F4S: November 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

No matter what good you’re called to during these holidays or in between, or even beyond em.. it's good to be on-fire for Christ!

Yeah, it's time to be all ablaze for Him more than for anything or anyone else.. not lagging in diligence, but fervent inside while serving the Lord. The Bible says, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor."
I'm in now way talkin' about some contrived flame, or religious, or ill-power-forced, or some strange fake kinda fire. Nope! 

A video posted by Kurt von Schleicher (@kurtwvs) on
With all that is in me I just want to challenge you to be strong, and "lit' so to speak by the Holy Spirit of God. Talk, live, teach, work, explain, (clean) joke, story-tell, back it all up, post, record, preach, write, practically serve, and witness with your genuine passion for what you do for the Lord.
He is indeed passionate about His bride the Church and about His eternal purpose for you. So allow Him to both lead use you in communicating old truth in a fresh way that impacts lives! No excuses.
Are most of the believers that you know as Christ-centered, as kind, as selfless, as cross-cherishing, as victorious and as tactfully-passionate as they really should be? Are they life Christ?
We all should be because none of us follow some defeated, halfhearted, wimpy Savior. Nope. We follow a Friend that is divinely-passionate in all that He does—Jesus Christ. He is mighty, and faithful, and zealous, and sold-out to the Father's good plan!  
Sure, it's costly to follow Him minus all spiritual compromise. If you do you won't really be considered as Mr or Mrs Cool, or "in", or vogue. You will be an exile passing on through in this age. Here is not your home, but it's the best way to live and you will be free.
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit.." Romans 12:11
Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work." John 4:34
"My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words." Psalm 119:139
Show your bona fide, on-fire, inner enthusiasm for Christ and how your business or ministry venture equips and helps the recipients of it.
Let your life, attitude, and words always harmonize with His. Yes, clearly minister God's word with them and their needs.. instead of your own needs.. in mind. Keep it simple—what do you want them to know and do?
"Christ did not die to make good works merely possible or to produce a half-hearted pursuit. He died to produce in us a passion for good deeds. Christian purity is not the mere avoidance of evil, but the pursuit of good." ― John Piper
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.." Colossians 3:23
Are you kind of luke-warm, broken-hearted, disillusioned, part-cynical, jaded, burned out, or chilly spiritually? We've gotta do something about that! Are you a Christian now, or simply wanting to make sure about that?
I want you to know that you are loved beyond words.. instead of forgotten or worthless. You've gotta know that you can have a new beginning today if you need one—a blazing new start!
A photo posted by Kurt von Schleicher (@kurtwvs) on
So, what do I want you to do? I want you to pray and praise like you mean it ..cuz you really do. I want to encourage you to join up with an on-fire church and small Bible study group.. both led by a balanced but on-fire pastoral team also following the Word. 
Why? Cuz I don't know how anyone can be zealous and fish well for people minus effectual praying to the Father through Christ. Wanna impact lives? Show your hearers, readers, constituents why you care about the living God so much, and why you care for them as well. Some people might mock, might scoff, or laugh, or even persecute you. No big deal. Please don't take it personal. Those of darkness typically don't like the light cuz their deeds are evil.. unless God is granting em repentance unto life. Hey, others might just care about the things you care about, and in return show this for how you help em out. If they do or don't... just praise the Lord in all things. facebook.com/shareJesus

Unique individuals who really matter will come, will stay awhile perhaps, and will then go today. How will you respond?


"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." See Ephesians 5:14-19

Pretty ..often while you're at work, or when studying in school, or just passively hangin' out.. friends drop by. You weren't out lookin' for em per se but they stopped to say hi. You, me, many have em.. it's just normal. We visit longer with some, we hear, we ask, we pause, we catch up, we see new friends and even meet others through the course of our day ..through the course of our evening. 

And you too ..might do some active entering and exitin' of someone else's day as you're runnin' errands etc. Why not? I do this on purpose and wanna bless ..somehow. Who doesn't? 

