Fish With Trish

The Question Today is: How Can YOU Change the World?

2012-02-01T15:58:00.001-08:00

Join me for this...

Have you heard about this yet?

2012-01-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Visit www.BiggestProject.com to help!

"Can we pray for you?"

2012-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday night in downtown Fort Worth, one particular young man wouldn't budge while listening to the preaching of gospel.

After a few minutes he slowly turned his back and began to walk away. He looked troubled. I walked towards him with a friend and from a bit of a distance I called out to him saying, "Sir!"

He turned his head back to look.

I continued…"Sir, we are Christians and we are with the group of people that are preaching. I know this may sound weird but…how can we pray for you?" "Do you need prayer for anything?" I inquired.

(Keep in mind that it is very rare for me to ask this. I typically don't...in fact I can't even recall a handful of times that I approached someone with the question "Can I pray for you?")

"Yes." He quickly responded as he turn around and started to walk towards us.

Very soberly he looked at me and said, "My good friend shot himself last Thursday."

Big sigh.

"I am so very sorry to hear this…I'm so sorry." I said while shaking my head.

"Yeah, we are really sorry." My friend Amy added.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"Shay". He said.

"And what was your friends name?" I questioned.

"Kyle." He replied.

"Hmmmm, that's interesting."

Then I pointed my arm and extended my finger to the open air preacher on the box and said, "That's interesting…because the young man on the box right over there is named 'Kyle'."

Shay looked stunned like a deer in headlights.

He immediately teared up and I proceeded to tell him the Gospel.

"I know that there probably aren't many words that can comfort you, Shay, during this difficult loss but just remember that Jesus Christ has the words of life…eternal life."

I continued. "Shay, if Kyle were to come back today and talk with you I know what he would say. He would tell you to repent of your sins and to put all of your trust in Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose from the dead."

He intensely listened and hung on every word.

As I was talking to him the evangelism team was packing up and within seconds the men on the team began to gather around him. I introduced him to Josh, then to Greg and also to Cole.

I explained to Josh about his loss and after a few words, Josh put his hand on his shoulder and we all prayed for him.

You could see the gratitude in his eyes.

I looked up and Kyle was standing behind him.

I pointed behind him and said, "Shay, I want you to meet Kyle."

Shay's face lit up with a new ray of hope. As if he had known Kyle for years. He had a look on his face that was priceless. On my way home the thought of him moved me to tears.

"Good to meet you, man." Shay said.

"Hey, good to meet you, bro." Kyle responded.

We invited him to church and he gave hugs to a couple people on the team.

May God save that young man.

You just never know who you will come in contact with and what has happened in their lives. It was only 48 hours prior to our meeting that Shay received the horrific news that his friend killed himself. And the Lord was faithful to send him hope through the preaching of the Gospel.

I pray that this small encounter will encourage you to ask someone this week, or perhaps today or tonight, if you "can pray for them". Then share the Gospel with them and leave them with a tract.

John Piper endorses "180" from the Pulpit

2012-01-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Are you in a good church?

2012-01-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

"When you choose a church you are choosing the people you want to have around you when you die." Arthur Holmes

What a powerful quote from Arthur Holmes. Are you in a good church where you are surrounded around people that care for your soul? Do they deeply love the Lord? Is there a solid message being preached from the pulpit Sunday after Sunday and week after week? Perhaps you are looking for a good church and are having a hard time...

Rest assured, there are a few ways to find a good church. First, if you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area I highly recommend the church that I attend...Sovereign Joy Community Church (SJCC) in Keller, Texas. Sovereign Joy is comprised of a people devoted to the Scriptures and committed to live for the glory of God. Where other churches have emphasized church growth, and seeker sensitive presentations of the gospel, SJCC desires to strike at something more biblical and historic.

If you're not in Dallas/Fort Worth, I'd recommend visiting 9Marks, which has a church finder. Type in your zip code, and see which churches are near you. The churches listed on 9Marks subscribe to good doctrine.

In addition to that, The Master's Seminary posts a map where you can find Master's graduates that are pastoring churches in your area. Just because a pastor graduated from Master's doesn't mean he's solid, but chances are good that he is. At the very least you'll know he received solid Biblical training and the church where he serves would be a good one to check out.

For those of you looking for solid churches, may God bless you in your endeavor to find one! And as you look online, I'd encourage you to list to a wonderful message from the church that I attend. It's called "Living in Light of Eternity". Here's the direct link to listen: http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=12121719550

A Poem by Trish

2012-01-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Cling to Jesus. There's no other way!

“Why Jesus?” You ask. “What's He got to say?”

Let me start over and tell you the biblical way.

You see you've broken a law you can not pay.

If you've told one lie it will be Hell on that dreadful Day.

“One LIE!?” You plead. “You've got to be kidding me!”

Oh yes, one lie is all it takes. You see the bible says all liars will have their place…

In the lake of fire where there is no rest.

“What!? How can it be…I've done nothing wrong and I've been the best.”

If you've broken one commandment you've broken them all.

You can consider your self a liar, adulterer, blasphemer and that's not all.

If you've hated your brother you are a murderer at heart and if you've stolen one thing it's too late to start...to start over and pay for what you've taken. Because time doesn't erase sin only one payment can.

But wait there's hope!

“Hope?” You inquire.

“Hope for me? I've been nothing but a liar. I've sinned against God. I deserve Hell fire.”

Yes! Hope for you to escape.

And there's only one way and we're back to the start.

You need Jesus Christ and He'll give you a new heart.

Christ lived a perfect life for sinners like you and me. He hung on a cross upon Calvary. He was beaten and bruised for our wickedness. It was as if He committed the crime even though he was spotless. He rose from the dead in 1 2…3 days on time! And conquered the grave and the victory is thine.

What you must do is call out to Him.

Humble yourself, repent, and turn from your sin.

He will instantly translate you from darkness to light.

He'll reconcile you to God and you'll be His delight.

Pleasing to the Father. Isn't that what you want?

There's no time to waste. Tomorrow may never come.

If you hear the call of God today, turn to the Son!

Cling to Jesus - By Trish Ramos
www.fishwithtrish.com

It's a good thing we went Christmas Caroling.

2011-12-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

Some of you might remember one of my blog posts called, "It's a good thing I ride my bike at midnight". December 8th (just 18 days ago) was one of those kinds of nights. But I didn't know it. Until tonight.

My neighbors came over for a surprise visit just minutes ago. They had a plate filled with cookies, which is always nice.

Since they live in the house behind ours, I rarely see them. In fact, I don't think they've ever been over to home before. The couple of times we talked, I found out that the wife's name is "Tricia". This is easy for me to remember (even though she spells it the wrong way). :-)

On Dec 8th, a group of about 20 of us from Sovereign Joy Community Church went caroling in my neighborhood. When the group arrived they grabbed some hot coco, we said a prayer, got our gloves and snow caps on and off we went. We sang from house to house rather quickly. One song per home. A nice neighbor came out and was so grateful that she hugged several of the kids that were with us. A few doors opened. Then shut on us. Never to open again...but we left 180 DVD's and tracts with popcorn on the doorstep anyway.I had forgotten about one particular house until tonight.

We approached it to sing and I got a rather large wiff of gas. Hmmm...that was strong. I thought.

I turned to my friend Lisa and said, "Did you smell that?"

"Yes!" She said. "That was strong." She added.

After we sang our song, everyone walked to the next house but I hurried up to the door step and said, "Tricia, it's me Trisha. It's great to see you. I hope you enjoy the DVD and other goodies. I don't know if you're aware of this, but I smelled gas pretty strongly near your curb. And so did a friend of mine from our group. You might want to call and have the gas company come out right away. They'll do it for free."

"I'll call right away, thank you so much, Trisha." Tricia said.

18 days later.

I'm answering emails. The door bell rings. Baby goes nuts. I turn the porch light on.

"Emilio, it's our neighbors!"

Emilio hurries to the door. And opens it.

"Hi you guys." We greeted them. "It's great to see you." I added.

We shook hands.

"We wanted to come over to tell you thank you…Thank you for telling us about the gas leak." Tricia said.

"Really?" I inquired. "What happened!?" I asked.

"We had a very big leak in our attic." She answered.

“We had our roof worked on and the roofers must have done something.” She added.

"It was so bad that when we opened the attic door, Tricia almost passed out. And we were without gas for 3 days while the gas company fixed it." Mr. C added.

As they handed us the cookies they said, "Thank you for saving our lives!”

That quick death can snatch us. We must be ready to meet our Maker. I thank God for his grace on this dear family. And as they were leaving I asked Tricia, “Did you get to watch 180?” “Yes, it was very good and my daughter liked it too. Thank you very much.” She said.

Life is slippery. You don't know what today will hold. But for the Christian, we know Who holds today and tomorrow. Continue to trust in him, dear Christian. He is good at all times. God is in control and does all things for His Glory and for the believers good. If you've been born again, you can trust that God will work out everything for the good in your life, even a gas leak, even your sin, even your suffering, even every mistake that you’ve made, all your past hurt and bad choices (Romans 8:28).. He will bring beauty out of every trial. There is security for you in Jesus Christ. He is a strong tower for you (Proverbs 18:10).

If you are reading this and you have not repented and turned from your sins and received Christ as your Savior, please don't wait another minute to be reconciled to God, tonight. Fling yourself on the mercy of God. It's not too late (http://fishwithtrish.com/areyousaved.php).

"Sinners are often shocked when death comes close to them. It’s as though they had never taken the time to face reality. One of the first signs of an awakening soul is that they face their own mortality--that life itself is a slippery place." – Ray Comfort

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Follow and You'll Fish. A sneak peek at The Way of the Master Season 4 Mission Europe: Prague

2011-12-20T16:58:00.000-08:00

Why can't God heal amputees?

2011-12-20T04:31:00.000-08:00

An atheist emailed me on Monday after I posted a blog about Lauren Scruggs who lost her left hand and now her left eye after the horrific propeller accident. Here's what he wrote:

"Why didn't God just re-attach the limb and eye? Moreover, why didn't God just prevent the accident in the first place. Why can't God heal amputees? J.E. Hill"

Thank you for writing, J.E. God does all things after the counsel of His eternal and immutable will. They asked Jesus the same question, 'Why can't He just deliver himself off that cross and ease His suffering?' Also, the Devil proposed the same sort of questioning when Jesus was fasting, 'Why doesn't God feed you or keep you from dying if you throw yourself of a cliff?'. So it sounds to me like you are in similar company with the Devil and those that hated Jesus Christ. The simple answer is that God only heals when it is according to His divine purposes.

"God will rid the creation of all evil, suffering, pain, tears, and defects. We call that the 'church triumphant' when God will crush all of His enemies under His feet. Scripture does not promise us health, wealth, and prosperity. We are for now 'the church militant' called to endure trials and tribulations, physical suffering is but one aspect of the human suffering which God has ordained for man: "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22 - Emilio Ramos

A song for Lauren Scruggs

2011-12-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

Lauren Scruggs, the young fashion model who lost her hand and was severely injured by walking into a plane propeller also lost her left eye as well. Surgeons removed it Tuesday. I've been praying for this dear young girl and her family.

Today her mom sent out a message saying, “We received a wonderful gift from someone who created a You Tube video for her. It blessed us so much and we wanted to share it with you.” Mrs. Scruggs
http://bit.ly/tgtoGr

I found the video on this link to be very encouraging especially during this time of year when the trails of life seem to roll over us like large billows. Take heart, friends, and keep trusting in the Lord. He is worth it all. And this short life will be over soon. Speaking of how life is, yesterday Christopher Hitchens died at age 62. He was an Atheist and didn't believe in God. Please pray for his family and friends who are deeply mourning. And take the time to reflect on your own mortality. Where will you go when you die? If you haven't read it yet, take the time to read everything on this page: www.dontwasteyourdash.com

Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth...

Need a laugh, watch Ray Comfort, Mark Spence, Todd Friel and me DANCE...

2011-12-15T20:33:00.001-08:00

To View:
Click on the picture

Atheist Watchdogs Awaken the Church

2011-12-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- After reading of an atheist group's demand that Athens, Texas remove a nativity scene from the corner of their courthouse lawn, evangelist Ray Comfort spent some time on the atheists' website reading of their many exploits. Comfort said, "Freedom From Religion Foundation see themselves as moral watchdogs. Among many other suits, they filed a Federal lawsuit against the Town of Whiteville, Tenn., and its mayor, James Bellar, 'to force him to remove crosses on the Whiteville water tower.' One of their news releases states 'An unauthorized Latin cross suddenly appearing at Camp Pendleton must come down, says a national state/church watchdog.'"

Comfort recently created www.180movie.com which has had over 1.8 million YouTube views. He said, "'180' is getting the gospel to the unsaved and at the same time inspiring Christians to share their faith. So I made contact with Pastor Lorick, who is standing up against these atheists (along with 73 other area pastors), offered to give free '180 Courses' to the area churches, and also offered to send in teams to evangelize the area. The pastor loved the idea and was delighted that we wanted to help."

Comfort said that any time Freedom From Religion Foundation try and remove crosses, nativity scenes, etc., he will make some calls. "Whenever they try and bully people with their anti-God agenda, we will make that place ground-zero for an evangelistic campaign. The majority of Americans believe in God, and many of them have had enough of intolerance towards the things of God. Atheists may use the law to make a mayor remove a cross from a water tower, but we will then make it our business to take the cross to thousands."

The best-selling author has already shown that he has the means that can make things happen. "We have faithful workers across the country who gave away 180,000 '180' DVD's in 100 universities, in one day. Those who would like to be involved merely need only join our 180 movie Facebook page, and we will keep them informed of our agenda. We're excited to see when the Freedom From Religion Foundation will make their next move."

Finally! It's about time someone made the perfect Gospel tract bag:

2011-12-06T14:30:00.001-08:00

Hat Tip to Ona F.

Missionary Dating. Is it okay?

2011-11-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

I'm dating this Muslim guy, and after my ex's, which have been Muslim too, I thought I would never date another. I know what I want in my future husband and to have him believe and practice my faith as well. He is completely an awesome guy and I do love him. NOTHING like my past relationships. Ive made it clear I WILL NOT MARRY anyone who isn't Christian. So he's told me he loves me as well and would love to learn, look into Christianity and has been doing research on his own as well. Def. would love to bring him to services with me....Ive also questioned his converting.. if that's what he chooses, I would not want it to be because of me solely and that he would want to on his own. I know he cant get to heaven though ME! My question. Do I wait? Or know this will end terribly and end it now? I'm just so confused and thought I could come to you for some advice! - TBS

Dear TBS,

<will end terribly and end it now?>>

My advice and the bibles advice: Don’t date him. But rather, witness to him and then keep your distance. If he is a true convert, invite him to church (to meet you there) and that is the only context in which I would see him. Then you’ll see if he is serious about the Lord. If he continues to go for a long period of time and demonstrates genuine repentance, it might be evidence that he is going because of the Lord and not just for you.

Remember, there is no such thing as “missionary” dating. We don’t date to convert. Don't “date” him in hopes that he will get “saved”. Rather, get to know someone who IS a Christian and then marry.

You are not to be unequally yoked (2 Cor 6:14,1 John 1:6). So scripture is clear that you are to cut it off. Imagine a Christian spouse toying with the question, “Is it okay for me to commit adultery...maybe I'll pray about it?" Scripture makes it clear that you are never to commit adultery. In the same way, scripture makes it clear that you are not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. You don’t have to debate or pray about cutting it off. God has given you the manual (the Bible) to guide you and to light your path (Psalm 119:105).

And also remember that you have a real adversary (The Devil) who
seeks to devour and destroy you. There is a spiritual battle going on here (2 Cor 10:5, Eph 6:12).

I’m so glad you have emailed. I hope this has helped a bit.

Oh and when you get 33 minutes watch “180”. 8 American College age students are asked “Who is Adolf Hitler” and they don’t know. It had over a million views on Youtube in 1 month. I work for the maker of the documentary. I lead a team of people to University North Texas and Texas Women's University to pass out 180 DVD's last month (we gave out 1,000's in just under 6 hrs)...

Not everyone was happy though (The maker of the DVD (Ray Comfort) has a daily TV program. He shows what happened at TWU after a student watched the DVD):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86RE7VpIMKA&feature=player_embedded (forward to the 5 minute mark)

Trish

Billboard Companies Refuse to Advertise “180”

2011-11-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893 LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Three of the largest billboard companies in Southern California have declined to promote the pro-life movie "180." Other companies that were approached haven't returned calls. Ray Comfort, the creator of 180movie.com said, "One is owned by a Jewish family. Their spokesperson was very upset that we dared to compare American abortion to the Holocaust. But there are no pictures involved. All we want is to put up text saying: '180movie.com -- award-winning -- free viewing -- one million views in 22 days.' They have the right to refuse, but I think their refusal hasn't been well thought out."

These are the same companies that advertise atheists' mockery of God and the Bible, promote strip clubs and porn conventions.

Comfort added, "If they don't see the comparison of the killing of six million Jews with the slaughter of nearly sixty million Americans through abortion, it's probably because they don't consider a baby in the womb to be human. That's exactly what Hitler did with the Jews. He said that they weren't human, and then he made billions when he killed them and seized their assets. American abortion makes billions through the slaughter of the unborn, and like the Nazi machine it is a well-run money-making industry that has been successful in brainwashing millions into believing that a baby is something other than a baby."

www.180movie.com has created a firestorm with more than 26,000 often angry comments, because it shows eight people who are adamantly pro-abortion changing their minds and becoming pro-life in a matter of seconds, because they were asked one question.

Comfort used http://www.heartchanger.com/ as a rallying point to give away 180,000 DVD's at 100 top U.S. universities in one day in October, and is in the process of giving away hundreds of thousands of copies outside of high schools across the country.

The Los Angeles-based Jewish producer said, "After being turned down by these companies, we decided to ask the churches of America to put 180movie.com on their church signs. We also produced huge '180' window stickers for cars. These take up the whole back window and act as a moving billboard.

