “upper-class” neighborhood but that just meant drugs were easier to find. I started doing a lot of LSD and cocaine. By the time I was a junior I had gotten arrested several times and had gotten one of my girlfriends pregnant. I dropped out of high school in my senior year with 2 children and started selling drugs. I was seeking every possible fleshy way of filling the void that was empty this whole time.

From this point on in my life I was a “functioning” drug addict… I always had good jobs and even got my GED and was in college for pre-med/nursing. It wasn’t until recently that I realized even though I denied God as a young adult (I even went as far as considering myself agnostic) God always protected me. I continued on this path of destruction, always justifying my actions because I had a job and a family. In the years to follow I dropped out of college and continued living crazy. In that time I met my wife… about 8 years ago.

Our lifestyles were identical. We partied and did drugs routinely; I was a terrible boyfriend and a bad father. We had 2 beautiful daughters that I never appreciated until recently. And before I realized it I found myself deeply addicted to oxycontin and other pain killers.

In early December 2007, my older brother and his wife basically did an intervention on me and I went to a detox facility. Before entering the detox center, I was given a book called “Lose That Man and Let Him Go” by Bishop TD Jakes. This was the beginning of the end of my previous life. On my detox bed I prayed to God and asked him to help me change my life and I promised that if He did this I would dedicate my life to the Gospel.

Well, here I am! I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on December 19, 2007 at Calvary Chapel Ft.Lauderdale and have never looked back. The addictions, the strongholds and the person I had been were instantly and miraculously gone. Our God, the Ultimate Redeemer, changed what many thought was the unchangeable… ME.

Since being born again, I’ve married my loving wife. God’s miracles didn’t just stop at me; they also impacted my wife… The change God has done in her life is just a whole other story. I’ve redeemed my relationship with my kids and I have dedicated my life to the Gospel. I am now actively involved in my Church and various ministries including the prison ministry event this past weekend.

I have to start by saying this weekend was AWESOME. I kinda expected to have a blessed weekend doing Kingdom work but never expected to be this fulfilled. This was my very first prison ministry event and I was really concerned that I wasn’t going to be ready. After praying over and over, God comforted me and explained that I didn’t need to be “prepared” I just needed to trust God and He would do the rest. Talk about a “conduit”. I truly felt God’s presence in the prison and I knew the words I spoke were the words of our heavenly Father. This experience was confirmation to me that God has a bigger plan for me and I could almost relate to the joy the Apostles must have felt leading people to know Jesus.

There were several incredible experiences I had this weekend doing Gods work but my best experience was at Dade Correctional Facility. After the guest speaker concluded his testimony he asked the inmates to take a look around to see the volunteers who were there to help talk to them about God. I noticed an inmate acting very “hardcore” just a couple feet in front of me (I mean what can we expect of these guys, they are in prison). But when he began looking around we caught eyes and to my surprise, standing in front of me was one of my best friends from middle and high school. When we caught eyes, immediately the “hardcore” image disappeared and in front of me was a very lost, broken individual, screaming for help. At this point I knew why God sent me to that particular prison, we talked for a little while and he proceeded to tell me he needed to change and he knew by my very presence that Jesus was the way. He pretty much said, “If God can change you, I know he can change me.” My heart screamed “THANK YOU JESUS!” and I was privileged to lead my once very carnal best friend to the love of our Almighty Savior, Jesus! Seeing my old friend and leading him to the Lord was incredible and took the cake!

This weekend helped me realize that we are all ministers in the Body of Christ and we are called to spread the Good News. I was able to lead a total of 16-18 once lost men to Christ this weekend and I am confident God will help them change. One of the guest speakers said this weekend we “increased the enrollment in Heaven and decreased the enrollment in hell.” The Bible says angels in heaven rejoice when just one sinner repents. Could you imagine the party in heaven this weekend… Hallelujah and thank you Jesus for this ministry. It has changed me!

Light Up the Room

Written by Trophy of Grace
Cross Post from Consecrated to Him

“You are the world’s light-a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

While I was shopping this past Christmas I found a beautiful mosaic candle holder. Its red and gold with two gold crosses on the front and on the back. I just had to get a closer look so I took it into my hands. As I held it I heard the Holy Spirit say,

“This candle holder is just like the believers. You are covered in the blood of Jesus and marked by the Holy Spirit with His mark. Your life was shattered into pieces and then I came and put the pieces back together for you. You are sealed with the Holy Spirit. You are beautiful and have become a beautiful mosaic that I have put my light in. When you are full of my Spirit you brighten the room and provide light and direction for others to find their way to Me.”

When I saw the price I just had to have it. As soon as I got home I immediately took this unique candle holder up to my bedroom where it would be safe from our many children. I put the candles in it and turned off the lights so that I could see its beauty. Just as I expected the cross gleamed in the darkness of my room. I couldn’t take my eyes of it. I just had to smile at the thought of being like this beautiful mosaic candle holder lighting up the darkness.