Every day of your life that passes on by is like a social adventure per se, as well as another type of adventure if you're curious n on the go. Daily, so daily, day in and day out.. I'm no poet, but it's a period of time that you'll never be able to retrieve back again ..duh.. so So SO quickly gone..today. It's ja vergangenheit, hovijest, history, the past! Therefore be sure not to love the temporal things of this world. They don't last that's why they're temporal.. or choose to go waste one moment of your precious day cuz precious people are in it. Make your encourters count. Make em good and meaningful and uplifting. Instead of living out on the take, live on the give. Look, seek ta, think.. to add lasting value with solid Scriptural truth, with interested ears, with prayers that care, and a pure love inside. 

A photo posted by Kurt von Schleicher (@kurtwvs) on

Talk to, obey, pour out your heart, listen well to, think about and relate to your first-love - Jesus Christ. 
How many persons have been so 100% consistent, and really earned the right to be trusted by you? Every promise of God proves true; He always does what He says and protects everyone who runs to Him for help. Second-guessing Him—that'd be dumb. Why do it?

When you look back over the years at how good He has been to you, at what He's kept you from and not allowed you to miss... at the Cross, the empty tomb and all that He's given you, how can ya not help but want this super great Friend ..who sticks closer than a brother ..for all those you care about? Go live it and go tell. The Bible says...

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken." —Joshua 21:45

"He provides, guides and leadeth me! What a wonderful thought! And what a blessed work that's He's wrought. So glad that He sought. O the words with heavenly comfort fraught!" ~ Anon.

The Jesus we see in the Bible is the only way in. "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
People will come, people will go.. and some don't return to visit you again.. cuz unexpectedly some just pass at an age that seems too young. I don't wish that for anyone early. Some go to heaven, some foolishing, ignorantly, rebelliously choose hell (I can't know what's in their hearts)..some even by not choosing at all. None end up in a third or fourth location. Will you be ready for them, believer - how will you respond? Will you be ready when your best Friend returns? You can be.   

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Havin' a forgiven heart that offers up thanks makes all the difference in the world.

But Kurt, how can we give thanks after this crazy month? Pres Obama's "amnesty of all those Illegal immigrants will cost the American taxpayers $2 Trillion over their lifetime" says Robert Rector. What's to give thanks about regarding Ferguson? Why wasn't the National Guard there on day one? According to the eye witnesses, strong-arm robber, Brown, sadly caused his own family tragedy and unthinkable pain to his parents. Ya gotta kinda ask yourself.. If I was an officer seekin' to protect the community, what would I have done if Brown was charging me and trying to kill me with my own gun? I find it off-the-charts-evil that a bounty was put on Officer Wilson's head. I also find it criminal that the New York Times then publishes the officer's home address for every thug to see. It's interesting.. that Missouri Governor Jay Nixon adamantly denies that our White House Admin pressured him to resist sending in the National Guard in response to very violent protesters angry about the Michael Brown shooting decision. But then it's more than clear that Nixon stayed in close contact with President Obama's senior advisor Valerie Jarrett AS the Ferguson chaotic situation unfolded. Thanks?

Hey, let's give thanks to God in spite of all the chaos.. and to all whom thanks is due. I give thanks that no police officer or anyone got hurt in Ferguson after the Grand Jury's decision got delivered (and zero Nation Guards where there the first night)! 

I think most of us feel very somber after this week watching a city and businesses burn up, when there's parents and people gettin' ripped off spiritually and in others ways... when there's deceived criminals lookin' for an excuse to be out destroying other's property for selfish gain. When so many others aren't good...   

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! —1 Chronicles 16:34

Today, I'm feeling grateful for you friends, for family, for the privilege of prayer, for wonderful coast to coast trips we made, and for God simply guiding Liney and I through a challenging year ..where sadly our nation appears to be under judgment

Could things be better in our Land? Yes, and hopefully things will be as we search ourselves, and turn back to the God who made us. It's late, time to pick up our Bible's again and wisely apply. Why not? Things could get better.  

Could things be worse in our Land? You know things really could get, or be worse as people ignore the Word of God, but His mercy and love are still here with His children to carry us on through. Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. 

