Finishing Strong

Hey Guys!

It is another monday morning. We are finishing up the listen up men's week and i wanted to encourage everyone to stay strong today and put Jesus as the King of your Life!!! I hope you all had a good week and look forward to seeing you all tonight. Tarik will be bringing the word tonight so make sure you have your hearts ready and dont forget to leave your masks at the door.

God Bless brothers,
n

Prayer

Hey guys, Ben McKinsey called me and asked specifically for the guys to pray for his family. He has two brothers and a sister. His parents are going through some very tough times relationally. Divorce is the issue and all that comes with that. Please pray that his parents will listen to the Lords guidance. Also, be praying for Ben in this time that he would be able to give Godly counsel and Wisdom to his loved ones. And of course keep his wife and their baby Courtney and their health in prayer. TG

Love In Action Asia/Hangtown Prophets

Hey Doooooods!

As some of you are aware, I have a friend(Chris) who visited the group promoting his band, Hangtown Prophets. His band has made a CD and made it for sale with all profits going to www.loveinactionasia.com. You can go to his MYSPACE page to read about his mission to help the kids in Asia. Give it a listen, he is a great guitarist and Christian. I think he was looking to sell the CD's for about $13 but, if we get a few ordered I think we can bring that down a little. I hope ya'll like it! Or just send him money, that's OK too...

Ruben

Wedding Coming Up

Bros,
I hope this day is finding you happy, healthy and fighting like we're in a battle. I just wanted to quickly ask you guys to keep Brittney and I in your prayers as we are getting married next Sunday (August 10). We have learned so much in this engagement season, and although it has been the hardest time in either one of our lives, the Lord has proven good and true once again.

He has brought us closer together and tested us in the fires like never before. Please pray that we would continue to seek the Lord before all else - even each other. Also, that we would pursue and press into each other and dig in for a long, enduring race. But the greatest thing in the world is that we get to do it together now!

I'm so stoked to be getting married, and I will be thinking of all of the Goleta/SB boys throughout the day. Put up a post or email me (kcrooks8@hotmail.com) and let me know how you all are and how I can be praying for you. I love you guys and hope to see you sometime in the future. Peace to the brothers and death to Satan. Later on men.

Kyle

Listenup SYV (that's Santa Ynez Valley)

Bros, it was so good to see some of you today at Reality. It was like having a family reunion, actually for me it is my family reunion. As for Listen up SYV, I have opened my house to men who want to grow closer to the Lord, so far it has been me and one other. We did have three one night  and one night I just prayed by myself. However when I feel like giving it up someone will ask about it, so I will keep keeping on. I feel like it is just a faith and trust issue between me and God. So pray for us brothers from the South that the Lord will bring the men He wants to knit together with us to walk as Jesus walked. Love you guys. God Bless.

Greetings from Thailand!

Hey Guys!

Just in case you don't read this post in its entirety, definitely go to www.thaiunit.com for pictures, videos and all updates of our trip. That said, its 10am on Friday in Thailand, which makes it about a week since we arrived. I cannot believe how fast our time has gone. Nevertheless, our Father has revealed Himself in big ways. I can't go into much now, mainly because I have to share this computer with 12 other people. Suffice it to say that Jesus is in this place you guys. The love of God is so visible in these kids. They have nothing, yet everything because of God's unconditional love. God has given favor to this region, and you can feel it, especially being surrounded by Laos, whos government is killing Christians, and Burma, whos government refused to let foreign aid in after the Cyclone devastated the country...basically watching as thousands of children die. 

Please pray that the Lord's Light continues to shine in Thailand and spread into these dark places. Please pray that Gods favor and protection continues for us and that we continue to walk in His will and not our own conveniences.

Keep doin it up men, and thank you for your prayers.

Peace and Love,

Devin

HEY MEN!!!

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO, IT WILL ROCK YOU!

Praises from Colorado

What's happening fellers? I sure do miss meeting with you all and am sick with envy for the camping trip that I will not be able to attend this year. Maybe I'll make it back for the 3rd annual outing, so keep meeting faithfully!

I am so blessed by you guys. I am delighted to remember that each Monday you all are gathering to call upon the Lord to be glorified in, about, and through your lives... and my prayer for you all is that the Mighty Spirit of God would continue to move amongst you.

I remember back to the earliest days of the men's group gathering and witnessing the movement of the Holy Spirit. We were typical guys, short in organization, short in preparation, short in discipline, short in righteousness but it was clear that God's eyes were upon Tarik's old house in Goleta each time we gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, Most High. When we'd open his word, or put hands on the shoulders of a brother to pray, or turned our hearts inside-out before God in worship, He would move.

And now take stock: we have a brother leading a prayer ministry in So Cal, we've got a brother en route to Thailand to minister to the orphans and the unsaved, we have a brother leading worship for the youth group, we have a couple of fathers-to-be awaiting that sweet arrival, and we have witnesses scattered throughout the nation who continue to Listen Up, and do our best to act upon our instructions.

