Kurt's Blog

You and I have been called out to worship and shine, and never to allow our biblical convictions, morals, or practices to erode away like our society does.

2012-01-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

We're called to be uncompromising world-Christians full of joy in the Word, but not worldly saints. Yes called out of all darkness and into that marvelous illuminating light of Christ—never to become depressingly dim or unholy again. We're called to wholeheartedly worship the Bible-Lord alone (the one God on His terms rather than on our terms), and make our very lifestyles accurately sync up with His unchanging Scriptures ..until everything we do can properly be considered authentic worship as unto Him.

"Here is the great evangelical disaster—the failure of the evangelical world to stand for truth as truth. There is only one word for this—namely 'accommodation': the evangelical church has accommodated to the world spirit of the age. First, there has been accommodation on Scripture, so that many who call themselves evangelicals hold a weakened view of the Bible and no longer affirm the truth of all the Bible teaches.." ~ Francis Schaeffer

"When the Church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it. It is then that the world is made to listen to her Message, though it may hate it at first. That is how revival comes. That must also be true of us as individuals. It should not be our ambition to be as much like everybody else as we can, though we happen to be Christian, but rather to be as different from everybody who is not a Christian as we can possibly be. Our ambition should be to be like Christ, the more like Him the better, and the more like Him we become, the more we shall be unlike everybody who is not a Christian." ~ D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

It's exciting that God wants to change us until we look like Christ. It's thrilling! I could never make myself like Him with such winsome character and neither could you alone, but God is with us and He will help us according to His Word. The Apostle Paul said that "..whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image" (2Cr3:16-18nlt ). "..are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory" (nkjv. See Jn15:19, 17:15, 1Cr5:8-13, 2Cr6:14-18).

Postmodernism is sadly here ..even in many local Christian churches.. but we must never be like them and slide into such a filthy-murky ever-changing polluted swamp. God has much higher things for us ahead as we join with Him in His global Great Commission plan. facebook.com/shareJesus

Are you ice cold like Popsicle at 7-11 or..

2012-01-20T07:47:00.001-08:00

..luke-warm like stale milk left out on the countertop?..or red hot like a burning bush in the wilderness of Mount Sinai (Acts 7:30)?

God wants each of us to be in the later category..for Him. Talk to Him about it. Ask Him.. "Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire." Ps. 104:4

"We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God." ~ Vance Havner

This is such an easy fix.. such a simple thing for God to deal with. Perhaps there needs to be some confession and forsaking of personal sins, honesty about how you feel, a constant avoiding of those places where you have fallen in the past, yes, a permanent turning away from all of vices of the flesh or pet sins.. or any kind for that matter? Ask the Lord to give you a love for righteousness and people.. and even a hatred for sin that destroys people.

If so, turn to Jesus quickly today. Tell on yourself. Be candid, asking for His forgiveness. He ain't there to slap you around like a boss in the Mafia. He understands you. The One with eyes like a burning fire (see Rev. 1:14) can indeed meet all your needs, heal, comfort and restore you, and set you on fire for God and His world-changing purpose today.

Perhaps you need to be born again spiritually?

Standing and walking.. that's so much better than stumbling or falling huh.

2012-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." ~ Paul, 1 Cor. 10:12

How are you doing spiritually today? Got hope? Got some goals and direction from the Lord? Got a sound local church and some growing Christian friends as close buddies?

I want to encourage you to trust in God today, instead of trusting in yourself or in another.

I want to encourage you ask him for..and to look to Him for victory. The battle is His ya know.

Man, it's so much better to serve Him than any other. The Psalmist said, "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!" These words impact me. Yeah, that is how I feel inside, I would rather be a doorkeeper in God's abode than take up residence in whatever elegant or not ..that the world has to offer me. How 'bout you?

Please walk in victory and in holy fear today..yup, in Jesus. Put off the old man, and put on the new. It can be full-on worship and that's how to present a good witness to those who still have crusty scales on their eyes.

I mean walk in a tight relationship with Jesus today – He is your victory. Be confident in what God can do through you, but don't be presumptuous or self-confident at all.. like you're so skilled or gifted that you can any day of the week "pull it off" whenever you want to.

"Come thou Fount...

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness like a fetter

Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee:

Prone to wander—Lord, I feel it—

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart—O take a seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above." ~ Anon

Go it ..according to God's Way. Too many have said faith instead of saving faith, goin' it according to their own way. Not good. It's just far better to do it His way in holiness, righteousness, and biblical faith, not according to your plans independently which would only lead to misery. Yup, choose to.

The Bible cautions all of us, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12). Is "falling" spiritual still a possibility for you or for me? Sure, it could happen. Don't let it.

Sow to the Spirit daily, resist the devil, deny your flesh refusing to sow to your old nature. Where God's Spirit guides you, His grace can keep you.

Being a Christian calls for dying to self, not over-loving or believing in one's self. There are times of suffering, but God will comfort and provide.

Sometimes the areas in which a believer falls... those are the very areas in which they think they are strongest in.. or couldn't fall in. Pete didn't think he could.

Think of the prophet Elijah a minute. You remember him for his great courage don't you. That was the man who marched right into king Ahab and queen Jezebel's hangout in Israel, and then told them that all rain would stop falling… except at his word. That was the man who went up against the wickedness of the prophets of Baal to contest them about which god was the the living God. He called upon the name of the Lord and a miracle happened. But this is the same guy who later on ran away ..sprinted away fast.. from a weak girl (how embarrassing is that?) and was so scared inside of this twisted lady, that he went and hid in a dark cave trembling or so. Elijah actually let a worldly female, who made one verbal threat about taking his life ..get him so down.

You who think you are strong.. you who think you are weak.. you who think you are somewhere in-between.. draw away from the crowd for a time. Do it regularly. Go be alone with the Lord daily so females and others don't scare you off. Pray and listen to God's Word, asking for His strength and wisdom. There are individuals around you perhaps who are needing you to go the distance with Christ. Eyes are on you, so please be cautious and careful.. leaning on the Lord not on your own devices or understanding. You know that when you think that you are not going to stumble or fall, that's when you are in the greatest danger of falling. But you don't have to fall. Remember Pete warming himself at the fire of the world after boasting about how loyal he would remain to Jesus Christ.. even if all the others bailed on Christ? Pride! Don't view yourself like that or brag. Don't talk trash or boast in the flesh. Smart is as smart does.

"But for the grace of God go I" I wanna think like that. "Lord Jesus, I need you today ..gobs. Set a guard at the door of my mouth so my words aren't stupid, and help me watch my heart for out of it flow the issues of life. Don't need even one idol. Hold my hand and please be glorified in and through me. I'm Yours and available. Please keep me all the way through. Don't wanna go AWOL wandering off like a mule, Lord. Too many are taking a stride from their Master's side. Fill me again with Your loyal Spirit. Thanks God." Why would I want to think of myself as being so gifted or strong or born differently from other ordinary people to the point where it could never happen? Anyone can blow it. Any of us can falter with our faith. You and I ain't Jesus. Some say you can become a God, but they're false. Elijah was a person like any other person. You are too. Personally; I need Christ as much or more today as when I first started out with Him in the Spring of 1977… while trying to get free from the whole party-lifestyle that had held me so tight.

You know...it's so popular for people in the world to tell you that your heart is good, that you are good, and guess what.. you might even be pretty moral in comparison with your neighbors who party hardy. People in the world say that you should trust in your own heart, but that's not what God says. Do you know how wicked your heart actually is? Do you know that we all ..including born again Christians.. have the propensity for doing the wrong thing? We all need Christ today! Let Him live the Christian life through you. We can't do it alone.

When we are tempted by Mr. Lu-Cifer or any of his creepy minions, our inner fleshly nature is right there saying go for it, dude. Tell your flesh to shut up. Listen to the Holy Spirit instead.

Falling is serious. Man, it could happen to any of us and that should simply motivate us to seek the Lord diligently in advance. What's your preventative medicine of sorts? We need His strength, we need to appropriate the power of His resurrection and anointing each day.

For sure, cuz you know how an unguarded strength is a double weakness. You know it's best not to trust in yourself. Deep down you do. You know that you still have a fleshly nature to deny and contend with, believer. Mortify the works of the flesh. That doesn't mean make provision for the flesh to do as it pleases. Please be cautious in your areas of vulnerability and in the other areas too. If ya lower your guard in an area of vulnerability …in an area in which you think that you are strong, then you could actually lose your victory ..and lose it so fast it could make your head swim. There's too much at stake - too much to lose. People are still deciding where they'll go and God won't make em go where it's best for em. You and I have seen it happen before with others huh. One Spiritual leader is up, and then BAM.. one bad decision and he is down. I don't want to wander away or become a spiritual shipwreck. Yes, this could be the area in which you stumble or fall - the area where you see yourself as spiritually strong. Don't let it happen.

Be a light in your dark world instead, as you say "No" to sin, "No" to your old nature, "Yes" to the Spirit and then ..."Yes" to allowing Christ to use you. Gain personal victory now, so others can learn to gain it later on. Overcome evil with good. Hey, do ya need to start a relationship with Christ? Not a prob. Now is as good a time as any.

Facebook.com/ShareJesus

Do you find that the truth can quicken, animate, and adding life to people who were once dead?

2012-01-09T21:30:00.001-08:00

That's what happened to me.

The truth liberates or it infuriates.

It's true and the hearer chooses. The same sun that harden's the clay can soften the wax. I pray God's word softens your heart for God's great evangelistic Cause. He wants to use you as you spread the truth.

All truth is God's truth. Any and all lies are not from Him. You know that it is Mr Lu-Cifer who is into lies and deception. Resist him. Deny him.

You choose if you want to humbly apply the Bible truth that you hear. You and I choose if we will share the truth that has already liberated us.

Yes, you and I choose what the truth will do to you and to me.Christians are called to love and apply the truth even on the days when they might feel distracted to other things.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~ Jesus, John 8:23

To the world you may be just one ordinary dudette or dude so to speak. Not a prob.

2012-01-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

That's how I am.. the opposite of an extraordinary kinda dude. Don't mind at all.

But if you're a non-worldly, a non-carnally-minded, practical need-meetin' kinda person that is vertically connected and properly responding to the ultimate need-meetin'-Person, then guess what!

To one person in the world you may just be the world.

Dare ya to biblically rep Christ with ♥ in a world that lacks ♥. A world-Christian is different than a so called worldly Christian that would be ineffective in world-changing by faith. They are an on-fire spiritual believer in love with Christ.. one that has those in the world on his or her heart. They want to do their part on their knees and in witnessing so that people will understand the Gospel and be saved. Their attitude is.. Hear I am God, send me. Someone needs to hear of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. I'm willing to cross the sea for You, but I'm also willing to cross the street to go tell my neighbor.

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly..." fish4souls.org

In workin' together with other fishers of men, of women, and of children in any Land...

2012-01-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

..be sure to do your part in maintainin' ..or in preservin' if you will.. the unity of the Spirit with other fishers. Imperative!

You don't have to create it - unity - or weird-out majorin' on minors (..like elevating non-essentials to the importance-level of our essential tenants of the faith) ..or even in minorin' on majors with Family members or strangers (i.e., in an effort to unify with say Muslems, New agers, JWs, or Mormons).

We are called to unify with born again believers around Christ and the clear Essentials in the Word, and then we cut peeps some slack. Important. You already know this, but I like to remind folks cuz I need to be.

Remember: Of course it is not in any way arrogant to be fully convinced in your own mind about the truth that you study. Yeah, to strongly believe something like.. "Hey gang, I challenge you to go check it out well in the Bible—I'm confident that right on this one."

But proceed with discerning caution and some deferring restraint in serving with saints, cuz it is indeed arrogant to not consider along the way about the possibility that "Hey I'm a mere mortal and I could be wrong on this secondary, doctrinal-grey-area so I too will recheck."

"Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers." 2 Tim. 2:14

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men [and 'all' in the original language here actually means: all], apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves..." 2 Tim. 2:24-25, emph. mine

God makes us tender-hearted and kind like Jesus, as we make the choice to be like Him. Dear.. dear brothers and sisters, many secondary differences can still be respectfully debated even in a spirited way, but why go and break fellowship with family members when these ole debates which godly saints have thoroughly discussed, have been around for multiple centuries? Have we not nets and hooks to cast instead of minutes to burn?

