Dare to Love People to Heaven
by Pastor Rob Koke
Lately, I have been asking the Holy Spirit to make me aware of any potential opportunity to share His love with those that I come in contact with. We have something that our society is searching for; true authentic love that will impact and change lives. As Christians we have the privilege to reach out and make a difference in this lost and hurting world that we live in. But I am discovering that there is some resistance in all of us when it comes to sharing our faith which ironically happens to be what God cares about the most.
Have you ever wondered how God feels about every person that is currently living outside His redemptive love? Luke 19:10 "I have come to seek and save what was lost." The Bible is filled with many examples of how passionate Jesus was in redeeming those who were in need of a Savior. His last words in almost every account of His life were "go and tell people the good news."
So why are we so resistant to what God cares so deeply about? Well honestly speaking, I believe there are several reasons why we hesitate in sharing our faith. We don't want to be that guy who stands on the street corner yelling "turn or burn." Can I let you in on a secret, I'm pretty sure that God doesn't want you to be that person either. God wants you to be you. There's also the fear of
intimidation and rejection especially with those whom we highly respect. But just know that God has promised to give us the right words to say in a way that will touch and encourage those He has put in our pathway.
Maybe you feel that you don't know the Bible well enough to share with others. While it is good to know the Bible and be prepared, God did not call you to be a lawyer to defend or debate His word. He has called us to be a witness and to simply share about His amazing love to those we come in contact with. As parents we are not trained to share a story about our kids, it just comes naturally and that's the way it should be when it comes to sharing our faith. One of the most tangible things you need to know is that God is an expert at using imperfect people because honestly that's all He has to work with.
We can't lose sight of how much people matter to God. Jesus saw what people could become when they were touched by His presence. He saw a godly worshiper clothed as a weary prostitute and He saw a faithful disciple hiding inside a fisherman named Simon. Let's not be preoccupied with what the world sees. The real world is a world we cannot see. Paul encouraged us to fix our eyes on what really mattered. 2 Corinthians 4:12 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." If we lived with an awareness of what we don't see, all resistance to sharing our faith would disappear.
So my challenge to you is to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to express His love by an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, an invitation to church or just by sharing your story in a way that just allows others to know how much they are loved and valued.
© 2011 by Rob Koke. All rights reserved.
 Robert Koke is founder and Senior Pastor of Shoreline Church, one of America's largest churches. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, Pastor Koke spent several years doing extensive missionary work throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the former Soviet Union before coming to Austin to establish Shoreline Christian Center. He and his wife, Dr. Laura Koke, touch and inspire thousands of lives each week through the ministry of Shoreline and its various outreaches. Pastor Koke's positive message will inspire and instruct you how to practically live out your faith in Jesus Christ.
Reaching Out With The Thorn
14 years ago, The Thorn began as a simple illustrated sermon performed for a few junior high and high school students. Last year, nearly 97,000 watched The Thorn in cities across the US and Mexico. This year, Thorn Ministries is thrilled to partner with Pastor Koke and Shoreline Church to bring the story of Easter to life in Austin, TX. In a few weeks, you'll be entertained by incredible music, dance, drama, acrobatics and special effects. But if all that happens is entertainment then, quite frankly, we'll have missed the mark by a mile.
2,000 years ago, after Jesus rose from the dead, He gave us His final instructions before He left Earth. Standing on a hillside, Jesus told a handful of followers that they would "become (his) witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world." Essentially, what Jesus was saying was you've seen me heal the sick, hold the hurting, feed the hungry and love the unlovable. But I'm leaving, so now…it's your turn.
Our hope for The Thorn is that it would be more than entertainment – that it would be a tool that allows you to become His witnesses to your family, your friends and your community. The Thorn has been carefully created so that you can invite people without worry. The Thorn presents the story of God in a way that is crystal clear while at the same time exciting and engaging. Everyone from teens to seniors will enjoy The Thorn and walk away seeing God in a brand new way. So, gather your family, invite a few friends and prepare for the time of your life!
To purchase tickets to The Thorn, call (877) 943-7378 or click here.
© 2011 by John Bolin. All rights reserved.
Click here to find out more about The Thorn
 John Bolin is the Executive Producer and Creator of The Thorn. He is passionate about using the power of story to lead people into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Sarah and their 5 children.
Monthly Devotional
Shadow of the Cross
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1( NIV)
As we seek shelter from the storms in life, our experience teaches us that as long as we are under shelter we are protected from the elements of a storm. Even though a violent storm rages outside - inside of the shelter we can find rest. If we allow it, God's grace can overshadow us and give us rest, He can be a our refuge. His shadow reflects His presence and have the power to heal, save and deliver. As the power of the Lord was upon Peter, his very shadow healed the sick. There is redemptive power in the cross, even its shadow.
Shadow of the Cross
Life is full of types and shadows...
Days of joy and nights of sorrows.
For all those who are lonely and lost
There is comfort in the shadow of the cross.
You speak and the earth rubbles and quakes.
Where can we hide -- where can we escape?
From every valley and mountain top
Your voice resonates and will not stop.
Every knee shall surely bow in reverence to your name.
Every tongue shall confess to the same.
Only You can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves -- You are sovereign and we are blessed
Only You can offer eternal life -- free from the boundaries of this flesh.
Your tears flood our heart yet we do not respond.
We fight a battle that's already won.
We offer polluted sacrifice and shallow praise.
Only You can lengthen or shorten our days.
Life is full of types and shadows...
Days of joy and nights of sorrows.
For all those who are lonely and lost
There is comfort in the shadow of the cross.
Reflection: There is rest in the shadow of the Almighty - there is comfort and peace in the shadow of the cross.
Prayer: Lord, you are my refuge, I thank you for your love and grace that shelters me from the storms of life. The safest place in all the earth is in your loving arms.
Additional Scriptures: Acts 5:14-16 (KJV)
© 2011 by E.B. Staples. All rights reserved.
Click here to read Shoreline's statement of faith
 E. B. Staples has been attending Shoreline for about nine years with his wife Sharon; an Author and Poet, he recently published his second book entitled "The Mighty Storm – A Book of Poems". A strong and powerful collection of poems that will surely stir your soul. This book can be purchased at local book stores or at www.authorhouse.com
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