LIFE

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

Have you ever looked back at your life and taken inventory? Not looking back for a negative or positive thing, but just looking back at it. Today, November 5, 2013, I did just that. I was remembering my childhood and on into the teen years and then into my adult life until this current day. My life is full of ups and downs and hair pin curves. I have been through two wrecks – one in a truck and the other on a sports bike that should have killed me. I have had others make decisions based on what God was telling them in their spirit and my life was saved from a horrible plane crash.

I think back to the biggest pivot point of my life, November 3, 1991, when I met a young lady and fell head over heals in love with her. Through that encounter, I not only got the girl of my dreams, but also the God (and daddy) I never knew I really needed. Today, I thank God for this life He has blessed me with and I want to appreciate it and live it on purpose with purpose like never before.

SO how do I do this, live on purpose with purpose? Glad you asked =) We take inventory of our life and what we are doing and we ask ourselves some bold questions and then make some bold decisions. Here are some good questions to ask yourself.
1. What do I feel I’m called to do?
2. Does it mirror God’s Word? (My calling should mirror God’s Commission.)
3. What am I currently doing in life and why?

There are many questions you can find for yourself, but with the answers are going to come decisions and some will not be easy to make. I was speaking at a missions conference in LA at Crenshaw Christian Center and the question was asked that still rings in my heart today. It was: “Why do we do what we do?” and that to me is the question of all questions. If you can’t answer the WHY, then you have most likely found the problem.

One of my desires is to help people find their why, so it’s key that I am in mine and today it is clearer than ever. The end result of all our why’s as a Christian should be about others. We are called to make disciples and that is done by simply living a Kingdom life and fulfilling your God given calling.

We would love to hear from you with your questions, prayer request and or praise reports.

So until next time, eyes up & gear up for the best is right at hand!

LivXtreme4Him

Kingdom Thinking Recap – Week 44

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

Well it’s time to say good-bye to another week, but the posted Kingdom Thinking thoughts from it are nuggets of Kingdom wisdom you can always use. Please forward them to others you know, because we can always use a touch of the Kingdom!!

Monday: Kingdom Thinking: Do not battle against defeated obstacles.

Tuesday: Kingdom Thinking: Stop looking at what you don’t have & enjoy what you do!

Wednesday: Kingdom Thinking: You do not have time to waste on regret.

Thursday: Kingdom Thinking: Live in the NOW!

Friday: Kingdom Thinking: Never put needs or wants before your God given calling!

Here are the links to my two most recent blog post:
Faith And The Magic Kingdom – Guest Post
https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/faith-and-the-magic-kingdom-guest-post/

The Name https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/the-name/

Well that’s it for now, but a new and fresh week has begun…. So eyes up and gear up to take this new week gladiator style. Rule and dominate every second to it’s fullest and end each day with not a single regret!

Kingdom Thinking Recap – Week 43

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

Monday: Kingdom Thinking: There is a HUGE difference between having a dream & living it!

Tuesday: Kingdom Thinking: A dreamer’s life is to always be in forward motion.

Wednesday: Kingdom Thinking: Choose your dream over your comfort.

Thursday: Kingdom Thinking: How clear is your passion to others?

Friday: Kingdom Thinking: NO POST

Here are the links to my two most recent blog post:
Faith And The Magic Kingdom – Guest Post
https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/faith-and-the-magic-kingdom-guest-post/
The Name https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/the-name/

Operation Shoebox YouTube link: http://youtu.be/WyHciDQjx8c
Dr. Billye Brim Shoebox Partner Link: http://www.billyebrim.org/content/operation_shoebox_0

Kingdom Thinking Recap – Week 42

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

Monday: Kingdom Thinking: The consequences of giving up are greater than you think!

Tuesday: Kingdom Thinking: The finish line of one dream is not the end but instead a new beginning.

Wednesday: Kingdom Thinking: Focus on Kingdom government & not on man’s failed government!

Thursday: Kingdom Thinking: STOP complicating what Christ simplified!

Friday: Kingdom Thinking: Make your dreams echo in eternity.

Here are the links to my two most recent blog post:
Faith And The Magic Kingdom – Guest Post
https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/faith-and-the-magic-kingdom-guest-post/
The Name
https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/the-name/

Operation Shoebox YouTube link: http://youtu.be/WyHciDQjx8c
Dr. Billye Brim Shoebox Partner Link: http://www.billyebrim.org/content/operation_shoebox_0

Kingdom Thinking Recap – Week 38

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

Monday: Kingdom Thinking: Live the life that Jesus died for!

