Kurt von Schleicher

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  • Ain't forgetful like some weakened elderly man struck by dementia.. no, God is alert and thinking about you every moment of this day!

    May 16, 13

    "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." ~ Isaiah 49:15-16

    Man, praise God He has zero memory loss!

    Indulge me for a sec as I brag on my excellent wife Liney who has taken it upon herself to remember and rescue stray dogs runnin' around our streets that many owners have simply forgotten or unintentionally lost. She has empathy for em and for neighbors and coworkers who often show up on our doorstep.

    Often times I return home to find new and strange looking furry faces with whiskers and tongues hangin' out in my backyard (I mean the animals here) as she's inside on the phone trying to locate their owners.

    Sure, as a little girl in Northern Colorado she has seen dogs and cats severely mistreated and hurt by callous teenagers throwing things at them etc.. and I guess that's where all started. And now ..among many other great things she does.. she so easily makes lots of friends when she simply takes time for their pets.  

    So, would you mind if I asked you.. Have ya ever felt abandoned, harassed, bullied, lost like a stray.. or like no one even cares about you? Hey, I'm not totally sure why people turn mean, get hurtful or abandon others, but God's great love certainly won't ditch you and His kind presence is assured. I assert that you can trust Him 24/7/365. Let's pray…

    Lord God, I am so grateful for Your selfless rescuing kinda love, and for Your never-failing empathy that was actually turned into the most positive action when You sent Christ to Calvary's cross to address our greatest need—for forgiveness. Thanks that You then raised up Him alive from the tomb on the third day. I appreciate it that You protect us, and never bail out on us, or get negligent when some people have. Father, thank You for Your never-failing presence—help each of us come to rest in our relationship with You, and with Christ who genuinely cares for all people. Makes us the kind of tactful, pro-active rescuers that Christ perfectly exemplified when He walked the dirty paths of this earth. Yes do so please, in Jesus' Name, amen.

    Never forget that God faithfully promises His kids that He will never leave us (Deut. 31:8). He will be close to us no matter wherever we go, no matter wherever He leads.. yes, "always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). As you give your heart to Christ and seek to know and serve Him, He indeed has your back.

    You know that flawed men can falter in the area of commitments, but God won't ever falter or change in His eternal commitment to His children. Yeah, even if we've been abandoned by others, or have done the abandoning in the past He loves you. And each of us can find forgiveness and strong confidence in His Bible promise.. that nothin' nowhere will ever "separate us from [His] love" (Rom. 8:35-39). I say, Come as you are with a willingness to be cleansed and changed by Him. facebook.com/shareJesus
  • Have you lost a loved one and aren't really sure what to think? Need some comfort?

    Apr 28, 13

    "How blessed are those who mourn, because it is they who will be comforted!"
    

    We just lost a loved one, Dutch Suckley, my little sister's 24 year old son. He witnessed and went through a lot and suffered loss himself at a very young age. I can't really imagine what his life must have been like all that well. But several are shedding many tears now and will greatly miss him in the days to come. 

    Wasn't perfect - we aren't either.  

    You understand how God can truly be honored in our grieving process as we each draw close to Him and put His Word first. And He can completely comfort us too ..by His Spirit.. the Comforter.. the Spirit of truth.. as we wisely cooperate in love. 

    I really don't want you hurting. Why not..we all "do a search" if you will ..yeah, in our hearts and put away any sin if there (you remember how the Bible says we've all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God - we've come short of His righteousness [right living and right standing]), any idols (that we place in His spot), along with any illicit drug or wrong alcohol use, or any hatred of people, or foulness that might emerge on the lips at times, or any selfishness, or pride, or any willful independence from the Lord.. asking Him for His free forgiveness. I mean only if we haven't and need that. 

    Let's fully trust in the Jesus of the Bible now more and more and be / become guided by God's Holy Scriptures whether we choose to honor Him one way or another, yes, in this church or in that one...whether our flesh feels like it or not. God wants you safe from that junk! 

    Why not remember that people need some latitude to grieve in many ways and let em. I'm gunna try my best. 

    You know that God can bring a lot of good out of the very worst of situations if we call out to Him and obey. Roman's 8:28-29 is good, was inspired and it's fortunately still right there in the Bible. And Him continuing to be Lord for us, and even becoming Lord and Savior for many new people during this time is so important to God. It's really on His heart now. Please know that He can't make us do this or that, didn't do anything wrong, but so wants to bring healing, answers, real solace, salvation and restoration to as many hurting people as possible. Will we take heed and let Him?

    I don't know how it's been where you are, but a whole lot has been going on with several people around my family. To me it would seem that God is really working so that many will give their lives over to Him, but the enemy is also working to bring confusion, to exacerbate the pain as well as to capitalize if you will on the unbiblical false beliefs, the uncertainty, and the chaos.  

    I praise God that everyone is rad-different from each other and that God honors our decisions. And I pray that God will win big as together we do what's honorable, and pray and diligently seek His face. I pray that He will somehow maximize on what went wrong, but bring what's right and bright out of the darkness. Kinda hard to explain. 

    "Thanks be to God, not only for 'rivers of endless joys above, but also for 'rills of comfort here below.'" ~ Adoniram Judson
    

    "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you." Psalms 55:22

    "God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble." Psalms 46:1

    "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting ALL your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 kjv

    "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?" Psalms 56:8 

    "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you..'" ~ Jesus, Jn. 14:16-18

    
    

    "..Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalms 30:5

    
    

    A whole lot seems to be happening around us (..perhaps much of that is common with funerals etc.) that we can't fully understand. Lots of emotions have been stirred up this week for classmates and family members. Tears and more tears. I hate to seem people I love hurting. But let's not start to bitterly blame certain others for this or that or for not doing this or that as so many people choose to do in other places and situations like this. 

    As you know, the one who seems to recover more quickly will weep the more deeply ..adding in faith-filled supplications with it. But it is not the one pointing a finger of accusation at this one or that one. God didn't make all of us police personnel with the duty to find out what really happened, so we can prevent it in the future.     

    I pray for the comfort of my mom, Betty (Dutch's generous grandmother), for my dad, Kim (his generous and wise grandfather), for dear Lisa Kathy's very best friend and for his brother Kody now, that they all will accept the powerful ministering grace of God... and that God will make each of our grieving time like a bittersweet experience of communion with Christ who also suffered deeply. Matthew tells us that when Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded, "he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself" (Matthew 14:13). So he knows exactly what it is to go with you there.

    We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize. But He stands ready to accept and warmly embrace for He was also tested in every way as we are — including loss. facebook.com/shareJesus

    
    
    
  • We live, we love. We share His love that comes down from above.

    Apr 25, 13

    
    Yeah, let's GET OUT and do what we were meant to do, what we were designed to do.. were planned to do.
    
    Thanks be to God for his inexpressible, wonderful, unspeakable gift - eternal and very abundant life in the Son. 
    
    Yeah ..the gift is not like the trespass. There is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious Gift.
    
    For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Yes, there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam (the first Adam), brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man (the last Adam), Jesus Christ. And because of Him and His finished work at Calvary...
    