Peace-out bro n sis. Let love compel you—no witnessin' time to waste! Be gracious. Be a blessing to hang with. Both sinners and saints loved to be with Jesus. He had a great attitude with the right priorities. Be godly ..daily, instead of pugnacious, uber-gruff, abrasive, puffed, hurtful, divisive, or contentious.

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." See Paul's whole context with Eph. 4:1-3, nkjv

"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind." ~ Eric Hoffer

"We put up with anything rather than hinder the Gospel of Christ." 1 Cor. 9:12

Holy fear, a clear conscience, accuracy with the text-work, and pure-passion must inform our tone, inner human spirit, approach, and tact ..for indeed our hook, net, and appropriate bait-occasions don't really come by so often ..and besides.. these are your last days as well as mine no matter your escatological stance. fish4souls.org

Q. When ya think about the love of Christ does your mind quickly run to the Gospel of John..

2012-01-05T20:49:00.001-08:00

..you know.. to chapter three verse sixteen, or does it also run on over to chapter eleven verse six where Jesus just kept hangin' out for two more days in the same place ..subsequently allowing His dear friend Lazarus to die?

You know, it seems that we still hear so much from preachers today about how God's love means that you will always be suffering-free, believer, and financially wealthy and totally free from difficulties when God favor is there and He loves you. I've even heard some say that there will be no battle against the fleshly nature.

Is that really so? And what about trials and physical death for believers? I was just with a very Godly man who had cancer, but he wasn't without faith and he was pleasing to God. He witnesses tactfully to a lot hurting people in the Cancer section of a hospital in Irvine California. The doctors are trying out a lot of different "cancer cocktails" on him to try and fix him. They don't know if my friend will make it though, but he asserts that God is still really good and loving. God knows what will happen and I'm praying.

How did it go for Laz in that hole? Was God ultimately glorified in that situation? Does God still get blamed for hard things happening to decent people? Sure.

Wouldn't you say that both of the Bible verses I was telling you about are equally "loving"" I would say they're are both loving verses.

Yeah, just like chapter three verse three is loving in that same book (John). In fact I would say that every verse in God's love Letter to man (the Bible) is a verse dealing with God's kind of selfless charity and soul-saving passion. God is love. God proved His love while hurting on a lonely cross.

Do you need to experience God's love firsthand? Have you applied the benefits of the cross to your particular situation? Are ya walkin' in Christ and His love today? Please check yourself out to be sure. Perhaps you are currently livin' in what appears to be ..or feels like.. an "unloving chapter" of your life, believer. So sorry for that. Been there.. it seemed. Would be glad to pray for you. Please know that God and His great love for you have not changed even a little bit even if you witness a laz-experience.

God showed me His love personally when I simply turned and prayed about this verse from John.. "Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.'" Jn. 3:3, nlt

facebook.com/kurtwvs

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE verses and decent quotes on attitude...

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

..and not for others am I thinkin' when I read em. They're for that dude shavin' there ..in the mirror.

And haven't ya found that when you pray for someone, it often modifies the personal attitude inside, yes, that you feel towards him. You know, your tone in how you talk with em even? Man, I do. The choice to, the good thoughts in your head, the prayers upwards.. will indeed affect how you feel in a great Way. NoteToSelf: Don't be rude.. it's ya attitude, not ur aptitude-schnaptitude that'll, yup, determine your altitude spiritually. Having a right spirit inside and maintaining proper motives with a good attitude is so very important for every fisher of lost individuals. P. Lord, we want to have an attitude just like Yours constantly was and is cuz you don't change, but You do use people to change lives.

"It is not the body's posture, but the heart's attitude that counts when we pray." ~ Billy Graham

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:1-23

"..walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." See Ephesians 5:1-5

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.'" See Matthew 5:1-12

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!" See Psalm 150:1-6

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." Read James 1:1-27

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander." 1 Peter 2:1

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Put off the old man, don't feed your fleshly nature, look for and see the good stuff, turn away from the pollutants, and put on the new man instead. Receive Him by faith. Hear His words, think His thoughts, know His heart beat, do His deeds. "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

"And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:23-24

How often do you meditate upon God's word, or prayer God's word? Got any "attitude quotes, personal thoughts or Bible passages or verses to add below?

Prayin' for my former pastor, Chuck Smith Sr, and his wonderful church family today.

2012-01-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

Perhaps like me, you heard yesterday how he is battling lung cancer now and many people are very concerned for him.

The doctors recently discovered it. Chuck is one brave soldier, an anointed, kind and loving man of God. He was in the hospital today for some testing. Grace Lord for Chuck please. Continue to give him victory as he serves you faithfully.

Chuck is still plannin' to go pray for people and be answering call-in Bible questions again on his Pastor's Perspective radio program Wednesday as he so often does.. as well as go teach through another chapter of the Bible at the great church that he leads in Costa Mesa on Wednesday night.. as well as go do an in-depth interview with his son in the faith, Greg, in the O.C. in Southern California on Thursday night.

I pray that God will touch Chuck's body, comfort him, guide him with His eye, and just minister powerfully to Chuck as only our dear God can do... and also that the Lord will strongly help Chuck all the way through this whole ordeal. Please join me. Thank you! kurt

I’d say.. Student, get ready now and go tell now ..while you are young. Make your life really count.

2012-01-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love." ~ Paul, Colossians 1:13

If Jesus can do it for us, then He can still do it through us for others. Do you need to be delivered and rescued today? Most of our colleges and even this society-gone-astray ..that we live in here.. they just don't have the answers for all the problems that we as a people are facing in this country. You know it's true. Washington doesn't have em either and money can't buy us out of these problems. I was recently in California and I heard a businessman tell me that "A Master's degree along with a quarter could just about buy a person a hot cup of cheap coffee these days." What's sad is that colleges, most media outlets, and society as a whole want viable answers ..but all ironically seem to be doing everything they can to tear down, to undermine, to mock and hinder the only One who is the Answer - the One who can help us out in this nation. That's Jesus Christ, the Answer we all need most.

Hey, I'm no pessimist though. What a privilege it still is for us Christians to be calling people to faith in Jesus Christ. Society doesn't have the answers, but we know the Answer.

Once our Lord ran into two blokes whose lives had been controlled and ruined by Mr Lu-Cifer and his buds (Satan and some other fallen angels). Who could help em? Society didn't have any answers for em. Enter the Lord Jesus Christ into the situation.

And what did Jesus proceed to do about it? Well, Christ sought em out where they were. He appropriately addressed the problem. They were hangin' out in a lonely graveyard and He offered them some hope.

Sure, go check it out in it's context. Yeah, in Luke's account of this narrative God explains what happened with one of the men who was delivered in this way: "Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid" (Lk. 8:35).

Afraid? They had no reason for this. Why were they scared when God has never been about fear ..ever? Well, the people didn't quite know what to make of it all. This man was so transformed.. it just freaked the onlookers out ..to the max. They couldn't begin to grasp it. How could a dude this jacked up, this messed up and whacked spiritually… how could this same man be changed in such a rad-way, yeah, totally delivered? How?

God's Word still does this. When Christ transforms someone like He did with this guy back then.. when Christ saves a person today, you know, and as you faithfully witness by your holy life, by your good attitude, and by good works done motivated by God's love, then other people standing near you might not be able to handle in our day as well. Are you ready for that to happen? Get ready. It's exciting! They might not ever get it - the onlookers - but you will suddenly realize inside that it was the power of God that did it.. that He changed another valuable life right before your eyes! He doesn't do a greater miracle. That is what God can do through young or old believers who are willing to go as He sends em. Christ hasn't changed a bit. Are you willing? Seein' it happen even one time will make you want to go tell as many young people as you can about this truth.

So what would I say to a Christian college student who wanted to prepare well in advance for this stuff…

I've actually been asked about this before and did respond. What would I tell em.. tell the young man or woman in school today who wants to become involved in "the Solution" to this major societal problem (I mean how sin is takin' our nation downwards).. yes, what would I say to the one longing to get involved in biblical, face-to-face world-changing, as well as in some online personal ministry which is much needed?

I'd probably say seek the Lord wholeheartedly today and go get with lost people where they are. Listen. Answer questions they are asking. So many are online in social networks here in the West and it's getting more and more that way, even in your TVs. I'd say pray daily according to God's Word and His leading, asking for a harvest and also for some like-minded labors who can be active with you in this Cause. I'd say, Sure, learn to use current technological tools as the Spirit leads you, ones that can help send God's Message out farther.. cuz peeps why far away are listening ..online.

I'd tell em to make excellent moral choices along the way, yeah, and make some sound (close) friends too.. ones that are bonafide committed believers. I'd say allow God to give you wisdom, knowledge, discernment and a good name in your local church and community ..by staying humble, honest, sincere, and diligent in service. Hey, in the church - that's a good place to start huh.

I'd say, be anointed for real, be in-love with your first-Love. Be Word-full, prayed-up, and up to the brim with faith too. Serve where you can right now, don't wait until you graduate. Don't get bad grades through neglect, but don't waste your time in the dorm with beer, or worthless violent e-games, or with party-babes.

College person, you are loved. You know how the words "Personal brand building" have become somewhat bad words these days because people can so easily be involved in this kinda pursuit with self-seeking worldly motives. I'd say lay up your treasures in Heaven - seek Him and build His Kingdom first, instead of your own.

But listen, network, network, network.. catch with a net instead of just a pole if you can. It is important to be strong in the Lord first, and then in helping others come to the Lord and also get strong in Christ. You will be a blessing. Decide now to have a pure heart, to guard your heart, to avoid evil and all appearance of evil. Be about your Father's business daily, praising the Lord as you go. Be grateful, be doing things that build up a good reputation too as a smart witness for Jesus. Rep Him with integrity.

Choose to be awake on multiple levels and do your very best to avoid all polluting factors as you go around on this planet—you don't want to ever compromise just to extend your reach or be tainted. Abide instead of strive. Work hard, but do it God's way, not the world's way.

Do righteous-networking if you will…. for Christ's Cause starting this week not next, but don't allow this stuff to make you a workaholic for God where you don't have any time left over for time with God, or with your family, or for corporate worship or for helping at your church some.

Talk and listen upwards and outwards as you go, as you apply, as you obey Christ.

Sure, networking is fundamental to entrepreneurs and to other business folk, and though some of the principles are different in the Kingdom, it's even more important in ministry to maintain good friendships. Network right! Keep your word. Christianity is about relationships. Yup, it's primarily about knowing God through Christ well and then about making disciples…… and God doesn't have to call you into vocational full-time ministry in order for this type of thing to become important for you. There is indeed value in edifying more than one person with the same amount of effort and the same investment of time as it would take for building up just one person if the Spirit is leading you. One on one is great. But please recognize this and that our time is limited. I love the face-to-face more for eye-contact etc, but it's incredible how excited and edified I personally get when forgetting about self and pouring into others… even via email or snail-mail or in some network.

Do you use Twitter, Facebook, Quora, or Google+ yet? Pray about it, or maybe there is another one.

In the world, convincing users to try your crazy looking product with some secular company or to perhaps partner with your small or big business—that's a matter of salesmanship and honest relationships if you will. You know this. Now I don't really like to liken the Gospel or the Christian experience to a product, but how will they believe without a preacher? How will they repent and trust Christ if someone doesn't pray, or go and tell them about how awesomely awesome Christ really is? You can preach non-preachy.

I'd say get to know other on-fire classmates and professors while in school, pray for them, start a Bible study prayer meeting with some of em perhaps. But then reach out to smart Christian professionals in other locations where you live, ones who are spiritual as well. Have you ever visited a mission's agency, a church outreach out feeding the homeless ..yes, one that was in progress, or visited a para-church evangelism ministry and then volunteered some time to join with?

Would you be ready today if you ran into a couple demon possessed men? It still happens today.

These are some good ideas, and maybe for you.. ones that will help you feel grateful, be thankful, and also keep ya down to earth. Can't hurt at all really, so cultivate, water, plant and get involved with some strategic seed-sowing endeavors both inside and outside of your campus ..do it now while you can. The years will go by so fast and then you'll be out of there wishing you had done some of these things.

The Holy Spirit can use this stuff to guide you later on too. He traffics in true information and as you study, test it out, gather some feedback, and explore different ways to reach out in your youth, He will perfect you. Build up people early; dare ya! Add real value to em—it's about friendships far more than about putting together an organization for bucks. Do this until you have a strong network of real people that trust you. They are family members for you so to speak, in God's family, and you will have earned the right to be heard by them. They can hold you accountable and support you in times of need as you look to the Lord as your Source.

