Travis Verge Ministries

Why did God choose me?

Travis Verge — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:58:39 +0000

I feel like I am not qualified to be an author of a Christian book. At times I wonder, who am I to be writing about our Great, Almighty God. God definitely chooses the weak in this world. When I look at my life, I am so grateful for the Lord and how He chooses to use me. With all that happened with my first book and with the alleged devil worshipper, God continued to be exalted.

I would lie if I said I was not excited about this new book entitled Shadows Exposed by Travis Verge. But God knows my heart and what excites me the most is to watch Him do what He will do for His Names sake. I realize that this book is not about me. I actually do not like book signings and attention to me. This is what God had me do for Him and not for me. I am just thankful that He uses me.

This book truly exposes the deceptions and questions in our world today. Questions about the church and about suffering are to name a few. We are called to a deeper relationship with God by getting rid of our distractions and living surrendered lives to Him. I have been inspired by men like Francis Chan, David Platt, and David Uth.

The majority of proceeds from the book go to help people know Jesus Christ, not to me. I would like every member of my family, my friends, and everyone whether saved or not to read this book with an open heart.

My book is now available on my website (TravisVerge.com) or can be purchased before the release date of May 22, 2012 by copying this link below.

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781618622167

May God be praised as we draw near to Him!

God works quickly at times!

Travis Verge — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:54:01 +0000

o
You do not know me, but I just
wanted to share with you the fact that God just used you to answer me. So much
has been happening in my life. From God seeking me out, drawing me to Him,
speaking to me, answering prayers, molding me, revealing things to me, using
me….to the attacks, the torment! It has been unreal! I wouldn’t believe what
has been happening to me myself if I wasn’t living it! God led me to share this
with someone. God has put on my heart that I’m not the only one in battle and
being attacked, but many people just don’t realize what is happening to them,
they don’t know satan’s tactics. I was led to share my story. Everything went
smoothly while I typed my story and hit send. Then…immediately after, it
started! “You are stupid! I can’t believe you just sent that! They are
going to think you are crazy! Why don’t you just give up! Aren’t you sick of
feeling this way, in fear, confused, anxious…just stop!….” On and on
with the mental attacks! I found myself yet again in tears, crying out, “I
just can’t take this any more! Maybe I should just give up. Maybe God really
isn’t speaking to me, I am just a nobody, stupid. God, I truly felt You led me
to send that message, but I need a sign that I am not insane and that You are
the One having me do all this, please.” I was drawn to jump on the
computer and immediately saw your post about your new book. I clicked on it and
read what the book was about….about exactly what I have been going through,
exactly what I had just shared in my story to this person, exactly what I
thought God was wanting others to know! People do not realize all that Satan is
capable of with his demons! It’s unbelievable what he can cause to happen to
you! Again, I wouldn’t believe it myself, if I wasn’t living it myself! When it
first started, I didn’t know what was happening, but thank God for hearing me
cry out, he answered with quickness and revealed to me what in fact was
happening and why it was happening. I didn’t mean to bother you, I just felt
the need to share.

God works quickly and may He be praised

Devoting all to the Lord

Travis Verge — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:32:27 +0000

I have got some great news recently! My new book entitled “Shadows Exposed by Travis Verge” will be out in the next 2 months. The cover design and all the editing has been completed. The layout is finished and the final book printing is under way. It is exciting for me in this time, but I have given this book completely to the Lord. God will do whatever He wants and I am ok with whatever He wants to do. I do not know why God laid it so heavy on my heart to write this second book, but I will do whatever He asks. I do not know what God wants to accomplish, but for a publishing company to call me at the right time and want me to finish the 2nd book, appears to be the very hand of God.

I love my family so much that even if this book helps my boys in their faith as they get older, that would be well worth it for me. Some write books for fame and others want to make a name for themselves, but I want to point people to Jesus Christ. I do not need to make a name for Jesus, because His name is famous already and His name has impacted the world for thousands of years. My first responsibility is to point my family to Jesus and let Him impact their life for eternity. The next responsibility is to keep pointing the world and even other Christians to Him. May may life, all that I say, all that I do, and all that I write, be a reflection of Jesus’ love and truth.

Who will stand with you?

