F4S: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

People still need to hear about the simple meaning of Calvary's Cross.

Feelin' so grateful for the Cross. I sure deserved it and the judgement plus some. Didn't have to take it. 

It's offensive to so many who love their sin, but we don't need to act offensive. "For the Message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18

"Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the Cross."  Col. 2:14 nkjv

Clearly share the meaning of the Cross today and give people an opportunity to respond. Why? 

Well, cuz it doesn't tickle the ears like so much of what's allegedly taught in His Names does. But instead the Cross of Christ literally confronts the evil and sin head-on and demands a change from sinners like me. 

"But God forbid that I should boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." ~ Apostle Paul, Gal. 6:14

"They will want something to tickle their own fancies" (phl) instead of talk about what's wrong, repentance, and that wooden tree, "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3 facebook.com/shareJesus

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Giving Thanks Oughta Be An All-year Thang. Expressing Gratitude Has Never Ever Been A Time-Waster For Anyone!

I don't know about you, but these days I've kinda gotten to a point in my life where I just don't want to burn the clock on things that aren't what's right or worth it. 

Kurt, are you like sayin' that you never get sidetracked anymore by time-suck projects etc? 

Not really, don't think so. I do still miss it, but more than ever before I just hate to waste hours on what's lame and worthless. How 'bout you? 

If a book doesn't tightly grasp 'hold of me by the lapels and just pull me in with "what's really so" ..within say fifteen minutes.. then I just quickly set it down and pick up a better Book.

I'm now fairly quick about up n politely excusin' myself and then basically ditchin' a restaurant when I find out it only offers Cajun crayfish with french fries ..no matter how cool or trendy the ambiance or music is.. when I was aimin' to take Liney out for some juicy surf (lobster) n turf that the establishment had clearly advertised. Okay I'm a bit Western World spoiled, admit it, but she deserves far better cuz she is better..for sure more deserving. 

I'd tell my three boys.. If at any point along the way you're not on the right path, don't deny, admit it and quit it. Quickly see it for what it is and just bail on over to the right Path ..without wasting any more of your limited time wanderin' in vain.

Don't settle for second best even if others are doin' that, and you also really feel tempted to do that... especially when God is tellin' ya to: Wait, I've got better for you. Let's, from the heart, give sincere thanks all year long.. when things are goin' good and even when things are goin' otherwise.. yup, "in" when it can't be "for." 

Sure, we officially pause annually on a Thursday to give thanks upwards to the Lord. Why on Thursday? Well, because Congress officially declared the holiday would be on the 4th Thursday of the month and that's why the actual date changes. 

Thanksgiving is so American..or at least it used to be and should be again. Let's opt to revive it! But doesn't Christ deserve more than a mere thumbs up LIKE, or a quick nod of acknowledgement before a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin's on one day per year? Sure, He does. And it's so important for believers to consistently display and express genuine gratitude to God all year.. and also to people who need to hear it from us. 
Of all people shouldn't we be the first ones to cultivate an attitude of gratitude? It's simply a good witness (It's one way that we born again believers can really shine and properly represent the Lord to others who are in the dark and don't yet have a relationship with Him). Who wants to hangout with or become like a gripey sourpuss? Who would want the God that such an ungrateful person is allegedly serving? The Bible tells believers, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 nkjv

Question for ya: Did you know that our holiday celebration - Thanksgiving - actually has an Old Testament precedent?

It certainly does. The Israelites way back in the day offered pure worship to the only God existing through a series of five different offerings: 1.) The burnt offering, 2.) The grain offering, 3.) The peace offering, 4.) The sin offering, and 5.) The trespass offering. 

And guess what.. the last two were compulsory; y'all (if you were a Jew back then) had to do those. 

But the first three were totally voluntary; you did them only if you really wanted to. And so those three types of offerings were important to God; He called them "a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord."

The meaning of the burnt offering was the full consecration of one's self or person to God, and the grain offering was all about the dedication level of one's service as unto God.

The peace offering is my very favorite of em all; it's the celebration of true salvation. Like our Thanksgiving holiday, the people gathered together to rejoice and share a meal with fellowship. They brought a portion of it as a sacrifice, and a portion of it went to the priest. The rest of it they took with them home, they cooked it up, and then had friends and family members over to their homes to thank the Lord for what He had done for them.

Why be a grumbler, a murmurer, or a complainer when you can be grateful? The world is full of negative thinkers, but it's ain't yet full of those who gladly give thanks to God. Let's be child-like and learn to count our blessings even reciting them in prayer and at other times. Let's make it a habit of life, a normal practice to give thanks. 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever" (Psalm 107:1 niv). 

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:1-6).

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100 kjv).

Listen, the greatest thing among other good things that we have to be thankful for is Jesus Christ and all that He said and what He did for us in shedding His blood on the Cross at Calvary ..for our sins. All of history is His story and pivots on that great Event. We've all blown it here, but God came here to pay for all that and we just need to sincerely repent and receive Him by faith. We do this here, and right now is a really good time to get right.. before we get left. 

