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Journal 3.10.10

I’m almost back in full swing. After a month of drama and a lot of expense I’ve replaced most of the things that were stolen and I’m moving forward. Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve been able to get with you. Tying one of these journals on my phone didn’t sound like too much fun for me so I just waited until I got this new computer.

So, Here’s the update. I’m on the road re-evaluating and making sure that I’m in the center of what I’m called to do. I was working in my yard yesterday and as I planted some new stuff and moved some things around the Lord spoke to me and said… “Anthony, if you want new growth you’ve got to get on your knees and get your hands dirty.” That moved me and made me realize that I’ve been wanting “new growth” in my life but I’ve not been willing to get dirty in the process. Growth in my life has always come with me getting a little (or a lot) messy, dirty and uncomfortable. I’ve been able to reap the benefits of planting the new only after I’ve allowed myself to get on my knees and dig deep into the issues at hand. In what area is God asking you to get on your knees, dig deeper and get your spiritual hands dirty? Is He asking you to sacrifice financially, spend more time with Him, seek recovery or is he wanting you to forgive that person that is unforgivable? Whatever he is asking believe me it’s worth getting on your knees, digging because after you dig and get dirty new life and growth happens. The amazing thing is that a lot of times that growth ends up being beautiful to someone who passes by, it bears fruit, or it provides shade so someone can come and get refuge from the “heat” of their life.

In what ways is God asking you to get on you knees and dig so you can experience “new growth”?? Leave those comments here. You don’t even have to leave your name. Let’s just pray for and support each other. You never know, you may be getting your hands dirty by leaving your story here but that sacrifice might just be beautiful to someone who passes by.

We’ll talk soon,

AE

  • http://harry-rami.blogspot.com Harry

    He wants me to spend time every money to have conversation with him

  • http://harry-rami.blogspot.com Harry

    sorry I meant *morning

  • Elle

    God is taking me through a period of growth for sure.
    He’s asking me to love someone is hard to love, who hurts my heart and makes no apologies and the hardest thing is that it’s someone so close to me.It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done but I know it’s worth it.So, I gonna put my hands in the “dirt” and look to see what amazing thing God does in my life and that persons life and maybe more.

  • Shaina

    I have been feeling a stirring to “do” something for a little bit now. I have been really desiring the Lord to do something in me and with me, but I’ve been a slacker about getting dirty and doing the work. Your post here has spoken to me today. Thanks for being transparent with some of your stuff and allowing the Lord to use it to speak to me about mine.

  • K’sh

    Many are called, FEW are chosen! I asked God why and he spoke to my heart… that only the few took the test. So, now I’m looking at what I consider inconveniences in my life and asking God “what are you trying to teach me through situation”, “what are you trying to prune in my life” and “what are you trying to develop in me” . So, now instead of an attitude….I’m taking out a pin and pad.
    Taking Notes,
    K’sh

  • Tamekia

    He wants me to lead worship at my church and start reaching out to an inner-city project in my hometown. Though both reflect some of the the deepest desires of my heart – which I know God placed there – reaching into the unknown scares me. Thankful for His patience and lovingkindness as I step into the next phase of His journey for me.

  • Todd

    So. . . . . . .LOL.

    I actually love this
    post. GREAT words of encouragement!!

  • http://www.psalm519.wordpress.com Shenena

    Once upon a time there were two kings. Equally great and equally powerful. One king said, “Don’t ever bring a peasant before me” and at the end of the day he enjoyed a bountiful feast with all of the “somebody’s” in the community. The other king said nothing, but at the end of the day he changed his clothes from king attire to work attire and went out among the people, especially the peasants and worked with them. Who is the greater king?

    This post is an eye opener for me, especially seeing that this was the topic that my pastor preached about on Sunday “Being the Church!” To be honest, I find myself being scared to get dirty and becoming vulnerable to others criticism. Like the good king, our King got His hands dirty and worked and toiled this earth. God’s whole purpose is for us to be like Him. And our wonderful, beautiful, loving Father came down from His heavenly realm to get His hands dirty! He is telling me the same.

    For me, it is not one particular thing that He is calling me to, but every “little” thing that He gives me, I believe He wants me to get on my knees and get dirty. Like in school, giving my 100% in class work, at home praying and fasting consistently and diligently for my unsaved family members, and personally, beginning to serve others more than they serve me. One flower adds up to many flowers which then becomes a wonderful bouquet.