Praise God for what he has accomplish, praise God for what he is accomplishing, and praise God for what he will accomplish. He is not one to leave a job unfinished. He promised he'd come back, he promised eternal joy with him, he promised an inheritance of everlasting life... so Praise God, the keeper of his promises. Whatever trials we must endure put on the joy of salvation and praise God, for he will perfect all things in their right time.

I love you all, even those I have yet to meet, for we are all members the same body,

Ivan

Back at Taylors this week only!!

529 w Pueblo #4... We are meeting at Taylor's house this week for men's group. Be there by 7 sharp.   See you and yours there.  TG

Hey Guys, its J.R. miss you all

Hope all is well in Santa Barbara, just wanted to let you all know how its going down here.  First off the waves are awesome and the water is warm.  But thats about the only thing.  I reallized that Santa Barbara is my home now, and i would be lost if i tried to stay in San Clemente.  I am happy to tell you guys that im gunna be moving back after my internship is over in about 2 months or less, gunna try to make it to mens group in a couple of weeks, and Reality also.  And i really wanna go on the camping trip so ill keep in touch and make sure im not doing anything the weekend that its going down.  Kansas was AWESOME!!!!! If you guys could be prayin for me for just staying strong in Jesus, and being able to figure out a place to live and job when i come back to SB, that would be awesome.  Miss you guys and ill see you soon.  Peace. 

2nd Annual Listen-up-Mens Camping Trip

Gentlemen,

We are now approaching the time of the year when we need to start considering some times for the second annual listen up mens camping trip. Now listen, for all you city boys who have never tested your manliness in the rugged outdoors this is your time to prove how tough you really are! But for all you other guys, well, lets just say its time! So at this point we are shooting for one of the weekends in August. I want to take a vote on which weekend we will all be free. so email which of the following weekends you will be free and then i will tally up the scores and make a final decision. Use the example below to vote which weekends you are available then e-mail me at

	Dates Available
Name	8/9-8/10	8/16-8/17	8/23-8/24	8/30-8/31
Neil	N/A	x	x	x

Further details will be updated as decision are made such as the location and what we will need to bring. At this point lets figure out a good time to go!

Armstrong, N.

OC listen up

Men! Please engage in a battle with me. I can not get men to open up here. Most christians in orange county are content with keeping the Lord at a safe distance and its breaking my heart. Its beginning to wear on me. God has been so good to minister to me as I engage in this battle, but I need my warriors right now! He has given me verse for this place that really has scarred me. "When sin is fully grown, it leads to death!" Are we trully chistians here? Do we truly have salvation. If we have too much of the world in us, where is their room for the Holy Spirit? Their is an evil spirit here. Pray! Please pray for this place. Pray for me for strength. May Jesus Christ be Glorified in this place! Love you guys.

Ben

Happy 4th of July!!!

Many families have lived with the loss of loved ones who stood up when called upon to defend freedom.  Knowing that there is evil in this world, they chose to stand against it.  Recently with a new rise of Islam, it has become more and more apparent that the opposite of freedom is death.  Many trends in the world are leaning toward socialism and less individual freedom. Our free country leads the world in helping the widows and orphans, the poor and those who can't help themselves.  Be thankful for the country that God saw fit for you to live in, and since we have freedom of expression and religion, lets continue to be thankful... and use it.  TG

Update on Chris...

Hey everybody,  Jason here.  Just got back from the hospital and logged in here to throw out a quick update.  He's doing well now after having surgery this morning to remove an infection from the wound on his back from his last surgery.  He got a staph infection and was in a great deal of pain for the last few days.  It seems that everything went smoothly, and they were able to remove all of the infection.

Keep him in prayer for the next few days though.  There is a *possibilty* that the infection got into his bloodstream.  They are testing him for that today,  most likely it'll be negative.  Also,  he'll probably be in the hospital for a couple more days so if you want to visit him, he's in CCU room 7 on the 3rd floor (above the ER).  Or you can call 682-7111 and have them connect you to CCU and then to Chris Stroud.

Let's all praise God for the amazing work that He's doing in Chris' life!  God will be faithful to see this good work He has begun through to completion!  Amen!

*EDIT*   UPDATE AS OF JUNE 26:

The doctors have just informed Chris that he might be staying at the hospital for up to TWO WEEKS.  The extended stay would be to insure that his wound heals under proper supervision and constant care  so it's not necessarily a bad thing, but lets' keep him in prayer and visit him when we can.

Update from Kyle

Hey men,
Wow, I can't believe I figured this blog thing out. First time. Guys, I'm so stoked to have heard from a few of you in the time I've been up here in Seattle. The Lord has just been working overtime up here with the city and the people in it.

For those of you who haven't been up in this area, it's a totally different place than Carp. I miss the little town I grew up in as a kid, surfing, skating, getting into trouble and just being in paradise. But there is a beauty and treasure up here just waiting to be revealed. Just for starters, Seattle is "the most educated city in the nation" with more residents who have a college degree than any other city in the nation. There are more dogs than children, and Christians up here. Seriously. It is a place where you go to heaven if you recycle and vote for Obama, not that either one of those things is bad in itself, but just to give an idea. There is such an anti-establishment undercurrent here that questioning truth and authority seem to be the norm.

