God has put us all on a track — on a path that is unique to each on of us. I’m not supposed to live on your track and you’re not supposed to live on mine.

The Chicken Story

For those of you who don’t know, my name is Danny Ray and I’m an illusionist/pastor. Yeah, it’s kind of an odd combination. I have been on the road for about 8 years. About two years prior to starting  Jeff Harris asked me, "Why I haven’t you combined sleight of hand and sharing God’s word into a ministry."

I gave him my typical excuses.

"I love youth ministry" or "Things are going great right now so why change?"

He laughed at my reasons and gave me his reason, “I think you’re just too chicken to do it.” I called him a few choice names we laughed and then went on to talk about other stuff.

But like a catchy song this conversation played over and over in my head. Over the next few weeks I really thought about that statement. I have always been afraid to tell others I did sleight of hand. I didn’t want them to associate the art of illusions with some other craft (witch)! I loved to perform but it was awkward saying, "Hey I’m a magician let me show you something." Also, many of the Christian magicians in my humble opinion did cheesy magic and I didn’t want to be thought of as just another cheesy Christian illusionist.

As time went on I thought I should at least seek God’s heart on this. Was this something that He wanted me to do or was it just my own idea? After all, in my mind there could be nothing better for me. I loved performing, practicing and doing sleight of hand and I loved sharing God’s word with people. So why not put these two passions together?

After spending much time in prayer, I began to seek counsel from the body of Christ. I went to my pastor, a random pastor in another town, an arbitrary counselor, my old youth pastor and several others. Each of them said something along the lines of, “I don’t know why you wouldn’t stop being the youth pastor and start this.” This was both encouraging and scary. Thoughts raced through my head, “ How will I support my family? What if lose my house, car, etc.” Yet, God nudged me gently and reminded me that He is the Provider, He is the Sustainer, He is my Rock and I need to take refuge in Him.

After two years of wrestling with God in prayer, seeking guidance from the body of Christ and many ambiguous thoughts I had this conversation with Dan Monteverde, my old youth pastor. We hadn’t seen each other in about 6 months. We both had very busy schedules. I wrote down all of my thoughts and questions so that I wouldn’t be wasting any of his time.

We sat across the table from each other at a little sandwich shop in Sacramento. He said, “I know you have a lot on your mind because you have a list of questions a mile long!” He looked over and saw my notebook full of questions and said, “Let’s start at the beginning and just work through until we’re finished.” I started by saying, “Dan here is the thing, I know I must-“ Dan abruptly interrupted me, “Danny, I don’t care what else you have on those pages.” A little surprised by his reaction, I swallowed slowly and knew a lesson was in store. He said, “Whatever follows you have to do it. It is not a matter of if but when. Anytime, you make an "I must" statement, you must do it. Period. It is only a matter of time. So whatever else follows you must do it. But go ahead I’ll hear you out.”

Needless to say, he was right. The answers were right there in front of me but I didn’t realize the very words I used "I must" became the answer to my prayers.

 What are you doing with your gifts?

DNA is the blueprint for life

“DNA” is a term we often hear, but most of us have little understanding of the complexity of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This will be the biggest word I use today, so hang with me. The concept of DNA is not only fascinating but, I believe, an incredible metaphor for understanding our gifts and our calling.

DNA is encoded in every cell in the body. DNA is an acid consisting of large molecules shaped like two strands connected by hydrogen bonds. In other words, it looks like a zipper. It is associated with the transmission of genetic information. These two strands are connected through hydrogen, which makes up the blueprint for the physical body. Every hair follicle, every piece of tissue, has our DNA in it. It is amazing that our entire structure can be found in these microscopic strands called DNA.

 Part 3 Peter Walking on Water

To check out part 1 click HERE, part 2 click HERE.

This is the final part of Peter Walking on the Water. This is actually the part where they get back in the boat. It’s an amazing conclusion to the story. Imagine all of the emotions they felt in such a short time. First they are fighting for their lives in the midst of a hairy storm. Then they are terrified because they think they see a ghost. Apparently a ghost is scarier than a storm. After that, they discover the joy and fear that their teacher can walk on water. Their buddy Peter walk on the water. What is going on? Finally everyone gets back in the boat, the wind dies down and they worship Jesus!

32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." 

I wonder who led the worship. Was Peter on the guitar? Just kidding. Seriously, did they all shout out together–"YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD!!!" Or was it a silent under your breath type of amazement? Regardless of how they worshipped–they worshipped Jesus. It goes without saying that Jesus deserves our worship all the time, but what are you doing today to worship Him? What specifically can you do today to give Him honor, to give your worship to Him? The disciples worshipped Him in the middle of the night in a boat. Worship happens everywhere, at all times. Will you worship Him with everything you have today?

Peter Walks On Water Part 2

To check out part one click HERE 

This story is not just about walking on water but about obedience to the call. Jesus calls us into an unpredictable life of suffering mixed with joy, love fused with sorrow, and risk that embraces fear. It’s a life that experiences it’s fullness because it does not live in the apparent safety of the "boat" but risks everything by stepping out of the boat to be with Jesus. We can not demand of God to calm the storm, to clear the way and to make things "easy" so that we know we won’t fail. No! Jesus is calls us to deny ourselves, to pick up our cross and follow Him at all costs. He is looking for one person to step out of the boat and respond to His call. Will that be you?  You can make all the excuses you want. "I don’t have time." "I don’t have the skills." "I don’t have the ability." I don’t have . . ." Jesus is still calling you! Until you have faith to get out of the boat you won’t experience the power of God in your life. Today don’t just read this story. Take a step of action and get out of the boat!

Part 1 Peter Walking on the Water

Have you ever had a really hard day? I mean, a super hard day like your best friend gets his head cut off! That would be a rough day to say the least. That’s the day that Jesus was having. His cousin John was beheaded, he just had a full day of ministry (feeding 5000 people), finally He’s alone. He spends time talking with His Father. This is where our story begins.

²²Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

Have you spent time with God today? You are exhausted from all of the work, from all of the storms and continually giving to everyone. It’s time to dismiss the crowds–the work–the stuff and go by yourself to be with your God. Just stop and discover the joy of being in your Daddy’s presence. It’s only in His presence that we are going to receive the power to live the life that He calls us to live. 

Day 4 of 28 (start at day 1 by clicking HERE)

Genesis 12:1

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you."

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

-Matthew 28:19-20

In 30 seconds write down ten things that Jesus wants to teach you?

Seriously, do it.