And you would enjoy the fellowship with other ordinary people of faith who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves with you and go to work. That just how it works.

I'd say, seek hard just to edify people rather than be "out on the take" just to get from them, and God will reward you. You want partners to join with that have the same heart-beat. Ask God to give through you to people, and you will start to recognize who they are. Ask God to give you some evangelism opportunities and then go for it. Study now, but don't be all afraid to make a mistake to the point of not trying. Crossing an ocean won't make any non-witnessing Christian a fruitful soul-winner.

If a personal friend at my church perhaps were to approach me.. you know, one that I felt respect for and they asked me to try out something with em.. something that they were righteously excited about… then I would indeed check my Bible, pray about it for some moments, listen, and perhaps go try it out. Why not?

There just isn't time to try out everyone's idea who emails me, but if it has to do with plundering hell so to speak, and thus populating God's heaven by pointing lost folks to Jesus with His Gospel, why in the world wouldn't I not want to go do it? Can't think of a reason.

I'd say: Find a wise Christian Mentor if you can; one who is blessed of God, has godly character and holy passion—one who is seeing the right results from his prayerful evangelistic efforts. Try doing the Scriptural principles that they are doing and seeing success with. Man, I feel so glad that I found one while attending a couple Bible colleges.

If you are a nerdy-nerd, or geeky-geek, then I'd say learn to code even if computer science is not your major.. I mean if you have a peace and a desire about trying this. I took as much Bible as I could get in college and don't regret that at all, but I also wish that I had learned to code. If you know the Word and can code, then you can build something Christ-honoring and really edify some feed some sheep online. You can reap too. Preach the Word. Besides, if you later end up hiring others for your start up biz to do this coding, those same engineers will feel some respect for you all the more, when you can speak their language and know what's going on under the hood.

The abundant life of grace is the victorious life in the Spirit.. and visa versa. It's the impacting life of agape love.

2012-01-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Some so called Christians today seem to want to export an "earn it, heartlessly religious, do good to gain and please God kinda gospel" of sorts. You know what I'm talkin' about. And I've run into a few lately, but this type doesn't supply the power to do good - it's not the Bible's Gospel. But there's nothin' better to share with any unbeliever.. including a contrary, hurt, disillusioned, or difficult unbeliever ..than the wonderful biblical Gospel of grace, cuz the Lord is a God of abundant grace.

Got some questions? Got answers? I've got kind of a strange sounding question: How Are You Livin' Your Dash?

2011-12-28T08:20:00.001-08:00

Dash? Huh? I mean your lifetime here?

It's really kinda short - that dash. You'll only get one life to live. And just like a life, I guess a dash is very short. That's how I like to think about a lifetime.

So how are you spending your short dash? Do you like to ask questions? There is a need for that at times. How do you start ministering when you meet someone? Do you like to ask key questions.. for their sake? It seems to me that people really want to be heard today. Many want to find a way to make their dash count. I think that people wanting to be heard.. is the very reason for the fast rise of so many social networks everywhere. They don't want to be just another number in this life. Yup, people want to express their opinions and they want em to be heard.

Q? Are you a believer? Do you want to make an impact with your brief life for eternity. Do you listen to people? Do you seek to win them to Your Savior? Are you busy about your Father's biz?

I would like to respectfully challenge you to start your 2012 off in prayer and in the Bible asking God some questions about His specific will for you. And start it with some questions directed to people as well.

If you're a believer, then I dare you if I may to use your dash for Christ, yes, all of it 100% for Him. And please use a few good questions now and then to addressed those that you love, so they will begin to think on spiritual matters rather than merely about natural things. How do you break the ice with new people? Ask God for the right questions and then listen up? Yes, perhaps you can use questions with some new people that you meet. Might sound scary for some, but you can ask for boldness as well.

Good idea.. proper questions ..if they're not too personal or the prying type of questions! I dare you to answer questions this year using the Bible as well, instead of merely giving your opinions out. You know that the Bible addresses every need of man. That the best tool to use without a doubt..either digitally or your old worn out hard-copy Bible. Christ lived right before others, but He also used words of truth and questions. He also used the Scriptures before asking if His hearers believed in them. Without em, what will you use with your dash to make it count for God? What will you have to present before the Lord who deserves so much, when He soon appears?

Ever minister usin' respectful questions? (my favorite way to start). With what did Jesus start His ministry? Famous first words: "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Lk2/49nkjv). A couple good questions huh. They set the ministry tone for the remainder of Christ's life on earth. Jesus frequently used questions to stimulate thinkin', to fish, to minister, to communicate spiritual truths. What opens a ♥ and mind quite like questions? They still cause a hearer to do a bit of soul-searching as they stop to consider what's asked. When Jesus was the one askin' the questions, like He did at 12-years-old, those questions declared more than they were asking. What do those 2 Qs tell u about Jesus the Minister?

In closing let me share a poem with a few questions in it.. that means a lot to me.

"I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning… to the end

He noted he first came to her date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years. (1900 – 1970)

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on this earth…

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own:

The cars…the house…the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard….
Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider whats true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile….
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?"

Hear more on how to really make your life count.
Poem's Author Linda Ellis

Totally free, zero manipulation, as service..

2011-12-26T06:58:00.001-08:00

..clearly speakin' their language, enterin' their culture to relate..short of sin, providing an opportunity for any to be born again, rejoicing in Jesus.

I'm looking at the word of Herr Paulus, "..present the Gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the Gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the Gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you." 1 Cor. 9:10c-23

The person who would effectively "friend" goldfish for a good purpose, would.. if he could.. grow gills and become a fish. Yes, he or she would thoroughly investigate every possible way to climb into their bowl. Yup, all decked out in that orangish color with fins on to better get around, but not to deceive em. Swiiish, bubbles, propulsion..of course they'd show respect, do their best to be themselves and yet simultaneously understand how a goldfish brain ticks. You know they'd even make familiar fish sounds as well. But really, none of us are called to reach fish.

God had an only Son who was Himself, yet He became one of us where we are, as a missionary with a rescuing-heart and mentality.

"Let us in everything not sinful ..become like the Chinese, that by all means we may save some".."Brother, if you would enter that Province, you must go forward on your knees." ~ J. Hudson Taylor, (who endured criticism from missionaries who sought to preserve British ways as he dressed in native Shanghai garb. Taylor was convinced that the Gospel would only take root in Chinese soil if missionaries were willing to affirm the culture of the people).

"Charlie Studd has written me a delightful letter.. He thinks the Chinese language was invented by the devil to prevent the Chinese from ever hearing the Gospel properly." ~ Ion Keith-Falconer

Hope you Don't have Troubles, Loneliness, Heartache or Pain this Christmas Season, but if You Do...

2011-12-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

‎"Let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator." 1 Pet. 4:19

If you do, there is a Comforter standing by to help you right now. I am so sorry for anything negative at all that you might be feeling or experiencing at this time. Is there something I can pray for you about? Please feel free to email us or to simply inject a comment below.

When ya hurt, believer, just know that God cares and is doing a greater work in you, a work that can only come about as you continue to lean on Him, regardless of the circumstances that surround you. Want to rest with peace inside? Sure you do. Meditate upon certain Scriptures that address the need. Continue to have honest fellowship with Christ, without demanding an explanation from Him. Place the sovereignty of God right next to His huge unfailing agape love, and then your heart can really rest.

"Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering.. The love of God did not protect His own Son.. He will not necessarily protect us - not from anything it takes to make us like His Son. A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process." ~ Elisabeth Elliot

"All born-again people are in training for rulership. Since the supreme law of that future social order, called the kingdom of God, is agape love, therefore their apprenticeship and training is for the learning of deep dimensions of this love. But deep dimensions of this love are only learned in the school of suffering. Purity is one thing, and maturity is another. The latter comes only through years of suffering. If we suffer, we shall also reign - because where there is little suffering, there is little love; no suffering, no love; no love, no rulership." ~ Paul Billheimer

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.." Heb. 4:15

Amazing concern and charity! Reverse this statement, yeah, put it in the positive and it reads: For we do have a high priest who can indeed be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

Good news for any of us? Yes! Jesus is always sympathetic in just the right way. He is our high Priest and lovely Savior..completely human, yet without any sin.. and cuz of His great Love, the sacrificial work of His priesthood was finished for you on Calvary's cross (that's unlike what false teachers still teach).

‎"So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you." nlt

"We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering: it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person...the one who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus." ~ Oswald Chambers

"When you and I hurt deeply, what we really need is not an explanation from God but a revelation of God. We need to see how great God is; we need to recover our lost perspective on life., Things get out of proportion when we are suffering, and it takes a vision of something bigger than ourselves to get life's dimensions adjusted again." ~ Warren W. Wiersbe

Man, I have the best Savior who reached out to all He could. He is right there with you now. Do you have a relationship with Him during this Christmas season - His birthday. And I have the best wife in the whole world too. Liney has been so busy this Christmas season delivering food and ministry to the sick and to some of our elderly neighbors. When I observe her in action, her selflessness always challenges me to the core.

The bottom-line is this, many people around us are headed to, yeah going to hell in a hand basket if you will and many others feel that they're already in hell right now. We are sometimes shocked by how some people are even making it, when outwardly we might not have noticed their struggle. We've all heard how "getting out of yourself while in trials and looking for someone worse off to minister to".. for their benefit.. is helpful. Well, it's really true. Christmas ain't really about what's under the tree, it's about Him who selflessly died up on a lonely tree..for you. So reach up, and reach out. Pray and ask God who, how, when and where He would lead you to minister to another person in need.

The Lord ain’t really lookin’ for better methods or systems per se...

2011-12-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

..but people who make themselves available to Him saying something like.. "Yes Jesus. Yes to whatever You want. I wanna be on-fire for You, and to have a good attitude that honors You in all things. I want to seek You first and then just get it done - what You want and have called me to do. Wanna work with You, not against You. Be Lord - rule without rival in me. Lead me step by step cuz I'm ready to follow close. Make me full of biblical faith and totally godly as a Christian. I give up all to You for Your sake – for the sake of Your Kingdom's expansion. Please do make me useable, pure and use me. Thank you for not giving up on me when I have missed. You are so faithful and kind. Please help me to obey all the way, to go where You want me to go, yup, to live it the way You did, to spread the Gospel the way You did. I want to tell people exactly what is good and edifying for them at that moment, in the way that you want me to say it. Help me know when they are open and if they are not, then show me if there is something I can do or say that might soften their hard or cold hearts. Nothing more, nothing less. Speak through me what is in keeping with your Bible and strong loving Spirit. In Jesus Name!"

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ~ Paul, Phil. 4:6-7

How does He lead you to pray for peeps? You can list some ideas that might help others below if you like. Do you quit too easy? Where is the place that you like to get alone with God and how do you avoid all the distrractions? Do you love fellowship with Christ ..in Christ.. more than merely serving Christ? We all should. The Lord is more concerned with our character than our methods and systems, and with our heart's inner motivation including our attitude, than just the outward actions that we exhibit.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." ~ Isaiah (40:31)

"Jesus taught that perseverance is the essential element of prayer. Men must be in earnest when they kneel at God's footstool. Too often we get faint-hearted and quit praying at the point when we ought to begin. We let go at the very point where we should hold on strongest. Our prayers are weak because they are not impassioned by an unfailing and resistless will." ~ E. M. Bounds

Kinda thinkin’ about Christmas...

2011-12-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

..today and thinkin' 'bout those who were involved at the first one. I saw a manger. I no longer see very many mangers during this time of year, but did lately. Many in government along with those they serve, no longer think that what a manger points us to.. is the main thing for anyone.. yes, as our nation slides down the tube if you will. You'd think they'd get the clue and turn back. Wanna be different from them and keep the "manger thing" (I mean it's Message and the Master who was in it) the main thing during Christmas. Yup, don't know about you, but that's what I desire. Wanna Keep Him and His purpose the main thing all year long.