As you might imagine, being a Christian here is not popular. It's really weird. There honestly is some persecution up here for standing up and proclaiming Jesus as Lord and calling people to follow his Truth. Even just loving on people as He calls us to is seen as kind of weird.

But I'm digging it hard core! The Lord has been working on me hard up here. I got plugged into an incredible church that seriously is changing the streets each day. If you want to check it out, just visit www.marshillchurch.org. Pastor Mark is our preaching pastor, and it's a big church, but the community and movement it has is being used by Jesus like nothing I've seen before. On any give Sunday, there are about 5,000 people who attend any one of 4 services at our main campus.

My life has been so blessed you guys. After much prayer and encouragement from you guys, I've gotten engaged, found a job, and moved into my first place ever. God is so gnarly. After praying all summer and fall for a job to come, the Lord delivered in perfect time and place. I work for the Pacific Coast Feather Co. (www.pacificcoast.com) and am loving it. The people here are great to work with and the job couldn't be more fun. I am learning tons each day.

The apartment I moved into is a rad little place in the city. It is a killer little place in a rad part of town and the Lord was so good in helping me find it. It will be the perfect place for Brittney and I to start our life together.

And the raddest part - being engaged. Well, being engaged has definately been very hard and a trying time for both Brittney and I, but only through the Holy Spirit's help and direction, we are better than yesterday and looking towards Him always. We have grown in ways that we didn't imagine, communicating better, become more intimate without any of the physical sin blocking our way, and just living for Him as a couple! He has taught me a lot about my role as a leader and one day guiding our family more and more towards Jesus.

I have met up with a great community group filled mostly with people in their early 20s. Because of the huge need for community groups at Mars Hill, the set up is a little different. We don't really have community group seasons, as they just run all year long and people stay with the same one - once they find a group they fit with. That being the case, we have a method called "replication" where more community groups are formed by the splitting off of pre-existing groups. To better explain, the group I'm now part of will eventually split into two separate different groups once our numbers are consistently around 20 people each week. And by God's humor and perfect plan, he has put me in the place of "apprentice." This basically means that when our group is ready to split, I will become one of the new community group leaders. I have had some amazing time with a few of the leaders at church and they have poured into me unceasingly. The whole idea of walking as Jesus walked is to create disciples, and as men and leaders we are called to do the same that He did. This is the idea at Mars Hill - to be constantly pouring out into people and raising up new disciples, so that ultimately, this dark and sin-filled city will serve God like never before. It's like a hurricane here boys! There is so much going on and I hope you all have time to come and make a trip up at some point. I would be more than happy to set you up at my place and hang out whenever.

I didn't have addresses for you all, but just to make it known, you are all invited to the wedding this summer. We are getting married Sunday, August 10th at 6 PM on Mercer Island (just 2 minutes east of downtown Seattle). I know it's a trip, but I wanted you to all know you are loved and thought of. I miss Monday nights with you guys, singing, talking, learning, laughing and loving. You have all played such a huge role in God's plan for my life. I'm not quite sure what it is yet, but I know you were ALL instrumental in setting a solid foundation for my faith. In a time when I was brand new in my walk, you stayed on me, preached the truth and encouraged me to follow you all in the march towards our perfect Lord. I hope to hear from you guys soon. I will definately keep checking back on this blog thing and letting you know what's happening. Until then, I'll keep holding down the Pacific Northwest until Jesus has His day. Later on gentlemen!

Peace and love in Him,
Kyle

Update from Ivan

Thank you all for your continued prayers for our lives here in Colorado. A big focus for us spiritually is the opportunity we've been given to start a college/young adult ministry in Longmont. As we tell people around here what we feel that the Lord is putting on our hearts, people warn us that it is going to "blow-up". That certainly isn't the goal, but I think those comments are indicative of the hunger in the area for people in this demographic to worship, pray, study and fellowship together.

Listen Up has served as a wonderful model for me. As Taylor says, leave your shoes and your masks at the door. That's really what Chrissy and I are praying for, is to facilitate a gathering where people can get real with God, get real with themselves, and get real with each other.

I'll be teaching, which is really exciting because I believe that is one of my spiritual gifts which I have infrequently had the chance to apply. But as James warns, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." That freaks me out!

My request, as you guys pray for this, would be that Chrissy and I are humble, repentant, and submissive to God's will. I know we all sin, and I don't want to take the yoke of legalism, but I don't want to be a blind guide teaching from a point of hypocrisy. Also, if you could pray for unity of vision and direction between myself and a few others that will be a part of the leadership team. And most importantly, pray for God to change peoples lives and raise disciples to be sent into the harvest.

Love you guys and be sure to give my brother Aaron a noogie for me.