As believers I think that one of our hearts desires is to want to be the light in the darkness, to be the light in a dark room, in a dark world. We should honestly ask ourselves, “Do I bring light to what ever room I’m in with words of life and encouragement? Am I the light in my family, at my job, or at my school? Do others know that I belong to Christ? Does my walk match my talk?

You can tell if others know that you belong to Christ and see your light because they act different when you enter the room. Maybe they don’t curse as much, or apologize when they do, dirty conversations will stop when you walk in, and they respect the Holy Spirit in you. When you are around they want to act right or be good.

Our Lord has said that we are the world’s light-a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all. Our Lord wants us to let everyone that comes into contact with us see the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must be careful not to hide our light. We are hiding our light when we:

Stay quiet when we know we should speak the Truth. Don’t be scared to speak the Word of God. He has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. Remember that not everyone will receive what you have to say, but you have to trust the Lord’s promise that His Word never returns void, but it will accomplish all that He sent it out for, it will prosper. (2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 55:11)

Compromise the Word of God and go along with the rest of the world. We are supposed to be different than the world. Our ways, thoughts, and desires should line up with the Word of God. If we look the same and act the same as the rest of the world then how will those who need Christ know that we are different? When unbelievers see us walking in love, caring for the needs of others, and speaking truth and life they will know that we are different and will be drawn to the Love that is in us. When we compromise they will think that we are no different then they are, lost in sin.

Give into sin. We are no longer slaves to sin. When you are deadened to sin you are freed from all its allure and its power over you. So then we should not allow ourselves to get caught up in the former things that use to keep us in bondage or ensnared by new sinful practices. No one who has become part of God’s family makes a practice of sinning, for Christ, God’s Son, holds him securely and the devil cannot get his hands on him. (Romans 6:6-7, 1 John 5:18)

Don’t share the Gospel with the many lost souls around us. We have been commissioned by Jesus Christ to share the Gospel with the world. It is not just the job of our pastor or the missionaries. You can not financially support some missionaries or your church and say that you have done your part. You are not to go to church to get full of the Word just to become a fatter Christian. Exercise by sharing the Gospel with others. The Lord will give you the Words to speak. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Ignore the needs of others. But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won’t help him-how can God’s love be within him? Let us stop saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. (1 John 3:17-18, Isaiah 58:10—11)

You are the light of this world. Don’t hide your light share it with others! Let your light shine! Light up the room!! Light up the world!! This is God’s will for our lives.

A Prayer For A Friend

MySpace Friend's Comment on 7th Grade Boy Problems & Pregnant at 12:

Yes her parents did allow this because of the fact that her parents got married when they were young!

Most of the guys and girls at my school are exposed to a lot of drug uses @ there own house.

Well this is the last week of school until winter break and we haven't been to school AT all this week but we went a half a day on Monday and haven't been since and doubt if we will have school this week at all but to get to the point these guys across from my lunch table but we have booths they had brought marker(s) to lunch and were getting high off this. It was kind of depressing because some of the guys are my friends and it was sad.

I actually used to like one of these guys but I don't want a boyfriend that isn't a Christian and does drugs it's just to much for the average teen-age girl to handle except the fact that I'm not average I'm not normal I'm peculiar I'm a Christian and I can't do some of the things that most teenagers can.

The only dances I'll be able to go to are Prom either my Junior and senior *if someone asks me that is* but as women in Christ help me pray for the schools systems of the United States. ~Thank you

Trophy of Grace’s prayer for our friend:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before you in Jesus' name. You see my young sister's heart here. I ask that you give her strength and courage to be a light in the darkness. You have allowed her to go to the school that she is attending right now for such as time as this. I know you want to use her right where she is at to encourage other children and to be an example to others. She is different than the other children. She is not only your creation but she is your child. Help Lord... Comfort her with your Word. Give her a desire to draw closer to you and to read your Word daily. We know that your Word will be a light to her feet. Give her the Words to speak to her friends and associates. Let it be Words of Love and inspiration. I know that you have a mighty plan for her life..give her a vision and dream that she can hold on to. Remind her always that you are with her every day no matter what happens. Increase her faith and confidence in You.

In Jesus' name... Amen



PS - The women of WeUsed2bu love and care about your eternal soul. Therefore, we must tell you that there will be a day when each of us will have to stand before God and be judged for all we have done on this Earth. To find out how you can have right standing with God CLICK HERE


Have a question or topic idea?
Read Scriptures by Subject
Read our counselors' testimonies

I Want Her To Be Saved & Not Left Behind

Jesus Girl says... Hey girls! How are u? Anyway I have to ask u something. I have this friend, she is not a Christian and she drinks and smokes and I have been trying to invite her to church and activites from my youth group but everytime I ask her she never wants to come. She always hangs out with her other friends but not me. I am praying for her and her salvation and I know I can't change people only Jesus can but I do want her to know Jesus Christ. Anyways what do I do to show her who Jesus Christ is because I want to bring her to Christ and I want her to be saved and not left behind when Jesus comes back. Please tell me what to do. Thanks girls..GOD BLESS U!

Response... You are definitely doing the right thing. Don’t give up on her.