How often do you think about those at the first Christmas? What can we learn from Joseph? What a great man he was. We can learn it's better to die to self, yes, to put God's plans and His purpose before our own. He didn't lean on his own understanding, but went with the Word. At first he wanted to put Mary away in a respectful way and not get married to her, but Joseph obeyed God instead. So many today just want to have the benefits and pleasure of marriage in a sinful fornication kinda way minus any marriage commitment, but Joseph wasn't flakey. He wanted to do all things righteously. He was an honorable and proper man. And we can learn about obedience from Him.. no matter what we feel like doing. Pleasure is so short-lived, but eternity is long. Sometimes it might not seem reasonable to obey the Lord, but we should obey Him no matter what. Why? Because a little obedience brings a whole lot of blessing.

"Then Joseph.. did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." ~ Matthew 1:24

"When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey." ~ Sammis

To obey is better than sacrifice. King Saul sacrificed religiously but didn't fully obey God, so he was greatly demoted. King David was humble and he obeyed so he was promoted in Saul's place. But we can also learn biblical obedience from Joseph's young wife, Mary, like we saw with Joseph as well, yes from this godly woman who in one context told some servants, "Do whatever He (Jesus) tells you'" (Jn. 2:5). You remember Many and how loyal she was to Jesus.

What can we learn from Mary like during this wonderful season of the year ..or during any season for that matter? What example did she set for us? What does she teach us as we look in the same Scriptures that she believed in?

Don't you just love the good example that Mary set for us? I sure do and therefore want to keep everything in proper perspective regarding her, cuz I want to please the God that she pleased.

Mary boldly teaches us the submission of godliness. We tend to hate that "S" word but it's a good word for all of us, for the Word is our ultimate Authority.

"Then Mary said, 'Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to Your Word" (Lk. 1:38, nkjv).

She lived by the Word of God. Yes, Mary was a woman of Scripture and a woman of faith. I love how she faithfully followed close behind Jesus all the way to the cross and didn't ditch Him for self preservation, for personal gain, or for fear.

There at the cross she suffered in silence, as her Son suffered and died. Hey gang, God wants us all to learn from the people of the Bible. He wants us to even learn from seeing their suffering as well. Sure we will either embrace and learn from it or we will spend our time on this earth fighting against it, trying not to have any of it. People of faith suffered at times, they didn't just confess it away. But suffering here on earth is temporary. It's only here because of man's sin. We aren't to desire it or intentionally seek it out for ourselves or to cause for others. Many think that if they purposely cause themselves to suffer, they will glorify God by that. Wrong. But suffering in this world is not God's fault, though so many blame Him for it. He ain't at all mean, but has our best interests at heart. You know this. God allows Christian people to suffer at times and He is indeed with them in it ..to minister to em and give em His strong grace.. so that we can learn how to hate sin as He hates sin. We can learn other important lessons while in it as well. And He will also comfort us. He won't leave us alone as orphans. How could the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) comfort any Christian if none of us ever suffered? Don't hate Him for it. He suffered in obeying the Father.. for your sake. He understands and will be close to you when you suffer.

This might sound kinda crazy or even disrespectful to some and that certainly is not my aim, but we also learn from Mary ..from her own words.. that she too needed a Savior.

Sure God existed before the incarnation, but God the Savior who was born of Mary, also wanted to (for her benefit) make Mary inside her heart ..new born. Yes, God wanted to resurrect her dead human spirit and empower her.. to fill her to overflowing with joy and His Holy Spirit. And guess what. She was there present on the day of Pentecost with some of her kids. She was filled and empowered for more service. Sound new to you? Why was she there then? We are all to be humble servants unto our King. We all were born wrong the first time—in sin says the Bible—and that's why we all need to be born again. We all need to live filled to overflowing with God's Spirit too. But, Kurt, why do we each need to repent and be born again? Well, cuz God said, "..You must be born again" (Jn. 3:7).

They are sadly growing in numbers out there, I mean those who are unfamiliar with the real Message of the manger. It's true. So many today are biblical illiterate, not knowing anything about Adam, Eve, Abraham, Noah, Moses etc. And most people have not yet heard the clear-cut Gospel. But we can tell them, and we have new tools to use in this with!

I sat down with a man from Southern California and a formal denomination a few days ago as we drank some apple cider together. Robert (that's not his real name) had been in church all his life and yet he wanted to hear about my story, of how I found the assurance of my salvation. It happened in the spring of 1977. What a relief for me to find Jesus. Yes he didn't yet have this same assurance and I didn't always have this assurance so I could relate. So He asked about it ..being totally unfamiliar with the Gospel.. and I was only so thrilled to explain my testimony and the simple Gospel (not of works, but of grace alone) to him ..in non-religious terms cuz God ain't religious. Never has been. It was a good time to chat. How cool is that! Made my day. And he listened very carefully to the Bible verses that I shared with Him as I simply pointed Him to the Jesus of the Bible who could save him... who could give him a free gift. Everyone needs this Christmas Gift that keeps on giving. He was even thankful. (I use that word "save" not to sound preachy, but because God's Word uses that word to describe such an experience). I'm praying for him now so that he can receive by faith the same gift of salvation that the people at the first Christmas needed. Mary, who was a virgin but only until after the birth of Jesus, knew that she too needed to have forgiveness and assurance of salvation. She wanted to be with her Son forever. Do you need such assurance? What present do you need more at this time of year ..than His presence? There ain't one, not even one.

"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Lk. 1:45-47, emph. mine).

You can't need a Savior if you aren't a sinner. Duh. I had to figure that one out on my own as a teen who had for years been taught some error about Mary. Took me awhile.

Lots of people preach a different Jesus today ..one of their own making and preference, but the Jesus Christ of the manger is the Bible Jesus and He is my Savior. He is God - sinless. He is the centerpiece of the entire human race. History is His story. He is in control. Yes, and He is the focus of all human history. It will be that way in the future too. He is thee Leader in the line of progress. He is the only One who can get you into Heaven and keep you from Hell (which is a real place) and keep you from purgatory (which is not a real place). Perhaps you need this Savior today? If you have not yet turned from your sin and believed.. if you do not know Him in a personal kinda way ..then you are lost. Simple as that. Not trying to guilt you, judge you, condemn you, or put "a heavy" on you. I was lost for 18 long years, but He found me and now tells me to tell. This Jesus was born to die. It was our sins that put Him up on that cross, but after He was dead and in the grave, He arose from that hole ..totally alive again. There were eyewitnesses. And you can walk with Him and biblically be used of Him to tactfully help others. You've perhaps seen pushy, puffed-up preachers talking down to people. Well that isn't what God wants you to be like. We are not to manipulate or be greedy. No worries. Just be yourself in Him and He will guide you in the right way. He will make you a blessing to be around.

What can we learn from the wise men? We can learn to seek the Savior until we find Him. We can learn to give to Him for He first gave to us. Please don't wait any longer to address this most important personal issue. He wants you.

Like Mary needed forgiveness, we do too.

She worshipped and prayed to God alone. You can't find one verse that says otherwise, or that she talked with any saint who had passed on. What good would that do for any of us? The Bible says we have one Mediator between God and man - Jesus Christ. Yes, we can and outta follow her example in in prayer as well.. unto God. We ought to lay down all our idols and bow before God alone. He is the only One worthy of that. He is the One who longs to help and provide for you, because He loves you so.

What is your master passion today? What have you lived for up to this point in your life? I say that you were made for Christ, not for your career, or for your goals, or for your date.. if you have one, or even for your family first. You weren't made for the Church, though it's good for every believer to be a part of a local church. You were made for the praise of His glory. He gave Himself for you, but the best birthday gift you can give to Him is yourself—all of you.

"That night so many years ago which brought the Savior's birth,
Gave promise of a brighter hope: good will—and peace on earth." ~ Anon.

Do you need a brighter hope today? Let's all remember to keep the manger thing the main thing, worship Jesus alone, obey and then go tell.

BTW: I took the photos of Chuck Swindoll (above) with some friends yesterday. That's his cool manger scene.

The work of God done in the will and..

2011-12-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

..loving Spirit of God, yes done by the power of the Word of God, is to the glory of God and is gladly provided for by the generous providence of God.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Cor. 10:31

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."
2 Cor. 1:20

"For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God."
2 Cor. 4:15

"..and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Phl. 2:11

Pray and wait and pray and hear and tactfully tell

2011-12-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas in the Lord.

I was basically knocked offline (by me) due to technical difficulties (I caused by overloading my droid with too many apps ..I think), but I finally found the reset factory defaults button in my droid. Yeah.. back on.

Was lookin' at what God said about perseverance and it really encouraged me in seeking Him without falling over on my side to sleep too much, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isa. 40:31

If ever there was a season during the calendar year when it's good for believers not to be faint-hearted on their knees, it's now during this season when so many are hurting and when some are gettin' together with peeps needing ministry that they don't see much all year long. fish4souls.org

If a sailor washed up on shore of a secluded island and became stranded, and this person..

2011-12-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

..found a Bible under a palm tree from a former stranded sailor ..and he or she hadn't heard any type of "message" before, but they simply started to read it, then that person could indeed become a real Christian, but they could not become a Mormon or a J.W. Just sayin'. Think 'bout it, cuz I'll never be a hater - I actually feel love for all types of peeps.

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…" ~Paul, (Romans 1:16, Bible).

On that island that lone person couldn't become a Catholic or Methodist or Episcopalian etc.. either ..and I do love those people as well (of course cuz I was raised as a Catholic and I know some real Christians in those denominations). BTW I Currently have Mormon friends and Mormon teaching erroneously says that Jesus was and is the spirit-brother of Lucifer, a fallen angel.. which would make Christ much lesser - as a non-omnipresent angel (not a Savior) as well. (The kernel of thought here is not original with me - it came from a discussion that I had with my friend on the road named, Russ, and we don't remember where we heard part of this idea, but it is true. Jn. 3:3)

Jesus took time for it, so today and everyday... why don't you?

2011-12-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Note2SometimesStubornThickheadedSelf: Jesus thought it was real important and found moments alone with His Father, but not to sit there and generate anxiety with, but to get vertically candid ..and so can you, Kurt, do what He did. Wishin', hopin', plannin', frettin' about, merely musing with that handwringing kinda worryin' over.. will never be a substitute for prayer.

God is still awake, He sees, hears and He works. Man, wish I'd convince myself once and for all, cuz how easily I seem to forget my most important ministry. Will stop and get to it ..cuz really we do enjoy Him. Lost friends and loved ones need prayer so much. Will do it on the go while doing my duties out there with those of the world as well. Sure, stuck at the Red Sea with those heated Egyptians wantin' his scalp, the Lord told Mo that it was time to act.

"One can believe intellectually in the efficacy of prayer and never do any praying." ~ Catherine Marshall

"Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.'" Luke 11:1

So many feel empty, bored, guilty and lonely. Searching?

2011-12-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

Did you know that most peeps go online 'for no particular reason' ..but hey.. we believers do have a great reason for going online when the Lord leads us to. Yes, we prayerfully want to be a blessing to others and want to see God use us to meet needs. So many are there wanting to be listened to.. wanting to express themselves.

Of course we want to learn online, discover good ideas, visit with our friends as well, but we also sincerely want to address the questions that people currently have with the Word of God, not old ones from yesteryear that no one is asking today. And we want to do this wisely and help keep people safe online too.. helping em discover the main reason they are here - to worship in Spirit and in truth. We want all people everywhere to find true repentance and a meaningful, lasting relationship with Christ who can same them in the best kinda way.

We love to challenge their thinking with good questions without compromise, or being tainted or corrupted... you know, with Scriptural thoughts of truth. So many lies have sadly been swallowed by this generation and that's why we are here. We seek to encourage people with truth, to edify em, to boldly point people to the Lord and even win unbelievers to faith in Christ who alone can meet all their needs. We also love any supplement to promote fellowship and church fellowship. Do you pray that God will edify and help disciple His fishers through you?

Did you know that, "About 53% of young adults ages 18 to 29 go online on any given day for no particular reason except for a diversion or just for fun. About 81% of people in this demographic said they have done so at least occasionally. But it's not just young web users that turn to the Internet during their down time—about 58% of all adults or 74% of online adults said they use the Internet this way, up from 45% of adults who said they did so in a Pew survey conducted in 2006." ~ Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life (CNN). This study—conducted among 2,260 adults ages 18 and over on landlines and cellphones—has a margin of error of 3.7%.

The Bible says, "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (kjv),"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered" (esv). Most westerners don't ever want to be made fat, but it's so good to be made fat spiritually as long as we keep exercising, properly applying God's Word. Go for it.. I mean go for Him.

If you are born anew, then you will have a desire to witness for the Lord as He did this...