    We live and forgive.. we share the LOOOVE that comes down from abooove..not with some kinda mean shove. #dove 
    
    This life..it's such a gift! 
    
    Why should any of us recklessly live for self or pleasure or hang tight with the wrong company when that only negatively influences us in a whacked direction? Why should we take life for granted? Instead, let us full-on hang tight with Christ and His growing kinda people (not the fake ones, hurting others n living how they want to) at His house of love. In #church #livethelife facebook.com/shareJesus
    
    
    
  • Have you been feelin' down and depressed lately? Hey, got some up-lift for ya!

    Apr 24, 13

    Have you been troubled? How troubled, how down ..and for how long? Had some stress, loss or failure lately? Have you seen a doctor ...or better yet (or perhaps in addition to that).. have you run to visit the Great Physician (Christ) first? That's so advisable! He can do more and knows much better. 

    
    

    He might not heal everyone out there on this side of eternity, but He does heal people. Need some healing, hope or comfort? Ask in faith. 

    
    

    I want you to know that in no way are you alone in your sufferings. You are not an orphan, believer. God cares, He has a good plan, and He will not leave you there alone. Please know that Christ not only bore all of our sins up on that tree at Calvary, He also bore all of our sorrows, distresses, and heartaches... therefore fully cast all of your cares upon Him who indeed cares for you.    

    
    

    You know it's been pretty crazy out there in the world lately. People all over need new hope, a touch, some protection and fresh vision. As I've been watching our world ..that's more and more gone far astray, I often wonder how savage will our times be? Do you as well? Yeah, I just get curious about this. 

    
    

    "O come on, be positive, Kurt. Why should we think about those real issues that we and our troubled communities experience?" 

    
    

    Well some say "It'll be better", but in reality it's going to get worse ...before it gets better for believers. 

    
    

    Hearts down here will fail for fear. Lawlessness and iniquity will become more rampant than before and the love of many people will literally wax cold. We are already seeing countless young (and not so young) people suffer due to being deceived. They have all the latest tech widgets n toys and really hurting hearts. Many fathers have unreasonably ditched em. In fact minors, young adults and yes countless older folks say on a fixed income (pre-cost-of-Obamacare kickin' in) like never before have been running in the wrong direction ..away from their Heavenly Father for pleasure, for the world, for money, for some security etc. Some have long, long, no really long-term just turned away from their own folks and family members who love them. You know, they're quick to make their new lovers or misguided gang-banger buds their new families. Where did purity, responsibility, and wise maturity go? Where is faithfulness, loyalty, and stability any more?

    
    

    Yes, these are now savage, perplexing, and for many people even desperate times. Other countries from centuries gone by would have already quickly repented and humbly returned to God by now if they had only seen what we are now seeing.. but us? No, we are too advanced for that (stubbornly, arrogantly independent, self-loving (too much), all kindsa pleasure-loving, and sin-loving (but not calling it sin - man, I've been there). Who was it here that turned the term "selfishness" into "fulfillment"? Why don't we as a people actually hang a U-turn back to God and to His Bible? We've been killing millions of babies (as uber-sexual and porn-grasping societies have done before). We've been teachin' our kids in our schools that they come from animals and then we scratch our heads in surprise and wonder why they go act like animals breedin' with so to speak (strangers even, minus marriage commitment) growling, clawin' at  (bullyin' like they see in their violent vid-games) and devouring each other.. youth killin' kids and other youth. It happens at the movies, in clubs , in wild house parties, on campuses and at now marathons like the one in Boston. Hello! With all due respect, it's time to board the clue-bus Mr. President and America.   

    
    I talked with and prayed for Sam today, a bright young man under 25 years of age from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Really enjoyed it. Great guy!
    

    
    

    He has been struggling tryin' to get out of a hefty bout with depression. He really wants to serve the Lord in complete freedom now, so he has just recommitted his life over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I believe that God will bless, comfort, restore and use Sam soon. I just encouraged him to read, meditate upon, pray over, and memorize verses in the Word of God daily... also to pray and mean it (developing close relationship and fellowship upwards), to go find fellowship with other growing believers. 
    

    
    

    But perhaps you too have been fighting some depression and want to be liberated. It can happen as you simply call out to and look to the Lord. He's real good at that kind of setting free. Would you mind if I shared a few verses that I shared with Sam on this subject? I think they will bless you. 

    
    

    The Bible says, "The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" (Prov. 18:14).
    
    

    "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:4-5).
    
    
    

    "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.." (2 Cor. 4:8-9).
    
    
    

    "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God.." (Gal. 2:20).

    
    

    I hope these edify you gobs like they did me. I don't know how it currently is where you live, but here in the States where I am there is Jihad-terrorism. a lot of anxious unrest, partying, countless people feeling really down cuz they are out of work. There's some chaos and confusion (you know, that accompanies some of that stuff), real fear of the future and of lack and of failure. This is pretty prevalent now. And Americans are sadly 'snapping' by the millions. Yes, I run into so many and really feel for em. It's been distressing, savage and perplexing kinda times here lately, but Christ is still the same. He is the Answer for any of us no matter the question or need (see 21|25-27 in Luke). 

    
    

    Now, I am not at all a medical professional who can precisely tell you about the chemical balance of your body or what you need in that area, but I know that discouragement and depression are probably responsible for more pain, anguish and distress than any other affliction of mankind of our era. Listen to one of my heroes...

    
    

    "Discouragement often comes when we don't get our own way or when things don't work out the way we want them to. The children of Israel thought that because they were God's children they should be spared adversity and trouble, that Canaan should be captured without a struggle. But this was not God's plan. It never is. We must be willing to die to self before we can know the real meaning of life. We must often bleed (so to speak) before we can be blessed, and a cross must be endured before the crown is to be worn. Discouragement is the very opposite of faith. It is Satan's device to try to thwart the work of God in your life. Discouragement blinds our eyes to the mercy of God and makes us perceive only the unfavorable circumstances." ~ Billy Graham

    
    "So Kurt, is there a way to dispel this dark blighting cloud of depression and discouragement? Kurt, are you saying that God can deal with this sort of thing the best?" That's exactly what I'm saying and that He also might lead you to some more help after you first turn to Him. Yes there is a way out, but if you are counting on your own power or inner strength and clever ingenuity to do this alone.. guess what Buckeroo.. you won't be real successful in that effort. Yeah, you'd sadly be doomed to continue feelin' down and discouraged longer (..and that's not at all what I want for you). The Bible says, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Ps. 27:14). 
    

    
    

    One good way that helps me when I get feeling down or depressed is to remember that Jesus Christ is coming again... coming first in the clouds with the Rapture of the Church and then in His Second Advent. It seems obvious to many that the birth-pangs He spoke of are increasing in intensity and in frequency. And scientists have confirmed this (no worries, I won't set any date). 

    
    

    Yup, the most thrilling thing - a way-glorious truth is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It will be soon I'm pretty sure. Look around today and you might see gobs of pessimism on every side, but we all need to remember that the Bible is the only book in the world ..even among all religions that there are.. that accurately predicts what will happen in the future. God has thus far got it right 100% of the time and He will continue to. That's why we can trust what it says. He wants to hangout real tight with you and never part ways.  
    