You might ask, Where would we be without His great mercy? Consumed. Gone. Toast.  

But we have another breath to praise the Lord. We have today to know, to hear from, to worship, and serve Him - mercy! That's what we can thank Him for. 

Ten thousand precious gifts
My daily thanks employ;
Among them is a grateful heart
To take those gifts with joy.  —Anon.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever. —Psalm 118:1


"We thank Thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good;
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food;
No gifts have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts
But that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love." Matthias Claudius

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. —Psalm 92:1

Thanksgiving, it's not merely a day to gather and go pig out, but it's a day to be grateful and shout!

I say thanks and feel grateful for all our military and police persons out there. Grateful that the National Guard finally showed up. Who was behind delaying them? 

Thank you police personnel for daily puttin' your lives on the line just to protect us. Are they perfect persons? Nope, but who is thanking them today? Are you? Could you do better? The web seems so lit up this week with pure hatred and lies against our delegated authorities. Listen, God sees and He will properly judge who needs it. 

Mercy - there's still room and a bit of time to get in the Kingdom. You are welcome to enter by the Door - Jesus Christ. It's still thanks, faith, and repent time. 

Yes, we all have so much to be thankful for today ..and every day. To be kinda blunt, you and I weren't aborted and thrown aside like millions of others in our generation were. We're still on this side of the grass. The mean that corrupt people have done isn't at all God's fault. God continually provides for His children's needs. Have you become His child yet? Do it now

Without gratitude inside ..that we express upwards and outwards.. wouldn't it be one long and gripey road? Without it, wouldn't we just turn into unhappy complaining murmurers? What would that look like and who even wants it? Not me.

I'm not sayin' we believers need to go through life pretending that it's all peachy around us ..acting like anachronistic religious robots.. when it ain't really that way. You know it ain't out there. But didn't Jesus warn us about what was ahead? Sure and think about it for a minute. It never gets so bad that we can't find something to sincerely thank the Lord for. I see good stuff all around me. 

Believers, let's make Thanksgiving not just one day of sayin' it, but a lifestyle for all year-long.. an ongoing celebration of gratitude minus a weird attitude. Thanks Lord for puttin' up with me when I get all distracted away. Forgive me. Want you first Jesus all year long!

What do you really expect or give yourself to?

Do you expect good or bad or both.. and why? Listen, "God does not pay at the end of every day, but in the end He pays." ~ Anne of Austria 

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." ~ Paul, 6/7-8gal


Do you expect God's blessing on your life as you obey Him? Do you expect His practical ministry aid, His anointed enabling as you plant seeds of faith, and to win people to Jesus? How can you and I win anyone to faith in Jesus if we really do not expect or believe that God can, or even wants to use us in this way?

Friday, November 21, 2014

Without Christ, people can feel so glum, so hopeless, so lonely, and so very weighed down inside. Especially this time of year, but...

..Christ's grace is so weightless, so wonderful, so there for ya and so amazing! It's actually far beyond amazing as we know amazing..cuz He is. Better than all we know as best. Today we hear people uber-often use that word amazing even for things that are not at all (like for a selfish lover that's just using em), but grace still has amazing wonder-working power from the Powerful One! God's mercy, with His Gospel grace; they'll amazingly lift that ugly heavy burden off of anyone ..to liberate people into the full joy and life of His eternal Kingdom. Wanna be welcomed and enter in? You were made for meaningful, satisfying fellowship and worship with the Lord who loves you.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed." ~ John Newton

Immanuel is with us. Can you believe that Christmas is less that five weeks away! With only 33 days left until that day, did you know that people tend to go to church and to small group Christian fellowship meetings less during this season of the year? Perhaps that, along with the extra marketing pressure we all experience, is a reason why so many people get distracted and feel depressed during the Holidays. Hey, be diff. Refuse to bail on Christ and edifying church gatherings centered on God's Word. It's Christ's birthday not ours! 

