F4S: June 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Now or later... after I first get everything around me that's kinda messed up ..perfect?

God says, "He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame" (Proverbs 10:5). 


P. Ready to be directed in the truth today. Will follow You. Lord, please use us to gather in righteousness according to Your Word, rather than to scatter people away from You. Please make us usable and give us Your wisdom to not impede your Holy Spirit's drawing. Yes, use us for Your sake - wanna build Your Kingdom, not mine. Amen. 


Many say "Tomorrow will be a much better time to share Jesus with him." I sadly have said that before and missed a good opportunity. Sure there's a time to get the plank out of your eye so you can better see the issues, but please don't wait until all is so peachy in order to go tell em about the cross and the love of Jesus Christ that was displayed there! 


If you wait until all the circumstances around you become wonderful just to start witnessing in the Spirit, then you will indeed wait too long, and some of your valuable friends will slip away into a place where you won't be able to go hang out with em again. Not a good thing at all. Yup, the best time to sow, tend, and REAP people into the Kingdom of God is when you are young.. when you are middle-aged.. when you are elderly - any time when God says now! 


"For the unlearned, old age is winter; for the learned, it is the season of harvest!" ~ Yiddish Proverb


(here's some pics)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

P. Thank you Lord that..

...in Jesus Christ we can get established to go the distance .. stretchin' upwards in the pure light and bearin' fruit outwards. Firm foundation. Solid as a Rock. Non-shifty while others are sadly quaking. Steel and concrete convictions. Sturdy as a thick redwood. Branches over the wall. Luscious green leaves flourishing. Immovable. At peace, fully trusting in Him. Enjoyin' steady growth. Good seed constantly hittin' the ground.. chunk, chunk, chunk.. coming to fruition. Amen! 


“A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved.” ~ Proverbs 12:3


Wanna be in the middle of what God is doing.. no better or more exciting place.. and see more! No, it ain’t cuz we are strong in and of ourselves. It's cuz He always is. 


Don't Try To Do His Part

I personally try to be careful about using the terms "soul saving” or “soul winning." 

How come? Aren't those Christian terms? They could be in the right context. How do you use em?

These terms sound kind of old, but the meaning is still so good. I mainly don’t want people to get the wrong idea.. so I'll continue to be cautious. Yes, I don't want to hurt the Cause of Christ or get in trouble attempting to do what I am not called to be doing. Remember when Abe tried to help God out by having a son through Hagar? Real bad results! God doesn't need our help with what He alone can do.

Sure, God alone saves souls. He opts to convict and win souls through believers obediently sharing the Gospel. We are His plan A for getting the Message out. We give people the bad news and the Good News. It's hard to appreciate the Good without first hearing about the bad (you know, how we've all sinned and where unrepentant sinners end up). Hey, without the Spirit of Christ working, you and I can do nothing ..for life comes from Him not us.

Our duty is to seek and follow Christ whole heartedly. It’s to wisely fish for people God’s way as we allow Christ to teach and lead us in this.

We share Christ’s love and His Gospel with people leaving the results up to God. So SO glad that I’m not expected to do the impossible. How about you?

Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5, nkjv). Do you need God to step in and save your soul? It can happen today. 

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Early Mornin'-prayer Devo: Why should we keep asking?

Why should we keep asking? by @kurtwvs

What’s the reason why you and I should keep on asking God? 

Good question huh!

Well...  it’s because this is God’s ordained way of giving you what you need. He loves to do that, and He isn’t indifferent or reluctant at all. No He is very generous and totally mindful of you! That's why we should request with thanksgiving, and why we should listen to Him closely and quickly obey. He is a trustworthy God - the only One!    

"Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words." ~ Daniel 10:12

Have you ever prayed about something multiple times and yet.. there sadly seemed to be no response from God in heaven?

Perhaps you’ve been praying about a certain situation a whole lot, and yet it really seemed as though the heavens were made of brass and that God wasn't even listening to your prayers.

Be encouraged in the Lord today! Let me say that God is listening to ever word from you and He does cares! There could be several reasons why your heavenly Father did not answer you as quickly as you had hoped.

A spiritual battle could be fiercely raging in the third heaven that you have no way of knowing about. Yes, there is a seen world around us and an unseen world. Of course there are many people teaching non-biblical, very exotic, and even strange things regarding spiritual warfare today.  But just the same, please know that God does have some things to say about this stuff.

The Bible makes it clear that there is indeed a supernatural realm so to speak ..that functions right alongside the natural realm. And there is a thin wall if you will.. that divides both the seen and the unseen worlds.  