Travis Verge — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:37:29 +0000

Is it not amazing how many Christians today live their lives as if this world is why they were made? Can this be part of the deception of Satan to keep us from staying focused on Christ? How many of us have fallen into that trap? How many ministers fall into that trap as they teach their congregations that material blessings and success will come to those who are faithful? Many in America are hearing that message and filling stadiums, but the poverty stricken African Christians know that is false teaching. I believe many American Christians are caught up in this world because many of their spiritual leaders are as well. We have rationalized Jesus’s words about simplicity for long enough. With greedy hearts we have accumulated more and more, built bigger and bigger barns (houses), and are justified because our ministers live the same way. I confess that I have needed to make serious changes in my life in this area. I was raised in America too, and I have seen and heard ministers justify their lifestyles. I became what I had learned. Now I am learning from Christ and not man. He has a whole different way, and it begins with understanding our purpose. I challenge you to read the gospels and learn about what is most important in this life. I made some radical changes in my heart, and now God is lining up the way I appear to what my true treasure is in my heart. I would rather give more than receive more. I would rather have what I need and give to others the extra I have. I would rather support missions instead of supporting my greed. God forgive us if we have put our eyes on things of this world and not on Him. I refuse to be a minister where people see an example of rationalized greed and materialism, but rather an example of storing up treasures in heaven by investing in people. What I tell you now, I tell you because I want you to know the faithfulness of God if we strive to live completely for Him and His purpose.

The Lost Spiritual Discipline

Travis Verge — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:23:46 +0000

I have been preaching a series on Sunday mornings entitled “Spiritual Disciplines”. This week the discipline discussed was fasting. I am convinced that for many this is a lost discipline in the church. Many people commented after service about how they had never fasted and had never understood fasting from the Scriptures. Many had mentioned that they had never heard a lesson about fasting in all the years of the church. When you read through the Bible, fasting is mentioned, discussed, and practiced throughout, yet for many churches today, it is not even discussed. If you ever hear about fasting today, it is fasting from the TV or facebook, but in the Bible, the point was to give up food and allow God to fill you up. Jesus said that His food was to do the will of the Father who sent Him.

I started a few years ago taking a fasting trip to begin my year. I have a fasting trip set again for the beginning of 2012. Many ask why I do this. There is something about taking a few days in a row and going to spend that time completely with God. There is something about how God speaks to me in those times and how I see Him and His will so clearly for me in my life. Each year I go, I am amazed at how full I feel and how my fears are taken away. I am amazed at the strength that God gives me to be a better minister, a better husband, a better father, and better friend, and a more eternally focused man of God.

As I continue to be a minister of Jesus Christ, I will share all that the Lord tells us and challenge all of us to be disciplined spiritually to experience all that we can experience of HIM. Living in America where many of us never have to question our next meal, we should take the spiritual discipline of fasting even more serious. To give up a meal when we have so much in order to seek the Lord, shows our priorities and our heart before the Lord. Even though we have so much, we trust Him and need Him for true fulfillment.

Jesus was the ultimate example of a man who put His Father over eating and even sleeping. He needed His Father more than anything! To be like Jesus, we must walk as He walked. It may not be a 40 day fast from food, but it might be a meal that we give up to spend time with the Lord. The worst excuse in the world is that I do not have time to be with the Lord. If you have time to eat and you have time to sleep, you have time to be with the Lord.

Heart is heavy

Travis Verge — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:45:39 +0000

I got a few messages about a church that is close to my heart. It is hard to watch people struggle and it is hard to watch a church struggle. I have to be reminded that if we struggle and trust in the Lord, than we always come out victoriously. I have learned in life, that as much as we want things to stay the same, change is inevitable. As much as we would like to have the same people, do all the same things, and everything to stay the same in a church, the reality is that God calls people different places at times and we must cherish the memories.

Sometimes it seems as if a person or a church is being pruned by God. We must realize that is not a bad thing. Pruning helps bring about fullness and new life within a plant, a person, or even a church. Pruning is because of God’s love for us and because He does not want us to get to comfortable and lazy. In the first century when the church was growing by the thousands, persecution came and people spread out. This was good and right because the church spread all over the world instead of just one big church in Jerusalem. I heard a quote one time that stated, “Manure in a big pile just stinks and is gross, but manure spread out is fertilizer.” We must have a Kingdom view when people leave and change occurs. Don’t get me wrong, I struggled with change when all I knew and loved in ministry was changing, but I leaned on the Lord and took a look at myself to see who God needed me to be. I want all to know that if you feel as if there is a pruning going on in your life or in your church, we must take a good look at ourselves and see the new that God is wanting in us. It is not enough to continue doing what we have always done. God is teaching us and we must learn from Him or the impossible hurdle will be just that. When God wants us to move, it is time to move and I must make sure that I am ready spiritually, emotionally, and maybe even physically. Things do not seem easy at the time, and maybe even impossible, but we serve a real big God. He can take a struggling minister and use him to be effective and he can take a struggling church and with new vision and true leadership, He can use it to make an eternal difference.