"Millions of Americans are being legally slaughtered in our country, but here is something positive we can do. This short movie is changing minds about abortion and saving lives."

Anyone can freely download artwork for billboards in their area, window stickers, and a number of other free items, from www.livingwaters.com/download/180.

Comfort points to the thousands of emails that have poured into his organization, in response to the 33-minute award-winning movie:

"I'm a student at University of Michigan-Flint. I had a conversation with someone who I found out was a Christian and he asked me if I had seen '180' and I told him yes and I loved it. He said that '180' is taking MSU's campus by storm."

"I shared 180 with my pro-abortion literature teacher, and she is now pro-life."

"I'm a senior at a public high school in West Virginia. Because of 180 I was able to turn around the entire class opinion about abortion and by the end of the class 25 of the 25 students and my teacher as well had all raised their hand agreeing that abortion should be illegal."

"I never thought it possible that 33 minutes could have such an impact on my life, but they did. '180' was one of the most (if not THE most) influential movie I have ever seen. It not only changed my mind about abortion, but it also brought me to our Lord Jesus Christ, for I too had hidden myself in denial of God's existence, because of all the sins I have committed."

How many "180" DVD's can be passed out in 30 minutes?

2011-11-17T14:01:00.001-08:00

Pro-life Movie-maker Accused of Deception

2011-11-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Contact: Anita Alvarado, heartchanger.com/media.php; Trisha Ramos, 1-800-437-1893

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ --. A group calling themselves “Phantom Video Productions” has released video footage accusing Ray Comfort, the creator of www.180movie.com of using actors. The award-winning 33-minute documentary has had more than 1.5 million YouTube views in just over six weeks. It shows eight people changing their minds from being pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds, after being asked one question.

Phantom Video Productions says that they have proof that Comfort used actors, “… she pauses, and then looks around at the cameraman and reads her response directly from the cue card--that is being held up by the person that can be clearly seen in the right-hand lens of her sunglasses, right here [pictured]. It’s as obvious as [expletive] that she’s being prompted and reading scripted lines.”[1]

The accusation has stirred a hornet’s nest of controversy on YouTube’s comments, where more than 24,000 comments have been posted about the movie[2]: “They were obviously actors.”… “I seriously think those people were paid actors”… “They're all paid actors, obviously.” “That Greek guy is just a paid actor.” Another YouTube site has more accusations[3]:

• You can see the blond pig-tails girl with black sunglasses is reading off a cue- card.
• This can be verified from his own video by zooming on her partially reflective glasses...He is the lowest of the low.
• You can make out the guy holding the card in her glass.
• A masterful response, and great job busting Ray on the cue card farce.
Comfort said, “It may look like a cue-card to some, but it’s not. If these people are paid actors, each of them deserves an Oscar.”

For media interviews, go to: http://heartchanger.com/media.php

NOTES:
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3DP90hfZkc 10:36—10:53
2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI&feature=feedlik
3 http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=r3DP90hfZkc ,

Want to memorize the 10 Commandments in 3 minutes?

2011-11-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

ADL Slams “180” Holocaust Movie as “Perverse”

2011-11-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893

NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) yesterday derided as "cynical and perverse" a movie that unequivocally compares the murder of millions of Jews and others in the Holocaust to women having abortions in the United States, calling the film "one of the most offensive and outrageous abuses of the memory of the Holocaust we have seen in years." The movie has gone viral with just under 1.5 million YouTube views in six weeks.

Ray Comfort, the Jewish creator of www.180movie.com said, "ADL's motto is to fight 'anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.' There's no hatred, prejudice or bigotry in '180.' It's an award-winning movie that opens with 14 people (mainly college students) who have no idea of the identity of Adolf Hitler. Clearly the American education system has failed these kids. This is a movie that educates young people about the horror of the Jewish Holocaust."

Late last month, over 180,000 copies were given away at 100 of America's top universities. This month thousands more were given to students outside Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Burbank High Schools. More than 250,000 copies of the DVD were sold within a month of its release. "ADL should be thanking me. Instead they have come out swinging" Comfort said. "My only explanation is that they haven't thought it out before they rushed to judgment. If anyone should stand up for those who have no voice for themselves, it should be the Jews."

"The film is a perverse attempt to make a case against abortion in America through the cynical abuse of the memory of those killed in the Holocaust," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director and a Holocaust survivor. "Not only does the film try to assert a moral equivalency between the Holocaust and abortion, but it also brings Jews and Jewish history into the discussion and then calls on its viewers to repent and accept Jesus as their savior. It is, quite frankly, one of the most offensive and outrageous abuses of the memory of the Holocaust we have seen in years."

Comfort says, "With due respect to Mr. Foxman, he speaks of Christianity as if it were some sort of disease, when he should know that the majority of Christians love and support the nation of Israel. We are not the enemy."

Foxman further said "The creators of the film clearly don't get it... No Christian who understands Jewish suffering should resort to inappropriate comparisons to the Holocaust to send a message that abortion is wrong."

Comfort replied to the accusation with "No one but a Holocaust survivor can really understand the horror of what the Jews suffered. But the analogy stands. Hitler justified their murder by saying that Jews weren't human. Abortion advocates do the same by calling a baby a 'fetus' (as do ADL in their press release). Yet at 6 weeks 6 days a baby has a heartbeat, eyes, a mouth and hands. We show actual footage of this in our movie. Science now tells us that at the moment of conception there is DNA, determining the eye-color, hair-color and the height and personality of the person. Destroy that, and you destroy the person."

The Los Angeles-based film maker added, "Germany lawfully slaughtered six million Jews. America has lawfully slaughtered nearly ten times that amount. Also, every time Hitler killed a Jewish family he lined his pockets by seizing their assents -- their paintings, jewelry, cars, homes, and bank account. He also seized the gold from their teeth and the hair from their heads, and it amounted to billions of dollars, financing a third of his war-machine with the blood of the Jews." Comfort maintained that the American abortion industry does the same. He said, "Every time a doctor rips the arms, the legs and the head off a baby, he makes quick and easy money. If you want your 16-week baby killed in the womb, it will cost you $765 (current pricing). But if your baby is 19 weeks, it jumps to $2,165, amounting to billions in the pockets of abortion providers. American abortion is not about 'choice,' it's about money... just like the Holocaust. The analogy is legitimate."

For media interview inquiries for Ray Comfort, please contact: heartchanger@livingwaters.com
For news video/pictures: heartchanger.com/media.php

Beverly Hills and Hollywood High School Students Given Controversial Holocaust/Abortion Movie

2011-11-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thousands of students from Hollywood, Burbank, and Beverly Hills High Schools received a free copy of "180" the controversial award-winning movie that has had 1.4 million YouTube views and more than 23,000 comments, in just over one month. The movie opens with 14 people (mainly college students) who have no idea of the identity of Adolf Hitler.

Photo: Nicolas Cage, Beverly Hills High School alumni; Picture by Gerald Geronimo

Ray Comfort, the creator of www.180movie.com is Jewish, and says "These young people are ignorant as to perhaps the darkest period of human history -- because the American education system has failed them. We want to change that." The movie not only contains graphic Holocaust footage, but it also compares the Holocaust to American abortion. Late last month, over 180,000 copies were given away at 100 of America's top universities, including UCLA and USC. More than 250,000 copies of the DVD were sold within a month of its release.

Comfort said, "Our plan is to give away hundreds of thousands to American high school students, starting in our own backyard and moving across the country. Students from Beverly Hills, Burbank, and Hollywood High are future actors and leaders in the entertainment industry who will eventually influence a generation." Past students from these schools include Carrie Fisher, Nicolas Cage, John Ritter, Scott Baio, Kirk Douglas, John Wayne and many others. Comfort adds, "Young people are more open to ideas than the older generation, and seeing '180' will almost certainly influence them to become pro-life, for life." One student recently wrote: "I'm a senior at a public high school in West Virginia...Because of '180' I was able to turn around the entire class opinion about abortion and by the end of the class 25 of the 25 students and my teacher as well had all raised their hand agreeing that abortion should be illegal."

For media interview inquiries for Ray Comfort, please contact: heartchanger@livingwaters.com
For news video/pictures: heartchanger.com/media.php

An Angry Reaction to 180

2011-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Controversial Movie Sent to Sway Mississippian Voters

2011-11-07T10:16:00.001-08:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893

LOS ANGELES, November 7, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- A link to "180," the controversial viral YouTube sensation that compares American abortion to the Nazi Holocaust, was emailed to 600,000 potential Mississippian voters today by Personhood USA, in an effort to sway their vote to pro-life. The initiative calls upon Mississippians to vote that human life is present at the moment of conception. Ray Comfort, the creator of www.180movie.com said, "Personhood USA is in agreement with the scientific community in maintaining that life begins at conception. Those who say that a baby in the womb is not a human being are repeating the mantra of Adolf Hitler, who insisted that the Jews he terminated were non-human." The award-winning, 33-minute movie has received over 1.4 million views in five weeks, and is unique among pro-life videos. It shows eight people changing their minds from being adamantly pro-abortion to being pro-life in a matter of seconds, because they were asked one question. Comfort said, "The amazing thing is that those who watch it often change from pro-abortion to pro-life. We have received thousands of emails from people, many of whom have done a 180":

"We both voted for a pro-choice president the last election. After watching this documentary he said to me in tears that he was wrong. We have had our minds changed about who we vote for."

"I have showed this to almost all my friends, and even the very atheist or very liberal ones have changed their views!"

"I was always pro-choice and now I am pro-life after watching such a powerful video."

"From someone that been pro-choice this video changed my view on life completely."

"I used to vote pro-choice. I will not ever do so again. EVER."

"I'm a senior at a public high school in West Virginia. This past week in our civics class we were writing essays about laws that we wish would change in America. After seeing this video I choose to do mine on abortion, and how I wished it would be illegal. After I had finished reading my essay, a discussion arose in class (obviously) about how they thought abortion should be a choice, especially if the child is unhealthy or was caused because of rape…Because of 180 I was able to turn around the entire class opinion about abortion and by the end of the class 25 of the 25 students and my teacher as well had all raised their hand agreeing that abortion should be illegal."

Comfort added, "Of course, every comment isn't positive, because this is a hot-button issue. The 23,000 plus YouTube comments attest to that." One person wrote of Comfort, "I want a reaction out of this monster. I hate him. I hate his opinions. I hate his tactics. I hate his voice. I hate seeing his stupid movie getting posted every time I try and have an intelligent debate when his movie proves further that the pro-choice movement is far more intelligent, if they rely on this propaganda."

The greatest defense for a child being a baby at the moment of conception:

2011-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Surprise, surprise! The bible is the greatest defense for a child being a baby in the womb.

And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I
am with child.” 2 Samuel 11:5
(notice that she didn't say, "I am with fetus". Absurd! She is with
"child").

"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother
conceived me." Psalm 51:5
(notice the psalmist attributes person hood at the moment of
conception. The psalmist says "me").

"Scarcely had I passed by them, When I found the one I love. I held
him and would not let him go, Until I had brought him to the house
of my mother, And into the chamber of her who conceived me." Song
of Solomon 3:4
(notice Solomon's lover attributes person hood at the moment of
conception. Pay close attention to the word "me". She says that she
held him and went to the chamber of her who conceived "me". Not a
blob of tissue).

For their mother has played the harlot; She who conceived them has
behaved shamefully. For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, Who
give me my bread and my water, My wool and my linen, My oil and my
drink.’ Hosea 2:5
(Hosea says, she who conceived "them". The children were babies
from the moment of conception).

"Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in
her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called
barren." Luke 1:36
(The angel says that Elizabeth's conception is of a "son". Not some
blob of tissue that can be disregarded. But even at the moment of
conception there is person hood).

"And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the
Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel
before He was conceived in the womb."
("He" was conceived in the womb. Not "it" or "the fetus". But
"He"!)

All I can say is... "Wow".

2011-11-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

This came into Living Waters today:

"My kids came home with their bags or halloween treats and as I was separating the good from the bad I found two candies glued to your brochures trying to sell my kids your bulls*&# religion. You piece of f^%#(*% child molesting trash pushing god as a way to molest kids is illegal you should be hunted down and shot like a terrorist."

I wonder what church he goes to?

Philadelphia Abortion Crime not Murder, Says Movie Producer

2011-10-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ray Comfort, the producer of the viral pro-life movie “180,” in commenting on the alleged murders of seven babies at a Philadelphia abortion clinic, said that the workers crime wasn’t murder. AP reported, October 27th “Two abortion clinic workers pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree murder in deaths that occurred at a Philadelphia clinic where seven babies were allegedly born alive, then killed with scissors, and a patient died from an overdose of painkillers.”

Comfort said, “These people are accused of ‘performing illegal late-term abortions and killing babies born alive by severing their spinal cords with scissors’ when the workers ‘had no relevant training or license.’ So in essence, their crime wasn’t murder. It was that they weren’t trained to kill unborn babies. The law says that abortions should be safe and legal, and without proper training on how to kill a child, the law is broken. That was their ‘crime.’”
Comfort added that the billion dollar abortion industry in America has been “a powerful and taunting Goliath, but we now have a stone in our sling with ‘180,’ and we are going to see an end to this horror in our nation.” He said that they are receiving thousands of emails and many are saying that their minds have been changed from pro-abortion to pro-life, simply by freely watching the 33-minute documentary at 180movie.com

“I’m a senior at a public high school in West Virginia. This past week in our civics class we were writing essays about laws that we wish would change in America. After seeing this video I choose to do mine on abortion, and how I wished it would be illegal. After I had finished reading my essay, a discussion arose in class (obviously) about how they thought abortion should be a choice, especially if the child is unhealthy or was caused because of rape…Because of 180 I was able to turn around the entire class opinion about abortion and by the end of the class 25 of the 25 students and my teacher as well had all raised their hand agreeing that abortion should be illegal.”

180movie.com has over 20,000 YouTube comments and received more than one million views in 22 days.

"180" Movie Reject: One Student Hands an Open Copy Back to Me. Watch Why...

2011-10-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

200,000 Copies of “180” Given Away at 100 Universities

2011-10-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA A small army of one thousand workers gave away 200,000 copies of the award-winning movie “180” at 100 top universities around the country, in one day this week. To avoid opposition, the day and the location of each of the universities were a highly-guarded secret. The controversial prolife video shows eight people who are adamantly pro-abortion, changing their minds and becoming pro-life in a matter of seconds, because they were asked one question. Within the first month on YouTube http://www.180movie.com/ clocked 1.2 million views, stirred up a hornet’s nest of more than 19,000 comments, and has been called “The Hottest Movie on the Internet.”

The film’s producer, Ray Comfort, said, “People can’t get enough of this because it’s changing minds about the hot-button issue of abortion. It’s not only being watched on line, people are buying it to give away. We have sold more than 150,000 copies in a matter of weeks. One small church purchased 16,800. But this week’s university giveaway was very special, because it put the physical DVD into the hands of the youth of America, and engaged many in healthy dialogue.”

Tony Miano, the coordinator of the massive giveaway said, “Emails have been pouring in from students around the country who not only took the DVD, but took the time to watch it.“ ‎

"I just was on campus and a friend of mine and I watched this video and in a matter of seconds both of us realized how important the topics in this document truly where. I never really put things into focused until I watched this video. I have a lot of questions and now I'm taking the time to seek answers."

“I was given this DVD as I walked to class. I came home, popped it in, and it changed my heart. I got to thinking about every question that was asked and I have always been undecided on abortion, but now I am anti-abortion all the way.”

“Powerful movie. I always told myself I would never have an abortion, but what other women did was their business…I have COMPLETELY changed my mind now. Abortion is murder, it should be illegal.”

“I was handed the 180 DVD while walking to class on my college campus…It made me not only think of the issue in a way I hadn't before, it made me think of the issue to begin with.…Identifying as "pro-life" was one of the last things my thankful heart could commit to. Now that I've watched this simple DVD, I'm finally able to say I'm Pro-life and really mean it!!”

“My professor x-nayed the entire lesson and is playing the DVD for the entire class... She said she got so excited when she saw the DVD. She said that it coincides with what she teaches in class (the class title is ‘the holocaust’)”

Comfort added, “I am so thankful that people are open to change. While there are some who are very angry at us for making this movie, others are very thankful and write to tell us their story.”
"We both [my husband and I] voted for a pro-choice president the last election. After watching this documentary he said to me in tears that he was wrong. We have had our minds changed about who we vote for."

“I was at an abortion clinic on the sidewalk (with my laptop), had two young ladies stop and watch the trailer that is in the special features. Then afterwards they watched the 180 DVD all the way through. One was four month's pregnant, the other was three. They were both going there for an abortion; they were both in tears, hugged my neck and decided to give their babies life and choose adoption instead. I cried too.”

The best-selling author and film producer concluded, “I will not rest as long as the horror of killing babies is a legal reality in our nation. But political change will only come if those who care about the unborn speak up. We created the ‘180 Course’ to help those who care confidentially talk about the subject, in a way that makes sense. Anyone can change someone’s mind about abortion as I did on ‘180,’ if they have a loving heart and if they are willing to learn a few simple principles.” Well-known Christian leaders Randy Alcorn and Kay Arthur also contributed to the course, which is available at http://www.heartchanger.com/

Pictured: A student at UCLA holds up his free copy of “180.” Photo by CJ-Studio.com

Gospel Message on Toothpicks. What?!

2011-10-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

"Thank you for calling Living Waters. This is Trisha, how can I help you?"
"Ah yes, I'd like to submit a tract idea." The deep voice on the other end responded.
"Sure, go right ahead, sir." I answered.
"I'd like to see a Gospel message on toothpicks."
"Hmmm." I mumbled.
The caller continued, "That way people can get the Gospel message when they leave the restaurant".
"Hmmm...that's interesting, sir." I responded and added, "How are you going to get the message on the toothpicks?" I inquired.
He answered, "With my TEETH!"
Then the voice broke out into laughter and right away I knew who it was.
"E.Z!!!! I can't believe you!!!" I yelled. "You got me!!!...You got me!!"