    
    

    Christ boldly told us, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3).
    
    And God also gives us this prayer from King David to encourage us, "..O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me"..."Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!" (See Ps. 38:1-4 and it's context plus 21-22 nkjv).

    
    Listen, if you've suffered loss ..little or much.. if your life or heart is just aching, dark, depressing and gloomy today, Christ can turn your dark clouds inside out. Yup, you've heard it all before I'm sure, but He can turn your whole situation around in a heart-beat. It's true. The bright shining sunlight of His agape-love and grace can still shine through to you. Yes, into that darkest part of your life to help you ..get up, try again or simply go forwards. Sure, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (Jn. 8:12).
    
    As it was with the Jews of Israel out in the wilderness back in the day, we too believers, are travelers off to the Promised Land. Weren't made to stay in beat-down-defeat, depression, self-pity and unbelief. No way! Christ is our loyal Guide encouraging us to advance walking in victory, in the Spirit, in compassion, in faith, in His unchanging Word... and not one day in the flesh! And check it out.. as the Israelites did all their traveling through that vast dry desert area in order to cross over and "arrive," the Bible tells us, "The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way" (Ex. 13:21). So keep on asking Him to be Lord of every area of your life, and to lead you through as well. He'll do it.. Jesus so wants to bless you and more than you want to be blessed by Him! Never forget that you were not made to be in that barren wilderness permanently. No, no! You were made for God.. to worship and glorify Him. You matter gobs! There is a purpose for you. And hey, while we're at it.. longing for that better country ..a heavenly one.. while looking forward to that city which hath foundations whose Architect and Builder is God (Heb. 11:10 & 16).. yeah, while purposely exiting this dry fruitless turf for our home in Heaven, let's together do our best to know Him n bring some other weary travelers along with us. Sure, labor in love now while lives are so at stake, fully kick-back, feast and off-the-chain-celebrate (Rev. 19:9) with the Groom then. Sounds reasonable huh.. cuz it is! 

    
    

    Want some prayer today? I'd be glad to pray for you. I'd be honored really. We can together pray for your life and future. God says, "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). Leave a comment below. 
  • "No way, there's gotta be multiple options on that. We be about options, Kurt!" Well Buckeroo, not on this entrance. Think again. There's only One really beneficial Option.

    Apr 22, 13

    Basic stuff:  It really shouldn't be taken as arrogant or rudely presumptuous when our loving Creator and Giver of life says He's the only way, but in these whacko I'll-do-what-I-wanna-do-cuz-I'm-the-only-ruler-of-my-life kinda times.. I ran into a guy on the street who actually felt this statement was. 
    

    Q:  Would a fireman simply doin' his duty inside a burnin' house be for one second taken as "offensive" at all if he was merely pointing the endangered inhabitants to the only fire-exit? Naww he wouldn't.. not so much. And a fire-person doesn't even love (like God does us) the ones he's dealing with.  

    Not at all arrogantly but factually, Jesus Christ boldly claimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!" A lot of people in my Land say, "Yeah, I can go with God but not with Jesus, but really there ain't another way to he Father God." Simply put, Christ said, “If you see Me, you have seen the Father.” Real basic stuff here. 

    
    

    Other religions give people must-dos, traditions, dead rituals, and sometimes very strict rules to live by, but none of them offers the ultimate Solution to man’s wrong-doin's and that old nature inside (sin), or shows us the way to get home to God our loving Father. But Jesus not only shows us the way, He IS the way—yes, believe it or not.. the ONLY way.

    
    

    Check it out. If your choice made a difference in this life only, it wouldn’t really matter all that much. But Jesus, as God the sinless Son, is THE representative of the One God, Creator of you and of everything, and as we have already seen, our decision to follow Jesus (or reject Him outright or by putting the decision off - yup, the Gospel is an accept or reject, believe with commitment or turn-down, either-or proposition) does have eternal results or consequences if ya will. facebook.com/shareJesus

    
    
    
  • Need prayer?

    Apr 23, 13

    When I was 17 years old while attending Dana Hills High a believer offered to pray for me and guess what... it made a difference. Yeah, God did.. by revealing Himself to me (not in some spooky personal 3D appearance), but in a personal kinda way that was just right for me at the time.

    
    

    Since that time He has graciously met so many needs of mine. And He will for you as well.  

    
    So, what have you been going through lately? Anything you care to discuss? Are you trying hard to live the Christian life and feel tempted lately, or have you been seeking to make an impact on others for Him..and it's rebuff-city. Hey, no matter. Whether you're a believer or not...

    
    

    I would love to pray for you.. for sure and earnestly ..if you don't mind.  Would be honored to.  Simply comment back (below) or just send me a private message to let me know how I can intelligently pray for you ..and I will indeed keep it private. God bless you.

    
    
    

    You know how prayer is basically to-the-point two way communication between a human and the God who made them. It's not about putting faith in faith, or in a formula, but it does take faith in the Lord. And He loves to hear from any of us, at anytime. He is full of compassion and understands. The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing. The fellowship-union is to remain unbroken.

    
    

    
    

    Biblical faith is about a sound belief expressed to God through Christ.. plus taking the right action as He directs. It's about thanking God and letting God know what you need.

    
    

    Who do you look to to meet your needs? Do you in part look to God and in part look to another? In unity, lets' ask Him together for you.. looking solely to the Lord as our Source cuz that's what on-fire Christians do and more importantly that's what He desires.

     

    You know that asking Him is a rule of the Kingdom – it's God's ordained way for His kids to get good needed stuff from Him.

    
    

    Even if you've gotten a "No" before, together let's ask again. God say's, "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jer. 33:3)

    
    

    Faith sees what could be – it's the substance of things hoped for and faith has no back door. We can exercise our faith muscles so to speak by trusting the Lord. And God honors the faith that comes from hearing His Word and then we give Him all the glory.

     
    

    facebook.com/shareJesus
  • Cruisin' through the book of Luke on this Android tab this morning...

    Apr 18, 13

    ..and I'm thinkin' of Christian husbands some, who get fully rejected and basically excluded (not me..) due to a hypocritical partner's religiously justified (yes erroneously).. embraced-lie of "My spouse is mentally ill" along with an underlying but blatant root of bitterness that constantly pains deeply n torments thoroughly.. or something like that...

    .. that self, and friends, and independence, and money, and no amount of personal busyness can comfort or get expelled and that no church affiliation anywhere will erase, or extinguish, or cover. But you know that God can certainly reward both sides equitably / accordingly, and can comfort and deliver and can certainly weed-out any such root when asked.

    Also thinkin' of all the tears I've seen shed by believing parents whose kids outright slander, ditch, neglect and mock them.. perhaps due to the same root.. or something like that.. and who reject and literally longterm-replace their parents with fawning strange enabler-friends and worldly lovers for no good reason. But you know that God can certainly reward both sides equitably / accordingly, and can comfort and deliver and can certainly weed-out any such root when asked.

    As the perfect parent.... He waits and teaches patiently when allowed to teach.. for each of us. He did and does for me.

