F4S: August 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011

Going through the book of Boaz now. Ever heard of that?

Well, it's really called the book of Ruth, but hey, you know it's all about Boaz isn't it. So that's what I'm going to call it just for fun. He was one trustworthy dude that had godly character. Hard to find guys like him today, but it shouldn't be that hard. This book challanges us to stand up, grow up, and be real men in a whacked self-seeking society. You know how in the Old Testament Boaz was a type of Christ.
 
When ya read through this book.. MAN.. a whole lot of BAD happened in there, when a Jewish family went on the wander and wasn't trusting the Lord. Yes, this happens in our day too, when believers choose to ignore the clear word of God. And if that is you, then be encouraged. Please go check out Romans 8:28-29, because it still applies to those with faith. This family in the Bible was a Romans 8:28 kinda family.  
 
I love to review these verses the most, "And she (Naomi) said, 'Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.' But Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.' When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her" (Ruth 1:15-18).  
 
Is God leading you? It's never been the "in thing to do".. I mean to hang tight with God's people and go with them where He is leading them. Are you with God's people? A lot of people say they are His people, but they don't practice what the Bible says.  

 

And God genuine believers sure aren't perfect (I know I'm not..God is still saving me from "stupid" at times), but it is very good to hang with em. Check it out. Naomi held her mouth after seeing Ruth's loyalty, love and determination. Ruth's sis could kiss like a lot of worldly people can do, but she really wasn't that loyal.

 

Here's some take away lessons from Ruth… 

1. It was the goodness of God that brought Naomi back into the direct will of God—back to that geographical location where the Lord wanted her.

2. It was the grace of God that brought Naomi back to her Lord Himself ..period.

3. It was the deep love of God that gave Naomi a new caring family.

4. It was the mercy and blessing of God that brought Ruth to her husband Boaz, and he was some 20 years older than her.

5. It was the thoughtfulness of the Lord that gave Boaz a whole new family himself. Must have been difficult at times waiting on God. Undoubtedly he'd been to every synagogue in town and couldn't find his bride for a long time.

6. It was the graciousness of God that gave Boaz integrity, a good witness in the community, and a lasting legacy that we still read about and gain from today.

Here are three truths from this book for you… 

I. God is able to tie together a whole series of devastating defeats and still give you His good plan. He wants you to know that ..even if your parents didn't plan you.. you were not an accident at all, and He still has an important purpose for your life.  

II. Even if your journey has been way-brutal or painful and very hard, God can lead you to a surprising and wonderful outcome, as you yield to the leading of His Spirit.

III. Great blessing is often preceded by an uber-difficult stretch of highway.

Christ saved me when I turned from my sin and trusted Him to forgive me, He showed up and is still saving me from me - from stupid, and He will save me from the presence of sin in the future. And He has others in mind too, for me to win to Him.
 
Need more understanding about some of the junk you have been through? Have you had a rough time and need a Friend that will listen, be there for you and stick closer than a brother? This might sound kinda religious, but God understands and loves you. Please don't put it off, but come to Him today. Bad things can happen to real believers.. and they do happen ..but inspite of what goes wrong, God can bring a lot of good out of a lot of bad. Trust Christ, for He is your ultimate Boaz redeemer who cares.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Time To Wake Up By Chuck Smith

DO PRAY FOR, ENCOURAGE, HELP, AND BUILD UP…

..your Christian friends who tactfully witness for Christ..anywhere. People need to hear the Message more than ever.

Yes, spend time with em as they sow, cuz their anointing of faith might just rub off on you a bit. Ya know what I mean. Some things seem to be better caught than taught (they're learned and improved upon in the doing rather than in the mere reading about alone). 

Christ wisely applied truth. He sowed and talked about a sower who went out to sow seed. And He encouraged people by saying that, "..some seed 'fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.' When He had said these things He cried, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear!'"(see Lk. 8:5-8). And He still wants to see all of us faithful and fruitful in Him.

"Seedtime and harvest are tied together in a sure knot." ~ Charles Spurgeon

"Rest in this—it is His business to lead, command, impel, send, call…It is your business to obey, follow, move, respond.." ~Jim Elliot

You already know that 95% of Christians have never led one person to Christ, but let this stat motivate you to pray earnestly, to sow diligently, and to simply ask more. Sometimes we just forget to listen or ask people we are talking with ..something like this: Is there any good reason why you won't turn and trust Christ today? Yeah, He's only a prayer away, so why wouldn't you love for me to pray with you right here? He will forgive you and make you into the kind of person that you always wanted to be. 


