Judges 17-18 - Part 3
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Judges 17-18
Friday, April 29, 2016
Innnnfluence, It's kind of Interesting to Watch and Take Part In. Why? Well, cuz It's How People Grow. I Say Pour Into, Add Value In, Accurately Invest Fitting-Up-Build-stuff On Into Em. Do It For God's Glory!
Real leadership is just fascinating to me. You can observe it happening everyday in flawed people like me. You can see it happening from really flawed people too. What exactly is it? Good question. Answer: Leadership is unselfish effectual influence in a healthy direction. It's the capacity or so called power to both feed and help guide right. It's that ability with responsibility to help other people mature, see their needs met, and go in a positive direction.. instead of remaining static, sickly, or even reverse from such a good direction. Yes, it's positive for all that are included and also for others. It's not about or really out to hurt people. Listen, dreams, longings and inner passions long-stored-up within human hearts can become if ya will.. a source (small "s") of big motivation. The Lord Himself is to be our main Source. How good is that--is He! All the way good.
Do you need to believe in people to be a leader? Man, I say never forget this: It's so easy to believe in God.. and be confident in what His powerful Word can do in and through anyone. If He can change a person like me, He can change anyone--and He's still workin' on and changing me (yup, a work in progress that has a long way to go. I'm not what I was but I'm still "under construction".. under His watch-care, good directions, and Authority). Man, I can't tell you how stinkin' stubborn and thickheaded I've been at times, but He's been gracious and patient. That's two reasons why I love Him. But think back. Do you remember how Barnabas came along side and befriended a guy named Paul who later said, "That's why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ's mighty power that works within me." Colossians 1:29 nlt
- Influencers, they desire integrity with people so they can relate to em on a heart-to-heart level, and win em to Christ ..or help em grow spiritually so they can win!
- Influencers, they aspire to protect, to learn from, to edify and to nurture people at any stage of growth.
- Influencers, they listen to people in order to understand and help them through.
Think back a ways. You remember how all the disciples in Jerusalem were, "afraid of him (Paul), not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord." Acts 9:27
That was wise discipleship--yes it was real friendship kinda influencing. Prayerfully read that pasage over again and again in it's entire context.. slowly. Think deeply about it. Memorize part or all of it via outloud repetition. Search out other Bible passages dealing with discipleship. See what it is and really isn't. Ask the Lord and yourself--What should I clearly realize and do with that passage? It was needed then and many people need it today. We..many of is get so busy relating digitally today (a lot of that can be great for seed planting, watering or reaping), but getting with people apart from digitally is really necessary too. Hey, you know it! Worshiping the Lord is most important! And winning the lost to Jesus Christ is too--this is a natural outgrowth of such a radically-satisfying upward relationship. But biblical discipleship minus any controlling or manipulation is also important. It's been forgotten by many believers. God wants you to have this accountability, and when the time is right.. He wants you to be used of Him in this work. I challenge you to be / become influence-able (by His truth), flexible (in His grace), and available (for His excellent world-wide plan)! Facebook.com/shareJesus
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Was once told.. If you lack JOY it's your fault and no one else's fault.
True. Think about it.
No day should lack real J O Y ..not one day this week, not one ever!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 nkjv
If you lack joy as a believer, then you are simply not in-touch with the joy Giver. How can you expect to live as a good witness for the Lord without any joy inside? Who would even want what you have? Please, import by faith. Then wisely export all that He gives you. facebook.com/shareJesus
No day should lack real J O Y ..not one day this week, not one ever!
“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19
I was delivered from the burden that had so heavily suppressed me. The spirit of mourning was taken from me, and I knew what it was to truly rejoice in God my Savior. ~ George Whitefield
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 nkjv
The Lord gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to Him. ~ D.L. Moody
Joy is the serious business of Heaven. ~ C.S. Lewis
If you lack joy as a believer, then you are simply not in-touch with the joy Giver. How can you expect to live as a good witness for the Lord without any joy inside? Who would even want what you have? Please, import by faith. Then wisely export all that He gives you. facebook.com/shareJesus
Monday, April 25, 2016
Meekness ain't weakness for a believer who prays so ceaseless. People of the world don't want it thinking it means bleakness. Believers gain meekness sometimes via suffering, but it always means strength of a character of completeness in Him and positive uniqueness for Him.
If we are Christians wanting Christ’s character then God the Father will allow us to go through some of the experiences of Christ. Not always comfortable!
Listen, if you have been a vengeful person, you have been overcome by evil…instead of been overcoming evil with good as you are called to do in Jesus. Turn from this hard-hearted meanness--why take the place of God? Isn't vengeance His.. sure it is says the Bible.