    Musin' over current fathers and parent-friends of mine locally (imperfect like me).. more than one set.. who have had the same type of thing happen to them.. or something like that.. due to a loved one's serious chemical abuse. Got a call regarding this last night. Heart-breaking story. Tears. Gulping and more tears.

    Year after year they wait and pray and wait for that son or daughter to come to their senses a bit... and hope and try to compensate or fill-in somehow for perhaps a hurting little, innocent, abandoned grandchild who doesn't know why the most important person in their life who said they really loved.. totally bailed-out minus any explanation.

    Some parents I know have had to slaughter the fattened calf multiple times and are there waiting again year after year. And I just wish I could hug and somehow encourage them with God's Word.

    Feeling so very grateful here.. as I hunt and peck with scared index finger.. for a tender-hearted believing wife who has always been above reproach and above hurting, pettiness, abuse and self-seeking. These days good-example-parents are gettin' harder to find it seems.

    But if this in any way kinda describes you (above) , just know that Christ understands, will indeed reward and can help.

    "Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, 'God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours... God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh. What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.'" http://bible.us/116/LUK6.20.NLT

    www.facebook.com/shareJesus
    

  • If you were once close to God, but now are not...

    Apr 11, 13

    ..if you were once an effective witness for Jesus Christ, but now ..somehow you are not.. if you once walked with the Lord, but then stumbled and fell down.. you know, got all bruised with skinned up knees so to speak but not really due to praying. 
    
    Then get back up. Run to the Word of God, not away from Him. Run to church, not away from a decent church ..yeah, even if the enemy accuses you and says you're way too hypocritical and dirty to run to Him again. Ignore. Shun. Resist. Reject Mr. Lu-Cifer. 

    
    

    Never allow what that loser says keep you away from your first-love, or from fellowship with other growing believers.  

    "Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." Mk. 9:50

    Just confess, honestly repent, and go on tight with Jesus. "With Christ" as your leader, not you as His. He will indeed restore the joy, the harmony and the peace for you. He hasn't stopped caring. 
    

    "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 Jn. 1:9, nkjv

    "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." Rev. 2:5

    "Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'"  Lk. 9:62

    Please remember that the Lord isn't surprised, or angry (..it's cuz of the cross) or like us. He is limitless in His Love for you and He is perfect too. He understands fully and will bless again. He shows flawless compassion as well as beautiful agape and mercy to you and me.. yes, in so SO many ways. If another believer or leader has let you down (and they will from time to time), it's no time for you to stay down. Forgive them just like you have been. Sure, it's time to get closer to God than ever before.. looking to Him to meet all your needs. 

    
    

    Stop and think about it. Was there actually a time in your personal history when you were more on-fire for Jesus.. more all-out in-love with Jesus.. more enamored and focused on Him? ..well, decide right now to get with Him again and get much closer than that. Don't wait or procrastinate. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and do things His way this time. Worship and serve on His terms (according to the Bible) instead of on your own. 
    

    "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Jam. 4:8 

    "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.." Heb. 12:15

    "'My wayward children,' says the Lord, 'come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.' 'Yes, we're coming,' the people reply, 'for you are the Lord our God.'" Jer. 3:22

    "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:9-11 

    I appeal in love. I'm not talking down to you, but it's no time for excuses, self-righteousness, or human rationalizations now. It's simply time to return as you are, to be free, cleansed, confident, absolutely fearless and go tell others about Jesus Christ.. while we still have some time. facebook.com/shareJesus
  • You go ..paid professional. We're for you. Do it. Amen.

    Apr 04, 13

    Go to it Pastor! You do the work of the ministry inside and outside of the local church and we will be the cheerleaders. Go, fight, win...em!
    #NoLetsHelpHimOutSoGodIsGlorified
    
    The world doesn't trust Bible teaching churches or spiritually mature pastors. But each para-church minister and real disciple needs to cooperate with and support their healthy Bible teaching local church. And church pastors need not cooperate with or support any para-church minister or so called disciple who refuses to work with or cooperate with the church. 
    
    The biblical way into God's Church isn't by shaking a preacher's hand or filling out a card, but people must be born (again) into it. "But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him." 
    
    

    It's God who builds the church (His church). He gives the increase. And He uses humble people with His Message and right motives (...and our motives are revealed by the sacrifices that we each make. The only acceptable motive in God's service is love).
    
    He delights to use people that love His Word, love people, and love His church. He uses men on the move (publicly and from house to house). When was the last time you were out on the move for Jesus Christ?
    
    He uses praying twice-born earnest people that are led by His Spirit.. who are models of the faith. He doesn't bless hypocracy and pretense, so be real. Be sincere. facebook.com/shareJesus
    
  • Don't mind forfeitin' Gucci, Boss or Armani Haute Couture for real love in it's place. God, what could be better than You and Your likeness to wear?

    Apr 04, 13

    Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ~ Paul, 3|14col
    

    
    

    Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity. Love like there's no tomorrow, and if tomorrow comes, love again. ~ Max Lucado
    
    

    The Holy Spirit is all about formin' the likeness of Christ in you and me, and He ain't never been a wimpy quitter. 

    
    

    It all starts after our most important decision is made to repent and believe as we are born for a second time. Yup, He greatly desires.. not that we try to look like the world in order to allure those who are lost in this world.. but for us to simply look like Christ in our character, in the way we express ourselves, in our demeanor, in our private and public prayer lives, as well as in our deeds and attitude. 

    
    

    Forget all that striving to starve and look as the world says you should look - that's not the primo image. Feast on God's Word and become satisfied... content and full of joy! 

    
    

    Of course none of us will become "deity" as some so called churches teach (LDS are far off), but bein' conformed into Christ's image, and in how we live in fellowship with the Lord is what's important (see Romans 8|29). 

    
    

    As a natural outworking of our biblical worship and two way vertical relationship, God can use us to attract others into His Kingdom when we by faith put on the attributes of Jesus. You know.. put on His righteousness, His agape love (v.14), His tender mercies, His patience (Col. 3|12), His kindness, His humility, His meekness, His holy lifestyle. Listen, the Father so loves you just the way you are, and He accepts you whenever you approach Him as you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. That's a good thing. He pours His love in us - He changes us as we simply cooperate.  facebook.com/shareJesus
  • Young, old, or in between we can receive a clear vision!

    Mar 27, 13

    Sure, and we can be fruitful in Christ if we ask and remain faithful. Worship, and then witness of His great love.

    "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit."John 15:8

    And remember this you who have been unfaithful. He, Jesus, remains faithful still. So confess and get back up all you weary with brushed or skinned up knees. He, the true vine, is our hope.

    "Only the truth that in life we have spoken, only the seed that on earth we have sown; these shall pass onward when we are forgotten, fruits of the harvest and what we have done." ~ Bonar www.facebook.com/shareJesus
    

  • Lassen Sie uns in die Gegenwart Gottes kommen, und dann nach her ..Freundschaften mit Andre aufbauen.

    Mar 23, 13

    
    

    Unfreundlichen Menschen kümmern sich nur um sich selbst, sie schlagen an den gesunden Menschenverstand.

    
    

    Ein Mann mit Freunden muss sich freundlich sein und bleiben wenn er Freunde behalten will.
    