Yeah, don't allow the enemy to beat you up or rob your joy. Down in the dumps, defeated, carnal kind of joy-less believers win no one to righteousness. Ever seen it happen even once? Who would want what they have?  


Besides, we save no one. Salvation is of the Lord and we just cooperate with Him.

The Apostle Paul said, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Gal. 6:9). 


Too many believers sadly feel down, discouraged and like second-class citizens in God's Kingdom, because they sow seed, and sow seed, pray for and sow more seed in love.. and haven't yet reaped by leading another person that they've talked with in a prayer of repentance. They keep hoping and prayin' that this will happen, but haven't seen God's apex-miracle take place yet. 


Hey, at least they care while so many Christians desire more to be accepted as "cool" and seem to give a flip about where their friends will spend eternity. Patience and faith in intercession, in hearing, and in yielding to the Spirit is needed instead of givin' up. It's time to rejoice in the Lord and leave the results up to Him as we sow.



Thursday, August 18, 2011

WANNA GET WITH THEE ULTIMATE FISHER…

..Jesus Christ.. and BE His sincere fisher ..before headin' out to go fishin'. Gotta be right inside before I say or do what's right outside. Why is this so important? 

Well, as the Church goes, so goes the nation. And as the men go, so goes the church. Too many flaky wimps in church with no spiritual backbone that go with the flow of this world system. Not willing to grow up and take a stand. Hey, God sure loves em, but stop it wimps! Be real men. The Apostle Paul was a real man and an effective fisher, and what does he do? He is bold in challenging us to grow up and get real... "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity" (1 Cor. 16:13-14, kjv).
Photo source: Christian von Schleicher

Monday, August 15, 2011

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible!” ~ Walt Disney

It is!
 

I sure can't do it, but I know who can. He alone saves, and Christ likes to use us in this.

 

Questions for ya. Are you facing something impossible today? 

 

What do you typically do when you run into a wall? What do you do when you are seeking to do something that you really desire to do, and it's not something wrong according to the Bible?

 

Have you tried praying "in Jesus Name"?

 

That might sound kinda religious to some. It ain't. And I mean have ya prayed in accordance with His righteousness, in accordance with His holy nature, or according to His plan and purpose? Do you live in connection with and pray while in a right relationship with... Him as your fearless leader (Lord)? Please do.  

 

The Bible says, "But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible'" (Mk. 10:27).

 

It says, "For with God nothing will be impossible" (Lk. 1:37). I haven't always pleased God, but personally I now find it fun to please and worship God ..and to help others find Him. ~ Kurt 

about.me/kvs

 

The Bible says, "Jesus called out to them [His followers], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'" Matthew 4:19


Thursday, August 11, 2011

Rioting In London. Uber-Horrific!



Have ya been watchin’ vids lately of the London Riots? Horrific huh. Have you seen this one yet? It’s basically of a group of looters who appear to be helpin’ an injured bleeding boy up, and then we see it was only to rob him. This video has accrued millions of views on YouTube so far. Makes ya think. 
People always tell me that “The heart of humans is basically good—people don’t really need a Savior. We just need to believe in ourselves.” Where does it say this and that we are to do that? It’s not in the Bible. I ask em about Hitler and the masses who were easily swayed to run whole-hearted after him in Germany knowing he hated Jews. It was a time a bit like today when the economy got difficult.
Seventy one percent of Americans say that the economy is growing worse (Fox News today). Would we never stoop to become rioters? It happens here after sporting events. Who would you run after if say ..the crowds thought it was really cool to do so? Are you brave enough to stand alone for what’s right.. or go after Christ even if no one else goes with you?
After seeing this video.. what does it kinda make you think about? It reminds me of what the Word of God says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9). Everyone needs to be regenerated by God’s Spirit. If there were no blunders of Adam and Eve in the Garden.. if we were all born right the first time rather than in sin, there really would be no need for us to be born again (see John 3).

Monday, August 8, 2011

Nothin’ and no one on earth lie beyond...