By the way, the peace offering that we celebrate once a year ..I mean this Thanksgiving feast.. we enjoy, should primarily be centered on gratitude expressed for our great salvation. Check yourself; has this happened with you

Living right, in harmony with God through faith in Christ due to His forgiveness... enjoying His superior peace, strong J-O-Y, overflowing love, sweet fellowship, and richly satisfying spiritual rest inside ..is so much better than anything that we could gain on our own. The world can't satisfy. You on our own can't. Good works won't get it but Jesus gained it for us on His lonely Cross. 

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." Cicero

"We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction."  ~ Harry Ironside

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many--not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." Charles Dickens
Down here we preach Christ not ourselves, we pray to the Father through Him with thanksgiving, and we all-out praise Him, but in heaven we believers won't preach or witness any more. Nope. Won't need to there. Others need us to here now, but there'll be none left to win. 
Please make your reservations in advance. Don't put it off. Today is the day.   
The writer of Hebrews says, "Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28, niv). You won't have a better Thanksgiving without this...without putting Him first. Go tell.  facebook.com/shareJesus

Saturday, November 23, 2013

In the middle of the press, stress, and mess.. you can either worry or worship. You can either tremble and tribulate or give thanks to God who always triumphs. Hey, go with the later cuz it's always time for Thanksgiving and Jesus is so worthy!

Thanksgiving is now upon us, so it is time to get bombarded by Christmas. It's time we all will experience all that our western Christmas commercial extravaganza can afford! In fact it seems like this has been happening since late July huh. 

Personally, I'm not down on stopping so much. I'm really not and many people like to do this in order to reflect upon the birth of Christ their own way (okay with me, though pausing to pray and/or listen as God encourages us to do ..instead of probably doin all this reflecting stuff while on the run through a mall could be a slightly better way to. Sure He's more imporant, His Word counts, and He still the reason for this season). 

It's just kind of interesting to watch..it's very interesting to me how our western uber-commercialized culture has pretty much been hijacked now. Halloween and Christmas (top money makers) have now become so big and seemed to have shoved all the other holidays aside. Think about it, some of our less celebrated holidays really aren't bad. 

I love the smaller holiday "Thanksgiving" a whole lot and I think it's better than some. Why? Well, it's because Thanksgiving has remained fairly untouched so far. 

Okay, not completely.. cuz afterwards is "Black Friday," and that is a ginormous shopping day right. Should selling and shopping (even for healthcare) be prioritized over all other activities during this season? 

What are the people of our culture starting to do ..with consumers in mind...more and more these days? They are starting to open up their stores really, Really REALY EARLY ..now on Thanksgiving Day. It's for us.  

"Retailers have basically ruined every holiday.. They have commercialized every single holiday by creating a good reason to promote something and drive traffic." ~ Marshal Cohen, retail research consultant at NPD Group

Christian, please don't lose sight of God during the holidays.. especially at Thanksgiving time. At this time when we are hearing Peace, Peace, when our economy is still in the trashcan, and when Israel (our closest Ally) stands to defend itself all alone...at this time when Iran, who doesn't even see them as even humans that need to live, keeps on building their nuclear weapons, let's still give thanks to a peace-loving God even ahead of giving thanks to all those other persons that really deserve to hear "thanks from you." He deserves it and your worship far more!  

Kurt, think of this too.. sometimes it even seems like our great nation has been hijacked away as well. Now we live in a land of redistribution. So what in the world do we have left here to be thankful for? We still have a lot to keep thanking God for. Got food and clothing? 

Yes we do. Therefore I want to gently challenge you to keep praying and keep on thanking God no matter what. Prayer can help our country, neighbors, and families. I never want to discourage you away from this or away from the Lord. We need Christ more than ever. I don't want to be gruff, cavalier, harsh, or at all insensitive because many bard things have happened to so many people. I don't know about your Land, but over five million people in my Land right now as I type this have lost their non-substandard health insurance and their doctors ..that they never wanted to lose. And now in addition to all that, I hear that at least 80 million people here in the USA could lose their employer insurance coverage.- that they also really liked and never wanted lose. Shocker! But loss hurts - choices are starting to hit lots of people right in the pocketbook and it's time for the Holidays. .  

