Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Michael K Dietz, Mikes Blog.

Son, those who are wise will understand, and those with discernment will listen carefully. My path is true and right, and My children must walk on it. I AM the only hope of everyone on earth, for there is no other savior.

 

California is overwhelmed by its sins; thus in deep trouble and sealing its destruction. All their flowing rivers, springs and lakes will run dry, and all their wells will disappear. Every precious thing they own will fly away. All of California’s guilt has been collected, and their sin has been stored up for this day. California has become proud because they have forgotten Me.

 

California’s leaders cause little ones to die before they’re born, and those that are brought into the world, they cause to fall into sin. Look at what they teach, and what they refuse to allow back into their schools. These leaders and teachers who direct what is taught, need to listen! “It would have been better for you to have drowned in the depths of the sea, or never have been born than what is in store for you. Beware, I tell you that in heaven these little ones have angels who are always in My presence.”

 

What do I want from the leaders of California? They must acknowledge that I am God and confess that they have sinned against Me, ask for My forgiveness over their rebellion, and then return to Me and My Word. For, I AM the One who reigns from Heaven and that will answer their prayers, just as I will watch over them.

 

Son, I have given My children the power to stop this drought. I told them in My word that, “If two of you on earth agree concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.” But what stops them from agreeing with one another? They refuse to forgive their brothers and sisters from their heart. They do not listen to Me. They have so little faith, if any at all. I told them in My word that, “If you have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move.” Nothing would be impossible!

 

Thank You Lord, that You do not ignore the prayers of Your children or withdraw Your unfailing love from us. I confess the sin in my heart, and I know You will listen and pay attention to my prayer. Lord, we need Your help! Give us the strength to stand up for truth and tell the world how wonderful, gracious and awesome You are!

Relationships – Chapter 15

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Fellowship in Depth – Part 3 – Meet Basic Needs

 

Romans 5:5 “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

 

One of the things that I have discovered in traveling is that no matterwhere we come from, what culture we might have or language we speak, we all have the same basic human needs. What are they? A sense of acceptance, to love and being loved and a sense of self-worth.

 

One psychologist brought out that there is no such thing as mental illnessunless the brain has been impaired in some way. What he was saying was that when people’s basic needs are not being met they begin to do some strange things that when observed by others we begin to think that they are mentally off. We may look at our children and think they are acting strange and perhaps are “not all there” because they are engaged in things like drugs, sex, alcohol, etc., but this could be that their basic human needs are not being met. We see Joe Blow (fictitious name) standing on the street corner shouting out that he is Abraham Lincoln. We tend to think that he is mentally off when in reality nobody recognizes him as Joe Blow and his basic need of acceptance is not being met, but as Abraham Lincoln it is a different case to him.

 

We all have a need to be accepted and to belong; this is a strong human need.In our evangelism one of the issues we miss is that it is hard to get a person to leave one kingdom (kingdom of darkness) for another (kingdom of light). What locks us into our kingdom is acceptance. To move into the kingdom of light there must also be the acceptance. This is why little fellowship groups, where acceptance is being manifested, are a powerful magnet to the kingdom of light.

 

Paul Tournier said: “Men’s loneliness is linked with fear. Men fear one another, fear to be crushed in life, fear to be misunderstood.” Anotherneed is a feeling or sense of self-worth. When we realize that we are worth something to somebody it makes a big difference in our life as well as in our outlook.

 

When there is a real fellowship taking place we begin to see that not only are others in the same boat as we are, but that we also have the ability to respond. In helping meet the needs of others we find our own needs beingmet as well. This is the way God has made us. We are made for fellowship. To build His church we must discover fellowship in depth.

 

One of the most misunderstood words today is the word LOVE. We use thisword for so many things. I love my dog, my car, ice cream, my neighbor and we might also say: “I love God.” Yet, so often what we mistake for love is nothing more than wishy-washy sentimentality or personal preferences.

 

Love must always be accompanied by the truth. These two are inseparable. They will always go together like a hand and glove.

 

Our text is Romans 5:5: “His love has been poured forth into our heartsby the Holy Spirit.” This love from God is poured forth by the Holy Spirit, but it is through His Body that we mostly experience it. This is where true fellowship is found, as it should be. We are infinitely precious in the sight of God, therefore we all have ‘self-worth.’

