As I write this newsletter I'm reminded of how awesome our
God is. I can remember that it was not to long ago that I was
enslaved to drugs and was experiencing mental torment because
of being controlled by the enemy. I was totally convinced that
I was a complete failure at everything. My life consisted of
consuming Heroin, Cocaine, Methadone (for my Heroin addiction),
Valium, and Anti-Depressants; prescribed for my clinical
depression. I was so tired of living like that. I had tried seven
different secular rehabilitation programs, with no success of
long-term freedom. I had always listened to the lies of the
world and was convinced I was destined for the refuse pile of
this world.
I know now that it was God who heard my cry for Mercy. It is
said in, 1 Sam 16: 7 "For the LORD does not see as man
sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD
looks at the heart." It is God who knows our heart and
the sincerity of our cries for help. God knew that if I would
totally surrender myself to Him, that He in return would give
me the Quality of Life that I have always desired. I was being
robbed of my Inheritance thru deception and lack of knowledge
of my sonship.
The Word of God says; "My people are destroyed for
lack of Knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). I remember asking Jesus
to be my Savior when I was seven years old. I was taught that
when I died I would go to heaven and be rescued from a fiery
place called Hell. I later thought of it as a fire insurance
plan instead of salvation. I did not know at that time that
salvation was not only atonement for my sins, but also for
healing, deliverance, restoration, and protection. My mind
set as a young boy was, that I had to practice traditions and
be religious to stay out of Hell.
Many things happened between me asking Jesus into my heart and
growing up as a young adult. So much pressure so many temptations.
I had no way of knowing my identity in Christ because it was never
revealed or taught to me. I was left confused and unsure of my
salvation. It was in this atmosphere of despair I started using
drugs. I was living way below the standards of a son of God. The
Word of God says; "Therefore you are no longer a slave but
a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ"
(GaL4:7). "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and
foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the
household of God, having been built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief
cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being
built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit"
(Eph 2:19-22).
God, who is rich in mercy, wants to include us in His plan for
having many sons and daughters. He desires to Tabernacle (Dwell)
with us and display His great love through us to a hurting and
dying world. Where are those who will let God build His house?
"Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is
the place of My rest?" (Is. 66:1). "Unless the
LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it." (Ps 127:1)
I do not know about you, but I came to a quick decision it
would benefit me if I would cease from my rebellion and fault
finding, and allow God to be honored in my life. Since that
decision was made, my life has value and He is on display through
this earthen vessel. (But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of as;
2 Cor. 4:7) There are not words to express my gratitude to God
for allowing me to participate in working in His vineyard. It
is nothing but His handy work. Since my total surrender, God has
allowed me to enter Canaan Land Ministries where my life was
impacted by the Word of God and I received direction for my life.
He allowed me to be a Missionary with Mercy Ships where I met my
wife Debbie. He then opened doors for me to serve a great man of
God; Pastor Ronnie Trice. All of this was done for my preparation
for what is now Shiloh Ministries. None of this could have been
accomplished if not for Gods grace, and my obedience.
No one can comprehend or fathom His ail knowing capabilities.
I do not try to figure it out; I just receive what was done for
me at Calvary, by faith. It was through acknowledging His love
for me that He responded in power and changed me. It is said in
Dan 11:32 "the people who know their God shall be strong,
and carry out great exploits". I continue to this day to
know God and practice His presence. In doing so the mighty Holy
Ghost empowers me to do the work of the Ministry. I'm exited about
the future. I have expectancy about eternity and peace in the now.
This is the Christmas season. It is the season of giving gifts
to family and friends. I recognize the gift of life that was given
to me by my Savior Jesus Christ. The gift I give in return is my
life. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable God, which is your reasonable service" Rom. 12:1.
I want to encourage everyone to not give up on receiving the
full benefits of your Inheritance. You have to do your part. God
has already initiated His love to you by sending Jesus Christ who
died for you and then rose from the dead. He then stripped the
devil of his power and made a public spectacle of him by his
defeat at Calvary (Col.2:15). You need revelation knowledge of
your authority that is in the name of Jesus. It will manifest
when you study the Word of God, spend time in prayer and ask
the Holy Ghost to reveal your position in Christ. In Jer. 29:12-13
"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I
will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you
search for Me with all your heart". It is only when we
humble ourselves in obedience and love Him as the Father that He
truly is, will we see and demonstrate the dominion power and
authority of our Inheritance.
All of the Staff and Students at Shiloh proclaim a blessed
Christmas for you and your families. We love you and thank you
for all you do for the LORDS Ministry at Shiloh.
Rocky Fondren