..the reach of prayer—beyond the reach of our passionate rescuing Savior, Jesus Christ, except that which lies outside the will of God, and those who’ve stubbornly refused to listen to God’s Word unto perdition. 
Huh? 
Wanna encourage and remind you to hit your knees for the cause of Jesus Christ. No better use of your time! If they are alive physically, then lets pray for lost people around us today, so that they can become alive spiritually (see John 3 in the Bible)!
I mean, let’s be done with frivolous, selfish, and lesser things (ain’t pointin’ the finger at no one here..), and pray for those we care about..and even reach out to other peeps in need ..yup, as long as they are still suckin’ air so to speak. 
Join us. I dare ya if I may!
Need something to pray for? Pray for those who need to show up or listen in at Angel/Dodger Stadium soon. There will indeed be some gnarly bands jammin’! Yes, join us in prayin’ for Greg Laurie’s California Harvest Crusade. It’ll be this week at Angel Stadium in the OC. Yeah in Christ, let’s join our hearts and faith together in praying for him even now, for his team, the singers, bands, and that God will prepare the <3s of those who will listen via internet, via radio, or be there in person.
Yes, so that there’ll be a great harvest of people turning to Christ from the stuff that destroys em, to be born again spiritually for God’s glory. 
How can I help? Well, start by prayin’. Tell a friend to take a listen.  
Heard it said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.”
One godly man or woman can make a rad-dramatic difference, even in the darkest of circumstances. Jesus put it this way:
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13 NLT). knowGod.org 

Nothin’ and no one on earth lie beyond...

..the reach of prayer—beyond the reach of our passionate rescuing Savior, Jesus Christ, except that which lies outside the will of God, and those who've stubbornly refused to listen to God's Word unto perdition. 

Huh? 

Wanna encourage and remind you to hit your knees for the cause of Jesus Christ. No better use of your time! If they are alive physically, then lets pray for lost people around us today, so that they can become alive spiritually (see John 3 in the Bible)!

I mean, let's be done with frivolous, selfish, and lesser things (ain't pointin' the finger at no one here..), and pray for those we care about..and even reach out to other peeps in need ..yup, as long as they are still suckin' air so to speak. 

Join us. Dare ya if I may!

There will indeed be some narly bands jammin'! Join us in prayin' for Greg Laurie's California Harvest Crusade. It'll be this week at Angel Stadium in the OC. Yeah in Christ, let's join our hearts and faith together in praying for him even now, for his team, the singers, bands, and that God will prepare the <3s of those who will listen via internet, via radio, or be there in person.

Yes, so that there'll be a great harvest of people turning to Christ from the stuff that destroys em, to be born again spiritually for God's glory. 

How can I help? Well, start by prayin'. Tell a friend to take a listen.  

Heard it said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do."

One godly man or woman can make a rad-dramatic difference, even in the darkest of circumstances. Jesus put it this way:

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:13 NLT). knowgod.org

Busy?..or are ya too busy?

"..inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me" (Matt. 25:34-40).
Choose to know and then serve God by practically serving others, believers. Be diff.. why live for the fading-dull things of this world, or to serve yourself as so many are doing?
We need a high view of God who came here to serve those who don't deserve it. We need to maintain a great reverence for Him ..with honesty and some elbow grease if you will. We need a red-hot passion from Him for reaching others that He dearly loves, so people headed for a real Hell will turn and go to heaven through Jesus.
Yes, humbly serve.. just reject becoming an overly-busy-workaholic-for-God (that's basically called idol worship..), serving so much that you no longer take the time to get alone and minister to the Lord (c Matthew 25:34-40). 

Your first priority ministry is unto Him. Why love ministry (or anything/anyone else) more than the Chief Minister - Christ? That'd be a lame option.

"God's desire that we return to him, love him, and serve him faithfully has not only the reward of forgiveness, but the mind-boggling assurance that "I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people." ~ M. Meberg


Thinkin' about how.."minister" actually means servant. Love to see and hear about how my dad, Kim (whose ofc in Dana Point had sold more real estate than all other offices in California), along with cleaning his church building weekly, almost every single day goes and serves the lowest of the low, who have the most severe bondages imaginable, but are honestly seeking to break free. Musing over, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mk. 10:45). facebook.com/ShareJesus

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Only One Life...

You and I get only one life down here - no do-over-reincarnation to get it right if we blow it. And we all sin in various ways though we hate sin, but that's the reason for the cross of Christ! So grateful for the cross.
 
Only one life.. but that's enough to make a choice for eternal life. We sure can't earn a life up there in heaven, but we can get a life down here..a real one ..and here is where we each must decide who we will serve.. who we will live for.  
 
Yes, we decide to trust Christ or reject Him while here on earth. We decide if we will be a fair weather followers, or become true disciples of Jesus Christ. A lot of people are preaching Christ today, but I'm talking about the one discussed in the Bible.
 