Hey, if you like your Salvation you can keep your Salvation. PERIOD. Sure you can! Wait Kurt, you're just talking cryptically and political now and that's not allowed! Not so much, I am for all no matter the label - listen to my heart. I'm talking about how easy it is for any of us to become gullible or disillusioned and then disappointed, or even lose hope. Don't lose or missplace your hope - real hope is to be had. We have a living Hope that we can be so thankful for! Families have so much stress now, some I know of have already opted out perminently. Don't do that. Have the right God and your eyes glued on Him. You know that both sides here (conservative Repubs or left leaning Dems - God loves and is for all people - He wants us to obey and be blessed) or any side in any nation politically and in other arenas can and already have repeatedly been let down hard, but we can give thanks during this season or in any season because our God never will. He will never ever lie to us even when people and leaders from different persuasions keep doing that. We've each got to place our full trust in the trustworthy One - in the Lord, and not in any flawed man. I thank you Lord for not deceiving us even one time, or leading us astray one time. Period. You are so faithful. Please touch and minister to the one reading this - please provide for them. Let them not be afraid or ashamed for You are so able and greater than all the rest. Help us each to learn from this situation we face and not be foolish, uninformed or gulible to the hurt of others! In Jesus' Name. Thanks. Amen.

And let me ask you this question? Would your close friends say that you look like you've missed a whole lot of meals or like you've been out shivering in the cold a long time? My point? Because of God's mercies we are not consumed. We all still have a lot to be thankful for no matter where we live. God is with us, He loves us, He hears our prayers, His timing is perfect, and He has a good plan for His kids ..regardless of what their leader's choices or circumstances have been.. in spite of what others have said or done.

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalm 95:2

"Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."Abraham Lincoln

"Let our hearts overflow with thankfulness..." Colossians 2:7

"No matter how good or bad you think life is, wake up each day and be thankful for life. Someone somewhere else is fighting to survive." ~ Phil Robertsone, Duck Dynasty

Things can really get bad..even worse than they have been.. even in your nation (whichever one it is), but why should we forget the Lord who still blesses us and nations..daily? You know how easy it is for money-grubbing false teachers that want to say things to get you to better dig down deep to send them your love offerings. Help us be different, Lord! Make is so we never want to be like that, cuz only You know what's ahead for us. We know one thing for sure, Bible prophecy will be fulfilled ..as it has accurately been happening thus far. In fact, I think this is what we are seeing happen before our very eyes even lately. Are you ready for all that, or do you still need to get ready now? Please don't put it off

He Himself, Jesus Christ, was here and suffered among wicked men and from wicked rulers. He understands exactly what it's like down here and He overcame. Therefore He can overcome through you as well. That's His nature and we can thank God for that as well!  

Yes, perhaps you've been feeling like your nation has been hijacked for bad. I won't doubt that cuz I've seen it happen to a degree. Well giving thanks is still something we are commanded to do again and again as Christians.. not for the mess, or for all the bad things that keep happening, but in it all and in them. We can still call out to God and we can still expect the Lord to intervene. He won't make us all not sin, or not vote dynbkt or even choose foolishly, but He remains wise and still deeply cares for the people around you ..and care about you.  

Not still blessed? Let me ask you this: Would any of your close friends say that you look like you have lost a whole lot of meals (and I know that many are hungry today in some developing Lands..no offense meant here) and would some say you simply aren't surviving? Would they say that you are somewhat blessed? Perhaps you and I should go ask our friends for real about this. My point? We are still blessed and we can receive God's mercy and grace today. And we can be experiencing His biblical sort of revival and anointed restoration inside, even during these very challenging wacko days with wacko leaders. 

Yes, we still have good reason to thank the Lord for He is still good!

The Bible reminds us to "give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever" (Psalm 136:1).

"It is easy to be grateful for a bonus; it is character to be grateful for a salary." ~ Jack Hyles

Now, if the Lord ceases to be good ..anywhere.. then I suppose you can cease to give thanks. But since that will never happen, and since He has been good to you in the past, and since Scripture is commanding you and me to give thanks always.. let's not stop thanking, and praising, and all-out worshipping Him. 

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving in Him!



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

They are feelin' bored while cyber-loiterering, but we can engage them in love.

Got some questions. Does anyone know the current count dealing with the approximate number of websites out there in cyberspace (..or how to find it since no company or human is in charge of the www)? Does anyone know how many new sites are created each new day? From some basic observations in doing my own cyber-loitering lately, it would seem like people really want to be heard today (Hey, who wants to be ignored, right?), They hunger for information and to learn. Some people feel a need for attention; others feel bored ..or lonely. Some are wanting to generate more income during these financially volatile and perplexing times as we all watch the Stock Market aggressively roller coaster like never before. Yes, many are looking for new prospects, sales leads and customers to keep their doors open. 


It seems like many strongly desire to get their message out there.. of saving the environment, or their message of some kind of faith, or of a company's new widget, product, and unique vision or promise of what they each can do for you. They want to send the message out far and wide ..fast—they want to influence people into action or hopefully ..positively help the hurting in different ways. 

Some might feel the need to simply "create" and others want to "go on record" with what they really believe in. Yup, "go on the record" with the hard cold facts just like Greta Van Susteran at Fox Newstries to do. Some parents I know want to go long-term on the record ..for maybe their offspring's or grand kid's sake ...in case the next generation might want to go check it out later and be helped. 