(E.Z. is the Vice President of Living Waters. I love working for people that can have this much fun at work. I can remember one caller that sounded like it was E.Z. and I almost said "Come on E.Z....I know it's you!" I'm glad I never did because it was a legitimate customer).

"A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." Prov 17:22

This just in to Living Waters...

2011-10-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is just in from one of the staff members at Living Waters (named Mike). Here's what he wrote:

WOW this is awesome fellow servants. I am coming from lunch stopped at a red light in the rain. Lady next to me is honking and motioning for me to roll down my window. She had seen the 180 decal on our back window. She tells me with tears in her eyes...

"Thank you guys so much for putting out that documentary, I am a new Christian. I just watched it yesterday with my children to show them the real side and facts of abortion and we got in a lengthy discussion afterwards. That documentary is changing lives. Thank you so much"

God Bless
Mike

--
If you can purchase the window decal, here: http://bit.ly/p1baL9 (just scroll down to the last row).

Blessings to you, all!

The one time I wish I had 5 thumbs...

2011-10-01T00:26:00.000-07:00

I would put them all up for this film!
Do your family a favor this weekend and take them to see "Courageous". If you saw the film, tell me your favorite part. I know, I know...it will be hard to choose. But I'll start us off. I loved the part with Javier in the back of the cop car. Hilarious. "Courageous".

Come Join me if you're in Orange County on Sept 24!

2011-09-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

I will be in Orange County on Sept 24th teaching at a 1 Day Women's Conference on Missions and Evangelism. They have kindly given me 2 sessions (1 main session and 1 workshop).

The workshop will touch on Ray Comfort's new documentary called "180" you can see more here: http://www.180movie.com/. And I've got a surprise in store for that. I would love if you could join me.

Here are the details:

What:
It's Time: Calvary Chapel Saving Grace Women's Conference

Location of the event:
Calvary Chapel Saving Grace
17451 Bastanchury Rd. Suite 203
Yorba Linda CA 92886

Day and Time:
Saturday, Sept 24, 2011
9am-8:30pm

To register send an email with your name to reserve your spot, to:
email@fishwithtrish.com no later than Wednesday the 23rd of Sept at NOON. In the subject line type "Ladies Conference". You can say something as simple as, "I'd like to reserve my spot for the ladies conference on the 24th. My name is _______."

Cost:
$30.00
Ladies that send me an email and request to have their spot reserved can pay at the door, cost is $30. When you register via my email you will receive a free copy of Ray Comfort's 180 DVD!
You can pick this up at the Living Waters/Fish With Trish resource table on the day of the event (you will only receive this if you register via my email).

What you get:
Snacks in the AM, lunch, dinner and dessert. Yum! And...you will hear from 3 other wonderful speakers. There will be a time of fellowship and worship as well - which is better than any dessert. :-)

Hope you can come and spread the word. God bless you all!

Daniel 12:3

Worth 15 minutes of your time today

2011-09-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

This video will make you squirm!

2011-09-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Anthony Martin gives a 3 minute Gospel message to the Torrance City Council at their weekly meeting. (The message starts at the 4:34 mark).

A bead of sweat formed on my friend Pastor Steve Sanchez's brow and after my friend Jaylene sent me the link, I got squirmy just watching it.

Here's what Steve writes:

"On the last day of my evangelism class I asked the students, “What unusual place do you think you may want to preach the Gospel?” This was after I had shown them that in America they can preach anywhere, from football games, to In N’ Out Burger; from stop lights to the Porta-Potties at the Rose Parade; from outdoor beer gardens to inside elevators!

Two men raised their hands. The first one said, “I want to share the Gospel at AA meetings.” I encouraged him that after he got kicked out, there are plenty more in the South Bay area where we live.

The second man, Anthony, said that he wanted to share at the Torrance City Council meeting. “How are you going to do that?” I asked.
“Everyone gets three minutes to talk. I’m going to share the most important message they can hear.” Frankly, I didn’t think he would. He was one the quietest guys in my class. Well, imagine my surprise when he sent me a portion of the city’s public access channel—and there he was! "

The message starts at the 4.34 min mark:

Assuming comment from my visit to the abortion clinic

2011-09-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Why did you just stop this couple having an abortion and then wave them off? Why didn't you offer to to adopt the baby after the lady had it?
Because they probably had a very good reason for wanting an abortion: maybey they had no money, maybey they just knew thhey couldn't cope with the demands of another child. If you make it your business to stop women having abortions, its definitly your business to offer an alternative solution which doesn't involve them keeping the baby.Obviously, since your faith helps you appreaciate the wonder of new life, yuo should be the one to take the baby. You neglected that part of your Christian duty, i am sad to say :( " -Lisa

Lisa, thanks for commenting and for reading my post on my first visit to the abortion clinic. A "very good reason" for wanting an abortion is not having money? Are you kidding me?! So let me rephrase what you are saying, It's okay to murder a baby in the womb because you have no money. Is that right? And, what you are also saying is that, It's okay to murder a baby in the womb because you can't cope with the demands of another child.

These are not good reasons for murder.

Finish this sentence for me, Lisa...."It's okay to kill a baby in the womb when?"

Please comment. I want to hear back from you.

Where do you get the notion that we "waved" them off? Where you there? Did I ever mention that we "waved" them off in my post? We provided an adoption alternative for their child. This is what we do with each person before they go into the clinic (that is if they will allow us). After Guadalupe walked out and jumped in the car, they drove off and didn't want to talk to us. We thought they were going to stop and that we would be able to talk to them further but that wasn't the case.

However, the good news is that they had information in their hands on how to find us, how to get their child adopted, and most importantly how to be reconciled to God.

Have you been reconciled to God, Lisa?

I appreciate you caring about my "Christian duty".... It is also my duty to tell you of the judgment to come.

Have you considered where you will go if tonight was your last?

If you have never thought about where you will go when you die...now is the time to do so. The bible tells us that life is like a vapor. Think about it. Your life appears for a little while and then it's gone.

Where will you spend all eternity when your life here on earth is over?

Think about it. The ultimate statistic is that 33 people out of 33 people die! That means you won't escape death. No one will. And eternity is a long time. In fact, just think, it's forever and never ends. There is no time in eternity.

Have you ever looked at yourself according to how God see's you? If not, here's what to do, evaluate yourself by the 10 Commandments to see how you measure up to God's standard of righteousness. This is what made things clear for me...

Have you ever lied (even once--fibs, white lies, etc.)? Have you ever stolen (the value is irrelevant)? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever looked with lust? If you have said "Yes" to these three questions (by your own admission), you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart; and we've only looked at three of the Ten Commandments.

The bible gives us surety in the New Testament, "that no fornicator (a person who has sex outside of marriage), unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." Ephesians 5: 5

Have you put God first in your life? Or have you created a false god to suit yourself; a god you feel comfortable with? If God judges you by that standard will you be innocent or guilty on the Day of Judgment? If you're honest and listen to your conscience you know that you will be guilty, and end up in Hell.

The reality of that should strike terror in your heart!

But wait, Lisa, listen to this...

There is good news.

God Himself made a way for sinners to be forgiven...Listen to this...

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man and was without sin. He suffered and died on the cross and then He rose from the dead, defeating death. You broke the Law and Jesus paid the fine with His precious blood for sinners! Today, here's what to do, confess your sins to God, repent (turn) from your sins, put your trust in Jesus to save you from eternal damnation, and you will pass from death to life. Only through Christ can God forgive you and grant you the gift of everlasting life.

Turn from your sins today.

Quotes worth passing on to others

2011-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

"Let it be a settled principle in our minds that the first & chief business of the Church of Christ is to preach the Gospel." ~ J.C. Ryle

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

My First Day at the Abortion Clinic - Aug 15, 2011

2011-08-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

I went to my first abortion clinic last week and pleaded with ladies as they walked in to answer this question, "It's okay to kill a baby in the womb when?"

One couple pulled up quickly in a blue Chevy truck, the young lady jumped out while the man sat and waited with a child.

I had no assurance that he could hear me but I pleaded with him anyway, "God detests those that are quick to shed innocent blood. Sir, did you know the last thing to go when someone is dying is their hearing? Your conscience might be on the brink of death, sir, maybe you have suppressed the truth of God for so long that your conscience is hard but please, if you hear my voice today and there is any life left in you, don't do this! Don't kill your child. This is God's child. The lady that you dropped off is simply His vessel. The bible says, Thou shall not murder! .... Sir, I beg of you, go in and be a man and compel her to come out. Don't be a coward, sir. The bible says in the book of Revelation that cowards will not inherit the kingdom of God. Please, don't do this. Don't let her do this!"

I urged him for what seemed like an eternity but in reality it was about 5 minutes.

He slowly began to back out his truck. He appeared to be slumped over his steering wheel. I wasn't sure what to expect. But as he drove closer, I held out my hand with a tract and urgently motioned him to roll down his window. He cracked the window about 5 inches -enough for me to see the side of his face. He was beat red which is only the result of violent weeping. He couldn't lift his head to look at me.

"Sir, please, we are here for you. What is your name?"

"Michael." He answered.

"We won't leave until you go get her. Please, back up, go in and get her. Be a man, Michael, and lead her. There is hope for you today at the cross of Christ, there is forgiveness in His name today for all your sins. Turn from sin and turn to Christ. Please do this, please."

He took a deep breath, slightly lifted his head and looked up at me out of the corner of his left eye. He wiped away the sea of tears streaming down his face and nodded that he understood. He picked up his cell phone and minutes later Guadalupe walked out. She got in the car and they drove off.

One life saved today.

"I've been looking for God." Wow...

2011-08-21T23:06:00.000-07:00

Justice, if in God's providence you happen upon this
blog please email Trish: email@fishwithtrish.com
(she would love to know what happened to you).

They have already forgotten...

2011-08-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Who was Adolf Hitler?" I asked a young man this past weekend during Saturday night evangelism.

He quickly responded, "Oh, he was a muslim terrorist, right?"

The next guy I asked said, "I don't know…wasn't he the guy that killed the Nazi's."

Wow.

A Powerful Grace Gem

2011-08-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

"One hour after death!" James Smith 1864

One hour after death, WHERE shall I be?

One hour after death, WHAT shall I be?

One hour after death, How shall I be EMPLOYED?

One hour after death, What will be my FEELINGS?

One hour after death, How shall I THINK?

How differently we shall think of money, pleasure, the indulgence of our lusts, all that we now call great, grand, and desirable--one hour after death! Let us endeavor to think now--as it is probable we shall think then!
Let us place ourselves in Heaven--and try to think there!
Let us place ourselves in Hell--and try to think there!
How different will things then appear!

Read the entire writing HERE

Did you know Ray Comfort has a daily "Live" 28 min TV program? It's called, "On The Box", check it out...

2011-07-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Ray and Tony for having me on the program last Friday. You guys are doing a great work! Oh and did I mention that I love the new Living Waters shirts. They don't collect dog hair, they are iron free, they wash up great and they are conversation starters!

"On the Box" is a daily (Monday through Friday) live, 28-minute, web-based talk show hosted by Ray Comfort and the Living Waters team.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/on-the-box

Guest: Trisha Ramos (FishwithTrish.com)

Do you stuggle with fear or panic attacks? Be sure to read this. Plus Enter to Win a Book!

2011-07-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday night I taught a ladies study on Victory Over Fear and pumped "Overcoming Panic Attacks" (by Ray Comfort) while reading portions from it.

Just when I thought that no one could relate to the subject, one dear lady raised her hand and asked for prayer for her son (7 yrs old) who is struggling immensely with fear. She took a copy of the book home so she could read it with him. Another lady broke down into tears at the end of the study. We prayed for her.

Charles Spurgeon's morning devotional just happened to go hand in hand with the topic of difficulties(see below, bold is mine).

If you are struggling with fear or panic attacks or have simply having a difficult season, rest assured that you are in good company with the rest of God's people. Don't give up and keep pressing on. This too will soon past.

---

Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Morning Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon

"The Lord our God hath shewed us His glory."—Deuteronomy 5:24.

GOD'S great design in all His works is the manifestation of His own glory. Any aim less than this were unworthy of Himself. But how shall the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are? Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why He bringeth His people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes forth to work their deliverance. He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you.

--

Here's What to do to Enter Your Name to WIN a Copy of "Overcoming Panic Attacks" By Ray Comfort:

There are 2 Ways to enter your name in the drawing...

1. For 2 entries, post this give away on your website, blog, or social networking site like Twitter and Facebook.

2. For 1 entry, simply enter your name below (in the comment section) and a way for me to contact you if you win.

Contest ends Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011 at midnight (CST). Open to US residents only.

I will randomly pick 1 name and the winner will be announced later in the day on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011.

Ex-Howard Stern Fan

2011-07-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

“In May of 2008 I got in my truck and turned on SIRIUS Satellite and the Howard Stern show. I was a huge fan of his for nearly 18 years. As I listened for few minutes, I realized how vulgar and inappropriate his show was, and I knew it was not what I should be listening to. I changed the channel and came upon the FamilyNet station and was listening to preachers such as David Jeremiah, Franklin Graham, Alistair Begg, and other greats. Then around 10:30 I heard a show (you might know this one) called The Way of the Master Radio. I was very attentive and as I listened to you, Kirk, and Todd witnessing to people over the phone with Trish and Tony, it finally struck my heart that I was in huge trouble if I died in my sins. I found a place to pull over and got on my face on the floor of my truck and cried out to God for forgiveness and put all my trust in Christ as my Lord and Savior. It took about an hour before I could pull myself together and go on down the road...I have since been through your School of Biblical Evangelism and have handed out hundreds of your tracts.” ~ Glen H.

PICTURE: Glen’s son Justin gave the driver of Bigfoot, Dan Runte,
a Million Dollar Bill tract (seen on the hood of the car).

Hat tip: to Ray Comfort for this excerpt which was taken from his weekly newsletter. Be sure to subscribe - Click HERE.

No greater authority to which Christian's can appeal

2011-07-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

The subject of forensics has always fascinated me. In law enforcement officials going out to make an arrest first need to get the proper search warrant. This warrant gives the officers the necessary authority to bang down doors and invade a person’s privacy in a lawful way. The Great Commission is the church’s search warrant if you would to go into all the nations of the world and arrest them with the gospel. Our authority does not come from a lady clerk in a cubical at an American embassy, but from the throne of God! It is based on Christ’s authority that we are able to go into otherwise closed nations, Muslim nations, Communist nations, and compel them to come into God’s church. There is no greater authority to which we can appeal. There is no denomination, no missions board, or missions agency, or evangelistic organization that will grant us greater authorization to bust down the doors of the nations and bring the nations to the obedience of faith than the exalted all-authoritative King and Sovereign of the universe telling us to “make disciples” for His name’s sake.
- Emilio Ramos on the "Great Commission" (Matt 28:16:20)

I'm diggin' this (for solid biblical lyric lovers only)

2011-07-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hat tip: Shai Linne

Why You Should Use Tracts - by Ray Comfort

2011-07-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

There is an old story of how a diver saw a piece of paper clutched in the mouth of an oyster. The man grabbed it, found that it was a gospel tract and said, "I can't hold out any longer. His mercy is so great that He has caused His Word to follow me even to the bottom of the ocean." God used a tract to save the man. Why should a Christian use tracts? Simply because God uses them. He used a tract to save the great missionary Hudson Taylor, as well as many, many others. That fact alone should be enough incentive for a Christian to always use tracts to reach the lost, but there are even more reasons why we should use them. Here are a few:

Tracts can make an opening for us to share our faith. We can watch people's reaction as we give them a tract, and see if they are open to listen to spiritual things.

They can do the witnessing for us. If we are too timid to speak to someone about the things of God, we can at least give them a tract, or leave it lying around so that someone will pick it up.

They speak to the person when they are ready – i.e. they don't read it until they want to.

They can find their way into people's homes when we can't.

They don't get into argument. They just state their case.

Dr. Oswald J. Smith said, "The only way to carry out the Great Commission will be by the means of the printed page." Billy Graham said, "Nothing surpasses a tract for sowing the seed of the Good News." The Apostle Paul said, "I might by any means save some." I'm sure that if Paul had access to the printed page that we have access to, he would carry his convictions to the full.

I am never in public without gospel tracts. In fact, if anyone ever finds me in public without them, I will give them $1,000. That makes sure I am always loaded for battle (you should say the same thing to your friends). When I see an attendant who is standing in a store looking bored, I can give him or her a tract and say, "This will break your boredom." Most people smile, and say "Thanks." In fact, we have tracts especially to break boredom. One is called the Intelligence Test Bookmark (available from Living Waters Publications). This tract has a ten-minute "getaway" time. After you give it to them, you have ten minutes to get away, before they even know that it's a Christian tract. Other titles are especially designed for specific purposes.

If you want people to accept your tract from you, don't say, "Would you like this?" They will probably say, "What is it?" and then you're in trouble. Instead, say, "Did you get one of these?" That question has a two-fold effect. You stir up curiosity and make them ask "One of what?" That's when you pass it to them. That phrase also makes them feel as though they are missing out on something. And so they are.

Perhaps your whole life seems to pass before your eyes at the thought of giving someone a tract. Don't worry – you are not alone. We all battle fear. The answer to fear is found in the prayer closet. Ask God to give you a compassion that will swallow your fears. Meditate on the fate of the ungodly. Give Hell some deep thought. Confront what it is that you are so fearful of.