To all the readers, remember the Lord is in control and when the task seems impossible, it really is with your own strength. It is time to turn to Him and see His power at work and participate in what God is doing FOR HIS GLORY and NAME’S SAKE.

Satan’s power versus GOD’S POWER

Travis Verge — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:03:54 +0000

This time of the year seems to get me to think about all the evil power displayed in our world today. Do not get me wrong, I am not against children getting candy and celebrating the fall season, but I know that a lot of evil happens during this time.

I am not for telling our children that evil does not exist, or that evil power is not real. The Bible does talk about evil power in spiritists, mediums, witches, and more. There is evil power in the world, and we do not need to be deceived by that. Children who dabble in witchcraft or in evil “games” experience this. To deny this power is closing our eyes to a reality that exists.

What are our children seeing when it comes to God’s power at work in a Christian’s life? Many have denied His power in today’s day for fear that we will go to far.

Read 2 Tim 3:1-5

3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

People can hold to a form of godliness but deny its power. This seems to be pretty serious. Have we been guilty of denying its power? Some Christians are content to live powerless, defeated, and depressed lives when God has given us a power that is at work within us (Eph. 3:20). Our children are seeing evil power, and it is real. It is time our children and the world sees a power from God that is real and greater than all other power. This power changes lives. This power turns a killer into a missionary. This power was so evident to first century Christians, that people were willing to give up their evil power to live powerful Christian lives (Acts 19:11-20).

What does a powerful Christian life look like? It is a life a transformation. It is the power to forgive and love the unloving. It is the power to raise godly children in an evil and corrupt world. it is the power to be pure when the world says it is impossible. It is the power to listen as God reveals things to us to help others. It is the power to do something you could not do with your own ability.

I saw this numerous times in my life, but I would like to share about a time that stands out in my mind.

In the fall of 1995, while I was in the Adventures in Missions (AIM) program in Lubbock, Texas, I was told that there was a girl named Carolyn who wanted to study the Bible and become a Christian. The friend, who told me about this girl, knew the area where Carolyn lived, but he did not know her exact address. My friend did not even know her last name. At nineteen, I was energetic and ready to take on the world. No last name, no address, no problem. After classes that day, I decided that I was going to go to the “other side of the tracks” to the projects of Lubbock by myself. I got to an area I had never been before, driving my small, black sports car and having my Bible ready to find Carolyn.

As I sat in my car for a few minutes, I remember praying, “Lord, you know where this teenage girl lives, and I pray that your Holy Spirit will guide me to her as well as others who are searching for you. I trust in you, and I know you want her saved.” I got out of the car and began walking through this drug- and gang-infested area. I was probably the only white person within a two-mile radius. No sooner had I gotten out of the car and began walking down the street before I heard a few gunshots in the distance. After that, I saw a big car stop and five people came out of nowhere to gather at the trunk of the car, pay money, grab what they needed, and run. It all happened in five seconds but, of course, I saw nothing, right? An older man was outside of his home on the block, so I went up to him and began talking to him. I needed to make some friends quick. Of course, he was wondering what I was doing walking the streets in that area, so it gave me a perfect opportunity to share Christ.

After talking a few minutes with this older man, I continued on and saw some low-income duplexes with a teenage boy outside pushing a shopping cart. I thought, Maybe he will know Carolyn. So I asked him if he knew a girl named Carolyn.

Before I even got the words out of my mouth, he ran inside the duplex yelling, “Carolyn! Carolyn! There is a white guy right outside who is here to see you!”

As I watched what was going on, I have to say I was surprised God had led me to her so quick. As I was invited inside, I was overcome by the smell of rotten food. This little one-bedroom duplex housed six people. I looked around and greeted her brother, who was a fourteen-year-old with the intelligence of a first grader. As I got to know him, I realized that he had the kindest heart. I could tell after meeting her parents that they were slow as well. Carolyn’s dad was almost blind, with cataracts covering both eyes. Everyone there was wearing clothes that were so thin that you could practically see through them. Buying new clothes for this family was only a fantasy.

As I waited, they offered me food and drinks, but I would not accept these because it easily could have been the only meal for them that day. As Carolyn came out, she could not stop smiling. She said I was an angel sent by God. I knew I was not an angel, but I eventually came to understand that I was His messenger that day. In fact, it was the Holy Spirit who led me to this girl within thirty minutes of my arrival to the area. He guided me through the valley of shadow and death to a seeking teenager to whom God was keeping His promise. This reminded me of Matthew 7:7-8, where it says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

I know it could only have been through the direction of God that I found this girl who later gave her life to Christ. Because of this experience, I never again have doubted the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Because of this knowledge and true understanding from the Scriptures, mission trips are a little different for me because I trust in the direction of God.