2011-11-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

..yes, either locally or abroad.. or preferably both here and there. And you will indeed want to pray about this, because you want people to one day go to Heaven with you. If a so called Christian says that they don't like personal evangelism, then what they don't like is more than likely a bad caricature of evangelism that someone else gave them.. but all true believers will like biblical evangelism like Jesus did.

"If the Church of today.. would have the power of God come mightily upon her - and is this not the great need? - she will necessarily receive it while in the pathway of larger obedience to the missionary command." ~ John R. Mott

When was the last time that you simply asked for a refill.. or for boldness? Of course you need to be wise and work hard when on the company clock instead of merely flapping your jaws, but I have found that the days when I am most bold are the days when I ask God to give me boldness about my relationship with Jesus Christ.

"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken: and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:29-31

With all due respect, I earnestly want to challange you both on and offline to pray and then go tell someone about Christ's saving grace today. As I hear the news reports about Iran and their nukes, it kinda makes me wonder.. Who knows how much time we have left to get His Message out?

Why try to be more than what God has made you to be?

2011-11-21T23:54:00.001-08:00

Be yourself in the Lord - labor to enter into His rest.

None of us can do what all of us can do. You know that Christ wants us to depend upon His Spirit in fishing and in equipping, but also to remain interdependent. He does His work through Christian community. Us believers enjoying fellowship with the Lord wherever we go, and fellowshipping with each other in love is so important.

Why flap my jaws about God to men when I haven't even first discussed men and others with God?

2011-11-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." ~Jesus, (Mat. 6:6-8)

Challenges me gobs..this passage. Wanna be drawn and follow Jesus in this first priority thing..without getting distracted away. My dog wants to as well it would seem. Roxy scratches on the door to be let in when she hears my voice. Always glad when I'm there. I think about this passage the most when I think of prayer. Billy Graham would pray short in public and long in private - still does. I think, if He ain't Lord of all, how can I call Him "Lord" at all?

"If we would have God in the closet, God must have us out of the closet. There is no way of praying to God, but by living to God." ~ E.M. Bounds

Thank God "In".. Not "For" All Circumstances

2011-11-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

"Trouble and prayer are closely related.. Trouble often drives men to God in prayer, while prayer is but the voice of men in trouble." ~ - E.M. Bounds

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms." ~ Jam. 5:13

Ungrateful people sometimes opt to be that way when they don't get their own way, or fail to receive what they want (I've unfortunately been there before). But even if we believers don't receive an answer in the affirmative for everything that we ask for, we can still heartily thank God for all that He has not allowed to come to us. Don't know about you, but I deserve much worse than I've experienced.

Let's keep prayin' for the lost and the saved around us who don't have it as good as we do and thank God. He is so for blessing us all in Christ Jesus, more than we are for that. Are you sure you are in Him? Call out to the Lord in faith.

Remember, sometimes those things that seem so awful to us, might not end up being that way. I'm glad that my SoCal pastor named, Greg, shared something with me along this same line of thinking...

I once heard a story about a man who was shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Seeing that rescue might not happen for a long time, he painstakingly built a little hut to provide himself protection from the elements and a place to store the few items he had managed to salvage from the wreck. Every day he would prayerfully scan the horizon, hoping for the approach of a ship. But he saw nothing.

Then one evening, after he had been out and about on the island, searching for food, he came back to see that his little hut was in flames. He tried to put out the fire, but it was too late. Everything he owned in this world had gone up in smoke. He went to sleep that night listening to the pounding of the surf, stunned by his own misfortune.

Best-case scenario.. The next morning he awoke to find a ship anchored off the island—the first ship he had seen since he had been marooned. Still trying to believe his eyes, he heard footsteps, and then a human voice, saying, "We saw your smoke signal and we came to rescue you."

That's how it happens sometimes. In divine sovereignty and grace, the worst-case scenario somehow becomes the best-case scenario.

Disasters can turn out to be great opportunities for God to work in your life. The Lord is always present with us, always intimately acquainted with our circumstances, and He specializes in taking "impossible" situations and turning them around, for His glory and our benefit.

Will it be so bad if God is in control? How do you know?

Love the sounds of the ocean and from the creatures that dwell near it.

2011-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

"Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it.." ~ Psalm 98:7

shout. waves rollin' in…

roll, mighty waters n oceans. crest and roll. with great joy, shout!

run rivers run, out of the valleys and into the wide open.

purge and cleanse and redeem.

I mean, I'm never lookin' to the sea as my Source. Got only One. I'm just reminded of ..and looking to You O Lord. Let your torrents of living waters flow in, out, and through.. to refresh and touch ..please touch all the untouched places within us..and others too.

about.me/kVs

gplus.to/BeReal

10 Keys Of Hospitality

2011-11-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

If you singularly or corporately have and want to keep friends, you really need to think and be, not just act, friendly. Being genuinely considerate should come from who you are as a person or group. Guests can tell. If we opt not to care, our valued guests will feel it and simply go elsewhere.

Have you ever served in a "people business" before, like in real estate, or an upscale restaurant, or at a high-end hotel or in an excellent para-church or local church ministry (and I don't at all mean to business-ify a church for that is family and calls for family lingo)? It's really a lot of fun and the people keep it interesting. I love their various stories. Personally, I've had the opportunity to serve in all of the above, but I still have a lot to learn and the Lord keeps helping me. He's the expert.

It's been my aim and prayer, no matter how grand or trendy or fancy-schmancy the place is, that our guests leave more impressed with the service and kindness they recieve, than how they felt when they arrived looking at whatever type of temporal facility.

I'm sure it can be a challenge at times for any employee or leader at any location, to reach such a goal, but we all can do our best. If we are believers, then we especially need to do our best as unto Christ to glorify Him instead of "us." And we indeed can encourage each other to this end, yup, towards giving extra value in spreading His light and His warmth with true hospitality.

Perhaps you've travelled some before. Perhaps you have run into a rude staff in different churches or hotels etc. Maybe you've run into a pretentious snooty staff, or an incompetent staff that couldn't even handle a basic task well. What do you think when you leave such a place? Is it like.. Note-written-to-self or to TripAdvisor.com: Never ever stay at that place! (Of course, you know you won't stay at that establishment again).

The numero uno reason for a customer, guest, congregant.. to reject returning to a certain store, hotel, restaurant or church is due to a staff member's weird attitude or indifference. Who can't feel it? Ever work with someone puffed up, or apathetic, or who had an attitude of entitlement? How do ya like that?

Basically, what should you be like if you serve in the hospitality industry or any people business/ministry? What quickly comes to your mind? I would encourage you to keep Jesus Christ first for there are many temptations especially when lots of people are involved. And choose to be a genuine people-loving individual who is:

·         Efficient
·         Personable
·         Spiritual
·         Competent
·         Practical
·         Professional
·         Patient
·         Biblically-sound
·         Upbeat
·         Warm-hearted
·         Straightforward
·         Tactful
·         Thoughtful
·         Responsible
·         Engaging
·         Reliable.. and
·         Guest-oriented

"Duh," you might say! "Kurt, all that is a no-brain-er, concierge dude."

Hey gang, I know it is, but it never hurts to be reminded of this stuff. I love to be reminded, because I can so easily forget stuff.

I say have the fruit of the Spirit in Christ rather than being merely religious. Remember this. Never allow your ego to become bigger than your calling or career-purpose, no matter how many people around you allow that to happen. Hopefully none will as we intercede for them. Choose to be exemplary as a person of eternal purpose instead of allowing the pride to get in your way.

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." ~ Paul, Romans 12:10-13

Ok, here are my so called "ten keys" (among many other keys) for all of us to apply…

1. Make eye contact and always give a warm greeting with those pearly-whites of yours (yes, a big enthusiastic smile). Never hurts. Travellers wanna meet locals who give a flip. It makes their day and their stay. I've never met even one that feels like being greeted by some robotic-ally nerdy-nerd display board ..and those high tech lobby-boards probably do have their place. Who knows, audio greetings on those things might soon arrive via a built-in Android app, but I believe that human gestures like I mentioned, from real human volunteers or committed paid workers will always be appreciated more. Will an upscale hotel or restaurant actually be able to call itself "upscale" minus humans serving in the foyer or lobby? Maybe one day, but that day is still off in the distant future. That warm personal touch, recommendation, corroboration, edification, chit chat about local hot spots—that's what I myself love most when I travel.. especially when the employee (a friend I've gained) remembers my name or possibly something I said about my family ..or about my dog, Roxy. Priceless!

2. Listen attentively to the patron's (person's) heart or request or root need behind their request ..with discernment and understanding. Part of my duty has always been "matching" (in counseling or in secular work) and that often takes a few careful questions to the guest, just to make sure I know exactly what the guest desires or does not desire. Can I find a passage or verse that would fit and properly build them up? We all can learn the right questions for our respective departments, to respectfully ask our visitors (quests) without getting too personal. I'd rather be a sharp-shooter than a shot-gunner with polite questions and responses. How can I live.. how can I share Christ and His truth that they need to hear most..or should I just shut up and be there for them while they hurt, celebrate, etc? Being tactful has to do with making a point and hearing ideas an preferences, without making an enemy. Where selfless hospitality begins evangelism or discipleship can join in, at some locations of service or employment. On other job sites they require you to first sign a promissory agreement first to never share your faith on their property, or you'll be released simple as that. Let God lead you in where you work and do your best to honor those in authority so that you glorify Him while shining brightly, instead of being fired for verbally witnessing when you should be working. Too many get fired for being lazy or religiously foolish "in the Name of Jesus." But I say never be afraid to work hard, or to rephrase Scripture when you can in certain places while keeping the meaning of the text accurate. Don't be afraid to rephrase what you think the visitor is asking for ..or to ask them to repeat their wishes so that you're absolutely correct in your assessment. Know before they go.

"Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers…" ~ Hebrews 13:2

3.      Be sure to anticipate the visitor or guest's subsequent needs that could be connected to their original request. You can ask, "Would you like for me to set up some economical or luxury transportation for your group to and from that restaurant (retreat, field trip etc) as well?", or "After shopping all day, you might have quite an appetite. Have you had the pleasure or chance to try some of the excellent restaurants on the property? You indeed know it would be my pleasure to get you in at the best." Your leaders should know how this would work at your locale, but keep in mind that you never need to have wrong motives, methods, or in any way compromise spiritually just to serve people in a hospitable manner. Never. Wisely appeal to your boss if he or she pressures you to sin, but don't cave even for your boss.

4.      If a guest ever says "Thank you", consider that as an extra bonus and respond by saying something like, "You are so welcome. You're satisfaction is of course my top goal." (check it out tipped employees, this kind of attitude might just help when the bills need to be paid).

5.      Any staff member who receives a complaint needs to "own" that specific complaint until it is made right. I mean don't pass em off like a sack of trash because that is how they would feel. You know what I mean. Personally, I sure ain't perfect. I'm a learner, and that means that I aim to profit from all that I experience (learning) towards perfecting my skills inside churches and in the marketplace. But it also means I unfortunately could make a few mistakes at times, or my co-workers or fellow ministers could, though we all do our best to avoid them. I say that everything I've ever done wrong ..was my fault, not a neighbour's fault. Wanna make the mistake into my stepping stone rather than tombstone. I want to be a stepping stone for others instead of a stumbling block. There's just no room for carnal living or blame-shifting today. We all are responsible for ensuring congregant growth or customer satisfaction if you will—we're in this together. Gone are the days of "Hey, I'm outta here. Got other things to do. This is not my department or section." We've all heard a lot about being a "team player," but this is the area where the rubber meets the road. It isn't always easy working with needy people that are saved or spiritually lost, but God can make it a huge joy for you. We do it for Him who served and died for all people, not willing that any should perish.

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." ~ Conrad Hilton

"Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." ~ UCLA Coach, John Wooden

6. Communicate effectively. Pray in the Spirit (if you're a believer) and be accurate with real facts about a guest's problems, trials, pains.. with your fellow team members, leaders and management.. not at all to slight or joke around, but to adequately address the issue. And if at all possible, have a fitting (biblical) solution ready when going into the meeting or conversation. Intelligently serve "God's sheep" so to speak or everyday guests.. blessed (I mean 'til they want to return for more)! Never forget that good teamwork really does make the good dream work.. the corporate dream and then your own God-given dream as well. Jesus Christ was hospitable on earth. Follow His example.

"Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men." ~ Jeremiah (9:2)

7. Treat others how you want to be treated, and don't treat others how you really don't wish to be treated. Of course not everyone wishes to be treated exactly the way that you wish to be treated all the time, but in a general sense they really do. So many are lonely—hungry to experience God's agape love. Many feel guilty, empty, unfulfilled, or afraid to fail or afraid to die. There are indeed times to reprove or correct when others are being ill-effected in certain situations, but show respect to all. Who wants to be looked down upon, or paternalistically spoken down to? No one. Sure, are we believers really all that different from each other in our basic needs and aspirations? Are unbelievers so radically different from each other regarding basic needs? We have the Solution they are looking for—Christ. I say show sincere care to all guests no matter what, even if you feel that they don't deserve respect because they haven't been behaving respectability. Always remember that "us showing it" never has to be contingent upon "them earning it" from us.. for they are after all, our guests, and we ought to cut em some slack. Wouldn't we like some of that? Sure. We love God's grace, mercy and protection. Besides, you know that the security department where you serve (if they have em) is also there for you.. if things get dangerous or too outta hand.

Hospitality is more about makin' your guests feel at home than about your own personal feelings, even if you feel like that is exactly where they should be—at home. Feelings are fickle.

8. Take responsibility for your own attitude, body language, behaviour, deeds, and communication. Do your homework in these areas before you arrive in your department at church or work. Everyone will be glad you did.

"You can't make the other fellow feel important in your presence if you secretly feel that he is a nobody." ~Les Giblin

"Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different." ~ Katherine Mansfield

9. When things go wrong, forget lame excuses, whining, and fault finding. Just tell the truth. Look on the positive but realistic side, and be careful not to offer up any glib cliches or cavalier remarks that really don't help, comfort or better the situation. Always try your best, without being afraid to blunder. Stay (or get) in the Word. Be wisely cautious. If what you do is done in good faith and your efforts are sincerely intended to put the guest's needs at the forefront, then I believe it will all work out for the good, and advance the collective cause.

"Hospitality should have no other nature than love." ~ Henrietta Mears

10. A pleasant farewell (again, using the guest's name if at all possible, for they are a person rather than a number..) or hug at church because we "are family".. and remembering to say, "Thank you for your visit (or business). We do look forward to serving you again soon" ..is equally as important here as our initial "Welcome! How are you?"

I love the basic stuff, Him who gave it to us..

2011-10-27T07:42:00.001-07:00

..and getting back to Him as well as to His stuff. Michael Catt challanges me in this area of basics and I never mind that. Anyways, here are seven areas where God really wants us believers to excel in: Faith. Speaking. Knowledge. Passion. Love. Giving. Finishing.

Isn't that way good ..or what!

The Bible says, "But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us - see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.." (Read 2 Cor. 8:7 through 11). Why would we want to major on all the non-basic exotic stuff while the bulk of us ..it would appear.. can't even properly seem to apply and get the basics down.. that actually come from the Bible?

Want a hundred basics on the person of Christ as well?

1. Jesus claimed to be God - John 8:24; 8:56-59 (see Exodus 3:14); John 10:30-33

2. Jesus is called God - John 1:1,14; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8

3. Jesus is the image of the invisible God - Heb. 1:3

4. Jesus abides forever - Heb. 7:24

5. Jesus created all things - John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17

6. Jesus is before all things - John 1:1-3; Col. 1:17;

7. Jesus is eternal - John 1:1,14; 8:58; Micah 5:1-2

8. Jesus is honored the same as the Father - John 5:23

9. Jesus is prayed to - Acts 7:55-60; 1 Cor. 1:2 with Psalm 116:4; (John 14:14)

10. Jesus is worshipped - Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6

11. Jesus is omnipresent - Matt. 18:20; 28:20

12. Jesus is with us always - Matt. 28:20

13. Jesus is our only mediator between God and ourselves - 1 Tim. 2:5

14. Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant - Heb. 7:22; 8:6

15. Jesus said, "I AM the Bread of Life" - John 6:35,41,48,51

16. Jesus said, "I AM the Door" - John 10:7,9

17. Jesus said, "I AM the Good Shepherd" - John 10:11,14

18. Jesus said, "I AM the Way the Truth and The Life" - John 14:6

19. Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world" - John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; Luke 2:32

20. Jesus said, "I AM the True Vine" - John 15:1,5

21. Jesus said, "I AM the Resurrection and the Life" - John 11:25

22. Jesus said, "I AM the First and the Last" - Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13

23. Jesus always lives to make intercession for us - Heb. 7:25

24. Jesus cleanses from sin - 1 John 1:9

25. Jesus cleanses us from our sins by His blood - Rev. 1:5; Rom. 5:9

26. Jesus forgives sins - Matt. 9:1-7; Luke 5:20; 7:48

27. Jesus saves forever - Matt. 18:11; John 10:28; Heb. 7:25

28. Jesus discloses Himself to us - John 14:21

29. Jesus draws all men to Himself - John 12:32

30. Jesus gives eternal life - John 10:28; 5:40

31. Jesus resurrects - John 5:39; 6:40,44,54; 11:25-26

32. Jesus gives joy - John 15:11

33. Jesus gives peace - John 14:27

34. Jesus has all authority - Matt. 28:18; John 5:26-27; 17:2; 3:35

35. Jesus judges - John 5:22,27

36. Jesus knows all men - John 16:30; John 21:17

37. Jesus opens the mind to understand scripture - Luke 24:45

38. Jesus received honor and glory from the Father - 2 Pet. 1:17

39. Jesus reveals grace and truth - John 1:17 see John 6:45

40. Jesus reveals the Father - Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22

41. Jesus bears witness of Himself - John 8:18; 14:6

42. Jesus' works bear witness of Himself - John 5:36; 10:25

43. The Father bears witness of Jesus - John 5:37; 8:18; 1 John 5:9

44. The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus - John 15:26

45. The multitudes bear witness of Jesus - John 12:17

46. The Prophets bear witness of Jesus - Acts 10:43

47. The Scriptures bear witness of Jesus - John 5:39

48. The Father will honor us if we serve Jesus - John 12:26 see Col. 3:24

49. The Father wants us to fellowship with Jesus - 1 Cor. 1:9

50. The Father tells us to listen to Jesus - Luke 9:35; Matt. 17:5

51. Everyone who's heard & learned from the Father comes to Jesus - John 6:45

52. We come to Jesus - John 5:50; 6:35,37,45,65; 7:37;

53. The Father draws us to Jesus - John 6:44

54. The Law leads us to Christ - Gal. 3:24

55. Jesus is the Rock - 1 Cor. 10:4

56. Jesus is the Savior - John 4:42; 1 John 4:14

57. Jesus is the King - Matt. 2:1-6; Luke 23:3

58. In Jesus are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - Col. 2:2-3

59. In Jesus we have been made complete Col. 2:10

60. Jesus indwells us - Col. 1:27

61. Jesus sanctifies - Heb. 2:11

62. Jesus loves - Eph. 5:25

63. We sin against Jesus - 1 Cor. 8:12

64. We receive Jesus - John 1:12; Col. 2:6

65. Jesus makes many righteous - Rom. 5:19

66. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit - John 15:26

67. Jesus offered up Himself - Heb. 7:27; 9:14

68. Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all time - Heb. 10:12

69. The Son of God has given us understanding - 1 John 5:20

70. Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith - Heb. 12:2

71. Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession - Heb. 3:1

72. Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven - John 14:1-4

73. Jesus is the Light of the world - John 8:12

74. Jesus has explained the Father - John 1:18

75. Jesus was crucified because of weakness - 2 Cor. 13:4

76. Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33

77. Truth is in Jesus - Eph. 4:21

78. The fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ - Phil. 1:11

79. Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come - 1 Thess. 1:10

80. Disciples bear witness of Jesus Christ - John 15:27

81. Jesus died for us - 1 Thess. 5:10

82. Jesus died and rose again - 1 Thess. 4:14

83. Jesus was a ransom for many - Matt. 20:28

84. The Christian dead have fallen asleep in Jesus - 1 Thess. 4:15

85. Jesus rendered the devil powerless - Heb. 2:14

86. Jesus is able to save completely - Heb. 7:25

87. Jesus came to serve - Matt. 20:28

88. Jesus came to be a high priest - Heb. 2:17

89. Jesus came to save - John 3:17; Luke 19:10

90. Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God - Luke 4:43

91. Jesus came to bring division - Luke 12:51

92. Jesus came to do the will of the Father - John 6:38

93. Jesus came to give the Father's words - John 17:8

94. Jesus came to testify to the truth - John 18:37

95. Jesus came to set us free from the Law - Rom. 8:2

96. Jesus came to die and destroy Satan's power - Heb. 2:14

97. Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets - Matt. 5:17

98. Jesus came to give life - John 10:10,28

99. Jesus came to taste death for everyone - Heb. 2:9

100. Jesus came to proclaim freedom for believers - Luke 4:18

The Whole World Is Needing Fearless FisherMEN More Than Any Other Type..

2011-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

..Of Men, Because The Whole World Is Filled With Those Needing Thee Fisher Of Men ..The Most.

You already know that Jesus Christ was the ultimate Fisher of men ..and of people.. and that this God-first lifestyle that He exhibited is what He calls every believer to in our day. Are you allowing Him to make you into an effective fisher of people? Do you pray for others around you in their brokenness to repent and come into a personal relationship with God? I challenge you to do this starting today.

It's important that men are men that understand the times we live in. I'm currently looking at 1 Chronicles 12:32 that speaks, "of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." God could give us this same understanding and wisdom.

I'm looking at the words of Paul where he commanded guys to, "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).

I'm reviewing the book of Romans (now in chapter one).. "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due" (especially vv. 26, 27).

More and more, we are living in a confused culture gone astray. Romans applies for people today in our impure sex and pleasure focused society!

You already know that any dude can become a dad for mere pleasure's sake, but becoming a real and balanced father is a different story. There are few fathers today, who beget godly children. Yes, becoming a fearless fisher of men and biblical disciple-er of people in Christ is a completely different story indeed.

May I ask you a few questions? Did you personally have a dad who put Christ first in the home and out, you know exampled His love and effectively made disciples by faith? Did you have a good example to follow in the home? How would it be, how would things change, how would if affect our cities.. if guys in your country and in mine chose to get some Holy Spirit backbone if you will, along with a hatred of sin, and a love for all people? Of course God loves us all the same, He can use us all too, but how would it be in your family if you sold out completely to the God of the Bible ..on His terms, and then from that overflow of grace and wonderful relationship, went and shared your faith tactfully with anointed confidence?

Q: So why is it rad-important for guys to take a stand today, to go against the unholy, worldly influential tide and become real men?

A: It's because when a teenager turns from their sin and believes on Jesus Christ, 17% of the time their whole family will then follow suit and also become believers in the Lord because of their prayers and godly witness. When a mom turns from sin and believes on Jesus Christ, 34% of the time her whole family will follow suit and also become believers in the Lord. But when a father turns from his sin and believes on Jesus Christ, then 90% of the time his whole family will also follow suit and become believers in the Lord unto eternal life. (Dr. Erwin Lutzer told me this).

I have spent this entire week around over 2000 of the most confused of men that I've ever met, who literally don't know what they are at all. It's very sad to me, because God has a better plan for them. And many have spent thousands of dollars changing themselves, and some have been open enough to tell me that they were abused by their dads as children and others have confessed that they are not happy at all. In fact the corporations that they work for, have spent piles of money sending them and others to Dallas so that they could learn to feel comfortable in the workplace. They told me that is why they are here in the Big D through Thursday.

I've gone witnessing during the Mardi Gras before in New Orleans (full-on culture shock to the max), but this week has motivated me even more to pray for all types of people, especially for men to become godly men. I pray we all could be motivated to follow after the Son of Man who loves these people the most (Jesus Christ) and to go fishing.. allowing Him to be Lord in this ..yes, takin' part in daily worship of God first, and then taking part in His Great Commandment and Great Commission.. in that order ..for, "Jesus called out to them [His followers], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'" (Matthew 4:19).

fish4souls.org

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When ya come across an argument..

2011-10-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

..or fleshly fight—perhaps a verbal or violent conflict with anger or evil dissension. Guess what.. it indeed means that at least one of the persons involved has a pride problem. Hey, confidence can be good, but all haughtiness, hubris, arrogance and rebellion against delegated or direct authority stinks ..and uglifies.