Many relatives simply want to stay in touch with their family members and close friends who now live far away. There are so many relocating for employment these days, and that is hard to adapt to with all the goodbyes and rending of close relationships. 

In spite of all the dangers out there on the web, I do praise God for it being there, and for all the other tools that are now available to Christians for building up His Church and relationships with.


It appears that there are literally tens of millions of decent and worthless voices now—coming from both the darkness of the night and from the bright light of day (two unseen worlds are colliding in a fierce battle for the minds and souls of individuals worldwide)—yes, even out there on the Internet these days. They are clamoring, striving, and calling out to you to come join them asap! But our real desire is that they would all join Him asap, before it is literally too late! 

With all the Blogs, popular Digg articles, business and social networks and micro-messaging services like Twitter, instant messaging services, email, wikis, forums …and dozens of other new technologies that I certainly haven't yet heard much about... we all (Christian, Buddhist, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim folk etc) now have an unprecedented ability to communicate and to be heard. So, are we just going to sit around on our blessed assurance and say nothing? Why let the cults beat us to their minds? 

Personally, I want to know the Lord and understand His absolute unchanging truth so much better . I don't pray for, fast, study the Bible, or witness to people as much as my flesh wants me to make people think that I do. I have a ways to go, but Christ is helping me die to the lesser things. I also want to better understand the needs of others coming from all different backgrounds. 

But with all those million of voices crying out daily (many of which really have nothin' to say ..that will help anyone), think about it, they are scrapping, scratching, and clamoring for your full attention ..even if it's just for a minute or two.


They are looking for your friendship, for love, for readership (and I too have given in as of late on Blogger… even though I thought I would never make the plunge. I joined in with that vast Blogisphereuniverse of thought-mixing …sorry if I've ever overwhelmed you, but I'm still trying to get the hang of this thing). 

But there are some decent tools that Jesus wants us Christians using in fishing for souls as we keep the main thing the main thing—closely knowing and following Him, the Chief Fisher of men. I really can't tell you what tools He would have you use, but He can. 

Nets are for casting and for fishing, not decorating and for dust. Bait is for luring and attracting not for munching on as an afternoon snack. Hooks are for lowering and for setting, not for weapons in fighting other fishermen! Sinners are for loving and for winning, not for you to reform or control. You are for Christ in His enterprise and not for yourself or dead religion! —kVs 


...the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. —Acts 26:17,18 


Mass crusades, to which I have committed my life, will never finish the job, but the one to one will.

—Billy Graham 


Don't be all wimpy and embarrassed to fish for souls quoting Bible verses ..I mean when the timing is right! God's Word is so beautiful, but too many emergent Christians falsely believe this is beyond pious and goes into ugly religiosity. Hey, your own words and opinions won't change lives and neither will mine. While some Christians get all caught up in "charismania" (and I don't mean authentic charisma here)--you know what I'm talking about. They get all distracted and hyper-focused on signs, wonders, dreams, quaking, jerking, gold dust etc ..and again, I'm not against real miracles at all.. you and I want to keep our priorities in order! Remember, there is zero spiritual growth for anyone apart from the Word of God! Lock you eyes on the Word of God and brag on Him more than anything!


It's very late in the day if you will, and we must utilize every tool at our disposal to get the Gospel message out. 

Bloggers, Twitter-ers, social net-workers etc; I double dog dare you to spend some time with your face in the Bible and your knees in the high low carpet. Breakaway from your desktop or laptop puter, steal away from the groups pulling on you. Go get alone with your best Friend daily, with your first-love, and pray for those you befriended on that fios-friendly Mac or PC. Never stoop to worship your puter, games, Xbox no, no; but get your physical person and your family to a healthy Bible teaching church each week and then use your gifts there as well. 

At home, I dare you to boldly inspire individuals, to fish for people, to equip them by lovingly pouring into their lives through sowing good seeds of Bible-loyal thought. God can make you a fisher of all kinds of people worldwide ..one-on-one, and one-on-more-than-one.. in your own neighborhood, in school, at home.. while Texting, while Superpoking and promptly responding to unbelievers in Facebook. Be there for them. Some will want your prayers regarding all that is bugging them. 

Why not? Evangelistic fishing is edifying and takes more guts--it's far more thrilling than fighting in all Halo, Xbox and WoW (World of Warcraft) games put together. So draw in the fishing line for a catch ..if you will. God can use you! Close the deal with your relatives and friends in those chat rooms when you can. Believe for them to get hooked on the spot ..by Christ. They don't call it the "net" for nothin'!