Brad Paisley and Sara Evans: New Again

LAST NIGHT

HEY GUYS I JUST WANTED TO COMMENT HOW GREAT OUR DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS. I FEEL LIKE WE ARE GAINING NEW INSIGHT IN HOW TO LIVE OUT OR WALKS WITH GOD. I ESPECIALLY THINK TALKING ABOUT HOW WE SOMETIMES CONFUSE PEACE FOR FEAR IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO BE MINDFUL OF. I KNOW THAT THIS IS ONE OF MY STRUGGLES AND I WANT TO HAVE THE DISCERNMENT WHEN I AM THINKING THIS WAY. ON THIS NOTE I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR YOUR GUYS PRAYERS. I AM CURRENTLY THINKING ABOUT RECONCILING WITH SOMEONE WHO I WAS FRIENDS WITH A FEW YEARS AGO. THIS PERSON WAS VERY MANIPULATIVE WITH ME AND LIED TO ME ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. ONE OF WHICH AFFECTED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH EMILY, (THIS WAS THE LAST TIME I HAD A FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM. AT THIS POINT I AM ONLY CONSIDERING THIS, AND PRAYING FOR THE LORDS GUIDANCE. HIS NAME IS ERIC, AND I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS AND SUGGESTIONS. MY BIGGEST STRUGGLE WITH THIS IS I DO NOT WANT TO BECOME HIS "BUDDY" AGAIN, BUT I DO WANT TO CLEAR MY CONSCIOUS OF THE MESS THAT I FEEL CAME FROM THIS CONFLICT OVER TWO YEARS AGO.

PEACE
NEIL

Sweet and simple testimonies

Men's Group moves to Montecito

2126 East Valley Road

Ahh, yessss, finnally we're moving back to Tarik's in Monn-teh-cii-toe. Guys, I know these directions may seem wacked but it's just like riding a bike after you do it the first time. We'll post some guys out front to make sure you don't miss us. Here are the directions:

From the North:
Take 101 South;
Exit (on the left) Sheffield Drive;
Make left at Stop;
Make Right at next Stop (Sheffield Dr);
Take windy road (stay left) all the way up the hill until you get to East Valley Road (CA 192) at next Stop;
Make a left onto East Valley (CA 192);
House is 3/10 of a mile on the right hand side...pass Romero Canyon, Orchard, and Tabor Lane but drive slow and pay attention! It comes quickly.
Park by the boulders on the left and walk across the street up the driveway (the mailbox on the driveway will say 2122; that is the right one) you will see the new house; walk up to the second house on the property.

Please park responsibly...make room for others across the street by the boulders...there may be some parking along the driveway if you come early.

See you tonight. Peace.

Glenn and Deb

Well Glenn and Deb took off this AM. They are stoked for what lies ahead. Keep them in prayer during this transition. TG

Worship Music

Hey guys a few of you asked for a copy of some of my sheet music it is available to download from the gmail account - Charles

Glad to be back!

Hey guys,
Just wanted to say that it was sweet being back tonight and that you guys are such a blessing. These past few days have been down-trodden and depressing, and the Lord used you all to bless, encourage, and cheer me up. Thanks for being submissive to the Lord. :]

P.s. Neil and Fred, great job tonight.

P.p.s. Glen, you and you're wife are such an encouragement.

"'Not by might or by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty"

-Zechariah 4:6

-Aaron "Absent" Feeney.

P.p.p.s. Thanks for the name Taylor. ;]

Glenn Odell

Hey guys,

Don't you wish the good times would last forever? Our season with Glenn is coming to an end. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says:

To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

So tonight is our last night with our friend...until he blesses us with another visit. And here's why he's leaving:

Hi Guys,

We just wanted to share the background behind what, to some, may seem an improbable and out-of-the-blue move.

We will be leaving Santa Barbara for the small northern CA town of Quincy, Monday June 16. Quincy is an unincorporated town of just over 5,000 souls and is the county seat of Plumas County. It is 2 hours north of Lake Tahoe, where the Sierra Nevada Mtn Range ends and the Cascade Mtn Range begins. The county economy is timber based and Quincy is home to the county’s last mill. There are many places to fish with lots of challenging jeep trails nearby. At 3,500 ft elevation it is a four season climate.

We have been to Quincy many times over the last two years. My oldest son (Matt) is a captain with the Plumas National Forest and has lived in Quincy for the last 8 years or so. Recently, my middle son (Seth) took a promotional transfer (now I have two fire captains in the family) to the Lassen National Forest from the Flagstaff, AZ area. This brought his family (including my grandson Jacob and granddaughter Jasmine) to within an hour of Quincy.

The most significant ingredient in the decision to move was our dear friends (Bob and Dee Burwell) accepted Jesus into their lives 3 months ago (a year ago they asked us for our testimony). Quincy presents a big challenge for spirit-filled believers. It seems pretty bleak right now with a smattering of very small (dying), main-line denomination churches plus a small presence of the JW and LDS cults. However, there is a small group of believers (6-10 couples) that has met in a home on Wed. nights for the last year or so. Their teaching, worship and fellowship is right-on, and we were welcomed with open arms! We hope this bright spot will be used by The Lord to bring revival to Quincy. Matt (my oldest) has been with that group since its beginning.