Do you like roller coasters? Some Christians want to try bungie-jumping or sky diving. Isn't it strange? We are prepared to risk our lives for the love of fear... and yet we are willing to let a sinner go to Hell for the fear of giving out a tract. Ask yourself how many piles of bloodied stones you can find where Christians have been stoned to death for preaching the gospel. How much singed soil can you find where they have been burned at the stake. Shame on us. We have a fear of rejection. We are fearful of looking foolish. That's a subtle form of pride. That sort of fear isn't from God. He hasn't given us the spirit of fear. If we listen to the lies of the devil rather than the Word of God, it shows we prefer to have faith in the devil rather than in our faithful Creator. What a terrible thought! Faith in His "precious promises" will lift us above the fear that so easily paralyzes us. If God is with us, nothing can be against us.

If you have never given out tracts, leave them in a shopping cart, or put them in the mail when you pay bills. Why not begin today? Then each night as you shut your eyes to go to sleep, you will have something very special to pray about... that God will use the tract you put somewhere. You will also have a deep sense of satisfaction, that you played a small part in carrying out the Great Commission... to reach this dying world with the gospel of everlasting life. Don't waste your life. Do something for the Kingdom of God while you are able to. Finally, always remember – treat every day as though it were your last... one day you will be right, so do something for God while you are able.

Don't forget about your mom

2011-07-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

The below message recently was sent to me and I was struck by the precious young lady's devotion to her mother and her boldness to share the Gospel with her mom even when it was hard. If you have a mom that doesn't know the Lord, may this email serve as an encouragement to you. Don't lose heart. If God is able to do this for my mom and Jameka's, He is more than able to do the same for your loved one. Remember that you will only have one mom. Take some time to pour into her life today. Here's the email and read what God did through Jameka:

"God has allowed me to sow into my mother for over a year. Since realizing I was a false convert my relationships with my family changed dramatically. She used to tell me that she thought I was "crazy" and I didn't love her because I was different. Taking her through the law was one of the hardest things I have ever done. At times she responded defensively! Then SHE finally saw her predicament, she realized that she was a false convert! It's been about a month since she told me that she repented and put her faith and trust in Jesus Christ for her salvation alone! Since then she has shared with me how her thoughts, actions, and appetite has been changing. She has been listening in to services from our ministry because of the distance between us. Soon she plans to travel to fellowship with us here in Orlando. I visited her yesterday and she asked me for some tracts so that she could start handing them out. She called me last night telling me that she had given one to a cashier and left some in a restaurant... - Jameka"

A Response to a Comment on my "Uh-Oh" Club (for women only) post

2011-07-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

“I don't understand the point of this type of correction if it's with people who don't even profess Christianity. Seems like a side issue if they aren't saved. If they dress modestly but still go to hell, what good have I done? Modesty is a heart issue, it will automatically follow repentance at some point in a believer's life. As believers, we need to have compassion on the lost and let that compassion drive us to share the gospel with them. Focusing instead on modesty is getting side-tracked. – Ginger”

Ginger, thank you for commenting. And thank you for your patience in receiving this response. I have been planning 3 "Transformed" Conferences, 1 Deeper Conference, a Psalm 119 Conference, preparing for a speaking engagement in California, answering a bucket full of emails, serving my husband and the local church, and blogging comes somewhere after feeding my dog, Baby.

You said that it, "Seems like a side issue if they aren't saved." You’re right, it is a side issue. I'm glad you recognize it as an "issue". Abortion is a side issue. But it is an issue - a huge issue.

In my post, did you notice that I encouraged ladies to hand them a "tract" (these contain a gospel message) and better yet, to "talk" to them. While talking to them, bring them through the law and give them the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I apologize if I wasn’t clear in my first post. I can see how you may have thought that I was sounding an alarm for every Christian woman to be the “Modesty Police”. I'm not the best with words. So thank you for understanding. Just for clarification, my aim is to encourage Christian ladies to pass out tracts and evangelize one - 2 - one (that is the first priority) and also when it is appropriate (and using good discernment) to say something about inappropriate dress - even if it is a small "Uh-Oh" as you hand them a tract. We can never assume that someone meant to dress immodestly on purpose. So a discreet “Uh Oh” may be all it takes. In my post, did you notice that the young lady thanked me for doing this. She sounded genuinely thankful. But she may have been thanking me for the tract. Make no mistake, the Gospel is always the priority. You are spot on there.

You'd be surprised how many ladies I have talked to about the Lord that start to cover up about half way through the Gospel presentation. I didn't even have to mention their immodesty.

In my post, I failed to point out that my dear friend, Kristen, was with me. I said “Uh Oh” in a whisper like fashion as I discreetly pointed that I don’t think Kristen (who was standing right next to me) heard or saw what I did. The way I wrote, in my first post, may have communicated that I was on a loud speaker when I said “Uh Oh" and by no means was this the case.

Many women that I have personally talked to at various places like the University Campus, at Walmart, Ross, the 99 cent store, the Post Office, at Down Town Fort Worth, and at the Southlake Town Square, “profess” to “know” Christ but have adopted the really low cut shirt standards that the world espouse. So one idea might be to simply ask them if they are a Christian, if they say yes, gently show them the way more accurate in meekness and in love (1Tim 2:9-10). Maybe they are not receiving proper instruction at their local church and perhaps God wants to use you to speak into their lives. It may sting them. Sometimes words that are true sting. They hurt at first, but “better is an open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5).

Remember if you are a Christian you are the salt of the earth, you are the and light of the world.

Listen to what John MacArthur has to say about Matt 5:13-14:

“Salt stings. Not only is it white and adds flavor, it has a medicinal or healing property when put into a wound. So some say that the Lord is saying, "Believers are not to be honey to soothe the sinful world, you are to be salt in the world, so whenever you see a place where there is a problem, you should just throw yourselves in and make it sting." I like that. I don't think we do near enough of that. I think we just want to drip honey on everyone, and we figure that if we never offend, if we just go along in life, it will be alright. If we gloss it over and let it be the way it is, nobody will get upset and everyone will say, "Oh, those Christians are so loving and tolerant of us." But there is never a clear definition of a distinction, you see. We're not honey, we're salt…

The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. This is Jesus' view, the view of any thinking person. Any evolutionist would have to be blind to reality to think human society is on the ascent. It isn't true. So our Lord is saying that since we have a decaying, corrupted society shrouded in darkness, this society needs salt to retard the corruption and light to brighten the darkness. The presupposition, the darkness and decay of the world…

God has a plan. The plan is the dominion of the disciples. He sets us up in the world as a holy priesthood, a kingdom of priests, as kings and priests. He says, "I'm giving you dominion, I'm giving you a restored dominion that man lost in the Fall. You are My kings, and you are My vice-regents, you are My princes in the world. You are My priests and prophets in the world, and your job is to retard the corruption and bring light to the darkness.

You know what's so sad about it? Instead of the church influencing the world this way, the church is influenced by the world. The very things we talked about this morning, and what we've talked about in the past, we become victimized. Remember when we talked about the crises of Christianity and how the church has fallen victim to so many trends in human society? It's ludicrous what the church permits under the influence of the world.

So what is the plan? Verse 13. "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men." Guess who has the responsibility? You! To whom does the 'you' refer? I believe it refers to the disciples, the believers; they are the agents of divine transformation. They are the ones who are salt and light.

Not only are we to retard the corruption, but we are to manifest the truth, both a negative and a positive. By our influence, we retard corruption. By our verbalization and our living, we manifest the truth. So you have here the influence of a silent testimony and the impact of a verbal and living testimony. Our salt influence may be silent and hidden as salt was rubbed into meat to preserve it. But our light influence has to be open and ablaze in the way we live and in the manifestation of verbalizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Enter to Win A Copy of "Feminine Threads"!

2011-07-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

If you've had the desire to study the topic of women and Church history, then no need to look any further. Diana Lynn Severance, (PhD, Rice University) a historian with broad
experience teaching in universities and seminaries, has done the work for you in this creatively packaged book, called "Feminine Threads".

In 336 pages, Diana Severance takes you from as far back as the New Testament era all the way up to the last decades of influential women in Christian history and modern times. "Feminine Threads" is a very readable survey of influential women of the last 2,000 years.

If you are anything like me, you want to see detailed bibliographies and footnotes in the books you read. It’s important to know where authors retrieve their information. Diana Severance meticulously notes where she is getting her facts from.

Interwoven throughout the book are all sorts of precious truths about ladies of old. For example, she notes that "probably the one person from the early centuries of the Church who influenced later Church history more than any other was Augustine (354-430), who became Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. Augustine himself, however, recognized that to a great degree his Christian faith was an answer to the prayers of his mother Monica." Severance goes on to note that in Augustine's confessions he describes his mother as "God's servant" and then says, "who brought me to birth both in her body, so that I was brought into the light of time, and in her heart, so that I was born into the light of eternity." We also learn from Severance that growing up Monica learned modesty, sobriety, and obedience to her parents.

And later in the book, we read of the trials and triumphs of ladies like Susanna Wesley (John Wesley's mother) who had "nineteen children, only nine of whom lived to adulthood. One daughter as deformed for life." But even though her household was large and though she had many trials, Severance points out that she "had to be organized and methodical if she was to accomplish anything. She spent at least an hour of every day in her private devotions; six hours a day, six days a week she set aside for the education of her children, even writing some of the textbooks and study materials herself. She instructed the children in both academic subjects and Christian truth."

I dare you to get a copy of this book and try to read it for only 5 minutes. It won't happen! You will find yourself engulfed in it.

And in case you're still undecided about why to purchase a copy for your personal library here are a few more details and endorsements that might convince you that Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History belongs on your bookshelf:
• Chronological account of Christian women
(120+)
• Includes extracts of letters, diaries and published
works
From commoner to queen, the women in this book embraced
the freedom and the power of the Gospel in making their
unique contributions to the unfolding of history.
The true story of women in Christian history inspires,
challenges and demonstrates the grace of God producing
much fruit throughout time.

“a record packed with spiritual insights and one that is both timely
and significant.”
Faith Cook
Derbyshire, England

“ with lively prose and scholarly care she has given us an excellent
overview of the various ways in which Christian women have
sought to live for Christ.”
Michael A. G. Haykin
Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, KY

“What women these Christians have!” exclaimed Libanius, the
fourth century teacher of rhetoric. His words are amply underscored
and vividly illustrated in this deeply researched and highly readable
survey of the last 2,000 years – an appraisal that Diana Severance
invariably places against the enduring touchstone of Scripture.”
Richard Bewes, OBE, Author & retired rector of All Souls Church,
Langham Place, London

“I recommend every woman read and study and keep within
reach for reference and inspiration!”
Dorothy Kelley Patterson
Professor of Theology in Women’s Studies
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Fort Worth, Texas

"No-one reading this book can fail to be encouraged by the faith of
these ordinary women who, in their own generation, humbly trusted
the Word of God and lived to serve the Lord of whom it speaks."
Carrie Sandom,
Women’s Worker, Christchurch Mayfair

“Well researched and well written, this study of “feminine threads”
in Christian history makes for a tapestry of inspiration and
instruction for all who love the Lord and his church – men and
women alike.”
Timothy George
Founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University
General editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

***Special Thanks to Christian Focus Publications for sending me a copy of this book to review and give -away on the Fish With Trish Blog. God bless you, all.

Here's What to do to Enter Your Name to WIN:
There are 2 Ways to enter your name in the drawing...

1. For 2 entries, post this give away on your website, blog, or social networking site like Twitter and Facebook.

2. For 1 entry, simply enter your name below (in the comment section) and a way for me to contact you if you win.

Contest ends Sunday, July. 31, 2011 at midnight (CST). Open to US residents only.

I will randomly pick 1 name and the winner will be announced later in the day on Monday, Sept. 1, 2011.

"Uh-Oh" Club - for ladies only

2011-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Each Thursday my friend Kristen and I go to a local University and witness to students. A couple weeks ago as we walked into the campus cafeteria a young student was walking out. I couldn't help but notice how horribly low her shirt was. I quickly handed her a tract and said, "Did you get one?" She took it. Then, in a low horrified voice, I covered my mouth and said to her, "Uh Oh!" as I pointed several times at her chest area. She frantically looked down, as if she had no idea, and started buttoning everything up. Then she responded, "Thanks." I wonder how long she walked around the campus with her shirt like that -without anyone saying a word.

Yesterday, when I got home from evangelism, this was in my inbox from, Kristen:

I went to a fast food restaurant today, one where you drive up and order your food, and then a carhop brings it to your car. As I was contemplating what to order, I noticed three guys looking at one of the female carhops that was on roller skates. As she rolled by me, I saw exactly why they were looking at her. Her shorts were the shortest shorts I have ever seen on a human being, and everything in the rear was showing. Immediately, I thought, “I have to do something! Like leave this place! I don’t even know this girl, how can I correct her attire? Surely, one of her co-workers will say something.” My panic attack lasted about thirty seconds, and then I knew that I had to be the one to say something to her. Clearly, none of her co-workers had, and they weren’t going to. So, I placed my order and waited for her to bring it out. But a different girl began walking toward me with my order. Lord, could this get any more awkward? Now You expect me to ask the carhop that brought my food to tell Shorty-Shorts to come over to my car? Needless to say, that’s exactly what I did and she came skating over. I couldn’t even look up as she was rolling toward me; I knew this was going to be painful for both of us. I had never said anything to anybody about their dressing immodestly, so I had no idea what I was going to say. “Yes ma’am?” she said.

“Hey, I just wanted to tell you that those guys were kind of gawking at you, and I think it’s because your shorts are so short. I’m sure you didn’t realize. Just thought you would want to know, because I know I don’t like it when guys gawk at me.”

“Oh, thank you. It’s because my shorts are too big, and they kept falling down, so I had to belt them up high.”

“Well, I just thought you would want to know, because I don’t like guys gawking at me either,” I said again for some reason.

“Well, thank you.” And she rolled away.

Now, I have no idea if she made any adjustments to her shorts or not because I left rather quickly, but at least I said something. Driving away I thought of all the things I should have said and done, but in my nervousness totally forgot about, such as handing her the gospel tract that I had in my lap at the ready. But I didn’t kick myself too badly because it was my first time confronting someone in this way, and I knew, that just like with evangelism, it would get a little easier each time. -Kristen

--

If you're reading this and you can relate in any way to these two accounts but you've been nervous to say anything, just know you are not alone. There are now two of us doing this and if you start that will make 3! :-)

Join the "Uh-Oh" Club. And I'm not joking. I want to hear from you. Here's what you can do, the next time you see a lady that is dressed in an immodest fashion: Hand her a tract and say something to the effect of, "Here, this is for you." Or you can say, "Did you get one of these." And then point to the immodest area and with a horrified look, say "Uh -Oh". And better yet, perhaps you can talk to her. Either way, I'd like to hear what happens. Either send me an email (email [at] fishwithtrish.com) or post below.

Confronting someone in this way is not easy. But don't forget, that just like with evangelism, it will get easier each time.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Trish

"Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3 (italics mine)

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30

Jeans or No Jeans? That is the question.

2011-06-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

"Hi Trish, when the Bible says "modest apparel," do you think that it means that women shouldn't wear jeans or any pants in general? I don't wear those "skinny" jeans that are popular today, but just your average Levi's. Would you (or should I say would God) think that they are acceptable for a woman to wear? Most of the women in my conservative church wear skirts most of the time, even when they aren't in church. " Bridget

Bridget, Thank you for inquiring. There are modest jeans and immodest jeans, to say jeans are a sin is to go further than Scripture and thus legalism. Just remember that we are always in the presence of God and should dress to show our reverence to Him, no matter where we are going (1 Cor 10:31).

Personally, I typically don't where jeans or pants. I have several pairs in my closet but I'm not very comfortable wearing them. I tend to wear skirts a lot though. They are comfortable and fit almost any occasion. As I'm typing this, I have one on. And the green one in the picture featured in the post is my favorite.

I may have taken my 'skirt' wearing to the extreme, however. For sometime now, I've wanted a leaf blower for my yard but spending $40 was out of the question. So like a good steward, I found one on Craigslist for $10! Not a bad deal.

My husband looked at the picture online and thought it seemed decent so he bought it for me, brought it home, and like a good husband he tested it out first. It was super loud. No wonder it was inexpensive.

He blew a few leaves out of the garage and then I gave it a whirl. Oh wait; did I mention I was planning on doing yard work wearing my favorite skirt? 30 seconds later my skirt was sucked up into the engine of the obnoxiously loud leaf blower. Now I know why it was so inexpensive. There was no engine cover! The lesson that day was twofold: there are some things you don’t buy on Craigslist and don’t garden in a skirt, especially your favorite one.

Picture above: Taken in front of Yad VaShem in Jerusalem (Holocaust History Museum). I just got through witnessing to this young lady who was with a group of people called "Walk About Love".

Who can say, "Tracts don't work"?

2011-06-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

This email came into Living Waters yesterday:

"I met a man at the gas station the other day. He gave me a trillion dollar bill. Made me think about my life. Thanks, George"

I wrote back, saying:

"Dear George, Thank you for writing. I'm glad that someone cared enough to hand you a gospel tract. I hope you read the back and that you have made peace with God by repenting and trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior."

He wrote back today, with this:

"I read the back... Repenting is what I got from the message. I think it is my time. I would like to talk to that man again. Is there a church in my area? Lakeland, Fl."

My response:

Dear George, great to hear from you again. When you say, "I think it is my time" you are right. The time is now. And Jesus said, "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37b).

Come to the Lord today, George, and cry out to Him and ask forgiveness for your sins and trust in Jesus Christ. And read your bible daily. Today is the day of salvation. You may not have tomorrow.

