Signs & Wonders Blog

I’m a traveling missionary who has lived in Minnesota much of my life. I grew up in Moorhead, but later moved to Minneapolis to pursue a music career. Eventually, I become a Christian, and spent time  working for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association when it was based in Minneapolis. Now for almost three decades, I’ve travelled around the country, but often make seasonal returns to Minnesota when the weather is warmer. I don’t care for the cold winters nor the political climate there. This past Wednesday, an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent named Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good. It’s a tragedy that could’ve been avoided like Daunte Wright’s death five years ago. If Good had cooperated and obeyed law enforcement orders, she would be alive today. Instead, she and her lesbian partner spent time taunting ICE officials. Videos show Good attempted to run over an ICE agent with her vehicle and paid the ultimate price. Good had been part of a le...

This past Thursday, Israel conducted airstrikes upon Iran. The Islamic republic reportedly had enough enriched uranium to manufacture multiple nuclear bombs. They have retaliated with missile and drone strikes upon mostly Israeli civilian areas. On the other hand, Israel has aimed at Iranian military targets and warned civilians there to flee from them.  Some might question Israel specifically taking out Iranian leaders. Keep in mind that for years they have repeatedly declared “death to Israel” and “death to America.” The Iranian government also support the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Under the New Covenant, believers are to pray for those in authority. When necessary, God will use natural and supernatural means to replace rulers  who persistently go against His will. Daniel 2:21 says, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise.” Here in America, leadership can be changed through the ballot box....

Burger King once used the advertising slogan, “Sometimes, you gotta break the rules.” If you’re truly living for the Lord, He will occasionally lead you to do things that may seem risky and go against man-made laws. Sometimes I have evangelized in shopping malls even though security people will try to stop that because they consider it “ soliciting .” A recent exchange of emails with a Facebook friend about illegal immigration reminded me of a situation that happened fifteen years ago. In April 2003, I flew to Berlin to share the gospel in Germany. Originally I was scheduled to fly back to the U. S. a month later but opted not to despite my return ticket classified “non-refundable.” The Lord told me my leaving Germany then would be in His permissive will but not His perfect will. Eventually, He led me to visit other European nations. By September I was in Spain and perceived it was time to come home. One day I went to the Madrid airport hoping the airline would let me u...

As a young Christian, I devoured numerous teaching tapes and books that God used to help me grow in my knowledge of Him and prepare for ministry. One Bible teacher from who I’ve gleaned a lot is Joyce Meyer. Her “Battlefield of the Mind” is one of the most powerful books I ever read. Joyce’s testimony of overcoming abuse and rejection has inspired millions of hurting people. I appreciate her candor and sense of humor (especially her “What About Me?” robot imitation). It grieves me when I hear fellow Christians criticizing Joyce Meyer. She is often labeled a “prosperity preacher.” Her website  clarifies: “A ‘prosperity gospel’ that solely equates blessing with financial gain is out of balance and could damage a person’s walk with God.” Another reason Joyce receives flak from religious folk is being a woman behind the pulpit. Yet the Bible has numerous examples of women ministering to God’s people. These five prophetesses are mentioned by name: Miriam (Exodus 15:20) De...

Every minister who takes the gospel to the public occasionally comes into conflict with authority figures. Even in the United States where the Constitution guarantees “freedom of religion”, various laws and ordinances have been passed in an effort to hinder God’s word from going forth. Two weeks ago in Crystal, Minnesota, I was with a group of soul winners sharing the gospel at a carnival. Although it was in a public park, a carnival supervisor came up to us saying we weren’t allowed to evangelize there because we didn’t have a permit. We continued moving and witnessing in the park until a policeman told us “no preaching”. We then moved outside the park perimeters and talked to individuals walking towards or leaving the carnival. Then this past week at the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, I passed out tracts along Main Street and struck up conversations with other ministers doing the Lord’s work. One Baptist group was promoting a motorcycle giveaway. When I ...

Five years ago during a prayer meeting at a church in West Fargo, North Dakota, I was praying for the 2012 presidential election and specifically asked for God’s choice to be elected. Michele Bachmann’s name came up in my mind but I didn’t immediately speak that out. Seconds later, the prayer group leader started praying for the congresswoman from Minnesota. A few days after that I posted a comment about this on Michele Bachmann’s Facebook page. Unfortunately, that triggered mostly negative responses. One person argued that God doesn’t choose politicians…people do. It’s true in a democracy, the candidate with the most votes gets elected. Nevertheless, God does anoint selected individuals for positions of authority such as King David in 1 Samuel 16:12.   One might question if I really heard from God regarding Michele Bachmann becoming president since she dropped out of the race months later. Regardless, if more God-fearing people sought the Lord before going to the p...

I have a missionary friend who closely follows the American political scene. Back in 2010, he sent me an article he wrote in response to that year’s midterm elections. For the most part I thought his commentary was well written. My friend even admitted he used to be a “bleeding heart liberal” that disliked Ronald Reagan. Three years after the 1980 election, he suddenly became a big Reagan supporter. What made the difference? My friend got born again and in his own words, “...my new Kingdom affiliation had brought about a new worldview!” However, there was one part of his article that bothered me. My friend labeled Barack Obama a “liar and impostor.” I don't agree with the decisions Obama has continued making since becoming President. I would be happy if he was removed from office before his current term runs out. Then again, I read how the late Ruth Heflin (who hosted a couple of inaugural prayer breakfasts) lifted up President Bill Clinton in prayer while he faced impeachme...