Bob and Dee’s commitment to The Lord was an answer to my prayers to God that He show me just one tangible sign of fruit being produced as I walk my path with Him.

The love, teaching, worship and fellowship we have experienced with our Reality family has enabled us to grow in so many ways. We’ve seen our faith become established on that firm foundation that is “The Lord”. Not that we have attained (in the Phil 3:12 context). We have been prayerful in our consideration of this big step. One of the most meaningful signs He gave us was the welcome the four of us received at the church-in-the-home. We certainly feel “stretched” spiritually by this undertaking, but we feel that moving out of “the comfort zone” and not settling for being merely “fat sheep” waiting for the rapture is consistent with the goal of finishing the race strong (not by our works-but by our abiding in Him).

Bob helped us get our first load of stuff to Quincy the Monday after the Baptism. He attended Reality with us and witnessed Deb’s baptism and it blew his doors off!!

Bob and Dee will be back in SB next weekend (Father’s Day) to help us pack up the remainder of our stuff. They will be with us at church as well! Dee wants to experience being in a room with 400+ people who love Jesus and are worshipping Him together. We will be back in SB for a short time after the move, to finish preparing the SB place for rental - so you will see us again!

Deb will certainly miss coming in weekly to lend a hand. It has been such a blessing to be able to serve The Lord in that capacity.

You guys remain our core family and will continue to have our support for the foreseeable future. Our love for you is deep, spiritual and emotional and will have to leave it at that…

Thank you so much…
God bless you all!

Glenn and Deb Odell
P.O. Box 737
Quincy, CA 95971

men!

be in prayer for chris today, he's having surgery on his back. the Lord has already revealed himself through all this by sending chris a doctor who has been extremely helpful in getting him this surgery right away, and i believe we'll continue to see the Lord's hand moving throughout the surgery and recovery. i'm not sure of the visiting situation yet, i know he's in surgery right now and that there's a couple hours after where he can't have anyone come see him, but after that he would love for us to go see him. if anyone gets updated on how he is or anything, post it, i'll do the same. love you all, praise the Lord, see ya tomorrow.

e

Keith, Ben, and Ivan!!!!!! Whats cookin'?!!

Hey guys, We here in SB just had a nice break on Memorial day to celebrate our countries service men and women of past and present. It was nice to reconnect last Monday after two weeks. Soon we will move to Tariks place in Mont eh seat ooohh... Pool, Hot tub, BBQ etc. Need I say more? We will start to meet from 4pm to 11pm to fit in all the fellowship and cannonball competitions. Not really. How is Listrenup going there? How can we be praying for you guys? Hope this finds you well and we look forward to gettin the latest.. TG PS We have tons of shirts if you want them.

Christian Gymnastics

What do you wanna be when you grow up?

Hey guys, have you asked yourself this question lately? I have. And while I used to dream about being a rock star, these days I have been able to identify who I want to be like and continue to learn how to be more like Him. What about you?

PS-our band in High School was called "3 Days to Midnight"...this picture was taken in 1987.

www.facebook.com

tarik

Self-Discipline

This is from my daily calendar:

"Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life." --Matthew 7:14

Great leaders always have self-discipline. As General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "There are no victories at bargain prices." When it comes to self-discipline, people choose one of two things: Either they choose the pain of discipline, which comes from sacrifice and growth, or they choose the pain of regret, which comes form taking the easy road and missing opportunities. Each person in life chooses.

Reminds me of the song...though there's pain in the offering...blessed be your name...FYI-Dwight D Eisenhower was the 33rd President of the United States and served 2 terms 1953-1961 after leading our troops to victory in WWII.

www.wikipedia.org

tarik

Thailand Ahoy!

Hey men! Aaron here. Just wanted to let you guys know that Devin and I (along with his wife and a few others) are going on a two week trip to an orphanage in Thailand. The "Thai-Unit" needs much prayer... and money (specificly $26400 more than we already have). We held a bake sale last Sunday and the Lord's hand was totally moving. We raised $2200!!! If you guys wish to help out, you can make donations. You can give mula to Devin or I, or if you see Ryan or any of the other staff at Reality just give the money to them and say, THAILAND!!!



They'll know what to do with it. ;]

Much Love
-Aaron.

Taking care of your Heart

"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." --Hebrews 3:13

Hey guys, I just downloaded Captain Israel's (aka Britt Merrick) sermon notes to follow along as I viewed the podcast of last Sunday's message. What a difference having the notes make. I wanna encourage you to do the same. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. God bless our troops!

www.jesusisreality.com

tarik

Prayer

Hey guys, Taylor here. This past week a family that we are close to in Spokane lost their dad in a small plane crash. Those who survived said he was helping others get out as the plane was upside down in the lake, but he failed to get out himself. His wife survived but suffered hypothermia. He was a cardiologist, a father of two girls and one boy. He was that doctor that really cared about people, and he continued that care right up to his last breath. Please lift up the Stifter family in prayer.