As for a church, I'd recommend visiting 9Marks, which has a church finder. Type in your zip code, and see which churches are near you. The churches listed on 9Marks subscribe to good doctrine. http://churchsearch2.9marks.org/

In addition to that, The Master's Seminary posts a map where you can find Master's graduates that are pastoring churches in your area. Just because a pastor graduated from Master's doesn't mean he's solid, but chances are good that he is. At the very least you'll know he received solid Biblical training and the church where he serves would be a good one to check out. http://www.tms.edu/AlumniMap.aspx

And I would highly recommend that you get plugged into the Ambassador’s Alliance Fellowship online and meet other people who evangelize and perhaps you will find someone who knows of a solid church in your area. Once you have joined and become an "Associate Member" of the Ambassadors' Alliance you can use the MAP feature to locate individuals living near you. http://ambassadorsalliance.com/app_associate.shtml

Below are some wise words from a good friend (Todd Friel) which I think might be of help to you in your search for a solid church. I'd encourage you to read it all.

And last but not least, read "Save Yourself Some Pain":
http://www.livingwaters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=81&Itemid=229

God bless you!

Trish

--

How to Find a Good Church
Almost 25 questions that will save you a lot of Sundays - Todd Friel

Looking for a good church? Join the club. Church-shopping can be a long and painful process.
To shorten your search, call the pastor of the church before you visit and ask the following
questions. This might save you a lot of Sundays.

1. What is man's biggest problem, sin or self esteem?
Seeker sensitive and felt-needs churches focus on man’s hurts and problems. The Bible says
that man’s biggest problem is sin.

2. What must a man do to inherit eternal life?
Repent and trust is the Biblical answer. If the word “repent” is never used, say, “Thank you.”

3. How do you deliver the salvation message?
Ask the pastor to describe specifically what he says. Does he encourage people to simply say a prayer? Does he tell people to ask Jesus into their hearts?
The salvation message should include: God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, God’s response (hell), God’s kindness (Jesus on a cross), man’s response (repentance and faith).

4. How hard is it to become a Christian?
The “formula” is simple, doing it is not. It is not easy to believe.

5. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness and judgment?
Balance is key. This should not be the only emphasis, but it should be a regular emphasis.

6. How seeker sensitive is your church?
It is o.k. for a church to be “seeker aware” but seeker sensitive means that they lean toward
seekers and not the saved.

7. Who do you do church for, seekers or members?
“Both” is not acceptable. Church should be done for members and the unsaved are welcome to attend.

8. Do you dumb down your sermons?
If he says yes, he is probably not trying to wean his members from milk to meat. Answers like,
“We try to make our sermons accessible to everyone” are sermons that are not meaty.

9. What is your mixture of topical vs. expository preaching?
Topical preaching is fine, but if a pastor never or rarely preaches expositionally (verse by verse),
then you are going to be learning from the pastor and not God’s Word.

10. Do your sermons emphasize theology or are they just relevant?
Everyone should say their sermons are relevant, what you are looking for is if they teach
theology.

11. Describe your youth programs.
If fun and games is the major (and usually first) emphasis, you have a youth program that is trying to compete with MTV.

12. Describe your evangelism programs.
Don’t just accept, “We have an evangelism committee.” Dig. Are they serious about saving
souls?

13. What church growth model do you follow?
Hopefully they don’t have one. Churches should be reaching out to the lost, but churches that
are plugged into new church growth models tend to follow man’s modern ideas rather than the
Bible.

14. How much do you give to missions and the hungry?
Again, this reveals the heart of the church. While most churches give to missions, many never
consider the poor.

15. Do you believe the Bible contains no errors or contradictions?
No equivocation allowed here.

16. Do you believe in a literal 6 day creation?
Jesus did (Matt.19:4).

17. Do you believe in a literal hell and eternal punishment?
Jesus did (Matt.25).

19. When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine
yourself?
Paul did (I Cor.11:27-32)

20. Can a person who is living in a persistent lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?
Sinners can certainly be forgiven, but practicing sinners cannot inherit eternal life (I John3:8,9).

21. Does your church exercise church discipline?
Paul said we should (I Cor.5).

22. Do Sunday school teachers, nursery, and youth volunteers fill out an application to answer questions about their core beliefs and salvation, or are all volunteers accepted because of a lack of volunteers?

23.What are the essentials of the faith?
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Salvation through faith alone, the inerrancy of Scripture.

24. Do you have a cross in your sanctuary?
Many remove it because they fear it will turn off seekers. They should glory in the cross.

Enter to WIN 1 "Save With Fear" Poster!

2011-06-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Bottom of the Poster Reads:

"And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23 KJV http://www.livingwaters.com/

Click HERE for a larger picture.

Here's What to do to Enter Your Name to WIN:

There are 2 Ways to enter your name in the drawing...

1. For 2 entries, post this give away on your website, blog, or social networking site like Twitter and Facebook.

2. For 1 entry, simply enter your name below (in the comment section) and a way for me to contact you if you win.

Contest ends Sunday, June. 26, 2011 at midnight (CST). Open to US residents only.

I will randomly pick 1 name and the winner will be announced later in the day on Monday, June. 27, 2011.

Facebook Evangelism – Trisha Ramos

2011-05-25T22:48:00.001-07:00

No doubt our Facebook pages can be a witnessing tool for the Gospel and with the advancement of modern technology and all the various social media venues, we don’t even have to leave the house to be a witness for the Lord. In fact Facebook, in particular, is a great way to reach many people at once by quoting bible verses that tell of the Lord's wondrous deeds and that call people to turn from their sins and trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Don't get me wrong, I realize that there are many other reasons why we have Facebook pages (networking, business reasons, etc) and I'm sure there various things that we post about our daily lives, but in the midst of it all, honoring the Lord and proclaiming the gospel should be in the forefront for the follower of Christ.

To make this more clear, when you accept a friend on Facebook, typically the very first thing they do is view your pictures. In fact, sometimes that's all they may do. They quickly skim through them to see how you look and what you’ve been up to for the past decade or two and then off they go, onto the next person’s page. It reminds me of the ol' adage, "a picture is worth a thousand words." This saying refers to the idea that a picture communicates something. Sometimes it communicates too much. So with that in mind, when was the last time you went through your Facebook pictures and asked yourself, "Is this modest?" or "What am I communicating to my 'friends'?" and “Would I want my brothers and sisters in Christ looking at theses pictures?”

Ladies, this is especially for us. If you are a professing Christian and if you haven't done this already, here’s something practical that you can do: Go through every picture on your Facebook (This may take time depending upon how many pictures you have, but it will be worth it since on Judgment Day you will give an account to the Lord for all of these things) and if you are dressed in an immodest manner, hit 'Delete!'

If you need help with deciphering what is modest and what is immodest, ask a modest sister in your local church for help, or a godly older women who can give you wise counsel, or ask your husband (assuming that he has biblical standards for modesty). And if all else fails and you have no one else to go to, well then, there's always me and I'll be quick to toot my modesty horn.

For starters, here's a few specific areas that might help you out, let's begin with cleavage. Ladies, if you are showing cleavage, hit 'Delete' as fast as you can! I don't care how "cute" you look or if someone else posts the pic of you or if it was way back in your BC (before Christ) days. This is not acceptable in any circumstances for a woman who professes to follow Christ. Simply delete the picture or 'Un-tag' yourself.

If you have photos of you or your friends in bikinis, hit 'Delete' as quickly as you can and don't look back. Or if your mid (midriff) section is showing hit 'Delete' please. And short shorts are a no no, so you know what to do with that, 'Delete, delete, delete'. And then check your heart and ask yourself, "What is it within me that desires to present myself in this manner?” and “What does this speak of the condition of my heart?”

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel..." 1 Timothy 2.9a

Encouraging email

2011-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

"Thanks Trish- had my son with me as we tried your idea of giving the McDonald's window lady a tract and paid for the guy behind us- she gave him a tract. Cool idea- he gets to see dad witness, the workers were all talking about the tract and the fellow in the white truck got the good news- win win win!" -Jeff Allred

Watch what Jeff was referring to on the short 2 minute clip below.
Then try it this week when you go through the fast food window.

Crazies like these...Inspire scoffers like these...

2011-05-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

God-ordained "Coincidences"

2011-05-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

The below is from Ray Comfort today about something interesting that happened while we were in Israel filming for The Way of the Master Season 5. This was one of many incredible things that took place on our trip. I thought you all would enjoy reading this portion from his newsletter. Our God is huge and there are no coincidences with Him (left: Cana, Israel).

--

We were able to film every one of the 13 episodes of Season Five of our TV program at amazing locations in Israel (Galilee, Jericho, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, etc.) without any problems, for which we're grateful to God. I will give you more details another time, because I want to tell you about one highlight I will never forget.

We have been working on a documentary for about four months that evolved into the most powerful production we have ever made. It’s called “Hitler, Religion, and the Holocaust,” and it contains interviews of five women and two men who are pro-abortion who change their minds on-camera to pro-life within a matter of seconds because of something they heard. We had already decided to give away 200,000 copies of this DVD later this year at 100 of the country’s top universities, and I wanted to get a promo into the hands of key people.

When we arrived in Jerusalem last week, I learned that Kay Arthur (from Precept Ministries International) was in Jerusalem. A friend of the ministry had met her in the hotel lobby and found that her room was next to his. The amazing thing was that he didn’t know who she was, but mentioned to me that he had met her. That night, we discovered that Kay Arthur’s personal assistant had been through “The Way of the Master Basic Training Course” and loved the ministry.

Kay and I were introduced, and the next day she asked how Kirk became involved with the ministry. When I said that someone had given him a CD called “Hell’s Best Kept Secret,” she pushed my shoulder, jumped back and said, “You are the one! You are the one!” It turned out that she had just listened to “Hell’s Best Kept Secret” in her car (twice), and loved it. That night I screened the new video to her and her staff, and she gave it a wonderful written commendation on the spot.

I already suspected that God’s hand was in this video, but when I thought of the odds of her being in Jerusalem when we were there, at our particular hotel, in a room next to our friend (in a hotel with 284 rooms), her assistant already loving the ministry, and Kay having just listened to “Hell’s Best Kept Secret,“ I am certain God is directing us. We hope to have it available in few weeks. Watch for details.

Discernment & Street Reality - Trisha Ramos with Kristen Rasor

2011-05-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

No doubt you have been to the zoo, or some place like it, and seen a pack of wolves. In that setting they look and act much like our sweet and friendly pet dogs at home. So, it can be somewhat hard to believe that if we were to step over the protective barrier separating us from them, that they would want to kill us. Their desire to kill us would not be obvious at first because they would not immediately lunge at us; instead they would carefully eye us, then slowly get up and begin circling us. In an instant, they would go from reminding us of our beloved pet, to reminding us of the reason for the protective barrier.

Street witnessing can be much the same in that people at a distance appear to be as friendly and harmless as we are, and it’s not until we start talking to them that we are able to discern if we should continue our witnessing efforts, or if they are preparing to circle us like a pack of wolves. But why would that be? We have good news! Scripture tells us that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing”, and Jesus warns us in Matthew 10:16 of the hostility we will face when sharing it when he says, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” These two scriptures alone tell us not to be naïve into thinking that everyone with a smile on their face is embracing what we are saying. And, we women in particular must make it a point to be more aware of this then men simply because we are more vulnerable. Here are a few things for us ladies to keep in mind when we are witnessing on the streets:

First and foremost, never go out on the streets alone to witness. Follow the example Jesus set in Mark 6:7 when he sent the disciples out two by two; always have at least one other person with you.

Second, resolve in your heart to dress modestly. This is key! Never dress in a way that would call more attention to yourself than to God. Modest women must live for the glory of another. They must live for the glory of God. This means that the Christian women’s chief aim in life is to call attention to the beauty of God and not themselves. Make sure that you are seeking Christ’s approval - when you dress - and not man’s approval, which will always disappoint. Before you leave the house to go out and share the gospel, make sure you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Would Christ be pleased with what I am wearing?" You never want to tempt your fellow co-labors in the gospel or unbelievers that you are witnessing to. Make sure you are dressed in a manner that represents the Lord well. If you are still not sure if your outfit is modest, ask a modest sister from church for her opinion. Or if you are married, ask your spouse (this presupposes that your husband has a high standard on modesty as we are called to have by the Word of God).

Third, always heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit. He is like our protective barrier, and if we “step over” him we can find ourselves in serious trouble. He guides us in the way we should go, so if something doesn’t feel right, it’s time to end the conversation, hand the person a gospel tract, and move on. Here’s an example of what to say: “What is your name again? Steve, I appreciate you talking with me (hand him a tract), be sure and read the back when you get a chance.”

Finally, consider your surroundings before approaching a group, especially a group of guys. Different atmospheres create different attitudes. For example, a college campus during the day is safer than the city downtown at night.

If you are new to witnessing, it can be difficult at first to discern if someone is genuine or not in his or her conversation with you. If possible, have an experienced person with you for a while until you are comfortable witnessing one-to-one.

Go! Share the Gospel
One Person at a Time

Gone in Israel for the filming of Way of the Master Season 5!

2011-04-30T18:22:00.001-07:00

Follow the Living Waters team as they film
Season 5 of "The Way of the Master" in Israel.

Filming will be the first 10 days of May in Israel.
Appreciate your prayers for this!
Click HERE to follow the blog posts of the trip.

Lord willing I will try to post on the blog during the trip as well.

As I write this, I leave for Israel in about 15 hours. It's hard to believe that the filming of The Way of the Master Season 5 is almost upon us. While preparing for this trip of a lifetime the Lord has been ministering to my heart today that in the same way I have meticulously planned this trip I need to plan meticulously for the the true trip of a lifetime - namely, heaven. That is every Christian's destination. Yet, we at times study so little about it. At times we are consumed with the plans and cares of this life that we forget to focus on where we are going! We are going to be with the King of Kings for all eternity. He has prepared a banqueting table for us to feast at. If you are born again this should excite you. You have been given the greatest invitation of a lifetime. Weddings can be spectacular events. On Friday I watched portions of the Royal Wedding and was thinking about how much preparation and money went into it - the nice clothing, big hats that covered just about every ladies face (I'm sure they cost a pretty penny)fancy cars, special music, and the list goes on. Thousands upon thousands of dollars were spent for that special day - for literally just a few short hours. And I'm sure there are some individuals that would give anything to be invited to the Royal Wedding but the one invitation I desire to receive above all invitations is to be invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev 19: 9). Make sure that you are invited. If you're not sure that you are invited, click HERE to read what you must do tonight.

Don't Waste Your Dog's Walk in the Park...

2011-04-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

Next time you take your dog on a walk and someone comes up to comment on how cute he or she is, use it as an opportunity to hand them a gospel tract and say "thank you, make sure you read the back!". Visit www.fishwithtrish.com/tips.php for more 2 Minute Tips for Evangelism.

Special thanks to Richard Gunther for the cartoons of Baby and me - you do great art work, brother! Visit Richard's Blog, here: http://richardgunther.blogspot.com/

And special thanks to Jaylene for pointing me to the handy tract jacket that her dog "Macho" wears to evangelize. Thanks sis.

Oh The Wonderful Cross

2011-04-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

NEW: Two Minute Tips for Evangelism (Apple Store Tip)

2011-04-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

To view MORE quick tips, click HERE!

Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news

2011-04-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

Mike Stockwell preaching at the Apple Blossom Festival in VA as this woman, Jennifer, openly weeps at the message.

Count the cost for joining the Sovereign Joy Evangelism Team

2011-04-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

The guy ends whispering "let me let you in on a little secret...God doesn't exist."

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." (Psalm 14:1)

Sad.

If everyone likes us, then we are more than likely doing something wrong.The Gospel is offensive to those who are perishing. 1 Cor 1:18

Keep pressing on Christians!

Evan-JOY-lism - Finding Joy in Evangelism from a Woman’s Perspective

2011-04-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

As I travel with the Living Waters team and other ambassadors in the ministry of the gospel, I have seen an encouraging increase in the number of women engaged in evangelism. I have met many dear women who passionately glorify God in their evangelistic efforts—whose faces and voices, whose stories and testimonies, fuel a desire in me to not only join them in the effort, but to also encourage other women to serve Christ through evangelism.

How It All Started for Me

God reached me at a very young age (around age 6) as my dad read the bible to me at night. Though I am not convinced that I was saved at this age, I do know that from that point forward I had a fear of God and an understanding that one day the World as we know it would end. However it wasn’t until my early teenage years that God really convicted me of my sins against Him, and brought me to an understanding of His righteousness and judgment (through the reading of His Word - Eph 5). It was during those extremely crucial years that my relationship with God began to deepen as I made huge breaks with sin and trusted in Christ as my only hope for forgiveness.

When the Lord saved me, He immediately gave me a zeal for following Him and a passion to glorify Him in my life. Knowing that many of my friends and family members did not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, I became burdened with the need for and developed a passion to be engaged in evangelism. The inevitability of God’s judgment of the lost, and the reality of Hell for the same, broke my heart! I got involved in evangelism with my church. Doing outreaches, door-to-door evangelism, and other forms of reaching the lost, was all part of my walk with God early in my Christian walk.

Unfortunately, I was proclaiming a false gospel that said a person should come to Christ “because something is missing in your life.” I believed what I had heard—things like: “You have a God-shaped hole in your heart that only God can fill. And God has a wonderful plan for your life.” Of course, there is no biblical precedent for a message of life improvement upon conversion. In fact, the Bible says that you will have trials, tribulations, temptations and persecution. But it wasn’t until I was introduced to a street preacher at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California, that my views on evangelism would be radically altered. Initially I was skeptical and pretty angry at this little man with the funny mustache and catchy accent. I thought he was being mean. “How could he tell people they are going to Hell?” I thought. The way that Ray Comfort spoke the Word or God with fire, conviction, and no compromise was shocking to me. I had never seen or heard such preaching on the streets.

While I first thought Ray was just being hard on people, the more I heard the message and considered the Scripture, the more I realized that what he was preaching was the Gospel truth. Shortly after I started going to the Promenade someone gave me a message called “Hell’s Best Kept Secret.” It changed my life. I saw that God actually had established specific laws that serve as the standard for righteousness. I learned that I had my Creator’s Law. As I returned week-after-week (for years) to the Promenade, it was under Ray’s preaching that my understanding and practice of evangelism was changed forever. That was about 13 years ago.