    
    

    "Man kann nicht in deiner Ecke des Waldes auf andere zu warten, um Sie kommen, um zu bleiben. Du musst nach die Leute manchmal gehen." ~ Herr A.A. Milne
  • It's Better to Get In God's Presence To Enjoy His Friendship First And Then Go Make Other Friends For Him.

    Mar 23, 13

    Yeah, after the seeking comes the serving ...after the prayer comes the power. I know I need constant reminders to be prayerfully and then carefully make other friends along the way. Jesus lived like this. He indeed was in fellowship with His Father before making other friends when He walked upon this earth (he also had some enemies due to telling the truth..). If we can act and think and talk and walk like He did, then we too can make an impact on others here for the glory of our Heavenly Father.
    

    
    

    A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly...A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire (nkj), he pursues selfish ends (niv). Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense (nlt).
    

    
    

    And I really think you would agree with me here... it is basically selfish not to sow love in the area of friendships, when the Lord has already commanded us to love others as we love ourselves. Of course He is the Friend that sticks closer than a brother and will never let us down. He is the one we are to love most ahead of all other friends or things and it glorifies Him when believers show proper love to others around them. It's simply about being a good witness.  
    

    
    

    "You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." ~ A.A. Milne
    

    "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!" ~ Psalm 139:7 nlt

    
    

    We all can enjoy His presence before all the distractions come our way..  God, help us seek and focus on You first. With You here is wonderful ...it's exactly where I wanna be. Yes, close, not far away. With no type of bars to impede.. that's holding me back. Nearer. Lookin' to... you, expectantly. Filled with wonder, filled to overflowing with Your Spirit..and.. in awe of You alone. I'd like that. Can I ask You a few questions too.. dear God?
    What's on Your mind today?.. where would You have me be?..with whom.. and what would You have me to do?..and how?
    Would love to know. Restore to me the JOY of my salvation. Lookin' in Your love letter - I see truth, and joy and love..and miracles, and good deeds post saving faith.  Wonderful.. that You can still communicate with us in a way that we each can understand. Wanna please You, no ifs ands or buts about it. Listening. Please speak. Ain't so good at this... but my ears are attentive. Happy.. that You've never not been good, or present, or kind, or wise, or patient, or holy, or considerate, or Helpful ..and P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L! So wanting to be a part, Lord. Where will You be at it? Can I go?Amazing! You've never not been around me or us... never not had our best interests at heart. How super-cool is that! Glad ...that we don't have to make an appointment, or wait in a boring line, or act all sublime... and that You're always right on time! I've been late.. in more than one state. Blessed.. that You're always mine and meeting needs.. sometimes before I even see. Stoked ...that I'm Yours and always will be, and that Your grace sets me free. You will decree.. and others also ..will be. How smart! Grateful Lord.., that I can always run to You with anything that's on my heart and You will gladly impart. Yeah, so thankful Father, that You never freak... but are ever present and ready to hear us any moment, or minute, or time of week... Your power to display... whenever we call out to You and seek. O God of the universe, what are You thinkin' about today? And on this planet where are You working?... and how are You? Curious. Please revive and restore. I bow willingly...gladly. Will You put me in the middle of what You are doing? Sure can't hurt to ask You, trusting that You have the best response to my request. Always. Wanna make a difference. Do what You want in and through me.. as I enjoy your presence, Lord. No matter where we go or what time it is, we indeed can depend on Your presence, Jesus. When we come directly to the Father via the Son, there is no waiting line before us—God's ears are always wide open to our pleas for mercy.

    
    

    "You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from Your presence!" Ps. 139:7-8 nlt

    
     

    "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice." Ps. 55:17 nlt Facebook.com/shareJesus
  • You matter to God... and so does everyone else.

    Mar 13, 13

    Never consider yourself more loved, more valuable, more important, or better than anyone else for even one second even if you are, during this moment of time, better-off than some people around you. 

    
    

    "None of us is more important than the rest of us." ~ Ray Kroc 

    
    

    
    For God so loved the world... see 3|16 jn.
    
  • Christ in you.. He's not some secret to be kept ..doesn't want that..

    Feb 28, 13

    ...but He was and is compassionate, and wants us to live as He did. Just filled with His love that ain't passive in regards to others. 

    
    

    He alone is bright, our hope of glory, our shining light. He's the greatest Reason for you and me to rejoice in and even to go tell about! Yes, He does want that. 
    

    
    

    "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the darkness." ~Jesus  (John 12:46)
    

    
    Feelin' determined today, and vertically dependent, and imperfect ..as I am ..but O so accepted! 
    
    Entering His rest and then goin' public with this Person, with this love, with this joy, and with His Message - what a great idea! Arise and shine!
    
    I typed out a quickie-devo for ya and then "took it audio" (ok, so it was early and still dark out. Perhaps better next time)." But Christ was a man of compassion. Let's think like, act like, speak like, and be like Him. Why not? facebook.com/shareJesus
    
  • But.. What Should I Even Ask For?

    Feb 25, 13

    If ye shall ask any thing in my Name, I will do it. ~ Jesus 14|14john
    
    PRAY for mistreated, persecuted and tortured Christians. Yup, sadly it's still happening to many around the world and might happen a lot more in years to come.  
    
    PRAY for people starving and without any clean water. Basic stuff. Pray about helping those who are already doin' a good job at helping em, and who are sharing the Good News as well.
    
    PRAY for orphans and widows. God doesn't want you or any of them lonely or out in the cold in any way. 
    
    PRAY for your nation's leaders cuz man, you know how they are. They and the people (who perhaps voted em into their positions) all really need it these days.
    
    PRAY for boldness, discernment, compassion, and God's great wisdom. The world really needs to see your witness Church now more than ever.. as individuals in Christ and collectively as His body. 
    
    PRAY for your friends to turn and trust CHRIST TODAY.. then put shoe leather to your faith and gently go talk with em. Ask God to guide you as He so desires to. 
    
    P.S.  Believer, need "community" and some encouragement? Visit here.. or..
    

    facebook.com/shareJesus
  • At least let em see two things with us.

    Feb 25, 13

    Church, what do those in the world need to see from us—I mean from our collective witness?

    1.) They need to see that in unity we genuinely love one another and that this great agape compassion is also directed towards them as well.

    Jesus prayed, "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one.."
    The Bible says, "Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace." Yikes, how do we do that? We go to the cross, die (to our own way and fickle opinions..) and to Him who on it demonstrated real love for all. 

    When they see this non-selfish type of love, they will indeed be drawn in. 

    2.) Might sound kinda religious, but they also need to see that we are joyously holy because we serve a very holy God.

    "For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"

    Holy is happy! And both aspects need to clearly be seen with us today, and even thoroughly taught on from the Word. Check out all the passages dealing with these two important topics. 

    Me thinks that in North America here, they've heard about God's love pretty often (..can't hear too much about this) from all kinds of so called Christians and others, but in our local churches do they actually hear about sin, about it's non-desirable consequences that God lovely warns us about, or about future judgment ahead and true repentance that cuts to the root..quite as often?

    In our chaotic society it used to be illustrated that the family modeled these two wonderful aspects, but with the breakdown of the family, now those living in the world must see these things lived-out in local churches. That's how warm-hearted zealous churches are to shine!

