"UPRISING: THE REVOLUTION OF A MAN'S SOUL
PROMISE KEEPERS 2004.

The event started with a great concert from SonicFlood, a christian rock band that provided praise songs and prayer to set the tone for the two-day event.  Jack Persinger and I particularly enjoyed their popular "I Want To Know You" and decided that our Sunday evening version was a close-to-the-original rendition of the song. 

The event was full of talented, emotional, speakers who brought their messages with a mix of images and sounds, hands-on examples, and real-world personal experiences that allowed us to better relate to God's word.  One speaker shared that "Apart from God I can do nothing. (John 15:5), but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)."  

But how do we define strength?  Strength is when we accomplish tasks, enhance the world, and endure the tests of life.  The message went on to ask the question, How does Jesus give you strength? ...  The only way Jesus gives you strength is through the Holy Spirit. We must walk in the spirit of Jesus to receive his strength.  OK, how do we do that?  We must be filled in the spirit. OK, how are we filled with the spirit?  "It's a daily thing!"  You must ask for and seek a constant flow of God everyday.  You must present yourself before the Lord...  "I know I'm not perfect, but please help me try again, try harder...."

Buddy Owens, this speaker, went on to demonstrate this process by holding up a clear glass of water.  He began to fill the water with a variety of substances that caused the glass' contents to become diluted and changed the clean and clear water into something different, something no one would want to drink.  He added vinegar, mustard, hot sauce, and other ingredients that might represent sin in our life. 

Finally, to show the power of God's grace and the need for the Holy Spirit to flow through us on a daily basis, Mr. Owens, began to pour water into the glass, pitcher after pitcher of clear water.  The glass began to change again, the water began to remove the ingredients that had made a muddled mess, leaving only the clear, clean water, that was originally there.

There were many more messages and more examples, incredible praise music, and opportunities for participants to discuss what they had learned and how they might apply it to their own life.

Promise Keepers is a well organized event that provides men a minute to reflect, refocus, and renew their faith.  Thank you Sand Fork Baptist Church for providing us the opportunity to attend.