“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” ~ Proverbs 13:10

Q. Who was the first one to have such a prob? Hint: Mr. Lu-Cifer.

You know that debating about a non-essential, biblical issue is indeed fine. Who wouldn't want to do that at some time or another? But please don't argue, I mean fight over words or methods with other so called believers, especially in public.

In order to fish for your friends..

2011-10-22T10:03:00.001-07:00

..and even for soon-or-later-on-to-become-friends, for the purpose of seeing our winsome Christ catch them to eternal life, a believer must have hearers. And to have hearers a believer must legitimately gain people's confidence. Do people trust you? This is elementary, but allow the Spirit's grace to make you sincere, victorious, consistent and honest.

Too many these days are shady or twisted with wrong motives, but God's love, purity, and integrity are so important. The Bible says…

"An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies" (Prov. 14:5).

"A prayer of David. O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips" (Ps. 17:1).

Witnessing for a true believer ain't a "got to" or some kinda legalistic strain, it's an prayerful and therefore easy, fruit-bearing "get to" sorta thing ..of grace. It's a privilege and joy! Jesus, our Chief example Fisher, described that bearing His yoke of Lordship for any disciple, would be easy.

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I'm currently thinkin' about this.. following after Him and then fishin' with Him ..takin' part in the Great Commandment and Great Commission.. in that order, "Jesus called out to them [His followers], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'" Matthew 4:19

"He knows the way that I take..

2011-10-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

..and when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

"Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces." ~ Matthew Henry

"Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins." Psalm 25:18

"Some people feel guilty about their anxieties and regard them as a defect of faith but they are afflictions, not sins. Like all afflictions, they are, if we can so take them, our share in the passion of Christ." ~ C.S. Lewis

I don't feel that trials, testings, opposition, afflictions, temptations, pain, and persecution (..which to be honest I haven't really experienced yet cuz I wouldn't really call it that when a joint-toking Rastafarian dude with long dreads throwin' unripe green mangos at me as hard as he could ..for simply telling him that Jesus loved him.. as I we were peacefully walkin' together on a May Pen sidewalk in Jamaica) are for me at all. Never will. Hah. Sure have had a gobs of this though. Don't really think I've had more than others.

Personally if I was God, man, I would have never allowed this kinda stuff into people's lives or situations, but hey, I'm not God. He's much wiser.

Then again it's this kinda stuff I can't stand that God has indeed allowed in, that He effectively used to get my attention (started prayin' like I meant it and did..), and now that it's past ..for now.. I am glad that He did allow it. If you are personally going through some suffering or any of this kinda junk, believer, then please know that it's cuz He loves you so HUGELY, and he hurts along with you in it, but He longs to draw you in so near until you are close enough to His heart and countenance, so that you'll see how much He really does care. Sure, and you'll sense some of the depth of His agape love for ya more, cuz it'll be reflected in His gaze towards you. Hang in there with Him, it'll all be worth it after the trials have passed.

Witnessing of Jesus, rejoicing, or praising Him are not always what we feel like doing sometimes, but these are choices we can make and it's God's grace that can make this easy. He is so worthy!

Choosin' to..

2011-10-13T08:44:00.001-07:00

..praise God; bless and thank Him from the <3 ..pray fervently, wisely apply the basics of Scripture, fish tactfully, reelin' em in with joy.. and avoid even the appearance of evil.

Why? You are set before a watching world daily.

They say you're either His shining missionary of sorts or a mission field, you're either in Christ gathering people unto the Lord or scattering em. Believer, I just love how the Chief Fisher has perfectly shown us how to live and how to fish for the Father's glory.

Jesus said "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you" (Jn. 13 15).

God's goal ain’t really to make everything around you on earth "right"..

2011-10-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

..I mean, pre-second coming. Don't many of us act like that's His current goal that we're going to indeed help Him with? It's all about us in the Western world (you know many of us feel that way huh).

No God's current goal is to help you get right, through His Son. Yes, so that He can bless and use you to help others get right. What's better than getting right with Him? Nothin'!

Suppose you gather, gather, gather and could gain every mortal as a friend, every widget as a toy, every pleasure, luxury, fashion and cool amenity or every bit of fame or the dollars that there is to get in this whole world.. and then lost your soul. Would it really satisfy your deepest hunger or thirst? Perhaps you have and now you're very old. Was it really worth it? "Here" is very brief and there in eternity is so, SO, S-O long.

This ain't politically correct to voice but Billy Graham said, "God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.'" How true. Do ya ever feel unloved and unlovable?

"Salvation is from our side a choice, from the divine side it is a seizing upon, an apprehending, a conquest by the Most High God. Our 'accepting' and 'willing' are reactions rather than actions. The right of determination must always remain with God." ~ A.W. Tozer

"He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent." ~ Augustine

"You're born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there's a Loophole." ~ Billy Graham

When ya think about it, the only hope there is for recovery of our families, our churches, our cities, our schools and our countries is for each of us individually to walk in close fellowship with Jesus Christ with right thoughts and a right spirit inside, so that we can then rebuild our lives on the unchanging solidness if you will, of His uneditable, non-changing Word that is right. Do ya long for real refreshing? Sure God loves to bless His children, but have ya become one yet? Can't make yourself one. Have ya turned and believed?

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Sometimes it takes no words to witness.

2011-10-09T10:21:00.001-07:00

Sometimes things get pretty turned around. Shine bright anyways!

Engaged and it was only three weeks before he was to be married, but Bonhoeffer was taken to the gallows in Germany and then executed at age 39. Man! Hate that when decent people die and evil folk live on. So many inequities.

At 33 innocent, blameless, and sinless Jesus suffered not one illegal trial but six of em (see Mk. 15, Lk. 23). Very serious all that happened.

"Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, 'Do you answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!' But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled" (vv. 4-5).

It's part of the irony of eartly exsistence when common sense is trumped by hard or even soft-core folly. It still happens.

"Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong on the throne." ~ James Russell Lowell

That will change. Will we before it's too late....allow Christ to change us from the inside out?

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We believers would do well not to...

2011-10-08T16:43:00.001-07:00

..view ourselves as already arrived.. sinless and without the ability to ever blow it again via sins of omission or commission. Be genuinely humble. Beware you who think you stand in perfection lest ya bite the dust real hard and come up with gravel jammed in your cheeks.

"The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none." ~ Thomas Carlyle

The Apostle John said, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:7-10, nkjv).

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P. God, in Jesus' Name we PRAY that You’ll make us more sensitive to Your voice so we can have ears to hear and apply the truth.

2011-10-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Please revive, heal, quicken, and remove the stoppers from our ears. Take away the blinders from our eyes. Please strongly woo, draw, and rekindle us with Your fiery passion within, so that we will earnestly seek You and obey. Never want to drift, become biblical... or forget the nations, the ignorant, or the misinformed peeps You care about.

"God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus." ~ Missionary Jim Elliot

And we also...

PRAY for right motives and attitudes, with pure thoughts. Wanna be uncompromising spiritually and compelled by Your ceaseless agape love.

PRAY for those hurting, confused, hardened and brokenhearted who live right near us!
PRAY for other believers that we know that really need Your supernatural touch today, Your refreshing Words, Your unique uplifting ministry, so that they too will be re-amped so to speak about simply knowing You and helping others.
PRAY for our family members, coworkers, and friends who used to profess you as Lord, but for some reason or another have taken a stride from Your side!
PRAY that we can, by faith, lay up treasures in Heaven, by daily giving heed to Your Word, instead of becoming distracted by lesser things.
PRAY for new strength inside, provision, and better health ..physically, emotionally, and spiritually.. so that we can serve you with godly wisdom, proper zeal and a new vibrancy.
PRAY for those who haven't yet met You, but have indeed met some carnal believers who sadly have misrepresented you with strange attitudes or words, yes, and for those who are currently angry at You and all believers because of this junk.
PRAY for those half committed believes who have one eye on this world's system to meet their needs, instead of both eyes dead-bolted on Jesus to do that providencing.
PRAY for others near us who feel indifferent towards the things of God and do not believe in You at all. Please do whatever it takes to get their attention soon, so that they won't miss out on all You graciously have waiting for them.
PRAY for those who enjoy mocking what's good, and who actively attack believers with anti-Jesus, hateful communications etc. Please stop them in their tracts so they can have at least one glance in Your direction. You did that for angry Saul who instantly became our exceedingly blessed Paul.
PRAY for the lost people around us to soon understand the Scriptures they've heard or will hear, and to grasp what we've been telling them about the Gospel and Jesus Christ, because our time here is so limited and there is so much at stake.

We want to hear "Well done," Father God. We never want to be pushy, Lord, but do want to be found blameless with zero idols.. and be found above reproach and clean as we represent you well among all who will listen ..or not listen. Thank you for the Bible that says, "Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:11-12, nkjv). You can make this happen and be glorified in us. Thanks.

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Heard bad news lately? Need some comfort?

2011-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Are you losing your home and frustrated, or a lover and angry.. or your health, or savings ....or freedom, being locked up behind bars in prison... or have you just found yourself in an impossible situation? Really wish I could encourage you. No worries, Christ can...

"Let not your hearts be troubled…"

Last night I was listening to such horrific news again.. in our nation's capital.. in individual American's lives.. in other lands far away, but at the end of it all the commentator, Sean Hannity, went on to voice those comforting words of Jesus ..as Sean always does. "Let not…[etc.]"

Sure, it's become his custom.

I like that, but didn't so much at first. Even though it feels really odd to hear that after hearing such uber-bad news, it does make ya think of our Lord and where we stand with Him. Hey, you know how Sean is a born again believer (no other kind..) and he is obviously hoping to plant a seed so that all who hear him will become as he is.. yes, filled with hope in spite of it all.

Sadly for those outside of Christ around us today, real bad news will only get worse in the future, and that's why we want to shine brightly and help em. For the real believer, life down here is the closest that we will ever get to experiencing hell. But for unbelievers, life down here on this gorgeous but sin-affected planet where many loving people live, this is the closest that they will come to experiencing heaven. You already know how much suffering down here is not due to one's personal sin (that's why Job's buds blew it) ..some is.. but much of it is due to Adam's sin and this motivates me in wanting to search for words of comfort to give to people.

Don't know about you, but I'm unfortunately no "comforter" but when I'm out of words, I've gotta first concentrate on listening to peeps here, and lots of times that's all God wants me to do. Learnin' how.

But I also like to turn to God's Word for something to minister to people cuz He loves to do this work directly. It's impacting - there's great value in reading His words alone. Then of course I want to turn to the words of saints who've hurt a lot and subsequently sought God for His comfort, and in this God actually ministered to them and turned them into comforters for those hurting around them. I'm sure you do the same, but my heart goes out to you all right now, so hopefully at least one of these statements will be appropriate and fitting for your heart.

"Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus.." (2 Cor. 7:13).

"Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy Word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight" (Ps. 119:76-77).

"These things I (Jesus, the living Word) have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33, kjv. Emphasis mine. Kinda reminds me of Hannity).

"This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy Word hath quickened me" (Ps. 119:50).

"God never gives strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute." ~ Oswald Chambers

"God walks with us. He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there." ~ Gloria Gaither

"In this crazy world, there's an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they're never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the Kingdom." ~ Henri J. M. Nouwen

Yeah, sometimes I'm totally without words when I see what loved ones around me are having to deal with. Amazing I know ..that I can be without words.. but I just don't quite understand what God is doing or why he is allowing all that He is allowing. Let's keep on trusting the Lord to help no matter what.

I really don't understand God's ways so good. Of course He doesn't promise me a peace like the world gives or one that gives understanding; but I'm so grateful for His promises to me of a peace that passes all human understanding. Yep, and I have personally experienced that inner peace during trying times… and admittedly not situations like you are going through.

It's my hope that my faith will grow as I sow to the Spirit with the Bible, in prayer, is fellowship with growing believers at church, and then in sharing my faith as an outgrowth of that. Sometimes I hurt so much that witnessing is not what I feel like doing at all.

But I'm trusting that your faith, and comfort and joy.. and mine as well .. will develop all the more as we pray and seek the Lord through all this junk. He is our victory. Personally, I sure need to grow in wisdom, in grace, and in His unchanging truth. Trials and loss can distract or wear us down. I want my heart to become more tender and less cynical as a result of stealing away to get alone.. yeah, to seek Him whom my heart loves. There've been times when I've had a "He could really give a flip" attitude, but we all need hope for our hurting hearts at times – sometimes hope amidst overwhelming pain. But Christ won't let go. He fully understands, is right there with you, and He has hope for you. He says,

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am" ~ Jesus, (Jn. 14:1–3, nlt).