Jesus suffered. And it wasn't only at Calvary on the Cross, but He never wasted His experiences. He prayed and knew there was a purpose for what the Father allowed to happened in and around His life.
"Christ is the humility of God embodied in human nature; the Eternal Love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us." ― Andrew Murray
I say turn to Him. Change, and know the Lord.
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH..” 1 Peter 2:21
So many Christians demand their rights ..constantly demanding fairness in every situation for themselves. They want things their way. We are indeed to fight the good fight of faith..not fight with people..but prayerfully looking out for what is totally fair for others..and doing more than prayer too, but we know that life and people will not always be fair with us.. God wants us to yield our rights to fairness for us.. to Him. Meekness means having all rights yielded to the Lord. Strength under control. Think about Moses who was meek.. and the strength of Christ even more.
“Men sometimes speak as if humility and meekness would rob us of what is noble and bold and manlike. O that all would believe that this is the nobility of the kingdom of heaven, that this is the royal spirit that the King of heaven displayed, that this is Godlike, to humble oneself, to become the servant of all!” ― Andrew Murray
When the Apostle Paul who was also meek in his witness.. talked about his rights as a Roman citizen by birth (when many others had to pay a huge sum of month to become a Roman).. it was when he was thinking about spreading the Gospel and about protecting others needing that.
In the whole context read some more on this…
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”
and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.
Are they servants of Christ?–I speak as if insane–I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,
but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
"You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.
For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, Facebook.com/shareJesus
Friday, April 22, 2016
Are you feelin’ unprotected, weary in well-doing, needy, or kinda vulnerable today?
...much or not so much.. but more than you really wish to be?
Seems like it’s too easy in this country for people to just run out of strength or protection. Where do you turn? Pause and turn to the Lord with prayer and His word–the Bible. You and I really have nothing to lose with Christ as Lord ..except what really ain’t good for you or for others. You and your friends have not been forgotten, but when we don't put the Lord first in our lives it becomes too easy to forget that He is there and the Source of everything that we need.
On-fire Christians that make an impact in this life regarding their witness are the born again believers who look to the Lord to meet one hundred percent of their needs instead of looking half or part of the time.. to this world's system or elsewhere to see their needs met. They work hard and find their balance and satisfaction in this practical spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. And He keeps strengthening, protecting, teaching and maturing them into the kind of people they always wanted to be.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” Psalm 28:7
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Do you feel sorrow, hurt, brokenhearted, some pain, depression, or perhaps mourn the loss of someone or something... and just need some comfort today?
Have you lost a job, or your home, or hope? Has a friend, or family members, or a lover, or your spouse really let you down.. bad? Ouch! Jesus was too. I have sinned and let Him down as well as others I cared about. In the Bible God says we've all sinned. Wisely speak up to let someone know if one close to you keeps on hurting you. I hope you are safe--God wants you in a safe situation today. You know that's the reason for the Cross at Calvary. God is your living hope today. I am so sorry for your hurt--God's word can comfort and fix it. No matter what you might feel right now.. I challenge you to prepare your heart for what He has ahead for you.. and train your mind to make the living word--Christ--your primary view a.k.a. your default Focus. Daily. And let Him be Lord all day long in this as well as in every situation.
"Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You." Psalm 119:11
And I know this might sound kind of religious or worthless and I don't mean it too, but I pray that first-hand you will experience the touch that can change everything. I pray that your heavenly Father is close to you in a way like never before to heal, to reveal His love, and to equip you? Do you know Jesus in a personal friendship sorta way.. yet? He is there--hasn't left and He loves you? The Bible teaches us that God can comfort all those who mourn. A powerful lasting solace can He, "grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations; and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.." Isaiah 61:3-4In your weakness God's strength shows up real strong.. as you let Him lead.
You, me.. we are weak when we think about real strength. How can I shine or be used by the Lord? Be candid upwards, worship the Lord first, and trust Him for He who is strong can live through you. Can shine through you!