 

We see how these three very important needs are met in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have been accepted in the Him, the Beloved of God. We know that He loves us because greater love has no man than to lay down His life for others, and this is what the Lord Jesus did for us.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I am God, not a mere mortal. I AM the Holy One, and My heart is torn within Me. I lead My children with ropes of kindness and love. I have removed the yoke of bondage from their neck. I Myself feed them, and yet My children are determined to desert Me. They call Me the Most High, but they don’t honor Me as they should.

 

Listen to the words that come out of their mouths. The words they speak come from the condition of their hearts. They know how to interpret the weather, but they are clueless to the time they live and how to interpret these signs! It is very dangerous to see things merely from a human point of view, instead of Mine. They have so little faith, and that is why they argue with each other and compete with each other. They don’t understand that “I AM!” They don’t remember what I’ve done!  And they act like they don’t care!

 

Look at their lives, they chase after the wind; they go after the acceptance of man all day long. They refuse to stand up against the lies that are said about Me. They make alliance with people and governments because they are afraid. They do not understand that these alliances will compromise their faith in Me, and will cause them not stand up for the truth of My Word.

 

So My children, stop rejecting My prophets who I have sent to warn you, and come back to Me your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on Me. Stop boasting, “I am rich!” Stop thinking, “I’ve made a fortune all by myself!” Stop deceiving yourself that because no one has caught you cheating – that your record is spotless with Me!

 

Lord, yes, the human heart and mind is cunning; our tongues reveal what is really inside of us. The ungodly shake their heads and ask what the difference is between them and us. They say that our worship is a farce, nothing more than man-made ideas treated as commands from You.

 

Lord, forgive us! Forgive me! Your unfailing love is better than life itself. I will worship You. Help me to see what You see in my heart. Change me! I belong to You!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, put this in your storeroom where the gems of truth are kept. I keep My Word and will do exactly what I have said. It will happen at just the time. Understand that in the days ahead I am the God who will provide for you. Yahweh-Yireh: “THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!”  When you do not withhold a thing from Me, I know you truly fear Me. 

 

Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here with you! When you see the strong winds of turmoil and the waves of opposition, don’t be terrified and began to shrink back. They are not as powerful as they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, they are lighter than a breath of air.

 

I called you to be a watchman, and you will face hostility even from My own children. They will say that you are crazy, and a fool! They will reject what I tell you to say and refuse to listen or obey. These children of Mine who refuse to listen have made covenants with Me that they do not keep, or even intended to. They spout empty words instead of faithful words. Therefore, injustice springs up in their land.

 

Now is the time to obey Me by planting the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. I know that some of My children will listen, but since they don’t have deep roots in My Word, they won’t last long. Some will fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing My Word. Some will forget My words because it is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth. Then there are those children of Mine who understand My Word and obey it; they will produce a harvest of good fruit.

 

Lord, it will be a terrible day when the day of payment comes. Our sin is great, and we are harvesting a thriving crop of sins. Today people’s hearts are hard, they refuse to listen, and they have closed their eyes to what is going on. Now we will have to eat the fruit of our lies. 

 

Lord, help me to wait quietly before You, for all my hope is in You.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, your nation is a divided nation, and any nation divided is doomed. People look to the leaders of your country for help; but how can evil leaders know what is good and right. Their very words condemn them.

 

Son, I must tell you what I am about to do. The sins of San Francisco and Bay area are too great. It is filled with liars and the filth of immoralities. The people don’t realize that I am watching them. I see all they are doing that is detestable in My sight. They kill one after another, and no one cries to Me for help there. Their arrogance testifies against them, and they look everywhere except to Me. The people have rejected what is good, and have brought about their own destruction. Evil is on their lips, and if anyone tells them that their life style is sinful, they shout, “Who are you to judge us! We’ll destroy you for speaking against us, and take everything you own from you! Get out of this place of ours.”

 

I will shake the land and split it open, and destroy this area completely. For the outcry against this place is so great, that it requires Me to destroy it. When people read My warning they will think I am only joking.