Let's be genuinely sincere, explain and simplify how we say it. 
"When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand." ~Ezekiel 33:8, nkjv
"The ultimate of the Spirit-filled life is sharing Jesus with others" ~Ron Dunn
"The fruit of the uncompromisingly righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives for God, as a fisher of men—he gathers and receives them for eternity." ~Proverbs 11:30, Amp

Shouldn't life's experiential skill acquisition etc be in more than just the cyber-arena? Do you still get out there and live life where the people are livin' it? You know that isolation is bad for you, but real life can also pass you right on by in a sense ..while you're too busy "socializing" online. #PeopleRMoreImportantThanTools #applyselfcontrol

Heard it said that in this day of tech and networking if you wait 'til you "need it" to start building some #social equity.. it's already too late. Privacy, appropriate margin, relational space, and tranparency are all good. Life-balance, wisely impacting, positively influencing others ..are so excellent. Shouldn't real life happen both outside and inside your cyber-situation? Sure, and perhaps we can take the later with..into the former and the former into the later? #etiquette

"It's ironic that the best and worst thing about #socialmedia are the same thing — the fact that we are always connected." ~ R. Zuckerberg 

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See 4|42luke, 5|16luke, and 1|35mark

Sunday, November 17, 2013

If I really push for what I want..I might get it, but what if it's bad for me? "And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." Ps. 106:15

Who would want THAT? Not me!!! Of course you and I are living during times when people pay out the big bucks to be a little thinner, but I know for sure that you also wouldn't want that kind of leanness. 

What can it come from. Well, when we compare ...it's bad... we can end up strivin' and conniving, wanting stuff that isn't really good for us in the long run, so why push it with God? He wants you to have peace. 

Right now I'm thinkin' about how easy it is for any of us to get movin' uber-quickly through life with all its cyber-noise, polished Madison Ave ad campaigns, and loud audio dash visual distractions flyin' at us. If we let it distract us and go after all that the world wants us to go after, then we would literally leave our souls behind.

Not good. Of course I don't mean you'd be some disembodied soul, but our spiritual growth is at stake here. The word of God will work effectually in any of us that believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13), but the devil and his fallen angel buds ain't really away on vacation. He is pretty wily working hard to find and use whatever he can to choke out the believer's fruitfulness that would come from the Word.

Yep, never give up on prayin' and never allow your potential fruitfulness in Christ to be choked-out by the cares of this life, or by riches, or even by the pleasures of this age (See Luke 8:14).

And how easy it is for any of us to unwisely compare ourselves with others, and then become avaricious or discontent inside..  you know, like comparing what you have or don't have with that of some worldly neighbor near you, who has more perishable stuff than you have. Big deal.

Don't let it happen.

Keep your mind on track with the Holy Spirit. Stay focused with all vigilance cuz it's easy to act whack instead of track..with Him. Keep thy heart more than anything that is guarded; for out of it are the issues of life! This line is directed to me. It's also for you so be very careful buckaroo about what you dwell on. Your thoughts run your life. Why get all pushy, off-base, untrusting or doubtful inside, or real demanding with God as some frustrated people tend to get, and then settle for second best and leanness of soul?

God has a better Way for you. Sure, you can trust Christ. Why not pray without ceasing instead.. Lord, thanks so much for looking out for me as a caring Father. I praise you for how faithful You have been. I think I would really like such and such, but You indeed know what's best so please.. Your will be done. I ask that you guide me Jesus and let Your will be done ahead of mine being done. Amen.  

At any given time you are either abiding in the Spirit or striving in the flesh. Humbly do the former..only.

Taking the time to get alone for prayer and fasting – I love it! These two disciplines together are the hidden jewels of the Church. Who even does em anymore? Need power working through your life to obey? 

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isa. 40:31 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." Ps. 37:34 "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee." Proverbs 20:22

Perhaps you've seen it happen before. I have and have even done it myself. It's sad to see, but too many anxious believers run out ahead of the Lord and they not only disappoint God, but they also disappoint other believers and themselves. Don't do it. Learn to wait on Him. Why be an "also ran" Christian-dude or dudette (go do a study on those who ran with a message in the Old Testament and those who just wanted to run)?

How can you have that overflowing joy to share with others that you know God wants you to enjoy, if you never pause, or get away to crack the Bible to prayerfully hear from God? Don't view Him as stubbornly reluctant, or mean, or pugnacious, or unreasonable, or selfishly withholding from you? Go get back in His love letter. #stop #hear #wait …no a bit longer #bestills #walkwithgraciousjesus #read Titus 1:9-3:9 and trust ur Bible and Jesus.

Facin' somethin' semi or not so semi big?

Perhaps you are facing something that's ginormously huge ..you know, big mouth with long sharp teeth-like, that big... and fairly scary? 