    I’m nervous, but I’m willing to get on my knees and get dirty! :D

  • Isiwe Cooke

    To love people who seem unlovable, and to be an intercessor on behalf of my siblings caught in the ravages of sin. They can’t help themselves, and I get angry, instead of loving….

  • http://www.devine.ning.com J Taylor

    What a right on time message for where I am today…

    When you consider planting a garden in the physical research/work is required. Where will the garden and its plants be positioned to yield the most fruit/growth? What about the soil needed, is the ground fertile and ready to receive new plants/flowers? What needs to be removed from ground before seeds are planted?

    In our spiritual lives our hearts reside in God’s Garden of Grace. In order to have a garden/heart that yields good fruit, that is ready to receive new growth/blessings, we must remove the weeds and thorns (obstacles that choke, thwart, and prevent growth). We must be willing to get our spiritual hands dirty, to dig deeper in the soil with God. We must be willing to be transformed.

    Personally, my growth/transformation process has been quite dirty and quite painful. When God saved me years ago from a violent and abusive marriage that almost took my life, I was covered with dirt. The deliverance and healing process was very dirty. God made me confront me. Why would I allow my ex husband to torture & abuse me? I came from stable two parent household and witnessed no abuse. On the surface I did not have self esteem issues?

    I had to be 4 real to be healed. Willing to get dirty not only saved me years ago, but gave birth to my calling and my ministry. The beauty of the growth and what God has done through me has been a blessing for those who pass by & through my garden.

    Today, I am in the process of writing a transformational book/bible study Bloom Where You Are Planted. It began as a devotion in my first book, but ended up being a transformational journey with 6 awesome women ( 4 of us are members of CB Glades) of God. We are in the process of getting dirty and Blooming Where We Are Planted….

    Seeds that we sow today will be the flowers that bloom tomorrow….

    From His Garden,

    J Taylor

  • His

    The Lord has been speaking to me as well. He wants more of my time. There are distractions all around…..getting Direct TV disconnected, to focus more on Him. Will not be on FB as much, only to post daily Thanksgiving prayers unto the Lord.

    A lot of people say I have a calling on my life, & that they can see, & hear God all on & through me. He’s pressing now….& God is not one to be blown off……

    Focused, & determined to please & serve Him.

  • Susan

    Wow! Glad to hear that you are back in full swing with a new laptop. Anthony, upon reading your new post, I see how God is so Amazing!! I recently completed a 7 week Bible Study about blooming where you are planted which my best friend JT is writing a book on. Every week, we started off our worship with one of your inspirational songs. I cannot tell you how meaningful the lyrics of your songs meant to us as we worked on our Bible Study. The songs we choose, to name a few (Meaningless, Everything, Love is…) allowed us to move past our imperfections and focus on what our purpose and ministry is here on earth. Keep those songs coming please!!! I dug deep and God revealed and confirmed my ministry for Single Mothers which was something I was doing all along and did not even know it.
    Be blessed!

  • http://foumenajessica.blogspot.com/ Jessica

    ..this is a tough question because i know there are so many areas in my life that need to grow…at this time, i believe God is teaching me to trust Him …with my heart…thank you for your prayers…

  • Amy

    It’s funny where God leads you … I’m struggling right now and feeling lost in what I should be doing but I know God is there :)
    Sometimes things are so SCARY that you put them off, or back away and don’t get stuck in to dealing with things, when that is exactly the thing you need to do.
    So, I pray for all of us, that we will be brave and seek God in where we need to grow, and that we take time to listen to what He is saying to us.
    And to Anthony, I have only just discovered your music, but it is really encouraging and inspirational, so thank you! :)

  • Felicia

    I’m not sure specifically – but I feel Him drawing me near with every painful moment and every tear. I just need the courage to trust Him fully again.

  • Iris

    Praise the Lord you are back in full swing! The Lord surely does have his own special way to reveal to us where he wants us to be and where to go….and what I have learned through my ups and downs is to learn to surrender all to him and do what I can in any given situation to glorify him. So many times “I” have tried to remedy a situation and have lost sight of the one who is always in charge…he speaks to me and says, “I AM…” as in Matthew 28:8, “teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I AM with you always, even to the end of the age.” And when I don’t know where to turn I remember, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” Amen. May God continue to bless you Anthony!