Some broken-hearted, isolated people I've talked with lately just cling to livin' the lie they love. They keep using drugs and they refuse to repent. It's like they live in a bubble, and yet several believers have tried to get the Message through to em before they die, but they still want not type of rehab, they want no Bible Gospel, or to get free. They want no Christian program that'll point em in the right direction and help em start applying God's Word for freedom. One day the bubble will pop...and that might be when they kill themselves. I pray they humble themselves and turn..soon. 

Maybe you know some people like that too, but let's keep on praying for them, or fast and pray until they are open to the truth. Let's feel for those who no longer have loved ones around em this time of year. 

And you know the devil and his unseen evil minions are stoked to use dead religious folk and their rotten leaders to burden heavy-hearted people even further than they already are. It's so sad. We need to have compassion for those people and intercede for them until we see results. Jesus said of the religious Scribes and the Pharisees (that he also longed to save), "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men..” Matthew 23:4

In contrast, forgiven, righteous people are all about glorifying Jesus Christ, and not at all about burdening any people. No! They’d rather see em become unburdened from the load of sin, shame, guilt, depression and condemnation. The Apostle Paul said, “And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone..” 2 Corinthians 11:9

Christ says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30esv

I love what God tells us. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

"He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 2:14

"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." ~ Jesus, Luke 15:7

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We can't make people unwant their horrible burdens, but we can example joyous burdenfree livin' and wise tact in the Holy Spirit. None knows the weight, or all the details of another's burden. None of us know their struggles as God does, but we can know and share the Gospel in a fresh way. Question: How can you help alleviate the burdens of another person, if you are still walkin' around with a big overwhelming burden-load on your shoulders? 

Listen, no believer is useless in this world today who seeks the Lord with all their heart, who has become unburdened, and is then used of the Lord to lighten the burden of others. Let's help people off-load the junk. 

“What is needed for happy effectual service is simply to put your work into the Lord's hand, and leave it there. Do not take it to Him in prayer, saying, ‘Lord, guide me, Lord, give me wisdom, Lord, arrange for me,’ and then arise from your knees, and take the burden all back, and try to guide and arrange for yourself. Leave it with the Lord, and remember that what you trust to Him you must not worry over nor feel anxious about. Trust and worry cannot go together.” ~ Hannah Whitall Smith

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..” Go see Hebrews 12:1, 1 Peter 5:6-7, and Acts 2:38.

Keep giving em away to Him. "Give your burdens to the Lord. He will not permit the Godly to slip nor fall." Psalms 55:22

"Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Hey, if you don't take your burdens and feelings to the Lord, where will you take them? 



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

If it can't do you or others any good, but it can actually cause harm..then don't do it. If it can do you and others good, and can't cause anyone harm.. let's go for it!


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Did ya know that God likes to ask questions?

It’s not cuz he doesn’t already know the answer. Sure, wants us to use our heads.

Adam, "Where are you?"

Eve, "What is this you have done?" 3/9+13gen

“So Elijah, what are you doing here?” 19/9one.kings

“What is your life?” 4/14jam

“Who do you say I am?” 8/29mk

“Why do you call me good?” 10/18mk

“Do you think I came to bring peace?” 12:51lk

“What will profit a man..?” 16/26mat

"Friends, haven't you caught any fish?" 21/5jn.gwt

So why does God ask questions?  He likes acknowledgmentHe really wants to help people in ways that only He can.. so they'll know the Way. It's so He can save and bless those who are lost. 

Our mission is every Christian’s mission. Oh yes, “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19, NIV).

I like to conversationally segway towards spiritual topics and ask people that I meet...  

Do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven?

If God were to ask you, “Why should I allow you entrance into My holy Heaven for all eternity?” What are you trusting in for salvation - what would you say to Him? Do you know? 

Do you feel that a certain amount of personal effort, say with good works, or religious deeds can earn you a place in Heaven?

Why is it that the Bible teaches no one can earn his or her way home into Heaven?

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

The Bible says, “..the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

What do you think about this verse: "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus).. and the Word (Jesus) was God. And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us..” (John 1:1,14).