Rest in the Lord for the battle is His... cuz God will give you exactly the amount of strength you need to face what He calls you to face. No fear; don't run from it. Why face it later on? You will have all that you need where and when ya need it, believer. He, with His powerful grace is sufficient for you. Will you have a part to play in applying Scriptures..in doin't something constructive? Sure you will. Just pray and obey - both! 
"As thy days, so shall thy strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25

He is greater than all, His timing is perfect, and He has a strong reserve already ready for you. "As thy weeks," "as thy months," "as thy years," and "as thy decades," so shall God's strength be when you call out to Him. So keep seeking him, and keep calling out to God through Christ. He loves you so much and wants us rejoicing. Just appropriate what you need through prayer and biblical faith in Jesus.


Do you know the Lord in this kind of touching and personal sorta way? You can today! An when God comes through for you, you will want to shout for joy... and tell a friend. 

Check it out, go Like:  facebook.com/shareJesus or at G+

Thursday, November 14, 2013

"For I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were." —Psalm 39:12

Yo bro, or sorry..is it Joe or Mo? It's time to go. 

We be strangers here. Yep, sojourn-travelers if ya will, those who cruise on through even if we have no Harley, and we reside here temporarily. Uh-huh, your home, it ain't really your permanent home. Don't spurn, we have some temporal stuff that'll one day burn. 

Remember how the Psalmist voiced, "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory" (Ps. 73:23-24). Well, others might feel constantly lonely, but we are shown in Him we're never ever alone. We need never to feel like that. We can pour out our hearts daily to God and we can freely worship Him. 

"My times are in my Father's hand; how could I wish or ask for more? For He who has my pathway planned will guide me till my journey's o'er." —Fraser

Christ hears each and every prayer we pray, and says it'll be okay. Just obey. He meets A-L-L our needs...not those greeds. So we can plant seeds. How uber-cool is that! Therefore, since we are forgiven n blessed, we have gobsa surplus of love left over.. it's for others who are outside, or those in the press n have no rest, who need help outta that mess. 

Don't isolate, no no, infiltrate. Instead of bleed on and on, go intercede. 

God is walking next to us. He lifts us up and He told us to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..teach them..and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20 nkjv).

Think 'bout it..deeply. Know any peeps today who feel kinda troubled, or harassed, or hurtin', or burdened ..as they travel down life's weary road? Who comes to mind? Perhaps you too have experienced such n such, or opposition, or pain, or misunderstanding, or big reversals, or a weird situation, or maybe you feel similar to that other junk I mentioned before, believer? Have you prayed about it more than you've talked about it? 

Why remain weary in well-doin' when the Spirit can make you cheery in it, all bright, light, edified and pleasant in it? Don't get snowed at your abode or even while you're hittin' the road. Simply trust, lettin' Christ lift the heavy load. 

Dare ya now - go Like:  facebook.com/shareJesus or at G+


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Ever once loved ..and then really felt it when you so quickly lost?