Are You Feeling Bold Today?

Although I had been long term subbing for K-12 for a while and student teaching, I had long been praying that somehow I would be able to become connected to Living Waters—the ministry I had come to love and appreciate so much. That finally happened in the summer of 2005. After talking it over and praying about it, my husband and I felt that God was opening the door for me to take a position with the customer service team at Living Waters.

Then one day, Ray Comfort stumbled in to the lunch room where myself and other associates where eating and he said, “Trish, are feeling bold today?” I hesitated a bit, not knowing what on earth he was talking about, but quickly responded, “Sure....what is it, Ray?”

Little did I know that would be the beginning of the “street fishing” for what was then called, "The Way of the Master Radio" to find lost souls for Todd Friel and Ray to witness to, live, on the radio. As a result of this opportunity I have met so many interesting people and have had some extraordinary witnessing encounters with individuals from all over the world.

America, being the melting pot that it is, has given me the opportunity to witness to all sorts of folks. The message is always the same. However, each encounter is unique because every person is different and special.

There Can Always be More

As I noted previously, there are a growing number of Christian women who share their faith on a regular basis. However, I know that there can and should be more. My burden is for more women to rise up and echo the call of the Great Commission by consistently sharing their faith. This doesn't mean that we are to shirk our responsibilities as wives, homemakers, and mothers. By no means! We are to make sure that our homes are taken care of, our husbands are well fed are children are clothed and our duties at home are tended to (Titus 2:3). But a woman who fears the Lord can certainly incorporate sharing the good news in various ways without neglecting her duties at home. For example: handing out tracts as she runs errands, preaching the gospel to the telemarketer who calls, talking about the Gospel as she rises and walks along the way with her children, joining the church door-to-door evangelism team once a month or the weekly street ministry, visiting old folks at a local retirement facility and sharing the good news, and the list can go on and on. All of this presupposes that your husband is okay with you going out door-to-door, on the streets with a team, etc. If he is not, then honor him. There are plenty of other ways to be a gospel witness via passing out tracts as you go along your way running errands and as you teach your children. Remember that Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew. 28:18-20, and Mark. 16:15) to preach the Gospel and make disciples throughout the world was given to the entire church.

Ladies, God can be glorified in and through you when you are obedient to proclaim the Gospel. Just ask Him to give you spiritual eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear the lost, hell-bound people all around you. May He burden your heart for the lost. See that the harvest is plentiful but the labors are few (Matt. 9:36-38).

It was the “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Spurgeon, who said these sobering words: “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.” A Christian cannot be apathetic about the salvation of the lost. The love of God in him (or her) will motivate him to seek and save that which is lost. My burden is simple. I long to see women set free from watching endless TV, spending hours on facebook, shopping excessively, and doing things that really are of no eternal value. They can impact this world for time and eternity if they see that they, too, are called to be ambassadors of Christ and His Gospel.

Many mothers in the ancient world, just like today, had very busy lives in the home and tending to the kids. But this did not stop them from proclaiming the gospel to the lost. Being busy with kids or the home is no more an excuse for not to proclaiming the gospel than a person who is busy at work. If a Christian stay-at-home mom can make time to witness and preach the gospel then so can a busy businessman (or woman)—and vice versa. Witnessing should be a way of life for every Christian. It is something you do if you are truly born again (Acts 4: 31). It's one of the greatest signs that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit. Evangelism should be like breathing air. You shouldn’t even have to think about it. Witnessing is simply part of who you are in Christ. Your passion should be to make Him known. In doing so, you will try to reach the lost with the Gospel by whatever means necessary, regardless of the season of life in which you find yourself.

He Has Chosen To Use Us

I am reminded of the old hymn, “Amazing Grace”, by John Newton. The lyrics are based on his reflections on an Old Testament text from which he was preparing to preach—to which he added his perspective about his conversion while aboard his slave ship, Greyhound, in 1748. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see." And in Robert Robinson’s great hymn, “Come Thou Fount,” we find these words, “Oh to grace how great a debtor…”

We must agree with Paul that we are debtors to all men, we must preach the gospel to every creature and obey Christ’s command to tell of this glorious gospel to the ends of the earth and reach every living person that we can for Christ. Though we will never be sufficient for all of these things, we can rest in the Sovereign hand of God that He can. So much joy abounds when we are faithful to preach the Gospel. There is never a single time where I have regretted telling someone about the Lord. Christian, He has chosen to use us - all of us. So, Go! Share the Gospel One Person at a Time

The Ultimate Foolishness

2011-04-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to graphic artist Daniel Nuckols

70 % of people couldn't answer this question...

2011-03-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

The thoughts of Dr. D. James Kennedy before he died...

2011-03-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Peter Hammond asked Dr. D. James Kennedy a couple questions before he passed away in Sept of 2007. Mr. Kennedy was the founder of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was senior pastor from 1960 until his death in 2007.

Here's the insightful dialogue with Peter Hammond and James Kennedy: -- One of the questions I wanted to ask him, to see his reaction was “Dr. Kennedy, I hear that you are still involved, every week, in door-to-door evangelism. I am surprised that you have the time, considering your radio, TV, writing and preaching ministry.” Dr. Kennedy responded to me with intensity: “Peter, that’s the most important thing I do! All these ministries around me… I doubt that many of them will endure long after I am gone, but Evangelism Explosion – this ministry of multiplication, reaching the lost, bringing them to Christ and training them to reach others also – this is far more important than all my radio, TV and writing ministries.” On one occasion as I was admiring the magnificent architecture of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Dr. Kennedy chided me: “Don’t be too impressed by externals, Peter,” he said. “I wish I could tell you that all the members of my congregation were saved, but I cannot. I cannot even tell you that all of my staff are saved. I cannot even tell you that all of my pastors and elders are saved. In fact just recently one of our ministers was converted! I will not tell you how many Presbyterian, congregations he had already served before being brought to Christ.”

One of the most important tasks we can do is reaching the lost. I pray that God will encourage you in to continue to keep pressing on in the race. Don't give up and don't loose heart. Keep reaching out to the lost, keep passing out tracts, keep going door to door, keep witnessing to your family members, keep knocking on your neighborhood doors, keep making disciples. It is my prayer that you will be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might to fulfill and continue to carry out these tasks and that in doing so I pray you will be refreshed by the Lord. I find that each time I pour out my heart in evangelism I'm filled up. It's a strange concept but it happens. Each time I give of myself to reach a sinner I NEVER regret it! Our race in this life will be over in a blink of an eye. Remember what we do for Christ will last. Put off sin. Make war with besetting sins that can so easily entangle us. Don't forget that we will soon be with the Lord where we will have pleasures forevermore. Keep pressing on, the finish line will be here before you know it.

"Always keep a short account with God. Never let unconfessed sin sit as stagnant water in your soul. Talk often with God about those sins that “so easily beset”--wandering eyes, secret envy, hidden conceit, unbridled appetite, etc. - Ray Comfort

"Thus shall I praise You while I've breath, To sing Your love to me, And welcome even the night of death, To wake and be with Thee." - Taken from "The Lights and Shadows of Spiritual Life" by Octavius Winslow

1 Timothy 4:2 ... "Whose consciences are seared."

2011-03-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

"Get and keep a tender conscience. Be sensible of the least sin. Some men's consciences are like the stomach of the ostrich that can digest iron: they can swallow the most notorious sins without regret. A good conscience is very delicate. It feels the least touch of known sin, and is grieved at the thought of grieving God's Spirit. It will choose the greatest of suffering before the least of sinning. However, the jeering Ishmaels of the world are ready to reproach and laugh it to scorn for its precise scruples. Daily train all your graces for battle. Live in a military posture, both defensive and offensive. Stand constantly by your weapons. Admit no peace with sin. The soldier of Christ must never lay down his arms. Satan never ceases his wiles and stratagems. He will tell you that sin is pleasant. Ask yourself if the gripping of conscience is also pleasant? Ask yourself if it is pleasant to be in hell, and be under the wrath of God? Ask yourself if the pleasures of sin for a season compare with the rivers of God's pleasures? How do they compare to a weight of glory, an incorruptible crown, and a heavenly kingdom? God alone is enough, but without him, nothing is enough for your happiness. His love, grace, and the comforts of his Spirit will certainly sweeten your way to heaven. Sometimes you will experience joy unutterable and full of glory. God is a good master and in his service is a perfect freedom. Your work is its own reward. With these thoughts, put to flight the armies of the enemy. Shield yourself with these against the fiery darts the tempter shall pour upon you. Do not even take a moment to parley with the tempter. As soon as your lusts begin to grow inordinate, do not stay a moment; delay is unutterably dangerous. A house on fire needs immediate attention."

-John Gibbon, Puritan Sermons 1659-1689, 1:96-100

Taken from:
Voices from the Past: Puritan Devotional Readings
Edited by Richard Rushing
Published by Banner of Truth

Good one, Dan!

2011-03-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to graphic artist Daniel Nuckols

Watch the NASCAR race this Sat. Look for "Living Waters" and NeedGod.com on this car.

2011-03-23T18:42:00.001-07:00

Living Waters Will be the Primary Sponsor of a Car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Race Saturday March 26 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana California. Click HERE to read more.

Is Martin Bashir more biblical than "Pastor" Rob Bell? Answer: Yes.

2011-03-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

"There are some people, I might be one of them, that would say that our theology actually shapes our understanding of truth telling because of all people that should be bothered by the truth the Church and Christians should be at the very center of that discussion and that's why this book is so deeply disappointing...because it is disingenuous." - Martin Bashir on Rob Bell's new book

Martin Bashir Professes Faith in Christ and Attends Tim Keller's Church
You can listen to the 30-minute interview, here: http://networkedblogs.com/fxXwm

Church in Danger of Becoming Irrelevant, says Author

2011-03-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

Contact: Trisha Ramos, Living Waters Publications, 800-437-1893, email@livingwaters.com

MEDIA ADVISORY, March 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- A Southern California-based ministry has given away almost 100,000 copies of a book God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, with a cover graphic of Stephen being stoned to death and the provocative subtitle "The Myth of the Modern Message." According to the book's author, Ray Comfort, most of the books are being distributed free in an effort to turn the modern Church back to biblical evangelism. "If we don't stop telling this world that Christianity is a bed of roses without thorns," Comfort said, "we will become irrelevant in today's culture. We are getting close to being discarded salt, but it's not too late to turn this nation around."

Bible teacher and author William Fay (Share Jesus Without Fear), said of Comfort's message, "While reading this book my heart went into atrial fibrillation; it's that good! After I finished it, I couldn't sleep. There's nothing like it. It is truly from God." With the book going into a second printing, Comfort said he's encouraged that a major respected missionary organization will be sending free copies to all their missionaries.

To help spread this message, commuters in Los Angeles this month are seeing a unique billboard among the hundreds that encourage drivers to visit casinos, "gentlemen's" clubs, etc. "Hell's Best Kept Secret" is the message that actor Kirk Cameron heard in 2001 that "rocked his world." When Cameron preached that same message on a major TV network, it was so intriguing that Comfort's ministry received over one million hits on their website.

Comfort added, "We hope more Christians will take the time to listen and have a life-changing experience, and then influence their local church. With an estimated 4.5 million cars passing the billboard each month, the odds of that happening are pretty good."

A word of encouragement to those who suffer...

2011-02-28T23:44:00.000-08:00

This email came into the ministry today. If you are a Christian and you're suffering, be encouraged that God will carry you...

Dear Ray and Staff:

My wonderful husband, Mark, died 4 years ago this coming April 13 from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Our twin girls were 5 when their daddy died. He suffered immeasurably, especially in the last 14 months of his life. Mark came to Christ 9 years before he died, and he used every day to further the process of sanctification. Not because Mark was so good, but because God is so good, and Mark sensed his time was short.

We took a Precept Bible Study on James just before our twins were born, and you can easily guess that the topic of those "various trials" we are promised was an ongoing conversation in our lives. Throughout the entire process of Mark's diagnosis in 2003, until his death in 2007, we laughed about how we were counting it all joy now. Not!

But there was joy in hearing and watching Mark witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the chaplain staff at UCSF Medical Center here in San Francisco. He recognized that many of those people are not Believers, and he invited them all in for praise and worship in his room. There was also joy when Mark witnessed to his primary oncologist at UCSF.

There was also joy when my cousin who lives in Idaho, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called his parents and brother who live up by Sacramento and asked them all to come down immediately to pray for Mark. They did. The response of Christians gave us great joy!

There is also great joy for me and the girls knowing very clearly where Mark is today. A few Sundays ago we were driving to church at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, and I asked the girls if they missed their daddy. One said "Yes!" The other said, "No, I don't miss him because I know we are going to see him again someday!" Yayyyy! It reminds me of the old hymn, "When We All Get To Heaven!"

Even though the process was horrible, and unbelievably hard, I can tell you today that without a doubt God is good even though the circumstances were and are not! It is always a great day to praise God in this house, and we do regularly because it reminds us that we believe and worship an awesome God who through his grace and love willingly sacrificed for us on the cross, who then rose again having conquered death for us that we may live eternally in heaven with Him.

My husband's death changed me. I know what it means to walk in the "valley of the shadow of death." I also know that He "restoreth my soul."

Best regards,
Virginia Dobel
San Francisco

A message from Ray Comfort about the New Zealand Quake

2011-02-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, our home city of Christchurch, New Zealand, was hit with a massive earthquake Monday (2/21). My heart goes out to the many who have lost loved ones. Sue and I appreciate those of you (some atheists--who were kindly sympathetic) who have contacted us and assured us of their thoughts and prayers.

Our eldest son and his wife and child were visiting Christchurch when the earthquake struck. They are okay, and so are all of Sue's and my relatives, for which we thank God.

Many in the city had very frazzled nerves even before this quake. A 7.1 hit six months ago with no fatalities, and since then there have been more than 4,500 aftershocks. This one was much worse. None of my family know the Lord. May this make them realize the fragility of life.

Back in 1971, just before my conversion, a surfing buddy who was deeply into pornography got his girlfriend pregnant, was married at 16, and had the baby girl adopted.

At the age of 16, she searched out her natural parents, found them, and turned up at their doorstep, pregnant. My friend became a grandfather at 32 years old.

I tried to witness to him when I went back to New Zealand in 1992, but it didn't work out too well as it was in his surf shop, and customers kept coming in. Although he did say that he wanted to ask God about his younger brother, who had tragically committed suicide because he got into financial difficulty.

For some reason I thought about all this, this past Sunday, found his surf shop online, emailed him and was amazed to get a reply. He said that my god (he used a small "g") really scared him with the big earthquake they had six months ago (he used profanity to say how much it scared him). I then wrote back and said that I failed to tell him something when I last saw him, and added that Jesus said if you lust after a woman, you commit adultery with her. I said that Hell was real, and that God made a way for us to be forgiven and have everlasting life.

He responded "That is scary, you mean I have committed adultery about 140 times already today? Hell won’t be so bad – at least all my mates will be there and all the naughty girls. Just don’t tell me it will be onshore all day every day. That will really make me gnash my teeth. Heaven sounds really boring -- all the goody two shoes kids drinking tea and singing hymns all day. Is there surf there?"

I emailed back that there would be no friendship or any pleasure in Hell and talked about his misunderstanding of Heaven, hoping he would get back to me.

The following day, the earthquake struck. His shop was very close to the epicenter. I don't know what happened to him.

--
Note: The pic is of the church Ray open-air preached in front of for 12 years.

Enter to WIN 2 TICKETS to the Psalm 119 Conference (drawing closes Feb 28th)

2011-02-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Enter YOUR name to win 2 tickets to the Psalm 119 Conference in Lexington, South Carolina!

Event Details:

When: March 11-12

Where: Lake Murray Baptist Church Lexington,

Address: 1001 Highway 378 West
Lexington, SC 29072

Speakers: Todd Friel, Art Azurdia, Tim Challies, R.W. Glenn and Trevin Wax

Here's what to do to win:

There will be 1 winner that will receive 2 tickets for this give-away! Tickets are $69.00 per person. This give-away is worth $138.00. If you're in the South Carolina and can get to this event it will be well worth your time.

There are 2 Ways to enter your name in the drawing...

1. For 2 entries, post this give away on your website, blog, or social networking site like Twitter and Facebook.

2. For 1 entry, simply enter your name below (in the comment section) and a way for me to contact you if you win.

Contest ends Tuesday, March. 1, 2011 (at noon). Open to US residents only.

I will randomly pick 1 name and the winner will be announced later in the day on Tuesday, March. 1, 2011.

Spread the word.

Blessings to you all.

I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:15,16

Special thanks to the gang at Wretched Radio who have made this give-away possible. You guys are blessing the body in tremendous ways. Keep standing up for truth in this relativistic generation.

Register NOW for the Psalm 119 Conference

2011-02-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

The Psalm 119 Conference will be in Ft Worth

this Year - held at Sovereign Joy Community Church.

It's never too early to register for a good conference.

William Carey’s 11 commandments of missions

2011-02-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

1. Set an infinite value on immortal souls.

2. Gain all the information you can about “the snares and delusions in which these heathens are held.”

3. Abstain from all English manners which might increase prejudice against the gospel.

4. Watch for all opportunities for doing good, even when you are tired and hot.

5. Make Christ crucified the great subject of your preaching.

6. Earn the people’s confidence by your friendship.

7. Build up the souls that are gathered.

8. Turn the work over to “the native brethren” as soon as possible.

9. Work with all your might to translate the Bible into their languages. Build schools to this end.

10. Stay alert in prayer, wrestling with God until he “famish these idols and cause the heathen to experience the blessedness that is in Christ.”

11. Give yourself totally to this glorious cause. Surrender your time, gifts, strength, families, the very clothes you wear.

Listed in Christian History, Issue 36, page 34.
Hat tip: Jason Delgado, Ray Ortlund

The one time I was tempted to be a trash digger...