In this supernatural world that I am trying to describe to you (but hey, there are not so many words in our language to use..), things are happening when we believers pray! From reading the Word, it would appear that angels (rebellious and non-fallen) are clashing together in violent skirmishes at times. We read about a rout and a tearing loose if you will ..yes, of one side that flees in retreat. We read about angelic victory that’s gained via ferocious conquest.

So glad that God’s team wins! Aren’t you happy about that? 

God is so much more powerful that all! Are you ready to win and join His team?

We just can’t always know all the details about this battle that is raging on. Where the Bible is silent we need to be silent …rather than dogmatic as some preachers foolishly opt to be.  

Anyway, I guess you could say that misery wants company.. for all eternity. Yes, Mr Lu-Cifer and his minions earnestly seek to rip off, to murder, and to wipe precious people out like ruthless inner rib-kicking city gang with blades.. or like a forceful Tsunami wave of hate. He seeks to use lies, deception and vice to drag off as many people as he can into the lake that ceaselessly burns with fire. There is a whole lot at stake for us down here, and that is why we are called to intercede for lost and saved people.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” ~ Jesus, John 10:10

But think about that angel again that finally appeared to Dan saying, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words" (Dan. 10:12).

We don’t always hear a reason on this side, but this angel essentially told humble Daniel the specific reason for the delay in his prayer being answered: "Twenty-one days ago, your prayer was heard in heaven, and an answer was sent. I was bringing the answer, and I was stopped by a high-ranking demon that opposed me. So the great archangel Michael was dispatched to deliver me from this dilemma. And then I was freed to bring the answer to you."

Ask and by biblical faith receive what you ask for! Sometimes the only problem with our receiving is that we haven’t asked. Yes, you have not because you ask not.

“I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” ~ John 16:23, niv

Jesus said we all are to ask if we desire to receive. And I say that we pray very specifically and not give up.

“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much!” ~ Anon.

So feel free to ask! Do it with confidence, believer. Because Jesus said that if we ask we will receive. Keep hitting the floor boards with your knees for your friends, family and foes. Ask God to convict, to convince, to cancel out the debt, and to carry them. Perhaps you need to turn from your sins to Christ and receive His forgiveness of sins because of His cross and His bloodshed on that cross? Ask! What greater Gift is there than to receive the Forgiver and His sweet forgiveness? There is none that compares! See Fish4Souls.org

Monday, June 6, 2011

Gotta a moment to hear.. "He takes the Initiative!"

He takes the Initiative by @kurtwvs

His Hands And His Mouth If You Will

Of course there is a time for being quiet.. in order to listen well, but there is also a time to do otherwise as well. 

Believer, you and I are His hands, we are His Body and His mouth in a sense. What do you think about that? 

How will the ones really needing to be warned, actually be warned ..if Christians fear rejection and fail to warn them? Man, I would want to be warned if it was called for.. for safety's sake. When the warning comes from someone of integrity who has proven themselves to be trustworthy, then I always want to listen. You would too. 

Please open your mouth upwards because prayer can change things—it indeed changes the one who sincerely prays! 

"You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent."  ~ Isaiah 62:6 

Don't you yet kinda think that the happenings over in the Mideast these days are signs that we are living in the last days before the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ? I think we are closer than ever before. I'm not alone with this. Listen to someone else who has earned the right to be heard: "I believe we are in the latter days of this age, whether it's the last thousand years, last hundred years or last six months I don't know," Franklin Graham told Christianne Amanpour on ABC's ‘This Week.’ "The Bible, the things the Bible predicts -- earthquakes and famines, nation rising against nation -- we see this happening with more frequency and more intensity," he said. Perpetual silence can be real negative these days, but God can give you the right faith, the right words, the right tone and the right attitude that'll bring lasting positive results. Trusting and then obeying Jesus is so important! He has never given us any reason not to trust or obey Him. Be encouraged. At the right time open up ..outwards cuz God can fill your mouth and change people by the power of His Word! Yeah, He likes to change people and He does this from the inside out. facebook.com/shareJesus

Thursday, June 2, 2011

A Burning Fire... Huh?

"Fire" is kinda interesting to study about - both natural and supernatural ones! 

What do you know about fire? Any firefighters out there who would dare to comment? I like to see what God has to say about fire. He, Himself is indeed the most winsome of personalities, but also One aflame in His fierce and holy righteousness. This is why we fear and respect Him. The fright is all gone - absolutely - but there is an awe that we feel towards Him. I so look forward to serving and learning more about His blazing character for all eternity!    

Don't you? The Bible says, "Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28-29).

A firestorm was raging out west of Fort Worth near Possum Kingdom Lake a few months ago. The whole area was filled with smoke in the air.

So many acres and properties were sadly destroyed. Many cowboys and others feared that this bushfire would prove to be Texas' worst ever. And I believe it was the worst in many decades. Interesting to see how Government for political reasons wouldn't help the people afterwards.