The Heart of Jesus

Travis Verge — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:06:36 +0000

I have been working on a lesson that will be coming up in a few weeks that deals with being one heart and one mind. My first thoughts were, “Of course, unity”. I looked up different passages where God is calling His people to have one heart. In Ezekiel, God says that he will give them one heart and put within them a new spirit.

As I was working on this thought, it dawned on me that having one heart was not really the desire. Here is why. Christians can have one heart and it be towards the wrong thing. Just because Christians are in agreement on something, does not mean that they agree on something that God wants. A great example of this is in Genesis 11 with the tower of Babel. They all agreed and it was only an act of God that could stop them. So, they had one heart, but it was not in the will of God. It is hard enough for the church to have one heart, but even if we do, having one heart is not enough. Our one heart must align with the heart of God. So in order for us to align with the heart of God and Christ Jesus, we must ask the question, “What is the heart of Christ?” Answering this question, is what the church must align with to be of one heart with Christ. Jesus’ prayer is not just for His people to be one, but Jesus says, “That they may be one, just as We are one; I in them, and You in Me.” We are to be one with Jesus in us as the Father is in Jesus.

If you want to know more about the heart of Christ, I preach on this on October 23rd at the Bozeman church of Christ. My lesson will be available on my website (TravisVerge.com) or (Bozemanchurchofchrist.com) on Oct. 24th.

Send me your thought on what you believe is the heart of Christ we must be aligned with.

The Spirit of God is moving in the Church

Travis Verge — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:08:27 +0000

I am now getting settled here in Bozeman, MT. I have preached for 7 weeks now and I am currently in a series entitled “Experiencing Family”. This series has been challenging because of the history of divisions and judgment in the body of Christ. Jesus died so we could be family and we see this family as a curse and not a blessing. In this series, God is opening our eyes to see the heart of God. We are learning about Respect, love and humility. This week we are going to be challenged to see with Kingdom perspective and that the body of Christ extends out past our own walls. I believe many are tired of the fighting and judging within the churches and are ready to love, forgive, show mercy, and show grace to each other. The reality is, we all want people to show love, mercy, forgiveness and grace towards us as well.

This past Sunday during the invitation song, the Spirit of God moved mightily in the hearts of His people. We experienced God mending relationships and people being real with each other. We all saw God’s power and healing hand at work. We joined hands in the closing prayer and went before the Father as the family of God who stands together. May God be praised for what He is doing in the hearts of His people!

The Lesson on Sunday

Travis Verge — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:44:19 +0000

In Bozeman this past Sunday we began a series called New Beginnings. Our lesson was entitled “The Called” from 1 Samuel 16 as David was called. David would not have been anyone’s first choice to be King, but God knew the heart of David. He saw what David could be with His Spirit and His Power. If we ever think that we are not ready or trained enough to do what God is calling us to do, know that god has us right where we need to be. Because now, God will be glorified as He does a great work in us. David was anointed as King before the Goliath battle. I wonder if David has some confidence against the giant because he knew that he was chosen and called by God. When we understand that God has called us is when we can face the giants, and through His power, the giants can be defeated in our lives.

The next lesson is title “The giants”.

Here is a copy of my outline:

New Beginnings—The Calling

Story of my boys being born

–being overwhelmed yet excited

1 Sam. 16:1-13

What did God see that man did not see?

–God saw the heart of David and that he had a heart for the Lord. He would shepherd his sheep and play the harp for the Lord and spend time with Him.

Story of awesome speaker of a church of thousands. I listened to him on CD and could not wait to hear him in person. When I saw him he was wearing blue jeans, acne on his face and I could not believe that was him until I heard the voice and his speaking.

What does God see in this us? Are we the most spiritual bunch, most dedicated, most humble, most loving?

To the leaders—He chose you, not because you are the most spiritual

To the worship team—He chose you not because you’re the best singers

in the church

To those who serve—He chose you not because you’re the greatest

servants

To the minister—He chose me not because I am the best minister or speaker, or the most spiritual

He chose us because we are willing and He could be glorified in and

through us.

God has anointed you for His work, not because you are so great but because you will listen to Him and are willing to be used by Him.

He will be glorified if we lead and serve for Him and not ourselves.

Everything in life was getting ready to change for David

Example of a great talent that comes on Americas Got Talent

–Are you ready for this?

Was David ready for this?

God always looks at the heart. He sees you for what you will be with His Spirit and His power.

1 Cor. 12:9–Power is perfected in weakness

The question to ask is:

Are you willing and will you give all glory to Him?