We decide who we will reach out to with the Gospel ..and God will help us with this. He cares about you and those around you more than all of us put together care. We decide to abide.. in Jesus.. instead of strive in Jesus.. or apart from Jesus. Fruitful vines never strive.  
 
Only what's done in Christ while following His lead.. only what's done with a motive to bless His Holy Name rather than self.. or others.. yup what's done for Him ..only what's done in faith and obedience to Christ ...will last.
 
It will all soon be past, wanna fast..what something great to last?
 
Why not redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity Christ leads you to?
 
Why work hard for God in the flesh or without even having God inside of you? Why do your own thing, when He wants you moving in another direction? The Apostle Paul would go through open doors and would allow God to say not here. 
 
Why ignore the Lord, or refuse to come on His terms to be born of His Spirit.. why see your religious and good works burn up and turn to ashes? What get a real call from God and then go try to fulfull it in your own strength ..or according to your own way.. and thus hurt people. Where He guides, He will provide.
 
It is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgement. Do you really know when your friends, or loved ones, or yourself will be outta here? We have today..or at least right now ..and prayer with repentance (when needed..) is a great place to start.. or restart with Jesus in this world-changing work of His. He saves people one soul at a time, and He likes to do this through real deciples.     
 
"Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life,
'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call,
I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last. "

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I'll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee."
~ C.T Studd
 
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27, nkjv).

"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained;  whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31).

God's future judgement is of course for sure for all those outside of Christ, but His love for you is also sure and you can respond to Him today.  

 

facebook.com/shareJesus 

gplusBeReal 


Are you already in Christ? The Bible says"Jesus called out to them [to His diciples and said], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'" Matthew 4:19 

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

"With.."

..and with proper respect ..please be with Jesus ..be with sinners and saints ..like He was ..WITH, BUT NOT PULLED DOWN INTO SIN ..not with while lookin' down at ..not talkin' down at ..not all uber-paternal in attitude. That'd be kinda whack.. just hang with God and His people right.
Jesus said "Come unto me all ye.." cuz God really wants to be with you, me ..and others who are yet with Him. how cool is that!

"To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them." ~ Baron de Montesquieu knowGod.org

Ask, Seek, Knock = ASK!

I keep on asking questions and, hey, then I keep on getting more and more questions to ask from those (it's kinda fun to read and listen and learn - I can get kinda lost in it). But man with the askin' and more questions, the more answers be rollin' on in as well.. like the evening tide.

Ask, Seek, Knock = ASK!
Dare ya if I may to ask specifically and a lot.. and to wait on the Lord. Ask God stuff and ask some spiritual minded believers as well.. if He so leads you to. Don't wanna walk in the counsel of the ungodly huh.
Yep, read the red and pray for smart friends ..or simple illumination if you can't find any. Ask for a refill, ask for wisdom, ask for your friends who need you to.
Dare ya to become a smart and wise friend.

Did you know that God likes it when you and I ask and keep on asking? I'm certainly not entitled to hear from God when I think it is best for me to hear, but Christ taught that His sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. No need to demand an answer on your terms or timing, cuz some of em might arrive when your shoe leather if you will.. is marching on 24 karet gold cobblestones.

You know what I'm talkin' about! He'll answer when it's best.  

Always heard, "Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions. They're easier to handle than dumb mistakes." ~ William Wister Haines

"And I (Jesus) say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:9-13).
I know that what I say is hyper-plain-jane, but I just want to encourage you to pray like you mean it and to learn of Him primarily. Ask for more of Jesus.. and that He will get more of you as His disciple. Ask for a harvest, ask that the Holy Spirit use you... that He will convict and love and help the people that you witness to.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

God’s grace ain’t some mysterious kind of supplemental provision...

..added to our spiritual strength, believers, for we have no real spiritual strength of our own. 

That's kinda good to keep in mind huh. 

God's unmerited favor that ya can never earn—His free gift of Grace that no one can work for—actually turns our personal weaknesses into power-areas if you will.. for the glory of God. It happens as we each continue moment by moment in a full-trust-relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord (benevolent boss). He still knows best. 

But if we stop trusting in Christ.. if we stop relating to Him as our loving Leader feeling we know best, then our personal inborn strengths can in reality each become a double liability for us. That gift which God gave to aid us in glorifying Him, can actually work against us. 

it's true!

Remember self-confident Peter... 

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