"i'm out to change my world.
one day a girl came in on her bicycle.
she had another friend with her
and this friend's father was president of the city college.
and she was an agnostic.
but i loved her anyway.
i wrote poetry with her;
i laughed with her.
i arm-wrestled with her on the floor;
i jogged with her;
i rode a ten-speed with her.
i shared Jesus with her everytime i got a chance.
she would call me some nights
and in the middle of of a conversation
she would slam the phone down in my ear.
i don't know how often the phone slams in your ear
but i didn't exactly appreciate it.
i mean after all,
she was the one who called me.
but i loved her.
although, i really shouldn't say so
because sometimes i really wanted to give up.
and sometimes i really wanted to smack her in the mouth.
but Jesus in me loved her
through thick and thin.
and then one day seven months later
the phone rang.
she was sobbing and crying,
"ann,
i don't know how to tell you
but today at school,
in an unexpected, obscure moment,
it came to me --
God has to be.
because no one in my life loved me the way you loved me.
if anybody can love me through my moods
and the drugs
and all my mess the way you loved me,
there has to be a God.
ann,
in an obscure moment today
i found Him."
just about a month ago,
i got a letter from June.
she has Bible clubs everywhere.
Jesus is Lord of her life.
she's out to win her family to Jesus.
she believes.
just because somebody loved her
through thick and thin
and you see, you can't stop love.love finds a way through." ~ ann kiemel
"i'm out to change my world.
one day a girl came in on her bicycle.
she had another friend with her
and this friend's father was president of the city college.
and she was an agnostic.
but i loved her anyway.
i wrote poetry with her;
i laughed with her.
i arm-wrestled with her on the floor;
i jogged with her;
i rode a ten-speed with her.
i shared Jesus with her everytime i got a chance.
she would call me some nights
and in the middle of of a conversation
she would slam the phone down in my ear.
i don't know how often the phone slams in your ear
but i didn't exactly appreciate it.
i mean after all,
she was the one who called me.
but i loved her.
although, i really shouldn't say so
because sometimes i really wanted to give up.
and sometimes i really wanted to smack her in the mouth.
but Jesus in me loved her
through thick and thin.
and then one day seven months later
the phone rang.
she was sobbing and crying,
"ann,
i don't know how to tell you
but today at school,
in an unexpected, obscure moment,
it came to me --
God has to be.
because no one in my life loved me the way you loved me.
if anybody can love me through my moods
and the drugs
and all my mess the way you loved me,
there has to be a God.
ann,
in an obscure moment today
i found Him."
just about a month ago,
i got a letter from June.
she has Bible clubs everywhere.
Jesus is Lord of her life.
she's out to win her family to Jesus.
she believes.
just because somebody loved her
through thick and thin
and you see, you can't stop love.love finds a way through." ~ ann kiemel
Jesus led me all the way
- Some day life's journey will be o'er.
And I shall reach that distant shore;
I'll sing while ent'ring heaven's door,
"Jesus led me all the way."
- Chorus
Jesus led me all the way, (the way)
Led me step by step each day; (each day)
I will tell the saints and angels as I lay my burdens down,
"Jesus led me all the way."
- Chorus repeat...
Friday, April 15, 2016
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Let It Get There In Love.. Accurately And Punctually--I Mean The Gospel We Share.
"Go and produce fruit, fruit that will remain. Then whatever you ask the Father in [Jesus’] name he will give you.” John...
Posted by Fish For Souls Evangelism™ - Kurt von Schleicher on Saturday, April 9, 2016
I Can't Thank You Enough Jesus. Glad To Be In This Moment With You, Lord. Only A Little Longer Here--Wanna Make It Count. There's A Rapture Ahead For Us!
What can I do for You?
What can I bring to You?
What kind of song would
You like me to sing?
‘Cause I’ll dance a
Dance for You
Pour out my love for You
What can I do for You
Beautiful King?…
'Cause I’m in love with You!
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
It might look kind of impossible even to those believers around you, but don't give up. It’s too early for that. I dare ya to pray red-hot-earnestly for your friends, for your relatives and for your nation sadly gone astray!
"Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." ~ Jesus, Mark 1:17And it starts on our knees--our friends are...
Posted by Fish For Souls Evangelism™ - Kurt von Schleicher on Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Friday, April 1, 2016
People tend to like hangin' around those with a good attitude and focus, but they often bail from those cranky, non-upbeat and lacking.
“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”
All kinda means all right? This will only be good for a person. No matter what goes down in our lives, we can always find something to express gratitude to God for.
We can even sing some in heart-felt worship songs in it, yes, no matter what we’re going through. And this refocusing onto Christ might even help to bring about a good change in the things inside, or even outside of us–I mean out around our persons where we live. Pray and praise changes things only cuz God does it in love. He inhabits the praises of His people.
Not for necessarily, but do thank Him in it–in all things. The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The first priority ministry of any soul-winner is the wholehearted worship of the Lord. It's not evangelism even though that too indeed is so important. Talk, rap, tweet, respectfully speak, “to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”