Also, my roomate and friend through college lost his twin brother this morning. He had heart surgery a few days ago and never fully recovered. His name is Brandon Waldron. Derrien, my buddy is heartbroken. Please pray that his faith would increase through this, and lift up the Waldron family as they all work through this. Pray that this would bring them all closer to the Good Lord. These kinds of things can be landmarkers for people as they either cling to God, or run very far away.

I have realized this week that life is just too precious to take for granted. May we all reach out to those we love in times of trial and joy. God is so good that I already had tickets to fly there this weekend for my brothers graduation. I am looking forward to spending some time with Derrien. Thanks guys. TG

A Story of Friendship

Hey Guys,

I've shared with most of you the story of my past life and how I used to live before I got saved. And one person you've heard me talk about on many occasions and whom we have prayed for many times is my friend Matt.

No one other than God himself knew me more than this man during these years of my life. And I was nowhere near God--but now, looking back, this is a testimony of how I saw the love of God in my friend and how God worked in a friendship between two non-believers.

It was 1997 and the truth of the matter was I had nothing to show from over a decade of distributing drugs. And even if I had the furniture, cars, women, power, money (in terms of cash flow) and so called respect, I know it wouldn't have changed the fact that I was still miserable and trying to self-medicate myself into a world that just simply did not exist (except inside my head).

Dealing with this reality became more and more difficult as the years went by which resulted in more and more frequent and heavy drug use. I smoked pot everyday and loved ecstasy. I always had an arsenal of drugs that I traveled with to be ready for any situation I could try to manipulate into my fantasy world. Occasionally, I would take off on a "marathon run" which was anything over a weekend of partying hitting the beach, bars, and strip clubs (not necessarily in that order). When I wouldn't show up after a day or two, Matt would sometimes find me just to make sure that I was okay and ask me if I was planning on coming home--never telling me what I should do even though it was costing both of us obscene amounts of money by my staying out. Rather he would let me know that I could always leave right now and come home with him and get some rest. I always needed rest. On this particular "marathon", in which I traveled from South Carolina to Florida and back, I ate over 100 pills. I don't really remember much except for the girls, Twix bars, and the sudden realization that I was too far away from home. There was no rational thought to what or why I did what I did. But what I remembered very clearly was finally coming home and arriving at Matt's front door. He was expecting me and I was expecting judgment because I knew that this was a recurring pattern of behavior in my life that I was choosing and it was affecting him. If the roles were reversed, there's NO WAY I would have reacted the way he did or said the things he spoke to me on that day.

We had other friends inside so he stepped out and we stood together for a minute. I could feel his concern for my well being by the way he looked at me. He told me that he cared about me...that the people out there were not my true friends...that he was glad that I was home...that we'd deal with the details later and to come in and get some rest. I always needed rest. Not one question, raised voice or judgmental look--it was just mercy & grace.

The following year we were indicted on Federal Drug charges for Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Marijuana & MDMA (ecstasy). I gave him his first pill just a few years earlier and as evidenced by my actions above (which is just one example, and one of the reasons I was so relationship retarded) was the underlying fact that I was a lousy friend. Even when I was a little kid, I would make plans with many of my friends saying that I would ride bikes with them after elementary school but never show up or let them know that I was going to ride with someone else. But doesn't natural, human friendship have limits? Doesn't it take super-natural power to exhibit true friendship? Well then how can a man display mercy & grace and love like a true friend before knowing Christ like my friend Matt?

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."--Romans 5:8

I plead guilty and did 37 months while Matt was sentenced to 21. Matt could have avoided going to prison all together if he would have just told the Feds that I had sold him pills just one time. He refused to cooperate and went to prison instead. During my entire bid, I never received one letter or picture from any of my so-called friends...except from Matt (which, by the way, is prohibited by the Feds as convicts are not allowed to associate with one another during their incarceration or supervised release)

After I got saved in 2004, Matt was the only friend I had left and I was going to make sure that I shared with him what I had recently learned about who God is and (at the time) what little I knew about His character. But I knew enough to realize that Matt's love towards me as a friend was straight from our Heavenly Father which I recognized as Jesus Christ on the cross when I finally laid my life before Him.

Going forward, I'm striving towards becoming a better friend with each one of you and all of the people God has placed in my life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. All of you have been such a blessing to me and it challenges me to give back, now understanding that friendship isn't about what people can do for me but how I can exhibit God's love by showing mercy & grace to my friends regardless of whether they are following Jesus. Oh, how much more clearly I see looking back at how God pursues us.

tarik

Update: Chris at Calvary Ranch

Please pray (continually) for Chris. He's doing much better today. And so it is in our lives, one day we're fine and the next day a GIANT shows up at our door. Don't forget to post your own requests. Scripture is always right:

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." --James 5:16

www.calvaryranch.org/index
www.calvaryranch.org/endorse
tarik

Book Recommendation

Hey brothers...

On the topics of recommended books... I have been reading Exodus by Leon Uris. It is a fictional account of the birth of the nation of Israel. This phenomenal book records the history of the Jewish people and the faithful hand of God redeeming a deeply tragic exile and restoring his chosen people to the Promised Land. It does not come from a necessarily Christian perspective but will definitely impart a deep appreciation for a land and people that has been a central point of God's focus for thousands upon thousands of years. It is also a fun and entertaining read.