Where and who is Jesus in relation to you? Do you believe it's true that the Bible tells us that He is the infinite sinless God-Man who hung on the cross for our sins, then died, and rose again?

Are people sinners in need of a Savior? Have you considered: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

Would you be open to me praying with you..to “..Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..” (Acts 16:31).

What would prevent you from coming to Christ by faith right now

Q: How are we to live and respond during this so called Islamization of America?

A:  Righteously, holy, prayerfully and practically. We aren't to sit back and do nothin'. 

Was asked, "Kurt, as Sharia Law spreads in the States more and more, how can we take back our country?" 

Here are some better questions: What does biblical faithfulness look like in a nation that's somehow been paralyzed to rightly respond.. due to its embrace of stinkin' PC thinkin' (commitment towards mere Politically Correct livin')? What does Christian loyalty look like in a Land that's gone astray.. away from its Lord and Bible truth? What does faithfulness look like in a nation that's currently under judgment? How can you and I win others and help them stand strong in Christ during these last days of wide-spread corruption?

"Currently"? Come on now Kurt. No! Why talk about judgement at all? Don't become so negative and religious. Let's focus on all the nice things in the Bible. Do you really think that God will judge America? 

Hey, it is what it is. Let's face it and be wise. I am not tryin' to be Donny-Downer for you, but it's time to get real. Listen Buckeroo, God still loves Americans as well as those from other nations. He loves you! "Religious" is not what I am or ever want to be, because the devil is religious. God ain't. You shouldn't want to be merely religious either. None of us can work our way into earning salvation. The Pharisees who gave Christ an uber-hard time down here were very religious and Jesus strongly rebuked em in love hoping they'd change. 

But check it out.. God has already started judging America. Duh. A lot of good has come out of the USA and God has been merciful a long time. Q: What Land even comes close to having exported more porn over the decades and other junk that just aids our evil adversaries? 

Look around you (And if you're not in or from the USA, has He also started judging your Land as well?) 

I say be loyal to Him no matter what happens. Don't look back with longing at the twisted old life and world you came out of. Remember Lot's wife.  

Questions: Are you strong enough to get through it all? How much fellowship are you getting with other growing believers who live in your area? You and I need that more and more if we want to be and stay strong spiritually. Fellowship upwards is of course more important than entertainment, but please seek out Bible-based fellowship with real Christians as well. 

Q: Will there be future judgments that will be much more severe for the USA? I don't really know all the specifics on that. The Bible remains silent on many of the specifics regarding future judgement, but I know that the righteous will be raptured on out of here cuz "God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess 5:9). I know that what happens in the the Great Tribulation is God's wrath starting to be poured out. He is a caring Person, but He is also Just. I also know that not all people will be saved as some like to teach. 

When you're confronted with what you don't know, it's simply good to fall back on what you know for sure. I for sure know that I'll continue to pray for a revival-outpouring and Spiritual Awakening from heaven. Why? Because that's what the Holy Spirit indeed wants and leads us to do. He wants it to happen more than any of us. I know that the years of Great Tribulation are just ahead ..for many Christ-rejecters that I want to see changed beforehand. 

The Bible says, "Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and His splendid power is their sentence" (see 2 Thess. 1:8-10 msg, and the context).

What has God done in the past in the scheme of things pertaining to judgement? 

What we can learn from some Old Testament observations? 

Allowing a nation to have an evil human leader that they want ..this is a form of God's judgement on a Land. Sure, remember religious King Saul in Israel? 

I often like to laugh and joke around some, but let me tell it to you straight today. When a nation is judged economically or in other ways, the righteous people living there will also suffer some right along with the wicked in that Land (Yes it's true, believers will go through temporal judgment, but they will not experience eternal judgment with those who reject God's plan. Have you received His forgiveness yet?). 