2011-02-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Author Accuses Church of Selling Catholics Short

2011-02-11T18:06:00.000-08:00

BELLFLOWER, Calif., Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to best-selling author Ray Comfort, the Catholic church has "messed up" with the Ten Commandments on their new confessional iPhone app. Comfort, who emphasizes the Ten Commandments in his TV program and his books, maintains that the Catholic church has omitted one important Commandment. He challenges anyone to check out the Roman Catholic Bible in Exodus 20: "You will see that they have dropped the Second Commandment for their iPhone app, then split the last Commandment into two to keep the count at ten. The purpose of the Ten Commandments is to tell us what is right and what is wrong, so how will Catholics know right from wrong if one Commandment has been deleted?"

According to the Ten Commandments listed in Catholic.org, the Second Commandment is "You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them..." Comfort asks, "How can sincere Catholics know that God Himself forbids the bowing down to any carved image of anything on earth or in heaven? This would include images of dead saints, angels, and images of Jesus and Mary. I think those who created the app should be held accountable and explain the omission."

For years Comfort's ministry has taught that the biblical purpose of the Commandments is similar to that of a mirror. "They reveal to us that we are sinners, that we are unclean, so that we will go to the water of God's mercy for forgiveness. Most people are trying to earn their way to Heaven, but the Commandments show us that we are all guilty. The only way we can be saved from a very real hell is by trusting in God's mercy which was extended at the cross. The Bible teaches that eternal life is a free gift of God, not something we earn by keeping the Ten Commandments."

Ray Comfort co-hosts "The Way of the Master" television program, with actor, Kirk Cameron. See www.LivingWaters.com for details of their ministry.

CONTACT: Trisha Ramos, 1-800-437-1893, email@livingwaters.com, for Ray Comfort

Church sign...

2011-02-02T13:06:00.001-08:00

Hat tip: Jaylene and Yahoo news

Kirk Cameron 23 Years Later

2011-02-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

FULLERTON, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In 1987 a popular young actor walked into First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton and listened to Pastor Chuck Swindoll share the gospel of salvation. Kirk Cameron recalled, "I sat in the back with my arms folded...I didn't even believe in God." But he came away feeling guilty for his sins, and yet with hope because of the cross. About a month later, the 17 year-old Growing Pains star surrendered his life to Christ.

Now, 23 years later, Kirk Cameron is urging people to go to a special conference at the same church. "It's called 'Transformed' and it will truly transform your Christian life." Kirk will be opening the conference via video, and appearing in a humorous but thought-provoking roll-play, also on video.

Cameron's co-host of the award-winning "The Way of the Master" TV program, Ray Comfort, added, "When we had the conference in Georgia, more than 6,000 people showed up. In Dallas, Texas, there were 5,000. This really is a life-changing and powerful conference, because it expounds biblical truths that are rarely heard these days. People also need to know that in this bad economy they can afford to come -- Transformed is completely free."
www.youtube.com/user/thewayofthemaster#p/u/30/WTcp0Z7aPnI

Dr. Paige Patterson, President of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary said, "If I could only attend one conference this year, this is the one that I would not have the courage to miss! Not for spiritual wimps, this conference will at once leave you shaken, shocked, invigorated, and blessed!" Speakers include Emeal (EZ) Zwayne (VP of Living Waters), Mark Spence (Dean of a 12,000-strong on-line Bible School), Ray Comfort, and TV host Todd Friel.

The conference will be at First Evangelical Free Church, 2801 Brea Blvd; Fullerton, CA, Saturday February 19th from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. To register please go to transformed@livingwaters.com. Contact: Trisha Ramos, 800-437-1893

Enter to WIN a DVD copy of The Way of the Master Mission Europe: AMSTERDAM

2011-01-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

Remember when we went to Europe to film 13 countries in 13 days for 13 episodes for The Way of the Master television program? Well, the moment we hit ground in London we were running lightening speed ahead. It was an adventure of a lifetime. This is the Amsterdam episode - the 4th country that we visited in our trip of 13 countries. Wait till you see what happens when Ray enters a rougher part of town known for the place to go to obtain drugs, legally. Amsterdam is also known as the gay and lesbian capital of Europe, and then there's the "Red Light District," with its legalized prostitution. In this episode you'll also see one of the greatest setbacks that we encountered that could have potentially ruined the whole tour. You'll learn the root cause of Europe's fall into atheistic humanism (my personal favorite part of the episode); and meet some interesting characters, in this fast-moving episode. Click HERE for a sneak preview of the episode.

Here's what to do to win:

There will be 1 winner!

There are 2 Ways to enter your name in the drawing...

1. For 2 entries, post this give away on your website, blog, or social networking site like Twitter and Facebook.

2. For 1 entry, simply enter your name below (in the comment section) and a way for me to contact you if you win.

Contest ends Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. Open to US residents only.

I will randomly pick 1 name and the winner will be announced on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011.

God can use even an earache

2011-01-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

I'm not a fan of going to the doctor but I'll go if I think it's something that could be serious. I woke up Saturday with a sore right ear. It progressed and was worse the next day. I went online to self diagnose and each time it said something to the effect of "see your doctor immediately!" On Sunday night, I had pretty intense pain and couldn't sleep well. I wasn't sure if I got bit by a spider while sleeping or what was happening - it's better to be safe than sorry, so when Monday morning rolled around I went to the doctor.

I had the doc check out my hands, too. They've been extremely dry and irritated. I think it's due to my constant cleaning and washing of dishes - I like to keep a tidy house and it's starting to show on my hands. Upon leaving, he gave me a summary and said "Your ear canal is irritated and you have an infection but I'll give you drops and you should be fine. Also, I'll prescribe cream for your hands". Nothing serious. That was good news.

My primary doc was not available but this new doctor was very patient and thorough with me. As he began to exit the door I reached into my handbag and gave him one of Ray Comfort's money gospel tracts and said, "Thanks so much! Make sure you read the back, it has a gospel message." He smiled and seemed to appreciate it. Within 5 minutes his assistant came in and handed me a sheet that had the "patient instructions on it". I put it in my purse and later read it in the car. It said:

Based on your visit today, your provider recommended the following:
1. Take the ear drops as directed.
2. Use the cream twice a day and use Vaseline based hand lotion after bathing
3. Thanks for the message!

Something worth thinking about

2011-01-24T20:50:00.001-08:00

"Sin wouldn't be so attractive if the wages were paid immediately." -Anonymous

Hat tip to: Amy Steeger

What Family Christian Store did about the sign

2011-01-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

On Jan 5th I posted a blog about Family Christian Store in North Olmsted, Ohio and a sign that they were selling that replaced the word "he" for "she" in Luke 2:40.

If you didn't read it, click here and read this entry before reading the below: THIS was in a Christian bookstore? Yes

We received this email at Living Waters yesterday about the sign from Aaron K.

Thought you might like to hear this news I received from my sister who is in upper management in the Family Christian Stores regarding the in...correctly quoted verses in the article released by Living waters named "Hard to Believe This One!" Newsletter January 10, 2011 regarding a product quoting scripture wrong.

Here is the email I received form her...

Thought you'd like to see this. Just got it in my work inbox...

The following announcement was just posted to the Intranet - please ensure all stores comply immediately.　

Title: 01.11.11 Store Announcement - Immediate Action to remove product from sales floor

Body: Due to Scripture being incorrectly quoted, on the products below, all stores should immediately remove them from the sales floor and hold in the back room for further instruction:

SKU 1157640 - PLQ-For This Child-Blue 24x7.5

SKU 1157641 - PLQ-For This Child-Pink 24x7.5

The top of the plaque says "For This Child We Prayed". The Scripture quote from Luke 2:40 reads "And the child grew and became strong; he/she was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him/she". This quote from Luke refers to Christ, not to any infant.

I really rejoiced reading this. Thanks to Aaron K. for following up on this and for all of you that may have emailed or called them.

Best video I've seen all year

2011-01-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

Grab your whole family.

Take 5 minutes to sit down and watch.

It's worth your time. Really worth it.

Kimyal New Testament launch in Indonesia
from United Bible Societies on Vimeo.

THIS was in a Christian bookstore? Yes...

2011-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

This email came into Living Waters with the picture below.

"I saw this sign at the Family Christian Store in North Olmsted, Ohio and my jaw dropped. I included the original picture and a darker version so that the text is easier to read. The scripture is supposed to be Luke 2:40, talking about Jesus, but they felt that it would be okay to change a few words. When I asked the store associate about the sign, she just said that the scriptures vary based on the translation. I kindly informed her that ALL the translations put the gender of Jesus as male. Beware of what lies inside the "Christian" Bookstore!" Ryan

Sign reads: And the child grew and became strong; she was filled with wisdom , and the grace of God was upon her. Luke 2:40

What the bible says, "The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40

Worst "church" sign of 2011

2011-01-01T15:49:00.001-08:00

A song I played at least 8 times tonight...

2010-12-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you for being such an encouragement to me through the years. Another year will soon be past and only what is done for Christ will last. I'm grateful even to the atheists who have stopped by here. You've caused me to grow in my faith and encouraged me search out even more as to why I believe what I believe. I pray that 2011 will be the year that you come to the cross of Christ and see your sin for what it is - truly sinful in the sight of a Holy and Awesome God and I pray that you fall on your face and embrace the only One who paid the price that you can't pay - namely, Jesus Christ.

Thanks to everyone who has commented on my posts, sent me emails and encouraged me to press on and keep running the race. You've blessed me more than you know.

Below is a clip from a song I've listened to at least 10 times tonight as I cleaned the kitchen after dinner. It makes me joyful and I couldn't help but replay it over and over.

God bless you this new year with things that bring Him the most Glory.

I pray this song makes your heart sing like it did mine:

Going Home for Christmas

2010-12-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning, December 21, 1856, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon to prepare his growing church for the coming Christmas season. He titled it “Going Home,” and the aim of the message was to encourage each member of his congregation to humbly, wisely, and appropriately find opportunities to share their personal testimony with family and friends.

Spurgeon had become the pastor of New Park Street Church in April 1854. At that time the church had 232 members. By Christmas of 1856 the membership had risen quickly to around 4,000. A large number of newly converted Christians needed to be prepared for their return home for Christmas.

Spurgeon’s sermon text was taken from the dramatic account of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:1–20. Spurgeon focused his attention on Jesus’s commission to the man after he was healed: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (v. 19).

After explaining the demoniac’s radical life-transformation by Christ and his commission to go home, Spurgeon commissioned his church to return home. In the remainder of the sermon Spurgeon develops several practical points:

Christmas is suited for sharing the gospel with family and friends.
Aim to share the story of God’s grace in your life.
By sharing we edify believers.
By sharing we reach lost friends and family.
Be alert for one-on-one opportunities to share your story.
Don’t expect this sharing to be easy.
Overcome this fear by sharing to honor your Savior.
Share your story with gratitude to God.
Share your story with humility.
Share your story truthfully—don’t embellish it.
Tell your story seriously—don’t share it flippantly.
Don’t neglect your personal devotions during Christmas.
Rest upon the Holy Spirit’s help to share.
Remember that this story you share over the holidays is the story that will be on your lips eternally.

What follows are a few excerpts taken from the message that have been slightly modified and rearranged for readability.

A pdf of this post is available here (7 pages). You are free to download, email, print, or copy this file as you wish.

May the Savior be glorified this Christmas season as we gather with friends and family.

Hat tip: C.J. Mahaney's view from the cheap seats & other stuff and Jason D.

Going Home: A Christmas Sermon
C.H. Spurgeon
December 21, 1856

The demoniac’s story

This poor wretch, being possessed with a legion of evil spirits had been driven to something worse than madness. He fixed his home among the tombs, where he dwelt by night and day, and was the terror of all those who passed by. The authorities had attempted to curb him; he had been bound with fetters and chains, but in the paroxysms of his madness he had torn the chains in sunder, and broken the fetters in pieces.

Attempts had been made to reclaim him, but no man could tame him. He was worse than the wild beasts, for they might be tamed; but his fierce nature would not yield. He was a misery to himself, for he would run upon the mountains by night and day, crying and howling fearfully, cutting himself with the sharp flints, and torturing his poor body in the most frightful manner.

Jesus Christ passed by; he said to the devils, “Come out of him.” The man was healed in a moment, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, he became a rational being—an intelligent man, and what is more, a convert to the Savior.

The demoniac’s commission.

Out of gratitude to his deliverer, he said, “Lord, I will follow you wherever you go. I will be your constant companion and your servant, permit me so to be” [Mark 5:18].

“No,” said Christ, “I esteem your motive, it is one of gratitude to me, but if you would show your gratitude, go home to your friends and tell them of the great things the Lord has done for you, and how he has had compassion on you.”

Christmas is suited for sharing the gospel with family and friends.

True religion does not break the bonds of family relationship. True religion seldom encroaches upon that sacred—I had almost said divine—institution called home. It does not separate men from their families, and make them aliens to their flesh and blood.…

Christianity makes a husband a better husband, it makes a wife a better wife than she was before. It does not free me from my duties as a son; it makes me a better son, and my parents better parents. Instead of weakening my love, it gives me fresh reason for my affection; and he whom I loved before as my father, I now love as my brother and co-worker in Christ Jesus; and she whom I reverenced as my mother, I now love as my sister in the covenant of grace, to be mine for ever in the state that is to come.…

For my part, I wish there were twenty Christmas days in the year. It is seldom that young men can meet with their friends; it is rarely they can all be united as happy families….I love it as a family institution, as one of England’s brightest days, the great Sabbath of the year, when the plough rests in its furrow, when the din of business is hushed, when the mechanic and the working man go out to refresh themselves upon the green sward of the glad earth.

Aim to share the story of God’s grace in your life.

It is to be a story of personal experience: “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

You are not to repair to your houses to preach. You are not to begin to take up doctrinal subjects and expatiate on them, and endeavor to bring persons to your peculiar views and sentiments. You are not to go home with sundry doctrines you have lately learned, and try to teach these. You are to go home and tell not what you have believed, but what you have felt—what you really know to be your own; not what great things you have read, but what great things the Lord hath done for you; not alone what you have seen done in the great congregation, and how great sinners have turned to God, but what the Lord has done for you. And mark this: there is never a more interesting story than that which a man tells about himself.…

Go home, young man, and tell the poor sinner’s story; go home, young woman, and open your diary, and give your friends stories of grace. Tell them of the mighty works of God’s hand which he hath wrought in you from his own free, sovereign, undeserved love. Make it a free grace story around your family fire.

By sharing we edify believers.

If you want to make your mother’s heart leap within her, and to make your father glad—if you would make that sister happy who sent you so many letters, which sometimes you read against a lamp-post, with your pipe in your mouth—go home and tell your mother that her wishes are all accomplished, that her prayers are heard, that you will no longer chaff her about her Sunday-school class, and no longer laugh at her because she loves the Lord, but that you will go with her to the house of God, for you love God.…

Cannot you imagine the scene, when the poor demoniac mentioned in my text went home? He had been a raving madman; and when he came and knocked at the door, don’t you think you see his friends calling to one another in affright, “Oh! there he is again,” and the mother running up stairs and locking all the doors, because her son had come back that was raving mad; and the little ones crying because they knew what he had been before—how he cut himself with stones, because he was possessed with devils. And can you picture their joy, when the man said, “Mother! Jesus Christ has healed me, let me in; I am no lunatic now!”

By sharing we reach lost friends and family.

I hear one of you say, “Ah! Sir, would to God I could go home to pious friends! But when I go home I go into the worst of places; for my home is amongst those who never knew God themselves, and consequently never prayed for me, and never taught me anything concerning heaven.”

Go home to them, and tell them, not to make them glad, for they will very likely be angry with you, but tell them for their soul’s salvation. I hope, when you are telling the story of what God did for you, that they will be led by the Spirit to desire the same mercy themselves.

Be alert for one-on-one opportunities to share your story.

Do not tell this story to your ungodly friends when they are all together, for they will laugh at you. Take them one by one, when you can get them alone, and begin to tell it to them, and they will hear you seriously.…You may be the means of bringing a man to Christ who has often heard the Word and only laughed at it, but who cannot resist a gentle admonition.

Don’t expect this sharing to be easy.

For I hear many of my congregation say, “Sir, I could relate that story to anyone sooner than I could to my own friends; I could come to your vestry, and tell you something of what I have tasted and handled of the Word of God; but I could not tell my father, nor my mother, nor my brethren, nor my sisters.”

Overcome this fear by sharing to honor your Savior.

I know you love him; I am sure you do, if you have proof that he loved you. You can never think of Gethsemane and of its bloody sweat, of Gabbatha and of the mangled back of Christ, flayed by the whip: you can never think of Calvary and his pierced hands and feet, without loving him, and it is a strong argument when I say to you, for his dear sake who loved you so much, go home and tell it. If Christ has done much for you, you cannot help it—you must tell it.

Share your story with gratitude to God.

No story is more worth hearing than a tale of gratitude. This poor man’s tale was a grateful story. I know it was grateful, because the man said, “I will tell thee how great things the Lord hath done for me.” A man who is grateful is always full of the greatness of the mercy which God has shown him; he always thinks that what God has done for him is immensely good and supremely great.

Share your story with humility.

It must be a tale told by a poor sinner who feels himself not to have deserved what he has received. Oh! when we tell the story of our own conversion, I would have it done with deep sorrow, remembering what we used to be, and with great joy and gratitude, remembering how little we deserve these things. Why, then, my eyes began to be fountains of tears, those hearers who had nodded their heads began to brighten up, and they listened, because they were hearing something which the man felt himself and which they recognized as being true to him, if it was not true to them.

Tell your story, my hearers, as lost sinners. Do not go to your home, and walk into your house with a supercilious air, as much as to say, “Here’s a saint come home to the poor sinners, to tell them a story.”…

Do not intrude yourselves upon those who are older, and know more, but tell your story humbly; not as a preacher, but as a friend and as a son.

