Tag Archives: love

CALL TO ACTION

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Long before the posters of Uncle Sam came to be, a call to action was pronounced.

UncleSamWantsYou

Before we charged the front lines of any battlefield or charged the beaches to take back what our enemies had taken, a battle cry was proclaimed.

vietnam-war-01

Now please do not think I am putting down our military, because I love our men and women who are holding the lines around the world – I even have two boys doing their part in the Air Force. But long before any of this was even thought of, a battle cry went around the world and called ALL of mankind to rise up and take their place to live a life with purpose and vision for the lost and lonely who had no hope.

As we daily walk the battlefields of life, many turn a blind eye to what’s going on around them. They live life as if everything is ok, but it’s not. People daily make decisions that will affect them beyond this short time they have here on earth. They live for themselves as if they don’t need an eternal savior but when they find themselves lying at the threshold of life and death, they find themselves crying out for a person they never took the time to know. They might have even found their way and maybe are even living their dream, but if it never impacts the lives of the hurting and hungry souls, then what good is it?

But at the same time, I know there are those that proclaim Him as their savior, but never take the time to really get to know Him. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him; not a “fly by” one that drops an empty prayer filled with empty words spoken from an empty heart. After all these years, I seem to daily find something new about Him!

Why don’t you start your journey right this second? Set your spiritual GPS; grab a pen, paper, and get ready, because an EPIC adventure awaits you!

So eyes up and gear up for the best is right at hand. Take life gladiator style, ruling and reigning forevermore.

We would love to hear from you on this post or any older ones. Maybe you have a thought about a future blog post; please share it.

Until next time, live Xtrem4Him!!!!!

KINGDOM THINKING UPDATE:

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With only 26 days left in 2013, I see even more new changes in my life ahead. As I enjoy the remaining days in this year and start praying about next year, I won’t be posting any of the daily Kingdom Thinking thoughts. I will be uploading weekly VCast and blog posts as God gives them to me, but that’s it.

I have a prayer request. Our ministry outreach, Operation Shoebox, is in full swing and my wife leaves for Guatemala in the AM for 9 days. Please be standing with us for safety, wisdom and Kingdom success as they minister and bless the children of Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua in the days to come.

Here are two blog post links that I feel would be an encouragement as you prepare for this new day and year to come:
Gear Up (Part 10) – “CHANGE”
https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/gear-up-part-10-change/
Gear Up (Part 11) UNPLUGGED
https://rkspanberger.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/gear-up-part-11-unplugged/

I want to say thank you to all those that have followed the KT blog this year and I know that the best is right now at hand. Kingdom Thinking has touched lives in places I have never dreamed of. This blog is just another part of fulling the vision God has given our ministry, and that is to make disciples. You can partner with us in this outreach as we reach out globally in helping others live a Kingdom life and fulfill their dreams. Just click this link and note KT in the memo area of your donation. LINK HERE

Always know that you are in our prayers and we count it an honor every time we hear from you with praise reports, prayer requests and/or questions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Sincerely,
Keith & Debbie Spanberger
CEO’s/Executive Directors
Living Water Teaching International
http://www.livingwaterteaching.org
Kingdom Thinking Blog
http://www.kingdomthinking.org

Gear Up (Part 11) UNPLUGGED

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unplug

 

Last week, I posted on the topic of “CHANGE”.  I’m following up this week, by touching on one of my own personal changes.

So let’s talk about the topic, “UNPLUGGING”.  I have read many articles on this topic and about how those that have unplugged for many days, and I thought to myself, “How could one do this?”  But as I have found with all change, first comes the want to make the change and then the step forward to put action to it.  Last week I moved forward with my own “UNPLUG DAY” and it has been a breath of fresh air.  As I write this post, I’m actually completing my second “UNPLUG DAY”.  No withdrawals, no jitters and for sure no regrets.

Addiction is defined as “a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance”.  Welcome to the tech world we live in; it’s truly become a substance that many can’t live without.  So much so, that we made a young man the youngest millionaire in history because of this addiction.  It’s addiction is evident to all and bullies have realized it and made it a weapon of choice.  The need to know what others are doing, is a “have to know” around the clock.