  • Tammi

    Dear Anthony-

    Just wanted to drop a line to say I heard you worship the Lord ( we got to listen and join in) at the LCBC National Day of Prayer Celebration in Lancaster Pennsylvania, tonight! Short and Sweet? Powerful and Compelling.

    Your Dad cracked me up with his “Bachelor Plea”..Haha! God knows exactly who He’s Created for You and He’ll send her when You and She are Both Ready!

    I would love to have you lead worship at one of our ministry events, that benefit homeless momma’s and kids sometime.
    Until then.

    Counting it ALL Joy,
    Tammi

  • Valerie

    Anthony, I just wanted to write you to let you know how truly blessed I was to listen to you sing at our church on Mother’s Day (Milestone Church, Keller, TX). It is easy to see that you have been blessed with such a wonderful voice and you are walking in the light and setting such a wonderful example for others to follow. I could see God’s glory shining from you as you sang on Sunday. Keep doing what you are doing and God will continue to bless you… because you sure blessed me!

  • Janelle

    I’m also in the process of re-evaluating to ensure that I’m at the dead centre of God’s will. So many things are there to distract and God has been calling me to have a deeper walk with Him. Sometimes I am afraid to get my hands dirty but pleasing God is my only desire. Rest assured that His plans are better than any plans we could have for our life. I find it so exciting to watch God work in my life and leave Him in the drivers seat.
    I’ve been listening to your song ‘Meaningless’ and the lyrics are so true, we’re nothing without Him. I hope God continues to bless you as you are allowing Him to use you as His instrument. Your ministry is powerful and has touched my life. Thank you.

  • Sophie

    Hi Anthony,
    Thank you for your music! I really like “The Way You Love Me”. In response to your blog, I believe that God is calling me to trust Him more…Proverbs 3: 5-6!
    Remain blessed!

  • Mary

    Dear Anthony,
    Thank you for your visit today at ALCF. It was an honor to have heard you live and meet you in person. You have a genuine soul.
    Many folks don’t trust/like a lot folks who call themselves Christians because sadly often times they only carry the name.
    I appreciate that you keep it real with us…
    May this year be a remarkable year for you. May the Father touch your heart deeper and may your walk with Christ be even more sweeter.
    Your sister,
    Mary :)

  • JP

    It is great to see how God is working in and through your life. I am grateful that you have chosen to use your gifts in a way that both ministers to the body and glorifies God. Cast your care upon the Lord and He will sustain you.

  • Rachel O

    I am really blessed seeing how God has worked in and through you. I just watched an airing of TBN’s “Praise the Lord” in which you sang some songs from you’re newest album. I really was just flipping through channels when I saw it.
    There was something you said in the interview with the host about how obedience to God can not only bless you, but will also have an effect on those coming behind you. I never looked at obedience that way before. The interpretation God gave you made me realize how much I have belittled my task of obeying God, no matter how insignificant the job may be. Thank you for sharing that. :)

  • Dawn

    Anthony, I’m glad that you’ve replaced most of what was stolen from you. Humm…its not easy to be open with your stuff…especially with others…or with myself for that matter. But I KNOW that our heavenly Father wants me to get my hands dirty once and for all…by letting someone go from my life. God wants me to truly committ to loving Him and wanting Him….and to believe that He’s enough for me.
    Life long journey….

  • http://TBN malicia

    I just watched you minister and I was soooo drawn to your anionting..How Great is out God that He would intrust you with such an calling!!! Can’t wait til you come to NY..Be Blessed My Brother

  • Tangela

    Today was my first time hearing you on TBN. The example of a waitress and lepers, was food to my soul. My God continue to bless you.

  • Anthony Evans

    I’m reading your comments you guys… Thanks so much for all the encouragement. Let’s keep talking.

  • ayodeji adeyemi

    He is asking me to pray more but i dont want to. My flesh does not want to. I know people say kill the flesh but what if you dont feel like but you want to. No doubt i wanna pray to God and conversate but the prayer i am tlkin about is that of about 1hr to 2 hrs in prayer. I pray God gives me the zeal to