God bless ~ Ivan

Men's Group @ Taylor's house tonight, 5-12-08

Don't forget! We're meeting at Taylor's house tonight. Some things to remember:

1. Be on time. We start at 7 o'clock
2. Bring your Bible
3. Leave your shoes and masks at the door
4. Lift the lid before you use the toilet
5. Where 2 or more are gathered...

Re: the pic...And you guys thought that I love food. Well, if you ever go to dinner with Taylor don't order fish. He LOVES fish.

tarik

everett here

hey guys, be lifting up chris in prayer right now while he's down at the ranch in s.d. a few things to be praying for are 1, his back is giving him a lot of problems, so healing for that, 2, clarity... for pretty much everything in his life right now, and 3, pray for the Lord to give him the peace that the Word talks about in philippians 4:7, a peace which transcends all understanding, that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (man, pray that for me too)

God bless you guys, see you tomorrow night

-e

Blogger Stalker

Hello out there.. We here at Listenup want this website to be used to communicate and keep in touch.. Therefore if you don't comment or add to the love and nuggets when time permits, you are being a blogger stalker. Anytime you are affiliated with stalking is bad. However, there is help. You can comment and or post and join right into the gig.. Don't be that guy who just scowers the internet. Take some time and join in the fun. At least say hello. Lets hear some chatter eh? Much Love. TG

Taking Action

Some of you may know Deyl Kearin. Check out the attached link to his blog, Pipelines to see his book reccomendation that Taylor asked about in the "Books" post below.
tarik
http://buildpipelines.blogspot.com/2006/04/pipelines-parable.html

Shawn McDonald Concert

Shawn McDonald

May, 10 2008 at Calvary Chapel
380 S. Mobile Ave., Camarillo, California 93010
Cost : $15 advance/$20 at the door

doors 6:30pm w/ Jason Gray, and opener Jason Peate All Ages Tickets at www.myeasytix.com For more info call 805.201.6298

Guys, if you have not heard his music, check it out. You will not regret going to this concert. See you there. TG

A Picture of Meekness

Hey guys, here's the rest of the nugget about the horse trainer, being submissive and how it relates to meekness from the email I sent earlier today.

Being submissive isn’t being weak. Jesus was meek not weak because He did the Father’s will. Here’s what an avid horse trainer from Texas said about the qualities of a meek horse. She gave four qualities:

1)Power under control. Once broken, a good horse doesn’t require much correction. He has learned to accept the reins of his master, and a gentle tug is all that is needed to urge him in the direction intended.

2)Learning the Masters’ mind. A special relationship develops between horse and master. After years of working together, they develop a rapport that becomes second nature to both of them. Thus trained, a good horse can sense a bad rider and will resist false guidance.

3)Partnership. Teamwork is crucial. A rider may leave his horse temporarily. He is not there beside the horse telling it what to do and personally directing every move. The horse knows its job and is capable of working even when it doesn’t feel the immediate presence of its master.

4)Loyalty. The meek horse has an elevated sense of loyalty and commitment. In the days of the wild west and the pony express, the lives of the mail carriers depended upon the horses they rode. They needed to be swift and hardy, with a measure of grit that enabled them to keep going, no matter what. Those horses would die in the running if that is what it took.

The trainer also added: “Perseverance is very important to the meek horse. A horse doesn’t become that way overnight. It takes a long, hard period of training. Horses must be taken in, trained, and made accustomed to the instruments used to harness their potential and lead them to productivity. It takes patience, sweat, and a view toward the promising future. But with these vital ingredients, the effort pays rich dividends.”

tarik

Books

Hey guys, how many times have you heard someone recommend a book that sounds cool and you just can't remember it? There is no better book to read daily than the Good Book, durh.. But lets get some additional books circulating. Do you have any good books on your shelf that you were super blessed by? Spread the love Main!!! We can use the comments section below to exchange ideas. Remember, we are trying to become better leaders, as we are all called to be, in our homes, families and communities. Therefore, books that offer spiritual insight and books that offer financial insight etc. are all good. We were all taught different things from our fathers, good and bad habits, so lets help eachother along in walking the walk. So,read the comments section below to communicate about books or just add some to the book list on the left.. TG

Ivan here:
Brothers, I'm getting choked here seeing what God is doing and speaking through you all. Ben, I will most definitely be praying for little Courtney! And will be rejoicing with you through every triumph God claims in your life.

Thank you all for your prayers. As God's plans unfold, so too do the evil one's schemes against us. I do believe God is raising my family toward a position of greater leadership. Simultaneously, the adversary has been breaking down the communicaion between me and Chrissy. Please pray for us to find agreement and peace through God's All Powerful Holy Spirit.

Finally brethren, the Lord has pressed upon me a verse that I know is for you, for us, for the Church Universal. John 13:34-35 ~ "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Of all things that we do, that we say, that we demonstrate, it is the love we share with one another that will identify us with Christ.