God is holy, just and fair when life here ain't. He judges evil Nations and individuals. He hasn't changed ..any.. and He even uses evil nations to judge His own people. Yup, judgment begins with us, His Church, if we won't judge ourselves. Individually I've deserved His discipline before - been a rascal at times. You know that all Christians are witnesses, but have you ever run into a believer who was simply a bad witness, one who needed some correction from above? Qs: So what does it mean for us... to be chastened? That's the term for us family members. It's administered in love. How does our heavenly Father do it? How does He chasten us kids? A: See Hebrews 12:6, Proverbs 3:11-12, John 1:12; Galatians 3:26, 1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 8:29, Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:5-11; Job 5:17; Psalm 94:12; and I John 3:4-12.

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17

It's because God loves us and loves others that He's been patient, merciful, and then acts. He wants to help and bless people. He wants us to develop a hatred of sin and evil like He hates it. Yes, it's so that people will turn back to Him, and ditch their habits of (hurting Him) sinnin'. It's so they all will fully commit to their relationship with Him in holiness of life and relationship. God is so pure and He wants us pure so that we can enjoy unhindered fellowship. Sure, all half-hearted distracted believers with their idols need to just repent and become whole-hearted believers minus idols. There is too little time and too much at stake. Not much time left for us to be and do what we are called to be and do. There are so many friends, coworkers, fellow students, relatives etc watching us believers.. needing us to be totally on-fire spiritually so we'll live the life and clearly share God's Gospel Message with them.

But know this: God always faithfully stands with His people when they go through a trial, or a testing, or a temptation. 

God declares to us, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God." Isaiah 43:1-3

The Bible is the Book for you. The Koran is not for it's filled with evil murderous commands. And contrary to what many think, Allah (who doesn't exist) ain't the same as the Bible God. Yes, God is calling out a people for His Name's sake, to walk in love and be a light to the nations and people that are lost in darkness. And we can be apart of this. Yes, He wants to bless, to keep, and to use you as His representative. Got questions for below here? Be sure to click like at facebook.com/shareJesus

Saturday, November 15, 2014

It ends really good for all those walkin' faithful in Christ. "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne..." (Rev. 22:1)

"But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

Dear Father God, You can do anything and this situation is before Your eyes. Let Your Holy Spirit become like a double-shot of strong spiritual espresso for Your Church so to speak. Help us stay alert, vigilant, ready and fully obedient cuz we love You. Be glorified in us today. There are still so many who know of dead religion, but haven't really heard the freeing Gospel of grace. And You love em and still have a Task for us to do. Thanks for hearin', in Jesus Name. Amen.

Too many of us just seem to doze off in a cozy slumber fallin' fast asleep. Not good. "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42)

"Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (v. 44)

Unlike many I won't pick an end-date for any, but check it out around you. What can you tell about the change of seasons these days? "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (v. 13)

But Kurt, what does the Bible say about what happens to those who do not endure to the end? Good question. The Bible remains silent on that.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Who is Jesus? He's the One who is greater than all our fears and problems.

Thinking about this question this week. I remember hearing it in a message. Did you know that the preacher of it just turned 96 this week (on November 7th)? Yup, but I didn't see this covered in the media at all, and you know what.. that didn't bother him any. Just the same, I'm wishing a Happy Birthday to one of the greatest American men who has ever livedDr. Billy Graham. You know he didn't and doesn't talk about himself on any day of the year, but he prefers to worship and talk about Someone much greater.. Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Listen...


God Our Fears

God Our Doubts 

God Our Troubles

I'm so grateful inside that we have God.. that we have one Purpose, one Church, one true Book, one Message, one focus, one Hope.. and it's all because of our one risen Savior.  Do you have this one living Hope? 

Do you have this Bible Christ? Does your church have Christ as Lord? Do they love to evagelize the Lost like Jesus did? Are you growing in fellowship with God in Christ? He does not say: "Hey you. Clean up before you come in." He says, "Turn. Come in as you are by faith, be willing to be changed, and I'll clean you up."

Just wondering.. perhaps you are an evangelist type. Do you have only one Message? If you do... Good! Nothing at all wrong with that. Giving out that one old Message in a fresh new way ..for decisions ..that's wonderful. Yes, repeating the same core thoughts of truth can be positively intentional - a real blessing for the Lost and the Saved. God loves seeing this happen.