Fanned by strong winds, a fairly high temperatures, and low humidity, the fire jumped across roads and creeks, consuming everything in its path.

It made me think about the destructive power of that kind of inferno in regards to speech. I gain a better understanding of God's future judgment on this earth when I consider it and I think I'd rather judge myself right now instead. If we believers do that judging of self and repent where we need to, then God won't have to. If unbelievers properly judge themselves and turn to Jesus then they also won't be judged by God later.  

"Our God is a consuming fire and will destroy earth's temporal things; He seeks to purify our lives for service to the King of kings." ~ David DeHaan

Taking a few minutes today (not taking long for an exhaustive glance..) to look again at this term "fire" in the Bible. You know.. seems like all the effective soul-winners that I've ever known over the years have had fire in their hearts and in their eyes if you will. They got it from spending time with the consuming fire – God.

They indeed loved Jesus far more than ministry and all else! It was so convicting just to be around em, because you would hear the Scriptures come out of their mouths with power ..in such a fitting, appropriate way. It wasn't ever accusatory or talking down to. But they were men and women of earnest prayer.    

False Myth Number One: The Fire of God makes a person crazy, out of control, pushy, herky-jerky and religiously strange. Q. Do you ever see God's saints in the Bible get loopy and weird when they become more in love with Jesus Christ? I don't!

I see courageous men and women filled with the Spirit, but they were tactful. And sinners like to hang out with em even though sinners couldn't pull em back into a life of sin. We must never let that happen!

You must read about Jeremiah.. "Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His Name." But His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not" (Jer. 20:9, nkjv). Do you ever feel like that after sharp mocking, mean jeering, or cruel persecution? I've had people on the streets in other lands throw things at me or cuss me out when I privately and respectfully told em, "Jesus Christ loves you", but I don't believe that I've ever been persecuted yet.

Humm.. different types of fire to see in this Book, but I personally opt for the fire of holy passion for Christ, instead of the fires of judgment from Christ. We all can choose to draw closer to Him today. Why don't we confidently ask for this fiery world-changing zeal?

Here are some more verses to pray over and meditate upon.  

Mo saw His fire, "And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush" (Exd. 3:2). Get a Strong's concordance out and see what you can find on fire! 

Of Christ John clearly writes, "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire" (Rev. 1:14).

And...  "His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself" (Rev. 19:12).

"O Thou who camest from above, the pure celestial fire to impart
kindle a flame of sacred love upon the mean altar of my heart.
There let it for thy glory burn with inextinguishable blaze,
and trembling to its source return, in humble prayer and fervent praise.
Jesus, confirm my heart's desire to work and speak and think for thee;
still let me guard the holy fire, and still stir up thy gift in me.
Ready for all thy perfect will, my acts of faith and love repeat,
till death thy endless mercies seal, and make my sacrifice complete." ~ Charles Wesley

Of course none of us can make ourselves fiery in spreading the Gospel, but yes, God can.. "Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire" (Ps. 104:4).

Be encouraged to appropriate His passion through prayer! Then boldly go tell people about our sinless, loving Christ, the only God man sent from above. Brag on Him more than everything and everyone. Speak with fervor and gratitude of His death on the cross, and about His resurrection from the grave. The real Gospel includes these historic events, but a false Gospel will not!

I'm looking at and talkin' about a good kinda fire that moves the believer to praise, to full-on worship of Christ, to love.. yes, so much so that it compels us to go explain things clear as well as proclaim the Good News about Jesus to others. And I say do this type of fishin' like Christ did!  

Know the Message and make it known ..after you know Him. Don't mess up the facts. Don't mix truth with religious lies! Gotta be cautiously accurate to live and speak right in witnessing by God's Spirit ..so that we represent Him well before others!

One tiny spark flung out.. it'll make a huge fire that destroys! James described this damage that can happen by our reckless, hateful, raunchy, or careless words. "See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell" (See 3:5-6). God urges all of us never to underestimate the destructive potential of what we say.

He also wants us to be red hot and know how His fiery Word won't return void.

Jesus said, "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth" (Rev. 3:16). Never make him puke. Christ still prefers all of His followers to be blazing hot over icy cold or tepidly warm.. for a good reason! I wanna be red hot and detour people away from Hell towards Christ.

"Be fervent in spirit." ~ Paul, Romans 12:11

What motivates me to be on-fire for the Lord? I think about the rich man who couldn't (and still can't) reverse things regarding his eternal location.. "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'" (Lk. 16:24). There are so many joining him. Please warn em with me!

Read More about fiery passion for Christ and His great missionary Cause…