Tuesday: Kingdom Thinking: Settling is a cop out.

Wednesday: Kingdom Thinking: Don’t let set backs become road blocks.

Thursday: Kingdom Thinking: History is never made by those that take the easy pathway.

Friday: Kingdom Thinking: You are a world changer!

Here are the links to my two recent blog post:
The Name https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/the-name/
The God of Restoration! http://goo.gl/GvHSn4

The Name

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

I was reading a book that my wife, Debbie, bought for me. It was written many, many years ago by Brothers Grimm and it is a compilation of many of the original fairy tales. The one I was reading was Rumpelstiltskin. Something interesting that was noted in this book, is some history behind the stories. Most will know of this story, which is about a queen who found herself in a mess. She had to accomplish something impossible. She ended up making a deal with a man named Rumpelstiltskin, but the end result was she had to guess his name to keep her baby. I know I am leaving a lot out, but I think most already know this story. With the help of another, she found out his name and closed the deal in her favor. I took something away from this story, and that was this: “the power of a name”. Rumpelstiltskin’s name had a power to close the deal.

I read about a folk belief that said, “if you knew an evil spirit’s name, you could defeat it”. Let’s change gears here and bring this into a Kingdom perspective. For those that are born again believers, we don’t have to know any name other than the name of Jesus. His name is a name that is above ALL other names. We don’t even have to think about defeating an evil spirit, because they have ALL been defeated forever! Jesus hung on the cross to close the deal on this issue.

Just like the queen in the story, where all she needed was to speak a name and everything was put into order and she was set free. The same goes for us, we just speak the name and BELIEVE and TRUST and things change! But realize change is on a Kingdom time table and not ours. His timing is always perfect in every way, lacking NOTHING!!!!!

So if you are facing what seems to be a mountain like no other you have faced before, then speak His name and believe that He is moving right then on your behalf. But I warn you, don’t make a religion of this – but instead, a lifestyle. Be fully persuaded that His name is above every name and that at His name ALL things have to change!

You are a blessing; I really mean that! I’m always praying for my readers. Debbie and I would love to hear from you. You can post below or send us an email; whichever works best for you.

Until next time, eyes up and gear up for the best is at hand!

Be blessed – Keith & Debbie

LivXtreme4Him

Kingdom Thinking Recap – Week 37

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

Monday: Kingdom Thinking: Thankfulness is a prerequisite to breakthrough!

Tuesday: Kingdom Thinking: NO POST

Wednesday: Kingdom Thinking: If top talk topic is smartphones or Obama, reminder, God said no other God before Him. Just saying!

Thursday: Kingdom Thinking: Discipleship requires submission.

Friday: Kingdom Thinking: Submit to those bearing fruit and not based on culture status.

Here are the links to my two recent blog post:
Monday! http://goo.gl/7d5IsP
The God of Restoration! http://goo.gl/GvHSn4

MONDAY!!!!

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

It’s August 12, 2013 and yes, it’s Monday; but not a normal Monday in the way that we normally view Mondays to be. Let me explain – but first I want to share this post from someone I consider to be a great mentor to many of us in the blogging world. Please click here to read this blog post from Michael Hyatt: http://goo.gl/k5WHDx

This Monday is like no other! Never has there been one, nor will there ever be another one just like it. Today is unique and one of a kind. Its design and encounters are unique in the fact that they cannot really be replayed if missed. If you look up at the sky right now, you will see clouds in shapes that have never been seen before nor will they ever be seen again. The way the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing is a part of nature that will not come around again. Time with friends and family cannot be regained. That call you just put off making, can’t really be made up because the thought that was driving you to make the call has now moved to a thousand other thoughts. So this EPIC Monday is truly not normal in every sense of the word.

Expectation and the words we speak combined, form the world that is around us right now. So what are you saying to your day? It is your day and the Word of God says in Psalms 118:24 (AMP) “This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Gladness sees by design the goodness in a day and pays no attention to the speed bumps of life. Are you designing your days with Kingdom words OR living in whatever comes your way? Once you recognize the habits in your life, it is then up to you to change them. You can’t blame them on your job, spouse, etc.; you must take responsibility for your life and what you have allowed to be in it.