One day when Billy Graham was trying hard to decide upon which sermon to preach at an event, his aid (a real team-worker), Thomas Walter "T.W." Wilson, who has now gone on to be with Christ in Heaven, reminded his boss, Billy, by saying.. "You only have one Message." It was so true. That's exactly how it should be with one called to be an evangelist, but never bore any with it as Billy never did.


"Life is not a solo existence. Effective work in evangelism is not a solo ministry. It is a team of people whose hearts God has knit together. I've been with him (Southern Baptist T.W.) for 56 years. We still feel that same bond of oneness and support. He had a great gift as an evangelist, but he gave that up for what he felt was a higher responsibility when Billy asked him to travel with him." ~ Cliff Barrows

Sure, the theme can change, the illustrations may change, the bait-type might change from music to drama to sports to humor perhaps. The Bible passage address may change, but your talk with the people ought to always comes back to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ ...as well as to the sinner's need to turn from their sins (repentance) and to put their faith in Christ alone for salvation.

Are you in an uber-tough situation today? Are you already a Spirit-born believer? Perhaps you need a refill?.. God gives em out for free you know. Would you pray something like...

“Father, the greatest tragedy is not death, but it's a life without Your presence, without Your purpose, without Your plan, and without Your power flowing on through. Thanks for Your great Love. I turn from sin and come by faith ..wanting You today..wanting You to do Your thing with me. Make me an effective team-fisher with You leading me. And now I need Your power and plan activated so to speak, in and through my life. Want to see you work over and over again. Your will be done. Don't want another day to pass me bye. To be honest, I am facing some tough circumstances and I feel desperate for a miracle from You. My country does too. I’m not talkin’ about some false televangelist’s type of miracle that’s religiously fake. Who needs that jive? But please help me fit the broken pieces of my life together in a way that You get the glory. Help me not miss-accessing Your good Word and raging rivers of living water. People here are so thirsty. Would you refill me, equip me, overflow me, and show me Your practical power for others too? Don't want all the blessings just to terminate on me, but I want to pass it on..all that’s good. God, for those who have a small view of You, please help them to find Your solacea lasting peace, joy, and comfort in the personal knowledge of Christ… the knowledge of how mighty and caring and enormous You really are. Thanks for sending Your Son—I'm grateful for His pure life, death and just coming out of that tomb like He said He do. Do be glorified in and through me. Use my friends too. Time here is so limited. Want Your sense of compassion and urgency. Sure, I pray in the all-powerful Name of Jesus, amen.”

Some of the saddest things in the world to see are sad peopleyoung and old just forgotten.. like on their birthdays, or older people eating alone.. even ones alone in a marrage and feeln' really lonely cuz their spouse who they love isn't yet saved (Beloved, I pray that God gives you extra grace today). Or it's uber-sad to see kings (self appointed or otherwise) intentionally out to hurt people through lies and deception. Perhaps they've cultivated their weird beliefs and ego. Or it's sad for me to see mistreated animals suffering pain and can't even stop to take an Advil. I hate to see that. Or churches that forget why they exist - that's tragically sad! You know God saves people and He uses people in this miracle (they have the greatest value to Him) therefore on-fire local churches are so very important. They all need to be alive with a spiritual leader following the Lord.. one who sticks with Bible Essentials and obeys his Commander. I come across some of these listed above. It makes me want to pray. Sure, who wants to disobey God and see His judgement come instead of His blessings? Not me. 

One type of God's judgment is when He allows a nation to have an evil leader who goes sideways ..one that they want. Example: King Saul. Can you think of any rulers like this in our day? 

Another type is false prophets in the Land. They mix the truth with error and literally strengthen the hands of evildoers. True prophets if you will, always preach and teach God's Word ..they love to tell people about Jesus Christ.. without the mixture of error. Listen, people need you to be strong in the Lord today. They need to hear from a good witness, not from a bad witness of Jesus. So put off the hubris and demands of a calloused heart. Put off the stony callousness and all wrong attitudes of self-focused entitlement, so that you can, "Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.." 3/12col