what was it?..who was it?..how was it?
you once had a dream... such a noble noble goal. 
didn't always have one, wasn't there before, but now you did. 
amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me..and now i can see! i see and have a dream..more than one. 
it seemed so lovely.. like a beautiful gift.  
...you felt so motivated inside, and knew exactly what footwork was called for just to prepare.
Been there. Normally if I personally applied myself, worked hard, behaved myself etc... I always got done so much of what I was motivated to get done.
so worth the wait, and when the time was right...wouldn't hesitate. no idol would it be, no must be protected instead of worshipped. you could see it in front of you..o yes, so clear, so wunderschoen, so awesome, so helpful and pure...and it was worth it! worth the wait. 
and so many lives would be involved, countless would be helped, would be fed, would be built up, would be inspired.. nurtured and redeemed. 
could those souls be profoundly touched and change? o yes. it was really going to happen. you knew it..just knew it would play out with grace.......you just knew it deep down in your knower.. sure did - you knew it. how exciting this was gunna be!
yo, the three buoys were so lining up too..i mean to enter the "harbor of God's perfect will".. 1) the inner witness of peace from the Holy Spirit, 2) the circumstances of life ..including the other person's want to, and 3) most importantly..the Word of God was fine with it - wasn't sin. green light! no red, no yellow light. hit the gas peddle!
Someone above really must care.. He's there n blessing ..and you could sing...
blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! o what a foretaste of glory divine!!! perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love!*
"keep your eyes wide open before the wedding and then your eyes half shut after the wedding." ~ ben franklin
He alone is sovereign, when you are not.
His divine providence is so there even when it seems like it's gone on a long vacation.
He's very much alive. with you. risen. our caring Savior and Redeemer.
He's our Deliverer, the master Builder, our true Comforter.
and... we have the privilege to run the Race that He sets out before us.
i'm running in it to win. join me. 
..well, not at first was that dream so clear. 
perhaps initially it seemed a 'lil foggy ..not so sunny like a day in july was it..what you could see. yeah, maybe kinda hazy, but you bathed it in prayer over and over and over again.
...was still a bit of a blur for a season ..that no one else could even see or imagine. 
but during that period, as the big clock on the wall ticked away so loud, with days and months passing.. there it was. right before you. now you could see it with crystal clarity. 
within reach. possible.  
you'd work harder and smarter and better and faster just for that dream. 
it'd become such a blessing to countless lives around you and over seas, cuz you and the team would hit your knees.  
sure, it fit - it seemed so good.. it was. 
.....to you. it took on such value then. not much else had more value, had more worth, had more attention...expect your relationship with Christ. 
yes, you had a team and harmony and simplicity. you had unity and joy and a vision that by faith would gain provision. 
........but then with travel, with mounting pressures, with love letters penned from a far, with more struggle at work, with lack of bucks, with dreaded change, with broken promises...
well, in moments it turned to ashes in your salty palms ..those hands stained in tears..turned to dust sorta.. that fell right through your fingers onto that cold lonesome earth. 
you thought it's...kinda hard to see through eyes filled with these tears. 
this couldn't happen! no!..where are you God? what a deafening silence at the very worst time for that..except from dim-sighted friends who had too many wacko-words ..in Jesus' Name.. that actually pointed you in a wrong direction. 
why should strange erroneous charismania have to come into play at this time?
how could all this happen? 
heard about the birth of a vision, the death of a vision, the resurrection of a vision! abe had that with issac huh, but Lord, let's get on with it.
i love you most, Lord and now I mix..mixin'..mixing. why can't you and I just work together here...to make this whole mess.. this long-distant test...get fixed.
i had such a wonderful plan for your life...Lord (it should be the other way around. LOL). 
..no greater pain, no greater disillusionment, no greater trial, didn't think i could love any human more...can't remember havin' a smile for awhile. 
you too? so you rolled up your selves, and you tried everything to rescue, to resuscitate, to reach out n help that dying dream. why not, no one else would try.  
how embarrassing that you were too impotent to repair it, too weak to save it, too brokenhearted to heal it. there was basically nothing you could do to fix that pile of ugly circumstances...
and God just seemed to watch it lay there on the ground. 
..wouldn't even arrive there late, like He did with Martha. By now mr. laz bro, he stinketh!  
okay, i don't get it. don't words have meaning, Lord? accepted, i will accept. it's gunna be a Romans 8:28 thang, and of course 29 as well.....one day for me i guess.
the bible promises God's kids this, "and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.." (nkjv). that doesn't mean that what's bad will magically be made good but when my pastor friend's son died on a SoCal freeway it was real bad and it will always be a bad part of his family's history, but God is so big that He can bring good out of that really bad situation. i think that's how it was on a lesser degree with my situation. never could talk about it before, but will a bit today. question for ya...
ever once loved ..and then really felt it when you lost? hey, none of us are flawless but you know this happened through no fault of your own. i feel ya.  
been there. yes I have. many have been.  
ever been totally duped ..by sweet and repeated words that sounded so sincere..... but in time you discovered they never were? they were merely a fleeting idea or something. 
to me some things discussed have more importance than other things..and they call for decisive prolonged action as follow through. love is a verb..or multiple verbs.  
fake commitment can seem so real. you can find out later than all the rest of your friends too..verbiage can have it's meaning be changed in time by the one giving it out, but don't let it be that way with you. 
now i see in see in a mirror dimly, but i know this: love suffers long, doesn't is kind, believes the best of someone. love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil...it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. love never fails.*** 
what appeared so imperative to me turned out to be very whimsical and meaningless kinda like autumn leaves falling from an elm. 
God, how could i let myself be so sucked in? a dream ought not to become some lame mirage. 
if afterwards they say... hey, "i'd do it all over again just to have what I had gained," just know that doesn't mean that they'd intentionally re-hurt anyone in he vicinity to obtain.  
i can't think of a worse feeling can you? I've known some who don't recover, but I know that you can...with Christ you can get past it..past what was real but turned all presumptious
love says what it means and keeps the promises that it makes. God is love and He's kept and will keep every promise He's made in the bible. His track record is flawless. 
a flippant-go-with whatever flow..i mean that cavalier, whimsical change with the wind kinda flakiness ..man, it can hurt people. 
can take quite a while to heal. you'll never really be the same...but you can be made better. you can love again. 
if the dream doesn't come to pass, if the so called words don't come to pass, they never were from the ultimate dream-Maker. 
what's to learn?
be slow to speak, and quick to hear...but verify...test what you hear. 
when you run into what you don't understand, then fall back on what you do understand...God loves you and he has a real plan ahead. 
be hopeful, not hopeless. we have a living hope in Jesus Christ!
He's walked in your shoes so to speak...and then some. 
remember.. Jesus weeps with us when we weep. He has, and He still does...and we can do the same when we come across broken and forsaken people. we live in a world that is filled up with broken promises, misunderstandings, irreconcilable differences, disloyalty and heart-ache, but we can all be ministers of reconciliation pointing them to the One who can heal, restore, revive, and fully mend. 
skip heitzig once told me that.. every human on earth is basically incompatible with every other human on this earth and just give it some time and you will find this out. And then what will you do..forgive, love and go forwards?
perhaps you weren't merely dating someone that bailed on you, or weren't just "hanging out" together, or weren't mere team-members in some work-place focused on a project to complete... maybe you were really married to the person, and that's the very dream that unraveled before your eyes..or is about to unravel.
in every marriage that's more than a week old, there will be grounds for divorce. the trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for forgiveness, ongoing clear communication, agape love that covers, protects and provides for, and grounds for ongoing marriage.**
Husbands love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her..
any relationship left untended will deteriorate and become less satisfying, so tend and nurture it in the Lord. Any relationship that is long-distance will take more of that - invest in it wisely. time passes quickly. find a way - God can make a way.