 

So, My children run for your lives! Don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away! Then watch as columns of smoke rise from the cities like smoke from a furnace,

 

Lord, human help is useless when people are divided and sin is this great. Your are the only hope of the world.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, your responsibility is to do all that I ask of you, so write what I tell you this morning.

 

Hear this, you false pastors, and you wicked leaders of California, judgment has been handed down against you. I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, that I was unjust if I do not judge you; for your sins are so flagrant that you do not even try to hide yourself from Me. Therefore, you are utterly defiled, and I will settle with you for what you have done. You will not find Me when judgment starts. I have withdrawn from You because you have ignored Me. You will not find Me until you admit your guilt and turn to Me and My Word. 

 

You wicked pastors and leaders, I see all of your motives and actions. Do you know the meaning of the word JUSTICE? Why do you not judge the people fairly? You plot injustice in your hearts. You spread violence throughout the land. I sent My prophets with My words time and time again to warn you of the coming judgments that are as unescapable as light. I wanted to show you My love, and I wanted you to know Me, but you refused.

 

Past generations of My children will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will shout that there is truly a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth. 

 

Lord, will You sweep away both the righteous and the wicked; the righteous who look to You for protection and provision?

 

Son, I will hide My children beneath the shadow of My wings until the danger has passed. When My children are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. But know that all nations will hate you because you are My followers. You will be handed over to the courts and will stand trial, but rejoice, because this will be your opportunity to tell everyone about Me. Don’t worry about how to respond or what to say, for I will give you the right words at the right time. It will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. So don’t be afraid of those who threaten you, just know that the wicked will not escape Judgment Day that is coming.

 

So My children, just be faithful as I send you out as sheep among wolves. Be shrewd but gentle.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, My complaint is with the false pastors who twist My words, and they do it so that they can look important to people who refuse to acknowledge My Word as truth. The results of this type of teaching is unfaithfulness, little knowledge of My Word and the lack of My grace and kindness in your land. People enjoy killing and think of how to steal all the time. They commit adultery without any shame about it. Violence is spreading, one murder after another. This is why your land is in mourning – because people love shame more than honor.

 

People who refuse to live by My standard will become wild and unruly, against the truth and against each other. Yes, they will live in open hostility against anyone who says that the lifestyle they have chosen is destructive.

 

Son, don’t waste your time with these unholy people. For they will trample My Word, and then turn and attack you. Remember the highway to hell is broad, and its gate is very wide because most people will choose that way. But the gateway to Me is very narrow and even though difficult at times, it leads to eternal life, and only a few ever find it. So expose these false pastors who come disguised as men of the truth. You can identify them by the way they act, and what they say.

 

Lord, since America has listened to these false pastors, people threaten Your children with death threats, and the storms of hatred is everywhere. But, I will call to You and give my burdens to You. You will take care of Me and my family. You promised that You would not allow the godly to slip and fall. I will put my trust in You, so why should I be afraid? I will praise You for what You have promised. What a joy it is to walk in Your presence without any fear! You are the God who sees me and favors me! Your Word says it, and so I believe it!

Relationships – Chapter 14

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Fellowship in Depth – Part 2 – Wearing a Mask

 

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

 

I have often thought of this verse and wondered why so many of God’s people are not free. They are still tied up with fears, inhibitions, unrealized dreams, etc. They are often afraid to step out and try new things; they have a lot of creative ability, but never seem to reach their full potential.

 

There might be a number of reasons for this, but one that looms out to me is that maybe we have never discovered ourselves and one of the reasons for this is that we have learned to “wear a mask.”

 

It was Paul Tournier who said: “The external mask, the outward reaction deceives everybody, the strong as well as the weak. All men, in fact are weak. All are weak because all are afraid, they are all afraid of being trampled underfoot. They are all afraid of their inner weaknesses being found out. They all have secret faults. They all have a bad conscience on account of certain acts which they would like to keep covered up. They are afraid of other men, of God, of life and death. What distinguishes men from each other is not their inner nature, but the way in which they react to this common distress.”

 

It is this mask that often keeps us from having a fellowship in depth and so our fellowship stays at a shallow level. And in a relationship like this we never get down to a meaningful dialogue. Instead, it will always be superficial.