Make your life a lighthouse for others to draw from and to and not help push them deeper into the rut of lost days. Someone is always watching and listening whether you know it or not and the life we live before others can be a light to them. I have caught myself so many times complaining instead or praising and criticizing instead of looking for ways to help and impart. If I have time to say something negative and criticize, then apparently that means I also have the wisdom and time to impart just what is needed to change the situation. We can be one who others learn to sculpt their days from and not lead them deeper into a dead end path.

So stop for a moment and look around you; not at the circumstances and situations, but instead, see beyond those things. Find the uniqueness in this day and enjoy it and remember it’s a “once in a lifetime” day =)

I want to end with this. I am not one to post much of what comes from the secular world. But I just watched a reward speech on TV that was classic. As I listened to it, I felt the Lord telling me to pay attention. Once the speaker was finished, I went back and googled it and listened to it over again and then meditated on it; because when God says to pay attention, I pay attention! So stop everything you are doing and listen to this and then take time to let God speak to you because there is something in this speech if you have ears to hear! Click the link to listen: http://youtu.be/2fepUlDbx5Y

So please feel free to share below.

The God of Restoration

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

When it comes to the topic of restoration, it’s either the Kingdom way or the flesh way. I myself like the Kingdom way, because it has an eternal benefit like no other. The flesh way has nothing but maybe if anything, temporary satisfaction followed with possible grief and other non-healthy feelings and emotions.

I have not seen full restoration for all that has been taken….YET; but, life is not over and so I have expectation for my full multiplied restoration in all areas of
my life.

If you have no expectation for multiplied restoration, then you have not lined yourself up with His Word. Now I know He has given you the ability to settle for less, (if you so desire) but WHY would you want to do that????

Proverbs 6:31 (AMP) But if he is found out, he must restore seven times [what he stole]; he must give the whole substance of his house [if necessary–to meet his fine].

So if God’s Word says seven times, then why would you not expect seven times? Don’t get hung up on the “how of the restoration”. Just rest assured that the multiplied restoration is yours.

I can take you through Leviticus, Exodus and other books of the Bible, where it plainly lays out multiplied restoration as God’s plan for restoration.

Job received multiplied restoration in 42:10.

So you choose – God’s plan or yours, as your focus for restoration. But do not allow yourself to get dismayed over delayment of time; rest knowing that God’s timing is perfect.

July Mission Trip Update:

Below is a link to pictures from the Living Water Teaching July youth group to Guatemala. They ministered the drama 13 times to 2,221 people and the results were: 1,157 Salvations and 45 Reconciliations. PRAISE THE LORD! Email us at lwt@lwtusa.org to find out how you can go and be a part of one of the life changing mission trips LWT holds throughout the year. click this link to see the pictures: http://goo.gl/SJMbzy

We would love to hear from you. So feel free to post your comments below. Until next time, eyes up and be ready, for the best is right at hand.

What would you do?

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Dr. Keith & Debbie (Zirkle) Spanberger

It seems like forever since I last posted, but actually, I posted “Redeemed” on July the 9th. I wanted to share something in this post that I feel God revealed to me on a recent vacation. A few months ago, we had a cruise booked with some close friends and as it got closer and we were preparing to leave on our trip, we heard some very disturbing news. Our cruise ship had become crippled at sea and the rest was history; most all know how this story went… So fast forward to current time; we decided to go on a family cruise this time and we found a really good deal on a ship. YES, the ship was that very same ship we had booked before, but it had been restored to what was supposed to be better than ever. A “multi-million dollar face lift” is what we heard. So let’s stop here for right now with this story.

So what would you do? Would you say, “Well I am not setting foot on that ship!” OR would you say, “It’s all new, I’m in!”? Would you allow the fear of the past dictate the decision of the present? As for us, we were in and ready to go and so away we went. We are now back home again from our amazing trip with tons of new memories that we will not soon forget. (Just a side note, the ship was everything and then some!)

So here’s my thought in this. How many times has fear held you back? How many times has fear or rumors made you reconsider? We are told in 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP) “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”

Fear should never be allowed to give direction in our lives. We should be a people that live and dwell in peace and then when we hear that voice inside of us speaking, then we stop, listen and obey. In every area of our lives, that voice will speak IF we recognize it. We recognize it from a relationship; that is the fruit of Matthew 6:33.

In a nutshell, we must not let anyone or anything stop us from moving forward in what GOD has called us into. Once you know it’s from Him, then the approval of others is not needed nor should that direction be questioned. So MOVE forward and never waiver or look back.