it ain't about you, or about me, or about what I want, or what you want. settle not for "second best", believer, even if he or she has gobs of income (he/she might). God works in us both to will and to do of His good will. yes, it's about the Lord and His purposes - about what He wants. that's what is best. let's not be fools and think that God will make a former team-member who used to "want to" but then found another team to be on, or found someone else to date do something against their own will. let go and free em cuz God will have someone better for you. God respects your choices, theirs, and He won't make those still sucking air on this planet do anything against their own will.  
splat! spin, spin, spin.... listen, what happens on the Potter's wheel can seem way too rough at times, but the top Potter (God), loves you dearly with an everlasting love. He knows exactly what He is doing, He knows the timing, and He has allowed these circumstances to develop you, to mold you, to form you to become more like His Son. and the bible says, "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (rom. 12:15).
"then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. and the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 'o house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?' says the Lord. 'look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, o house of israel!" jer. 18:3-6
it's okay to get real honest with God when you strongly disagree with His decision for a time...or disagree with what He has allowed in your life. hey, He can handle it.. and He wants to hear from you about how you feel....He says to us, "'Come now, let's settle this,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'" (isa. 1:18).
we can ask him all the questions we want to, He doesn't mind, but that doesn't mean He will answer us every time, or that He even owes us an answer. Having Him is better than having all the answers, for He is God's Answer to all our problems. No matter the issue, He is the ultimate Solution.  
keep all your promises. under commit, over deliver..with excellence. be careful not to defraud any with careless words. some can easily hear what they really want to hear even when you use proper terms, tone and tenor ..and they can get an idea from that.  
The Righteous Person Swears to His Own Hurt, and Does Not Change (kjv)..And Keeps Their Promises Even When It Hurts (ps. 15:4 nlt).
it'll pass.. please don't waste your sorrows though. there is One who really loves you, who always means what He says, who always keeps His promises and who completely understands you...and the rest of it. forgive even if you can't forget. let it go, carry no grudge
hurt people tend to repeatedly hurt people, but healed people can be used to heal people. 
you can trust God when others don't seem to even care beyond their own person much. Remember, nothing can come into the life of a believer that isn't first sifted through the caring, loving fingers of God. He has your best interests in mind.     
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." ~ C.S. Lewis

"if God doesn't build the house, 
the builders only build shacks.
if God doesn't guard the city,
the night watchman might as well
nap. it's useless to rise early and go
to bed late, and work your
worried fingers to the bone.
don't you know He enjoys
giving rest to those He loves?" psalm 127

always remember that...Jesus reigns without rival. He alone is our rest.
our gentle caring God isn't finished with us yet. 
we believers should really wear a sign around our necks that reads: Under Construction. 
yeah, He ain't done yet.
and you don't have to always "get it", but we are called to obey. We have Him who is Greater.. when all else is striped away. He has real plans for you, for us, even when dreams are pryed out of our strongest grasp. He can resurrect what He wants alive - He'll do as He pleases and we can still praise Him.
the Lord can use bad things to put a deep resolve deep inside of you.. to be sold out to Him. Keep on shinning His light so bright. He will bless.. He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
perhaps it was merely repeated wishes voiced, and my wishes mixed in? never thought i would, but looking back from here, i'm actually happy that God allowed what He allowed in my life ..and i feel grateful though i certainly haven't always felt good about it or how it happened ..yeah, even if i still am learning and feel it from time to time, He is bringing good out of it still. The Lord has tenderly consoled those who mourned in Zion - He sure did for us, "To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" (isa. 61:3). now here's the kicker..saved the best for last here, and don't even deserve her..yeah, God really blessed me with the greatest wife - Liney von Schleicher (so far-beyond-awesome-beautiful! accepted me without me havin' bucket-loads of cash. I somehow married above my station..) was never defrauded, never disapointed, and she keeps her word by the power from God's Word. Satisfied. You know I could brag all day long (and do sometimes) even though she and I opt to keep so much of it private. More later. Pray and wait on the Lord. facebook.com/shareJesus
*words for me, penned from fanny j. crosby.
**the kernel of this idea came from robert anderson.
***see 1 corinthians 13.