I shared in my last post, about how I could be sitting in a restaurant and watch families with their face glued to their God; without even realizing that they are losing time with their family and friends.  I actually saw this with a mom and daughter just a short time ago and the mom never really gave the little girl anything other than a warm body at the same table with her and a hot meal, because everything was being given to her smart phone which she never really put away. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the social sites and such BUT, when I stopped and looked at how much time I was giving to them and the many times a day I spent doing it, I knew I needed a change.  So this is where the “UNPLUG DAY” all started for me.

This has became so strong on my heart, that I actually created a Facebook page =)  I want to start a movement for as many as I can, to set aside at least one “UNPLUG DAY” each week.  Here is the link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/day2unplug .  Time is the one thing that once we spend it, we can’t get it back.  We either grow in it and make precious memories or waste it and one day wish we had it back.

I will close this post here for now, BUT there is more to come!

I really hope this post helps you get a new view of how to live a Kingdom life.  God has prepared a life just for you and it is AMAZING if you can simply get past the junk of this world.

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

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

LivXtreme4Him

Gear Up (Part 10) – “CHANGE”

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change

The word “change” is defined by Webster as: “The act or instance of making or becoming different”.

The greatest change we will ever make or deny, is making Christ The Lord of our life. Now I know me making that statement will automatically make my blog not for everyone; but on the flip side, it is a blog that ALL need to read because of our overwhelming need for Christ and the understanding of what a Kingdom life really is. You can spend 1 minute on any social media site and see that most people, even many Christians, have no clue on Kingdom living! This is what this blog is all about.

Have you ever found yourself at a point in your life where you needed things to be different? It could be because of your health or career situation; but whatever the reason was, you just needed change. I have found myself at this cross-roads many times, but I have not always been willing to make the needed changes. A few years ago, I made some eating and exercise changes that after time, reaped some benefits. However, because of not allowing those change to become habits, I wavered and never really stuck to things. Over this year (2013), I have done better; but, there is always room for more growth and improvement. Other changes I needed to make have become evident lately, as well, and I wanted to share some of them in this blog post.

I will start with yesterday: Sunday, November 17th. I have read many articles this year on unplugging and the benefits of it. When I say unplugging, I’m talking about not checking e-mails, not even looking at social platforms, texting with non-family members, or anything that has to do with work and unplugging from it. In the day and time we live in with smart phones, tablets, and laptops in every person’s hands almost globally, it’s created an addiction – like movement that we feel like we HAVE to check these things . I have set in restaurants and watched couples on dates and also families, engrossed on their phones, instead of living in the moment with those they are with. How many lost seconds, minutes and hours have been given to this addiction? So I took a stand to unplug and it was refreshing! My new commitment is that every Sunday is my unplug day. I would encourage you to set at least one day a week to do this and make it a day for God, family, friends, or maybe even just a book day!

Next is keeping a journal. I believe we should have a work journal to help us track our work, but more importantly, we should have a journal for life. I have heard it said, “No one will be interested in reading about my life after I’m gone”. If that is the case, then we are at fault for not making our life an extraordinary one. I might not have lived a life that others would want to read about up until now, BUT as long as I’m still breathing, that book is still being written. I also want my future generations to know who I am – not just by what others say or don’t say about me, but by my life lived out in my journals. Plus, it also gives me a way to go back and relive those special moments. I have notes, thoughts, scriptures, pictures, movie tickets, etc. pasted on the pages. My new commitment is to journal more often than ever before, because my life is extraordinary. I have the most AMAZING wife, children, family, friends. I spend my life reaching out to others and God is daily showing me something new in His Kingdom. My late father-in-law, Dr. James Zirkle, once said this, “The shortest pencil is better than the sharpest mind”. My journals in a nutshell, are my life lived on paper. Your life is worth that, also. You must see the value of you and a journal can help with that.

Last thing for the post is exercise. I’m daily getting up and doing something to better my body. Stretching, lifting weights and/or just simple core work, helps me kick start each day – just like my Word time. Something is better than nothing and once you start, the benefits seem to push you to do more.

I really hope this post helps you get a new view of how to live a Kingdom life. God has prepared a life just for you and it is AMAZING if you can simply get past the junk of this world.

We would love to hear from you with your questions, prayer requests, 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

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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

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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: 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

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!

The Name

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The Name

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

The God of Restoration

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restoration

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:

group pic 15

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?

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question-mark-1

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.

July Mission Trip Update:

group pic 15

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