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🙌 From the Storm to the Sanctuary: A Message to My Community

I’d like to share a few things with you—if you’ll stay with me. I’m deeply grateful for the thousands of subscribers and even more viewers across my social media platforms, whether personal, ministry, or business. Your support humbles me. But this message is just for here. While my podcasts may touch on similar themes, this post comes straight from the heart.

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📖 My Journey in Faith and Ministry

I could write a novel about the hurts and bounce-backs I’ve experienced. In fact, I did—my book Standing In The Perfect Storm in Jesus Name shares much of that story.

I was saved as a child, surrendered in my twenties, and have since walked a path that includes seminary, missions, church leadership, and now pursuing a Master’s in Psychology & Christian Counseling at a respected Christian university.

I’ve served, designed, led, and sat on church boards. But I’ll be honest—those experiences have sometimes left me discouraged. They’ve even distracted me from my online ministry. It wasn’t until I sought counsel from pastors, evangelists, and Christian leaders—along with prayer and reflection—that I found clarity again.

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🛡️ Spiritual Warfare Is Real

Let’s not forget: Satan is a master strategist and a persuasive speaker. He convinced a third of the angels to rebel. He walks the earth seeking whom he may devour. His tactics? Division, deception, gossip, lies, and assumptions.

He’ll even convince church leaders that Matthew 18:15–17 doesn’t apply to them. He’ll blind us to the wisdom of Proverbs 6:16–19. But we must stay vigilant. We must remember that no church is perfect—because no human is perfect. Only God is.

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💔 When Churches Hurt

I’ve been wounded by churches—more than once. The “final straw” happened years ago, and again multiple times over the past six years. But I still believe in fellowship. I still attend gatherings of believers. I still strive to see more names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

I forgive. I move forward. And I remain committed to my personal mission: to make a positive impact in the lives of others for the cause of Christ.

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📜 The Bible Is Our Compass

The Bible is our final authority. We serve God—not man. Life is but a vapor, and we must make the most of it for our loved ones, for the lost, and for the Kingdom.

If a church or leader doesn’t follow the Word they preach, it may be time to “dust off your shoes and move on” (Matthew 10:14). There are too many souls to reach, too much good to do, to waste time casting pearls before swine.

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🎸 A Word from an Unlikely Place

Recently, my Love and I watched a message from The First Heavy Metal Church of Christ, led by Evangelist Brian Smith. It was raw, real, humble, and biblically sound. No matter your worship style, we all serve the same God. You can watch the message here.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

We’re all rough around the edges. I grew up in a blue-collar town, trained in self-defense, and have little tolerance for arrogance or bullying. I’ve been hurt. I struggle with forgiveness. But by God’s grace, the Holy Spirit, and a Proverbs 31 woman in my life—I’m learning patience, grace, and restraint.

As Kenny Chesney sings in You Save Me:

“No matter where my reckless soul takes me… you save me.”

God saves me. Grace saves me. And I hope this message helps save someone else.

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📣 What’s Next

I’ve written a short novel here—but the next post will kick off a series of wisdom I’m excited to share. Let’s keep growing, keep seeking, and keep loving.

Blessings and Shalom,
~ DW

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