"Snuggle in God's arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out. let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love… He has held me when I have had no more strength and have wondered how I would ever make it. He has held me when I have felt defeated by all that I had to do. When I have run to my El Shaddai, I have never come away wanting. He is my all-sufficient One. O Beloved, do you understand? Have you experienced Him as your El Shaddai? If not, He is waiting - arms opened wide - for you." ~ Kay Arthur

"You don't have to be alone in your hurt! Comfort is yours. Joy is an option. And it's all been made possible by your Saviour. He went without comfort so you might have it. He postponed joy so you might share in it. He willingly chose isolation so you might never be alone in your hurt and sorrow." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

"The blessed Lord condensed it all into one single message of eternal comfort spoken to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, It is I, be not afraid. He is the antidote to fear; He is the remedy for trouble; He is the substance and the sum of deliverance. We should, therefore, rise above fear. Let us keep our eyes fastened upon Him; let us abide continually in Him; let us be content with Him. Let us cling closely to Him and cry, Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:2). ~ A. B. Simpson

When Jesus spoke these "Let not…" words to His disciples, they were feelin' afraid because one of their own, Judas Iscariot, had just bolted out the door to defect. How disloyal! Ouch! And then Christ basically dropped the bombshell: He was going to leave them. They thought, How can we live in a world without our Lord with us? They just didn't grasp that Jesus was going to the cross to die for their sin and for ours, and then rise again from the dead so that we all (who were born of His Spirit) could have meaning in this life and even hope for beyond the grave.

What was so cool was that Jesus was going to take up residence in their very lives. But at that point, all that they heard was that Jesus was going to leave them. And this just rocked their world and crushed their dreams.

Christ commanded, "Don't let your hearts be troubled." Another rendering from a different translation of this verse would be, "Don't let your heart shudder." In other words Christ was conveying, "In the light of the imminent cross, check it out: Right now it may appear like your world is crashing—it might seem like it's totally falling apart and that evil darkness is succeeding to mow down and over-run you all. But don't let your heart be troubled."

"God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening; when our lives have no music in them, and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, run our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life, to Your honor and glory." ~ Augustine

"In the secret of God's tabernacle no enemy can find us, and no troubles can reach us. The pride of man and the strife of tongues find no entrance into the pavilion of God. The secret of his presence is a more secure refuge than a thousand Gibraltars. I do not mean that no trials come. They may come in abundance, but they cannot penetrate into the sanctuary of the soul, and we may dwell in perfect peace even in the midst of life fiercest storms." ~ Hannah Whitall Smith

"Jesus feels for thee; Jesus consoles thee; Jesus will help thee. No monarch in his impregnable fortress is more secure than the cony in his rocky burrow. The Master of ten thousand chariots is not one whit better protected than the little dweller in the mountain's cleft. In Jesus the weak are strong, and the defenseless safe; they could not be more strong if they were giants, or more safe if they were in heaven. Faith gives to men on earth the protection of the God of heaven. More they cannot need, and need not wish. The conies cannot build a castle, but they avail themselves of what is there already: I cannot make myself a refuge, but Jesus has provided it, His Father has given it, His Spirit has revealed it, and lo, again tonight I enter it, and am safe from every foe." ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Then Jesus told His disciples why they just don't have to be troubled for a second. And it's the reason that we also don't have to retain fear in our hearts: "Trust in God, and trust also in me." In the original language, Greek, this is Christ's command. He was clearly saying, "I know exactly what I am doing here and you can count on My Words for they are absolutely true. You'll see this in good time."

"Your sorrow itself shall be turned into joy. Not the sorrow to be taken away, and joy to be put in its place, but the very sorrow which now grieves you shall be turned into joy. God not only takes away the bitterness and gives sweetness in its place, but turns the bitterness into sweetness itself." ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"We sometimes fear to bring our troubles to God, because they must seem small to Him who sitteth on the circle of the earth. But if they are large enough to vex and endanger our welfare, they are large enough to touch His heart of love. For love does not measure by a merchant's scales, not with a surveyor's chain. It hath a delicacy... unknown in any handling of material substance." ~ Reuben Archer (R. A.) Torrey

His powerful presence is our true solace. These Scriptures and the other words of saints (above) really uplifted me today. It's no time for any of us Christians to give up hope. God's Word is there with you and is here with me to encourage. It's simply time to keep fighting the good fight of faith as Jesus fights for us—the battle is the Lord's. You know it's called a "good" fight cuz we win. So "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pet. 1:3)! ~ kVs

Got Some Trials?

2011-09-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

If you live for Christ and share your faith then you will never have another problem, you will get rich, never become sick, and the majority of people will love you because your faith will have reached a break-through level that will set you above all pain or hurt. Not!

Yeah, that kind of thinking is often taught in churches unfortunately, but it is indeed false. Sorry 'bout that. You will indeed have opposition and trials and more than likely have some suffering. But I do want to encourage you to remain, or to become faithful to Christ just the same. It will be worth it. God in the Bible promises a special blessing and even a crown to those who have suffered for Christ and His Cause in this life.

Remember that, "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (Jam. 1:12).

Have you lost something to follow Christ? I have friends who have lost a lot. Some have even had parents decide that they would no longer be a part of their family anymore when the son believed in Jesus..and then those parents didn't change. Ouch!

Christ lost His life to follow God's will. Can't think of anyone who suffered more than Him to do what was right.

Whatever those losses might be for you.. that you have incurred for following Jesus, guess what… they will be more than made up to you. It all will be made up to you in the life to come..or maybe even during this life down here.

Our earthly life down here ain't all there is and you've gotta believe that, because God's Word is so clear about this. There is another city for you. There will indeed be rewards for your faithfulness to the Lord.

Therefore, "Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness…" (Heb. 3:8). The Bible says:

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (1 Pet. 4:12-13, nkjv).

"…through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

"Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment" (Heb. 11:36).

Have you ever had someone hurt your Christian spouse or another loved one.. repeatedly over the years by selfish decisions or cruel things said or done, and you were not even able to protect or defend them from that weirdness? Perhaps you kept hearing about their pain.. you kept seeing their tears nightly ..and yet you were helpless because State laws were not broken, though laws of basic courtesy, respect, and decency were shattered.

Man, that's even harder to deal with than being hurt yourself by some thug directly. Ain't that right, believer? Sure, because you just feel like baptizing the offender with a baseball bat or headlock and yet God's law of love won't let you do that. God's Spirit won't lead you or me to get in the flesh, cuz the devil would love that. We are not to return evil for evil, but are called to love and pray for our enemies.

Listen to me. Choose to forgive that fool ..in your heart.. even if they won't listen to reason. Why administer the poison to yourself.. I mean what stems from unforgiveness turned bitterness inside? Do sincerely intercede for them. As the Lord leads call the police when laws are broken, when people are in danger and that violator needs to be arrested. Refuse to be an enabler for them, blocking their up close and personal tutorial lesson from the authorities. Love always protects (and that at times calls for action on your part). Some offenders seem to be in such a situation when they can only to be taught of the Lord about respecting people when behind bars.

Just know that God loves you, He sees, is just, is there with you to help you, and that it all will be made up to you in the life to come. This is the reason for our ongoing joy we experience, and why we still desire to go spread the Good News. God's home is trial-free, so we look forward to being there.

Hey, that's what'll make Heaven.. Heaven.

about.me/kVs

Closer and closer

2011-09-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Yearnin', no churnin' or spurnin'. Closer and closer and even closer still.. ain't there yet. Want this.

P. You can have all of me, God, cuz it's what I have to give. More of You today, I pray. What could beat that? Nothin'. Revive and refill us... each one, again. Thank you for the living Word and Your Spirit, Father. Amen.

Reading now.. lookin' for a prayerless revival in the Volume and am not quite comin' up with one. Motivates me. One doesn't seem to appear. Can't find any reformations or national awakenings - no great turning - that've happened minus God's people hittin' it in earnest prayer.

"History is silent about revivals that did not begin with prayer." ~ Edwin Orr

Please pour one out on us again, Lord. "I said to the Lord: 'You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord" (Ps. 140:6).

Lets go fish

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If ya cry out...

2011-09-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

.."fire!" to warn friends, you will indeed get their attention and help the people who know where the door of safety is to be found.

Now.. of course there are a whole lot of religious fruit-loops out there who ignore Christ's Message and courteous, tactful method, but.. if in genuine love ..you do cry out with an equally valid but more important warning ..with that much hated term, "hell" just to warn your peeps.. will they know, or at least know how to quickly find the only Door of Safety?

Hey, lots of times, it's your approach or how you say somethin'. Duh. Hearers are so different from each other with how they prefer to be addressed. So, in bein' true to your own personalty and how they are, in some sorta fitting way do pray in faith for them. Spend time with those who are open instead of closed to the Gospel.

Do compassionately let em know while ya can, sayin'.. "Prepare to meet your God" (Amos 4:12) ..cuz the young people I often talk with feel like they'll live forever. But some of my high school surfer buds sadly ain't there any more. Life is yup, kinda short. And if a person is born once, they'll literally die twice, but if they're born twice and hopefully they will be.. they'll die once (only physically, that is if the Rapture doesn't happen first). O believer, it is not a lasting death for you to die. You will for real.. live forever. Your last breath on earth, will become your first breath in heaven. The Bible says…

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

"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. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul." Ezek. 33:8-9, facebook.com/shareJesus

Goin' fishin' with other fishers can be lots of fun

2011-09-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

I still love fishin' in the ocean and in lakes. How about you? It's fun to do this with other fishers. But you know that the best type is not in goin' after fish.

It's for my friends and for yours, but in the right kinda way. Are you lookin' out for them ahead of yourself? Do you take the time to pray for them? Not trying to "guilt you" here, just wanna encourage you in this. Is there any more loving thing you can do for em? Yes, this matters more cuz they matter more.

Just thinkin' about how every disciple is a believer, but not every believer is a real disciple. Many today call themselves disciples or believers or apostles or prophets etc, but are ignoring the Bible and living for themselves and this temporary world's system. It would appear that the vast majority of people on earth are not even believers in Christ.

Are you a disciple who is spiritual? The Bible says, "Jesus called out to them [His followers], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'" (Matt. 4:19).

If not, then there is a solution. Christ said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it" (Matt. 7:13). He cares gobs and wants to make into His disciple - a non-pushy, not religious, non-flaky kindafisher for Him and His Cause. Need more info? Got enough courage to check this out in His Word and talk it over with Him?

kurtwvs.tumblr.com

Please Remember the Bhoi People of India

2011-09-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

They need Christ and some churches. Ever consider cross cultural missions involvement in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd world ..on some level? Dare ya if I may… yeah, with all due respect.. please pray for this wonderful people group. Intercede for those who will go to the Bhoi, Hindu people of India.

Many of them have never heard - many do not yet know the Savior who loves them and has a plan for each one of their lives. There very well could be zero followers of the Bible Jesus among the Hindu Bhoi community at present, but they are loved as much as you and I are loved. That's why Christ tell us to go tell.

Let's be diff and pray that the Bhoi community will be able to care adequately for their families. Pray they will make Bible teaching and good schooling a priority for their children, so that their children will be equipped to live in modern times.

"That all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else." ~ 1 Kings 8:60

Jesus was so earnest when He said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mk. 16:15). He of course has joy, but knows that our time is limited and people are so on His heart.

Startin' at age 18 in Dana Point California, I've had the privilege of going all around this globe to live it and let people know the Good News about the cross and Christ's saving love. No greater love to be had. And if I had it to do all over again, I'd do it again gladly. Rewarding to the max - I still pray and do this. Did I gain family members and good friends? Yes, many in Europe, South America and all over.

Did I lose any friends? A few, but they were never my real friends anyways. facebook.com/shareJesus

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

2011-08-29T20:56:00.001-07:00

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.

Time To Wake Up By Chuck Smith

2011-08-19T11:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

..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.

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WANNA GET WITH THEE ULTIMATE FISHER…

2011-08-18T07:53:00.001-07:00

..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

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

2011-08-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

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

Rioting In London. Uber-Horrific!

2011-08-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

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).

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

2011-08-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

..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...

2011-08-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

..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?

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