    P.S. The Bible speaks more about the spiritual unity needed in local churches than it does about either heaven or hell. Yup, it's way important for all us! One time I was in a church where the associate pastor was small in more than one way. And he maintained a "big church-boss" mentality. Sad. He sadly was a real divider and was one-on-one attacking innocent, hard-working but popular sheep if you will, and then throwing em out the door over non-issues. Over and over again, but he was the heir and a blood relative of the lead shepherd. Both were very ignorant and dim in thinking and both are still there working to wreck havoc on that now much smaller, dried up congregation. There were witness, but still there's no restitution or turning. Not God's will. 

    You know, unity is so important that the devil even had his crowd come up with a cult named the "Unity Church" that denies Essential Christian Doctrine. Yeah, I happen to talk to gay and non-gay people here in Dallas quite often who are a part of this aberrant group. Have I heard em talk about sin, repentance, or future judgement or about hell, or dying to their old fleshly selfish nature within? Never. But they are encouraged to be themselves in their ongoing sin ..that is not called that. I say, ditch your sin and be yourself in Christ who is holy. That's for all.  

    But you know, believer, how Christian churches are made up of different people from very different backgrounds today, and how none of us are perfect. Ya think? Sure. Therefore even the best of flawed people will at times get into conflict with each other. But, when someone constantly causes disunity in a church, a decent pastor who is out to protect God's flock really needs to humbly, but firmly work with that person behind it all, specifically addressing what's been happening. He needs to prayerfully listen to em with a heart to restore and see if there's something to learn. And if the learning needs to happen on the other end (I mean where the leadership is not blowing it in that case), but isn't at all received by the offender, the pastor simply needs to get rid of the person when they really are in sin as a troublemaker and refuse to repent. With witnesses and in a peaceful manner, not an easy thing to do at all. But a little yeast can leaven the whole lump of dough. 

    Meditate upon what God has to say about unity. 

    Psalm 133:1 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

    John 17:23 - I in them and you in me (Jesus). May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

    Romans 6:5 - If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

    1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

    1 Corinthians 12:12-26 - The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

    Ephesians 4:1-3 - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

    Ephesians 4:2-6 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

    Ephesians 4:11-13 - It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

    Philippians 2:1-3 - If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

    Colossians 3:14 - And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 
    

    
    
  • Isn't it time to add to and contend for the faith instead of passively cavein' in minus faith?

    Feb 22, 13

    Too many believers are absent without leave today because they've been hurt a little or a lot by pushy, manipulative self-seeking leadership in sick local churches. 

    
    

    Time to get over it and move on with Jesus who heals and restores. 

    
    

    It's time for them to forgive, move on, advance spiritually, locate and join up with a healthy group of believers where they can put roots downwards and grow strong upwards. 

    It's time to wholeheartedly worship the Lord who has never manipulated anyone or been a hypocritical leader for one second.

    
    

    Some believers are absent without leave today because they've started to desire other things, they are fretting more, and have allowed the flashy but worthless distractions of the world to literally lure em off, and to refocus them on secondary, on pleasurable and on non-important things. The cares of the world have choked em out and they continue to choke em like a crazy vandal does on PCP. Stop allowing this to happen, look to Jesus and grow up.  

    
    

    "..all too quickly the Message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced" (nlt).

    
    

    "..the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" (kjv).

    
    

    Some believers are absent without leave today because the passion for the Word and for (corporate and private) prayer time has been replaced by time invested in novel information and entertainment intake.  

    
    

    As this 1st world culture-war of our time heats up further and hotter it is fiercely raging more before our very eyes, yes more and more. And it is truly astounding how many once very dedicated and fairly vocal soldiers of the cross are now silently going AWOL away from where the action is! Stop it. By faith and believing prayer, appropriate and re-ignite authentic revival fire inside of you..that can't stay bottled up inside of you.  

    
    

    Sure, as we see this worldly society around us plunge further and further into darkness and real debauchery that is flat-out evil and is aggressively influencing peeps in the wrong direction, then we believers need to shine brighter than before instead of less than before. Do we have any fight left in us (I mean the right kinda fight)? Was there a time in your Christian experience where you were more in-love with Christ than you are today? If so.. with all due respect for you.. you are backslidden some. There remains one hope for us and for our great Nation—it's the living Word of God. So let's repent and get back to the Word. 

    
    

    Biblically worshiping Christ must remain priority one. No excuses. 

    
    

    Joyously preaching for decisions, and anointedly (new word) teaching God's Word ..I mean thoroughly all the Bible counsels of God.. that really needs to take on much greater importance to us, for we are still His representatives of light and of life. 

    
    

    How lost are the lost? Might sound hyper-religious, but they are totally hell bound lost, so we must do something. People around us are indeed lost, dead, and in the dark. They are empty—so many still need to hear the Gospel for the first time... far more than the political rhetoric and worthless religiosity etc, but there's an increasing number of "churches" and of so called "believers" who stubbornly refuse to accurately give God's Message out. Wake up. Cast off slumber for good, children of the day.  

    
    

    I think you already know that there is a lack of urgency, of holy fear, of zeal, of passion and of pure thinking kind of boldness. And I think you know what would remedy this situation in North American or in other Lands as well. 

    
    

    Too many around us are living in defeat and seem content with that. Too many of us are waiting for the Lord to bail them out, when He is waiting for them to get serious and seek. Too many are reacting in the flesh daily instead of responding in the Spirit daily. 

    
    

    I say that a return to earnest prayer daily (both alone and not alone..) will help the Church towards earnestly contending for the faith daily. You know that's right. On a football field when a team is losing bad, a smart coach will always motivate em by refocusing all the players on the basic fundamental principles and practices they've already been taught. It's now time for the Church to get back to applying the basics of the Bible. 

    
    

    Listen to what the prince of preachers had to say about this.  

    
    

    "Brethren, do something; do something, do something! While societies and unions make constitutions, let us win souls. I pray you, be men of action all of you. Get to work and quit yourselves like men. Old Suvarov's idea of war is mine: 'Forward and strike! No theory! Attack! Form a column! Charge bayonets! Plunge into the center of the enemy! Our one aim is to win souls; and this we are not to talk about, but do in the power of God!'" ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

    
    

    Personally I used to watch the local and national news more in 2012. I was always curious about what would happen at election time. Perhaps you were too. But lately who can stomach much of it? Of course I want to stay informed some, but it seems better to me now to fortify my walk doing and studying the basics.. and just concentrate on less (the good stuff) better. 

    
    

    Fear not what is ahead. God has a praying remnant and Bible prophecy must be fulfilled. Be filled with the Spirit and be ready in His readiness. 

    
    

    I want to add to and edify. I want to diligently sow to.. what is really good for my spiritual life more than ever, because I simply want to be buff spiritually and ready for whatever is ahead. Who can know all the details? 

    
    

    Does it seem to you that American believers are headed towards some harder times ahead and towards serious persecution? I mean more than they have experienced. It does to me. Its' obvious. 