Blessings and Love ~ Ivan

Worship Conference

This weekend, starting tonite, is a worship conference at Calvery Chapel Costa Mesa. Tonite Britt is speaking and Phil Wickham is playing. If you like to play the guitar and maybe want to do worship you should check this sweet opportunity out. Find more info at the Reality or Calvary website. T

Keith (Mr.FedEx)

Keith has been a staple to the growth and blessings of ListenUP. He has been with the Santa Barbara group for over a year, and has been a huge part of our weekly fellowship. Keith, we are truly going to miss seeing you each week. Your honesty and Godly insight has always been an integral part of our group. We know that there is another page turning for you as you focus in a new community and we know you will be stoked there and those you meet will be blessed. Please keep us in tune to your happenings. Thanks for being here for us and know we will always be here for you. Much Love, ListenUP SB...

8 minutes and 44 seconds of time well spent

What's up fellas. Tarik here. So cool to read everyone's whereabouts and happenings-- especially the nuggets. Check out this clip from Louie Giglio. FYI-I got a B on my midterm. Thanks for the prayer support. Looking forward to Monday already. Much love. t

The schemes of the enemy...

Hello men! Jason here. Tonight's lesson was awesome, and in keeping with the theme of the message I thought I would share this amazing quote by Charles Spurgeon from his book Lectures to My Students pg. 16. Britt has mentioned this same text before, but it's worth reading again because the enemy of our souls prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
The book is written to those who would take up ministry to become preachers, but it applies to us all seeing as how the bible has called each one of us to our own ministry.

"Take heed to yourselves"..."because the tempter will make his first and sharpest onset against you. If you will be the leaders against him he will spare you no further than God restraineth him. He beareth you the greatest malice that are engaged to do him the greatest mischief. As he hateth Christ more than any of us, because He is the General of the field, and the 'Captain of our salvation,' and doth more than all the world besides against the kingdom of darkness; so doth he note the leaders under Him more than the common soldiers, on the like account, in their proportion".

"Take heed, therefore, brethren, for the enemy hath a special eye on you. You shall have his most subtle insinuations, and incessant solicitations, and violent assaults. As wise and learned as you are, take heed to yourselves lest he overwit you. The devil is a greater scholar than you, and a nimbler disputant; he can 'transform himself into an angel of light' to deceive. He will get within you and trip up your heels before you are aware; he will play the juggler with you undiscerned, and cheat you of your faith or innocency, and you shall not know that you have lost it; nay, he will make you believe it is multiplied or increased when it is lost. You shall see neither hook nor line, much less the subtle angler himself, while he is offering you his bait."

But be not discouraged men, remembering at all times that the devil is a 'defeated foe' and that we walk in victory through Christ Jesus who sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high! So lets use discernment to spot the enemy at work and resist him that he may flee from us!

national day of prayer

hey guys, everett here. be praying in the next few days about the national day of prayer on thursday, may 1. i'm gonna get something going at my work, a little prayer meeting in the parking lot before work that day, i just wanna ask that you pray for the Lord to be glorified through this and heads get turned and doors get opened to talk to people about Jesus, because there are a lot of guys at my work, that need to Lord. be blessed this week, love you all.

-e

1 Peter 2:11-17

Here are just a few nuggets from the teaching tonight. If you read John 17:6-26 there is an awesome example of Jesus' love for us as he prays for us. Remember to be in this world not of it. Boat in water is good. Water in boat...Bad. We are always fighting a war, physical and spiritual. Regardless of our awareness, Saten has a strategy to get us to disgrace Gods church. If we are not aware of this war, we are losing it. The word war comes from the word strategy, you better have one. Saten wants us to use our judgment, not Gods, just like he did to Eve in the garden. We play a part in Gods kingdom as we live above reproach, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be examples of Jesus in the little things, i.e. obeying traffic laws etc. Our obedience is an act of worship to God. People want to know about Jesus, and if you claim to be a Christian, guess what, they are looking at you and what you do, not what you say.. Whether we like it our not. Anyway, be encouraged because God equips us through the Holy Spirit as we are in the Word. Here's some encouraging Psalms.. 37:4, 119, 20:7-8... Read John again, Jesus knows your situation and prayed to the Father for YOU...

Greetings from the OC!

Boys! I miss you all so much and pray for you everyday. I pray that God is moving in your group like I know He will! Heather is still pregnant! Can't believe it man. Thank you for walking with me in the worst times. Holding me accountable to our Loving Father and now I want to rejoice with you. She is 4 months and 1 week. We saw the baby kicking and moving all over the place in our last ultrasound. Doctors say that its an 80 percent chance its a girl. Pray for me boys! I will be fine until she starts dating! We are going to name her Courtney Sue McKinsey. Please pray for her by name and pray that the Lord continues to form his precious child. I believe that in the next 9 months, the Lord has such a sweet time with his children. Heather and I worship every night and we are praying that Courtney is worshipping with us! The Lord has been great to us. Love you guys, miss you, and will continue to pray for you!

Ben