Galatians 6:9 “ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Continue to love on her and let her know that you are there for her. Be patient and loving. You may have to give her space and let God draw her to you, if that be His will. Never stop praying and intercede for her.

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16

Don’t worry about her not listening to you or not wanting to hang with you. If she refuses to listen when you talk to her about the Lord, she will be won by your respectful, pure behavior. Your godly life will speak to her better than any words. (1 Peter 3:1)

Keep up the good work and be encouraged your friend will be saved. I believe it! I will come into agreement with you now.

Heavenly Father,

We come before you in Jesus name. You see my sister’s heart for this young friend of hers. She desires to see her saved before the rapture of the church. Your Word says that you give us the desires of heart and it also says that it is not your will that any should perish. We do not want this young girl to perish in her sin and disobedience. Please draw her close to you. Lead her to the cross and to your Son Jesus Christ. We believe that what ask you will give us because we asked in your Son’s name and because you love this girl just like you love us. We look forward to the day when we hear that she has surrendered her life to you. We thank you in advance and give you all the glory.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen.

Trophy of Grace

Have a question or topic idea?
Read Scriptures by Subject
Read our counselors' testimonies

Be the Most Beautiful Woman In the World

What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1Corinthians6:19-20.

Ladies, Have a desire in your hearts to put a smile on God's face each day,
He said in his word, that we were created for
His pleasure. I know it is hard to live in this world with so much distraction, but remember all things are possible.
Ladies, you can start by enhancing your beauty from within.

1. Start with the renewing of your heart. Draw near to Jesus and He will draw close to you.
2. Have love and contentment for others. Show empathy when needed.
3. Let your modesty and speech be your trademark.
4. Forgive, even if it hurts to do so, it will give you freedom.
5. Use the love of Jesus to love those that hurt you.
6. Send good thoughts toward others. It will come back to you.
7. Put a guard over your mouth.

Exercising the above and some that you can come up with, will be preserve and be seen by others and they will know
that you are a daughter of the 'Most High God'

I know you are told that, diamond, gold, and silver are 'a girl's best friend'
is not true, there are not your adornment.
A girl's best friend is her pleasant smiles, her gentle voice, her compassionate self and her determination to please God
with your beautiful self-that He created for His own pleasure.

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 37; 4
He gives rewards when He finds pleasure in you.

Saying all of the above, does not mean that you should not keep your body in proper health and in good physical shape.
In honoring God with your body, you should avoid the things that will and can destroy it: for example, drug, alcohol, pornography etc.
Maintaining good health and good habits help your self -esteem and boost your confidence in your everyday relationship and walk with Jesus.
Balancing your speech, actions, and thoughts is the best way to serve Jesus and in so doing you will live your best life here on earth.

Written by: Conduit of Truth

Praise Report! 5 Saved!!

A Friend Writes... Love the page!!!! So neway I wanted to message you guys and let u know how good God is... tonight was the first night of our tent revival... we had over 200 there and 5 saved... also my boyfriend was saved a couple weeks ago and got baptised last Sunday... U can't tell me God doesn't answer prayers!!!!I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Response...THAT IS AWESOME!!! Praise God!! Thank you so much for sharing your praise report with us!! We will share it with our readers so that they can rejoice with us!!

Glory be to God!!,

Trophy of Grace

PS - The women of WeUsed2bu love and care about your eternal soul. Therefore, we must tell you that there will be a day when each of us will have to stand before God and be judged for all we have done on this earth. To find out how you can have right standing with God CLICK HERE

Have a question or topic idea?
Read Scriptures by Subject
Read our counselors' testimonies

The Good-O-Meter

Jesus Freak!

Written by Trophy of Grace

When you decide to follow Jesus with all of your heart those closest to you will notice. All of a sudden you talk different. You have become more aware of the things that come out of your mouth. You no longer want to hang out in those places that will cause you temptation or ruins your testimony. You are truly different!

You now have a desire to please God so you begin to reevaluate your life. This process can often be difficult. Your friends and family may not understand. They may not even agree. So don’t be surprised if you are being persecuted from those closest to you. You may be called extreme or a Jesus Freak. Some may even feel the need to bring up what the old you was up to just months, weeks, or even days before you surrendered to Christ Jesus.

Don’t be discouraged! Jesus was persecuted and we will be persecuted too because we belong to Him. (John 15:20) Keep diligently doing God's will. You will no longer be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires. You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy- sex, sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and the other terrible sins.

Of course your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them any more in the wicked things they do, and the will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. But just remember that they must face the Judge of all, living and dead. They will be punished for the way they have lived. Thank God daily for your salvation. (1 Peter 4:3-5)

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.

Be a strong living testimony for all your friends and family to see. Walk in love and pray for them constantly. Be prepared at all times to give an account of why you believe the way you do in a gentle and respectful manner. (1 Peter 3:8) Remember that our Lord called you to Him so that He could use you to minister His love to others. Don't be ashamed to be a Jesus Freak!

May God give you strength and courage on your journey to becoming His vessel of honor.