    
    

    Believer, it's really no time to go AWOL for any reason. It's not the time to take a vacation away from God. It is time to return from all that, suit up fully (put on all the armor of God in Christ) and humbly report for duty. 

    
    

    Ask: Lord, what are Your marching orders for me today?   

    
    

    I certainly don't mean to sound all preachy at ya, but I strongly urge and appeal, "..to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."  Jude 3

    
    

    If ever there was a time, it is now. If ever there was a people, it is the Church. 

    Yes, I want to challenge you to get re-involved in relating to Christ on a more intimate level, in a very simple ardent to-the-point kind of way today. Let's put first things first again, let's insert the big stones into our lives before all the little stones, gravel, and sand goes in.. otherwise the really important stuff won't even fit in later.

    
    

    Let's get re-interested in the basics again via asking Jesus—yes, in personal fellowship both upwards with the Lord first and then outwards with growing believers in a healthy Christ-exalting church, and in small group Bible studies too….and take part in private and collective church prayer meetings… and then as an outgrowth of such a tight relationship of JOY...let's be very discerning and tactful in simply sharing our faith and testimony story of victory with those who are open to hearing about Him. 

    
    

    The basics and essentials of our walk..the primary disciplines even..rather than the controversial and periphery things.. need to be placed ahead at the forefront of what we do once again. In no other day gone by has it been more important than now to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. You know what I'm saying and remember how Jesus admonished and commanded, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."  

    
    

    So many around us are given to worldly vanity and worthless religious fluff, but we can see revival start with each of us individually. They sow the wind religiously, and reap the whirlwind. The consequences will land and are now affecting them. 

    
    

    Many have an intense hunger but have been going after sawdust, but we are there to point them to the Bread of Life, yes, to grain Giver and His grain house. Christ satisfies. When all else fails to, He alone fills that inner void so to speak.  

    
    

    Brethren, obey and do something with Christ today!
    

    
    

    Why go on investing in time-wasting junk? Believer, what kind of overflow would you have left for other thirsty souls around you, if you've not been investing at all in what outlasts it all? I mean in your spiritual life with the Word? 

    
    

    The farmer that labors must first be partaker of the crop. He can't supply or give out to others if he is or remains famished, malnourished and weak. Ya think? facebook.com/shareJesus
  • How Cool! Us Believers—His Jars of Clay Today!

    Feb 18, 13

    You and me—we be the basic packaging if you will. Him and His great work—that's the beautiful Treasure inside. 
    
    And the Potter is still working on and in us. Ain't finished with us yet. I need to wear a sign that says.. Under Construction. 
    
    I'm lookin' at 2 Corinthians 4:7-15. Have you turned and received Christ by faith? Don't put it off. What He's done for me, He'll gladly do for you (See John 1:12-13, and 3:3). The Apostle Paul said, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 
    
    

    "Help us not to cloud God's glory, nor with self His light to dim; may each thought to Christ be captive, emptied to be filled with Him." —Anon.

    
    P.  Father God, please fill and refill, touch, restore and bless. We know it's not about us, it's about Jesus being exalted and glorified. He so deserves it. We don't want to take any credit for positive stuff done by your power working.. and thereby bring glory to us. It's really about You. We want Your will done, and Your Kingdom to come.. And our's to go. So help me to boldly point to the Word of God with rejoicing, instead of to me today. Guide.. so I will not impede You or Your work in this world. There are so many that are still bound up in spiritual darkness without hope or joy. Make us part of the Solution so we won't become part of the problem instead. Wanna learn to love peeps everywhere n hate sin like You do. Please shine brightly through me. My flesh might not like it at all, but I think it's best that I decrease so that You would increase in and through this simple jar ..all day long. Yes, as You lead us believers on into good works, remind us not to seek our own, or affirmation, or praise, or applause from mere people.... for it's You that we desire to please. God, I just agree with Your Spirit and want to cooperate with Christ more.. far more than I have in the past. In Jesus name, let the brilliance of the great-treasure of Christ in me.. in us.. strongly shine through so that others can clearly see Your Way and follow Jesus. Thanks for keeping and using us Lord. Amen. 
    

    
    

    I kinda like this YouVersion.com smartphone and tab Bible app. Perhaps you've been looking for a good one? 
  • God is certainly not pushy, but He loves hard, smart work...

    Feb 12, 13

    ..from all His servants, as we keep a proper perspective ..even until we get a bit tired.

    No prob with that. This is a good witness.  Duh! 

    In fact He is working.

    It's so cool how every Member of the Godhead has been and is being a good Example for us. 

    Jesus, our High Priest and perfect Example-witness of the Father's Message and love said this, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too, am working." John 5:17

    And in a context of ministering God's Word to people, the Bible also says, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Gal. 6:9

    Becoming tired from obeying.. you know, from doing good works as the Lord leads you, is different, so be encouraged not to become lazy or to work too much, but to take time out for the Lord and then work hard and smart even if you get tired.

    "The world is run by tired men." 

    Most souls are won by tired people!

    The best sermons are preached by tired men!

    The best camps are run by exhausted youth ministers!

    The Third World is being evangelized by tired missionaries!

    Christian organizations are being run by tired men!

    You show me a super Vacation Bible School and I will show you some tired women!" ~ Oswald Sanders

    In a world where "lazy" is often reward by the Gov, let that not be you. Ask God to make you a diligent and good example for others. God see everything and you're also being watched by people. So it matters..being a good witness all the time.. in private and in public. facebook.com/shareJesus

  • Glad She Asked. Lin Had Some Questions For The Lost Dude In The Bass Pro Hunting Cap.

    Feb 09, 13

    _{Lin's a real good listener and she asks excellent questions cuz she likes the surprising stories that follow. Interesting stuff. A silver-haired lady started chucklin' at the Coop cuz she couldn't find her 55 year old husband there.} 

    _{A few people looked around to help her.} 

    _{When some of the people asked the woman what he looked like, the lady clearly described her husband as the silly one without the arm.} 

    My wife Liney had already located the guy ..dawning the green camo Bass Pro-Shop hunting cap. Funny conversation followed. 

    She carefully asked him how he had lost his arm..."Was it while you were out fishin' somewhere?" And he said "Yes"..which made Lin proceed to ask.."What kind of creature got it?" "Well", the man responded "A long ugly crocodile on the Amazon tore it up" (huh..I thought he'd joke and say a big fat four foot trout.. exaggeration.. but he was tellin' the truth). 
    

    When it happened, he was just thankful to be with another doctor on that river who jumped to his rescue and sewed him up after the crock-attack...and stopped the fisherman from bleeding-out. Literally lost most of his blood that day..and yet they both wereC eighteen hours away from the nearest hospital and town. Took awhile..lots of paddling. There's of course more to the story, but when the two men arrived in town the medical workers were pretty impressed with the wilderness-sew-job. They couldn't believe that this wilde südamerikanische fischer actually lived.. but they still had to remove his limb cuz gangrene had set in. (Me thinks all kinds of fishin' has it's inherent risks, but we're proud of the man cuz he still goes fishing. Nothin' will stop him).    
    