Share your story truthfully—don’t embellish it.

Do not tell more than you know; do not tell John Bunyan’s experience, when you ought to tell your own. Do not tell your mother you have felt what only Rutherford felt. Tell her no more than the truth. Tell your experience truthfully, for one single fly in the pot of ointment will spoil it, and one statement you may make which is not true may ruin it all.

Tell your story seriously—don’t share it flippantly.

Let them see you mean it. Do not talk about religion flippantly; you will do no good if you do. Do not make puns on texts. Do not quote Scripture by way of joke. If you do, you may talk till you are dumb, you will do no good, if you in the least degree give them occasion to laugh by laughing at holy things yourself. Tell it very earnestly.…

Perhaps when you are telling the story one of your friends will say, “And what of that?” And your answer will be, “It may not be a great thing to you, but it is to me. You say it is little to repent, but I have not found it so; it is a great and precious thing to be brought to know myself to be a sinner, and to confess it, do you say it is a little thing to have found a Savior. If you had found him too, you would not think it little. You think it little I have lost the burden from my back; but if you had suffered with it, and felt its weight as I have for many a long year, you would think it no little thing to be emancipated and free, through a sight of the cross.”

Don’t neglect your personal devotions during Christmas.

When you are at home for Christmas, let no one see your face till God has seen it. Be up in the morning, wrestle with God; and if your friends are not converted, wrestle with God for them, and then you will find it easy work to wrestle with them for God.

Rest upon the Holy Spirit’s help to share.

Do not be afraid, only think of the good you may possibly do. Remember, he that saves a soul from death has covered a multitude of sins, and he shall have stars in his crown forever and ever.…Let your reliance in the Holy Spirit be entire and honest. Trust not yourself, but fear not to trust him. He can give you words. He can apply those words to their heart, and so enable you to “minister grace to the hearers” [Ephesians 4:29].

Remember that this story you share over the holidays is the story that will be on your lips eternally.

When we go home to our friends in Paradise, what shall we do?

First we will repair to that blest seat where Jesus sits, take off our crown and cast it at his feet, and crown him Lord of all. And when we have done that, what shall be our next employ? We will tell the blessed ones in heaven what the Lord hath done for us, and how he hath had compassion on us.

And shall such tale be told in heaven? Shall that be the Christmas Carol of the angels? Yes it shall be; it has been published there before—blush not to tell it yet again—for Jesus has told it before, “When he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

Poor sheep, when you shall be gathered in, will you not tell how your Shepherd sought you and found you? Will you not sit in the grassy meads of heaven, and tell the story of your own redemption? Will you not talk with your brothers and sisters, and tell them how God loved you and has brought you there?

Perhaps you say, “It will be a very short story.” Ah! It would be if you could write now. A little book might be the whole of your biography; but up there when your memory shall be enlarged, when your passion shall be purified, and your understanding clear, you will find that what was but a tract on earth will be a huge tome in heaven. You will tell a long story there of God’s sustaining, restraining, constraining grace. And I think that when you pause to let another tell his tale, and then another, and then another, you will at last, when you have been in heaven a thousand years, break out and exclaim, “O saints, I have something else to say.” Again they will tell their tales, and again you will interrupt them with “Oh, beloved, I have thought of another case of God’s delivering mercy.” And so you will go on, giving them themes for songs, finding them the material for the warp and woof of heavenly sonnets.

'Christian' Leaders Leaning Towards Atheism

2010-12-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

'Christian' Leaders Leaning Towards Atheism -- Ray Comfort
Contact: Trisha Ramos, Living Waters Publications, 800-437-1893

OPINION, Dec. 6, 2010 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ray Comfort submits the following and is available for comment:

After seven seasons as host of Canada's "most listened to spiritual talk show," Drew Marshall announced to his listeners that he is no longer convinced there's a God.(1) ABC News recently reported that a Southern Baptist pastor has become a closet atheist,(2) and an evangelical Bible Belt pastor said that he had been living a lie and confessed, "I live out my life as if there is no God."(3)

The doubting talk show host said that he became a follower of Christ in 1981. But it wasn't until recently that he verbalized that he wasn't convinced that God existed, saying "I feel pretty close to walking away from my faith."(4)

I have to confess that I too have been having doubts. I've been living in the same house for more than 15 years, and I have secretly doubted if there was a builder. I know it's beautifully made, with walls, carpet, doors, cupboards, windows, rooms, lighting, air-conditioning, a floor, an intricate electrical system, a fireplace and a roof, but it's only recently that I have actually verbalized that I'm not convinced that there was a builder.

You would have to question my sanity if I really believed, let alone said such a thing. It is a scientific impossibility for a building to build itself (even the Bible says "... "Every house is built by someone…"(5)), and it is a scientific impossibility for creation to create itself. The amazing creation that surrounds us is 100% scientific proof that there is a Creator--"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…"(6) That's why the Scriptures rightly call anyone who doubts the existence of God, a "fool" (see Psalm 14:1, Romans 1:21). Atheism is an undiagnosed form of insanity. No wonder Isaac Newton called it "senseless."

But the talk show host's problem is bigger than himself, and it's deeper than his nagging doubt. We have millions of people within the contemporary Church who have been convinced intellectually of the existence of God, but they've never been converted experientially by the power of God. So when someone comes along with what they perceive to be a more convincing argument, they begin to doubt their salvation. And so they should--because they are not saved. They are false converts; something Scripture refers to as "goats among the sheep", "tares among the wheat", "bad fish among the good."

False converts aren't the genuine article. They are pretenders that sit among God's people. This should come as no surprise to the skeptics. They have always said that the Church is "filled with hypocrites." And there the pretenders will remain, right up until Judgment Day when God separates the genuine from the false.

Spurious converts don't experience the "power" of the gospel (see Romans 1:16). The message they heard didn't come to them "in power, in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance."(7) This is because the cross is the center of the gospel. It is the supreme expression of God's love to the sinner and there is a good reason it was obscured to them. The only way to see the love expressed in the cross is to see sin in its true light. And the only way to see our sin clearly, is to understand the moral Law. A cure is of little worth to a healthy person, and the cure of the cross is of little value to those who have never seen how deathly sick they are before a morally perfect God.

If we haven't personally seen the cross, then we haven't personally experienced the love of God. This is the tragic case of Drew Marshall, expressed in his own words:

"My reasons for feeling like 'jumping' are plenty. However, they would best be explained by the following illustration: 'Imagine a soldier at war, overseas for 30 years. Each week he would write at least one letter to his father back home. Each week he would expectantly wait for the one who supposedly loves him unconditionally, to write him back or phone or possibly even come for a visit. Any kind of personal interaction would do. He's heard through his friends and other soldiers just how much his father loves him, but those rumors of Glory aren't enough to sustain his faith in his father anymore.'"(8)

There's not been a day in the last 39 years since my conversion that I haven't basked in the sunshine of God's incredible love for me. I have never doubted it for a second. I would sooner doubt the love and faithfulness of my much-loved wife of 40 years, than I would doubt the love and faithfulness of God, so evidentially demonstrated in the blood of the cross.

If I don't believe in and trust my wife, I insult her integrity. I deem her to be devious. The Scriptures warn, "He that believes not God has made Him a liar,"(9) and "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."(10)

So my advice to pretenders in pulpits, is to go through the Ten Commandments (as expounded by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount), and apply each one personally, with a tender conscience. Then get on your knees before a holy God and don't get up until you know Him whom knowing is eternal life (see John 17:3). This issue is more serious than a heart attack. It's the issue of your own eternal salvation, and the salvation of those you will lead astray with your unfaithful words.

If you want a deeper understanding as to why the Church is so filled with false converts, get a copy of the free book, "God Has a Wonderful Plan For Your Life--The myth of the modern message." Or you can read or listen to the book freely online at www.FreeWonderfulbook.com

Endnotes:

1: drewmarshall.ca/droogle
2: abcnews.go.com/WN/atheist-ministers-leading-faithful/story?id=12004359
3: Ibid
4: drewmarshall.ca/droogle
5: Hebrews 3:4
6: Romans 1:20
7: 1 Thessalonians 1:5
8: drewmarshall.ca/droogle
9: 1 John 5:10
10: Hebrews 3:12

Congrats to Julie L. of Florida for winning the "Thirty-One" Handbag

2010-12-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

Julie was on my blog when it hit the 200,000 mark.

Congrats Julie! And for those of you that came so

close (Sherri S, Brianna W, Michelle H, and Lori Ann)

thanks for trying - there will be plenty more

give-aways in the days to come. God bless you all.

Fort Worth T buses will feature ads with message refuting God

2010-12-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

I contacted Terry McDonald (chairman of the Metroplex Atheists -photographed left) in 2007 and asked him if he wanted to be on The Way of the Master Radio to talk about atheism and Christianity. He gladly agreed. We met at the Southlake Town Square and He ended up on two segments of the program and heard a clear gospel presentation.

In fact, if you go to my website http://www.fishwithtrish.com/, Terry is the 3rd picture (from the left) on my header -he's the gentleman with the beard in the green shirt (the same shirt that he's wearing in this pic).

Well, he's back at it and has organized more campaign ads to go up on buses (see article below).

P.S. For all the atheists out there, we don't mind the least bit that you are posting these billboards/ads because they provide a wonderful springboard to talk about spiritual things, Heaven and Hell, death and the afterlife, and how one can be saved from God's wrath.

Oh and Terry, if by any chance you happen to be reading this, shoot me an email (email [at] fishwithtrish.com) my husband and I would love to meet with you again and take you out for a meal or for coffee.

--

By Gordon Dickson

gdickson@star-telegram.com

Starting Wednesday, four buses operating in the Fort Worth area will be sporting large advertisements that tout an ungodly message.

The ads on the sides of the buses will proclaim: "Millions of Americans are Good Without God."

The words, which will run over an image of the American flag, aim to raise awareness that many people do not believe in God, according to Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason, the group that bought the ads.

"We're not trying to convert anybody," coordinator Terry McDonald said in a phone interview. "There's so much religion in this area, and it's so visible, we're just trying to let people who are not believers know that there's a lot of people like them."

The campaign is taking place in several cities nationwide. However, the ads won't appear on Dallas Area Rapid Transit buses because that agency refuses to accept them. DART also doesn't advertise alcoholic beverages, and accepts some but not all movie ads, spokesman Morgan Lyons said.

"For us, the point is to stay true to what we do -- we're a transit provider -- and not create a public forum," Lyons said. "We rejected the ads because we don't accept ads from religious groups."

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, also known as the T, does accept religious ads.

"We try to be fair to all parties in accepting advertising, and we do not discriminate among faiths or beliefs," T spokeswoman Joan Hunter said. "They met the criteria. If we receive other requests from other faiths, we'll evaluate them as well."

She said the ads will appear on four buses for the next 30 days. The ads are called "king boards," and cover the sides of the buses, she said. The total cost of printing the ads and buying the space on the buses is about $2,480, she said.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason includes 15 agencies of various goals and beliefs, McDonald said. For example, one of the groups is Metroplex Atheists, which has several hundred members that actively campaign on issues such as separation of church and state. Metroplex Atheists recently protested a pre-meeting prayer traditionally held by the city council in North Richland Hills, McDonald said.

Other agencies involved in the coalition are based at colleges, or are primarily for social interaction, he said.

There is no political agenda behind the bus campaign, McDonald said, other than to let the public know the groups are out there.

Gordon Dickson, 817-390-7796

----

"The bus ads are straw men. No one denies atheists [or anyone] can be 'good'. They [just] have no basis for 'goodness' within their system (world view.)" - Junior (good point, Junior)

Hat Tip: Jason Delgado

New Radio Program...

2010-11-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

If the Lord wills, I'm going to launch a radio program in the days to come. It will be geared towards women. We'll discuss things like: modesty, evangelism, how to be a good homemaker, how to find a good church, issues with food, tips to tame our tongues, joy, contentment, finances, missions, discipline, sexual purity, etc. etc. I want to hear from you. What should the program be called? Give me your ideas...post your name ideas below. God bless.

The 1st person on my blog when it hits 200,000, wins THIS...

2010-11-19T13:16:00.001-08:00

A Thirty-One Handbag!

Special Thanks to Kristen R. for donating this wonderful handbag
(ps I was tempted to keep it - it's a perfect little witnessing bag).

And it will be filled with various Gospel Tracts.
There are 5 pockets total.

3 on the inside...

And one on both sides of the outside.
Here's what you must do TO WIN:

If the counter turns to 200,000 and you're on my site...

1) Either take a photo of my blog (showing the counter at 200,000) then email me the picture (email [at] fishwithtrish.com)

2) Hit the "print screen" button and that will capture the blog (make sure you can see the hit counter before you hit the "print screen" button you can paste the picture onto a paint document after you print screen)...then send me an email as proof that you're the winner...

If its close to the 200,000th mark (within 15 hits give or take) send me a photo and if no one sends a photo of the blog with the counter at "200,000", I will choose the person who comes closest to the 200,000th mark to win the bag.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Open to U.S. and Canada residents only.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

Mr. Nice Guy Trailer - a really cool idea (let me know if you ever have an event and want to apply to use it)

2010-11-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Ray Comfort talked about this Trailer on his newsletter last week but I didn't put two and two together (that I know the owners) until my friend Mike Owens emailed me tonight. Here's what he wrote:

Tim Crawford and I have this new trailer for you (or anyone you know of) to use for special events. It's especially good if there's children there. Carnivals, sporting events, church events, etc...Our goal is to comfortably bring "Are You A Good Person" with Mr. Nice Guy (Kirk Cameron and David Jeremiah) to as many kids, teens and parents as possible. It's a 22' fully enclosed trailer. Carpeted walls and floor. Projector and Bose sound system with 6' screen. Seats 18. (We've had as many as 25 packed in several times) We can take the trailer just about anywhere - and it has its own generator for places with no power. Thanks Mike."

Mike told me that, "One little boy watched it 5-6 times and kept coming back asking to watch it again." And then the following day they had another boy watch it 7 times and wanted the DVD so he could show it to ALL HIS FRIENDS!!"

If you haven't viewed the video, click on the highlighted portion. It's only 6 min and 18 seconds.

If you have an upcoming event and would be interested in possibly using the trailer, please email me at (email [at] fishwithtrish.com) include the following: your full name, what the event is, what church you attend, what city you live in and how many kids you expect to attend the showing of the film. And in the subject line type: Mr. Nice Guy Trailer.

Thanks to all who have served our country and currently are...

2010-11-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

Pic above: My grandfather (top row left - US Navy 1943 thru 1947).

Pic above: Flight crew (my grandfather, second from the left - US Navy)

receiving an award. He's not sure what the commendation was though.

I thank God that my grandfather is still alive and that I have the

opportunity to ask him all sorts of questions.

Papa I hope you're still up because I'm going to call you.

Pic above: Papa in the cockpit of his F7F

Take the time to ask your grandfather questions this weekend.
Happy Veteran's Day to all who have served and currently are.

Nailing Down Good Works

2010-11-08T22:24:00.001-08:00

I was cleaning out my garage recently and found some old high school pictures. They immediately brought back memories of how consumed I was with the way I looked. It was so bad that I kept a detailed daily journal of what I wore to make sure that I didn’t repeat the same outfit within a two month period or more. Talk about vanity. I wanted to make sure I had the perfect outfit and that I never repeated it too often, lest I get criticized by my peers. Maintaining my image was important. Talk about living for man's approval (Prov 25:29). That was before God saved me.

As Christians, we still can get caught up in the web of the world and buy into what the world says a woman should be. If we're not careful to keep a watch on our life and on our doctrine, we can be quickly swept away into the current of ungodly philosophies which rob us of our time and energy—things which aren’t eternal and are quickly fading away (Prov 31:30).

I love to surround myself with ladies that are rich in good works and not focused on themselves. I'm reminded of the ladies at the Tuesday night Bible study I attend. They are full of encouragement and desire to be women of the Word. After I leave the teaching, I'm inspired to be a more godly Christian, wife and friend. This results in me conjuring up ways to bless my husband and those around me. The Bible explains to us that "bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Cor 15:33). If you surround yourself with ladies that are focused on vain things, more than likely you will find yourself becoming vain. So choose your friends wisely.

The Bible also gives very stern warnings against both conceit and putting too much focus on our outward appearance. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (Phil 2: 3-4). When we focus on ourselves, our vision is blurred and our life is sapped. But when we focus on the Lord and plunge our self in the daily reading of the Word of God and spend our time doing good works for His Kingdom, we have a purpose that is clearly eternal and brings us joy. It's what we're made for: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Let's be ladies that bring meals to those in need, who visit the orphan and widow during their time of distress, who make a phone call and pray for the sister who is having a tough time, who send an encouraging email to the person God laid on your heart this morning. There are so many ways we can look out for the interests of our brothers and sisters.

I've been to the nail salon less than a hand full of times and half of those times were gifts. It's such a nice treat to get pampered and have someone else do your nails. The ladies at the salon do a good job of painting them to perfection. Since I'm a penny pincher, I buy a .99 cent bottle of polish and do them myself. As I write this, I have the remnants of silver polish on my fingers (see pic above). It's probably been a month since I've painted them. So much for keeping my nails maintained.

Some ladies go to the salon twice a month and pay good money to maintain their fingers and toes. Others go once a week because they want them to look perfect all the time. The Bible says that women who profess godliness will be careful to maintain "good works" (1 Tim 2:9-10). Maintaining good works should be a greater priority than maintaining our nails, our wardrobe, our hair or our image. The Bible says to be careful to maintain good works for the glory of God. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with getting your nails or hair done or wearing nice clothes, but let's be ladies that are known for our godliness rather than our large variety of outfits. Let's be ladies that are more concerned about maintaining good works than maintaining our nails.

If the Son has set you free than you are free indeed (John 8:36).