 

Romans 14:7-8 “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

 

One of the important aspects of fellowship in depth where we learn to take off the mask is that we begin to discover ourselves. It is by unburdening ourselves – that we discover ourselves. We never discover ourselves in solitude. It is only by ‘giving’ one’s self that one ‘finds’ himself.

 

To be open to another person is giving of one’s self. When a person has done this he gains a victory. He begins to sense a tremendous sense of liberation and freedom, because by being transparent with you he/she has become transparent for him/herself.

 

Some years ago I met a brother who had some type of skin condition. His skin would peel like if he had been out in the sun too long. It was not repulsive to others, but to this brother it was.

 

He felt that people were repelled by this condition that he had. In order to protect himself he began to build a wall around himself. Whenever someone tried to get close to him they would hit the wall (of self-protection) and recoil back. When this happened this brother thought it was because of the way he looked and so he built a bigger wall that repelled all the more people.

 

One day this brother took the step of taking off the mask and shared what he felt. This was a moment of truth that began the victory. The people that he was sharing with were able to share with him what they really thought about the skin condition that he had. He began to see what was really happening; that it was not the skin condition but rather it was the mask he wore that repelled people.

 

This brother thought that he would never get married and have a family. I am glad to say that he is not only married, but he is also a pastor of a fellowship in the country that he lives in. What happened with thisbrother was that he unburdened himself to discover himself. No one else can do this for you either. You must recognize it and take that step of faith.

 

It says in Acts 2:42 that the early believers devoted themselves to fellowship. This is the type of fellowship that is needed; the type of fellowship that helps to change our lives. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

 

Are you wearing a mask? Do you put people off that try to get close to you? Or, have you shed that heavy burden that had kept you in a lonely unfulfilled life?

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, write this letter for Me to your President, tell him everything I say to you this morning.

 

Mr. President:

 

Be careful how you deal with Israel, when you think, “What I do in the Middle East will make me famous.”  Remember what I said a long time ago, “I will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who treat Israel with contempt.”

 

What you are doing is evil, for it is rebellion against Me. You boast that you are greater than everyone else. All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies and love to destroy others with your words. You trust in wealth, and you have grown more and more bold in your wickedness. You are a despicable man who is not trained for leading. You slipped in when no one expected it by flattery and deceitful promises. You became strong despite having only a handful of followers. You have no respect for the covenant I made with the forefathers.

 

Therefore, repent of your sins and turn to Me, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins; for My axe of judgment is poised. Know that you are alive by every word that comes from My Mouth, not yours! Acknowledge Me to everyone, and tell them that you have repented of your rebellious ways. Understand that I will never reject a broken and repentant heart. But, now you know what will happen when you refuse to put your trust in Me.

 

Says the Lord God.

 

Son, My children must carry out all that I require of them. They must be strong in the coming days. My prophets will give them instruction, and some of these prophets will die or be jailed for speaking the truth. During this time little help will arrive, and many who join My children will not be sincere. But, My children will be refined and cleansed by these trials.

 

Know this, that the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand, only those who are wise will know that My kingdom is near.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, since you have asked for understanding about the times you live in, your request has been heard. Don’t be afraid of what I am about to tell you. Be encouraged! Be strong!

 

Listen and pay attention! For My words are true and insightful. Here are My charges against any nation that accepts My blessing, and then refuses My Word: “You have done wrong to reject My Word, saying, ‘It is outdated and old fashioned.’ You have sinned against Me when you mock My children that live by My Word. You think that you are so enlightened and know what to do, but your faces are covered with so much evil. Because you have not kept the vows made by your holy forefathers, and have treated My favored children with contempt; every curse and every disaster of drought, disease, and war – written against you – will come true, just as I’ve said! Even after the warnings by My prophets you still refuse to seek mercy from Me. How foolish you are!  Therefore, I, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, have every right to decree all these disasters that are upon you now, and progressively coming with intensity.”

 

Son, be thankful, and do what I have asked of you. Continue to read and obey My word. Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you. Don’t be troubled when these wicked people grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand that when they die – they WILL face Me!

 

Lord, why should I fear when trouble comes. I will honor You by giving You praise.