    _{I say, Keep on fishing no matter what. Lately I've been thinkin' about following the ultimate Fisher (Christ), and going fishin' along with and for Him ..for other people who don't yet know Him. Yeah, it's so good to take part with Him in His Great Commandment and the Great Commission ..in that order. Why? Because... "Jesus called out to them [His followers], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'"  See Matthew 4:19. facebook.com/shareJesus}
  • Beloved, why live like a Christian Deist viewing God like He is too far away and not involved in your life?

    Feb 08, 13

    He is involved, close to you, and really cares more about you than that. 

    Got a question for you? Is God actually knowable today.. I mean in a very real personal sense like in the same way that you and I could know each another?

    Many say, Naww, ain't possible. He is way too big, far away and too great to be known by man in that sorta way.

    In fact deism, theism, and Islam are three views of God that set Him far beyond man's  ability to know Him. Again, I mean in a real meaningful and personal sense.

    Perhaps because of hard circumstances that you've been through, you as a believer have been living like a Christian deist who sees God as far away and not gunna get involved in your life and surely won't speak to you, even though you know you are supposed to go speak to Him every day. Please don't see Him like that, believer, even if you have been through some fiery painful or tragic trials of your faith.

    So what does God in the Bible actually say? The Bible presents God to us and One who can indeed be known and One who actually desires to be known of us.

    Gotta moment to check it out?

    "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13 esv).

    "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant … I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. … for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest …" (Jer. 31:31, 33-34).

    "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" (Hos. 6:6).

    "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true …" (1 Jn. 5:20).

    God says that He is knowable, and you can stand on that all day, all year, and all you're your lifelong. When we see Him the way He really is, and relate to Him as He would like us to, then it won't be long before we experience that renewed joy inside and want to go share the Good News about Him with others.

    Going and telling is basically the natural outgrowth of knowing, seeking and worshipping the Lord daily. Yes, witnessing of the Lord and gently leading people into this type of personal fellowship with God is the chief objective of the Christian's Gospel ministry. Christ said this in prayer to the Father, "You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as you have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:2-3). Let's pursue God in Christ and expect Him to make His Scriptures come alive to us. He can speak in different ways, but we need to be open to Him leading us in a most personal kinda way.  facebook.com/shareJesus
  • It's good to know what you can and can't do. Sure, why waste your time, treasure and talents?

    Feb 06, 13

    It is not my responsibility to make individuals righteous and then good or happy.

    You know that I can't redeem or sanctify even a little cockroach. No mere human tryin' to reform this sinner (me) saved me. And I've also foolishly tried to reform sinners and stiff non-biblical churches before—didn't work. Building relationship is important. I say appeal wisely and then bail on a sicko-church if they hold tightly to their sins. Find an imperfect, healthy one where you can be fed the Word n grow—none are perfect and life is short. 

    It is my business to wholeheartedly worship the Lord and to cooperate with Him in making myself good, and also to tactfully share the Gospel and make other people blessed if I can. For sure, as I follow Christ well and allow His Spirit to use me in serving them in areas that they really need and welcome. Jesus examples need-meeting and much more, so He's my focus and that's my business, duty, and responsibility. Believer, it's your biz as well. We all have a part to play so to speak. 

    Got an assurance of salvation inside? You my dear friend who are deeply loved, can indeed know beyond any shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life in Jesus Christ. That's His thang. So stop your wrong-doin's, turn, confess, and believe in Him now before you do another thing. 
    

    The Bible says, ".. if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9  facebook.com/shareJesus
  • Kurt, how first is first when it's time to seek?

    Feb 01, 13

    "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." ~ Jesus, 6|33mat.

    
    

    I love to repeat that verse out-loud. Don't you? In the original language the term "first" (Greek: πρῶτον a.k.a. prōton) has to do with time and place. Yes, it's speaking in terms of a succession of things or of persons. It means "first in rank, influence, honor" or the "chief" among all other things, options, or persons.   

    
    

    "Rose up early to seek God and found Him whom my soul loveth. Who would not rise early to meet such company?" ~ Robert Murray Mccheyne
    
    "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." 63|1ps.
    
    "With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early." 26|9isa.

    
    

    "Many who plan to seek God at the eleventh hour die at 10:30 PM." ~ Anon.

    
    

    Happy moments, praise and thank God. Difficult moments, trust God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, call on God. Every moment, seek God through Christ.

    
    Now thinkin' out-loud: So glad there's no condemnation in the Lord. And happy that God ain't stiff, grumpy or religiously legalistic like so many hateful folk can be. He's indeed my passion, best Friend, and the lover of my soul!
    
    So if I have the time to seek the rule of God in my life first each day along with His righteousness, but instead I end up seekin' four other lengthy (..not appearing that way at first, but), time consuming things ahead of Him and His will (which is revealed in His Word) for me.. then perhaps I should kinda stop, reevaluate and ask myself how I let myself get distracted? Been there before.  
    
    Or have I allowed my vertical relationship to get in a rut somehow that I really want to change asap?.. or am I now lookin' to something or someone else to meet my needs? Vorsicht. Doch, aufpassen! If I look half to the world to meet my needs instead of fully to Him who is faithful and promised to meet all of em, then it's only a matter of time before I become lukewarm spiritually. #duh #notimeforworldly
    
    And then what kind of positive influence, example, or witness would I be for friends who need me to walk in victory? Do I really want to be salt that once was salty, or a light that has no more flicker at all? Naww.     
    
    The psalmist David encourages us all, "Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."
    The Bible goes on to say, "The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy."
    
    "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." c34|10,22|26,34|10ps.
    
    "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." 55|6isa.
    
    "Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!" 16|11one.ch
    
    "…those who seek the Lord understand all." 28|5Bpro.
    
    "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, 'till He comes and rains righteousness on you." 10|12hsa.
    
    "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." 34|4,5ps.

    
    "..he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." 11|6heb.
    
    "If thou seek Him, He will be found of thee." 28|9one.ch
    
    "Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee." c9|10,69|32ps.
    
    "Seek ye Me, and ye shall live." 5|4amo.
    
    "The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him." 8|22ezra 
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  • Will we believers actually recognize each other in heaven? I believe so. Life goes on much better in a better location.

    Jan 18, 13

    You remember how with lesser sight Pete recognized Elijah (Luke 9:33). And what about the Rich dude and Lazarus who knew each other while on earth. Plus the Bible seems to show us others as well. 

    I don't know what age we'll each appear like then. My guess.. we will all be in our early twenties or late teens before the anabolic reactions are overtaken by the catabolic phase when the dna telomeres in our physical bodies got shorter n shorter with the aging process (how you appeared in those days minus all deformities, zits or infirmities of course) before the catabolic jive and gravity went to work on you (uber-aging, which came about due to the fall of man - thank ya Adam). With regard to our transformed or glorified bodies, we will basically be patterned after the glorified body of our Lord Jesus following His resurrection. Cool huh. Phil 3:21, Luke 16:19-31. Be in Him.

    Wenn wir sterben.. erkennen wir einander im Himmel? Doch! 

    Ich weiß nicht, wie alt wir alle dann aussehen werden. Meine Vermutung. Wir werden alle in unseren Zwanzigern jahren während der anabolen phase sein ..vor dem katabolen jive (Alterung) gestartet.  
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