Are We Losing the West? Part 27

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

WHAT CAN WE DO?  Part 6

 

Daniel 9:2-3 “In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”

 

In our previous chapter we learned how God told us to pray and seek His face, but what does that mean in reality? Perhaps this is where Daniel can help us. We see that as Daniel was seeking God he saw that God had intended that the Israelites would spend 70 years in captivity.  It was now 70 years, but they were still in captivity and so Daniel turned to prayer to see God’s will being done. Jesus told His disciples that they should pray for His kingdom come and His will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. This is why it is important for us to understand, from Scripture, just what does God want to do (how is He working) so that we can work and pray towards that end.

 

We read in Habakkuk 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Just like God said that the Children of Israel will be held in captivity for 70 years, so He also says that the “earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”

 

So like Daniel, we work and intercede towards that goal. God placed Daniel in a very important place where he could influence those who were making decisions that would affect the lives of many. Like Daniel we all have our places of influence and we too need to be faithful in our working and praying for God’s purpose to be carried out. 

 

It is important to see what the problem that we face really is. We are fighting many battles: broken marriage/family, abortions, gay marriage rights, progressive ideas (result of man’s reasoning over the centuries); all that run contrary to the Word of God. Over these past weeklies we have seen that the underlining battle is, whether man’s reasoning based on human experience supersedes the knowledge from the Holy One. Man has become god and through the centuries and especially the 20th century we have learned that man makes a very ‘bad god.’

 

We know that the world will not change until people change. This is why humanitarian works and evangelism go together like a hand and glove. We have had many humanitarian endeavors without seeing the heart of man change and the endeavors have come to nothing. This is why I say that one of the greatest humanitarian efforts is to see the Gospel go out because it is “the news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!” (Romans 1:16 The Message translation)

 

Just like God placed Daniel and his three friends in a place where He could use them, to bring about change, so He does with each one of us. This is why our work matters to God and it should matter to us as well. Those around us are the circle of people that God wants us to influence.

 

Daniel and his three friends were determined to live for God in that foreign, pagan environment. Because of their testimony and lives we find this statement from the known ruler then of the world Nebuchadnezzar:  “Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:29

 

Rather drastic, to say the least, but the word went out all over the known world that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s God was God. The Church (the Body of Christ: those who have been born again and have the same Spirit and Father) have a tremendous responsibility today. We have the truth, we have the answers for today’s problems, and we cannot remain silent.

 

Paul said: “I believe therefore I speak,” so it must be with us as well. 

 

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Fear!

 

The Bible says in Mark that the disciples walked with Jesus and were filled with awe, but the people who walked behind Jesus were filled with fear.

 

Interesting, that the closer my walk is with Jesus the more I am in awe, instead of fear. Both types of people have the same issues in life: bills to be paid, an uncertain future, a place to live, health, family, their country. So how does my walk with Jesus affect my view on life? The further back I am – the less I can hear what Jesus is saying. Therefore, because they cannot hear they will not experience the power of God. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing, therefore hearing is a very important part of overcoming my fears.

 

To have faith in God, I must hear Him speak. Then when He speaks to me and says for me to tell this mountain to move, I can say to this mountain, “May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,” and it will happen. But I must really believe what God told me will happen and have no doubt in my heart. Then when I pray in faith over what God said – I need to act as if I have already received it, and it will be mine!

 

A little further in Mark we see that the disciples could not drive out a demon in a little boy. The father comes to Jesus only after he has found out that the disciples cannot help him, and says, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” Jesus asked him, “If I can?” Doesn’t this sound like people today whose walk is so far behind Jesus that their first reaction is seek help from man. When they realize that man cannot help them they finally go to Jesus and say, “If you can help me……”

 

Lord, when I know You personally, and listen to You, then I will understand that everything is possible with You. Therefore, Lord, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

 How does this happen? It begins by rejecting or refusing to know the Bible, God’s Word. This results in being lead astray, and then wrongly justifying the actions taken by saying the word of God is not relevant today, and just too hard to understand and apply. People are quick then to believe the lies told to them by progressive thinkers of today; therefore, they will become deceived.

 

A deceived person only sees things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s. They do not understand that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride will ruin their life.

 

Christians must understand that God’s word will work deep within, exposing every hidden motive. When they are in His word they understand that when they are tested through trials and tribulation they will come out as pure as gold. They will know that The Lord controls their destiny. They will trust that when they make plans, God’s purpose will prevail. They will rest in the fact that He will direct their steps, and they will have peace; because they will not try to understand everything along the way; for they know that their Lord will handle the matter.

 

When His children treasure the bible they will be able to trust Him to do whatever he has planned for their life.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Jesus is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Everyone who calls on His Name will be saved.

 

But, there are a lot of people who are too hard-hearted to take Jesus’ free gift. They will be abandoned to their fate! So people, before it is to late, rip open your hearts and take this free gift of salvation.

 

So why do these people who reject Jesus seem to prosper, to grow old and powerful? They say to God, “Go away. We want no part of you and your ways.” They think their empty clichés actually comfort people. They only care about themselves, and they lash out at anyone with common sense. They have no interest in understanding the truth, but only want to air their own opinions. They think their wealth will protect them and give them a secure future.

 

Soon, these people who reject the truth will understand that God is in control. So ask yourself, “In all history, has anything like this happened before?” Drought and fire will consume California’s resources. Animals will cry out because the streams are drying up. The joy and hope of the people will vanish. Why? Because the storage vats are overflowing with the wickedness of the people.

Are We Losing the West? Part 26

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

WHAT CAN WE DO? Part 5

 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 

Over these past few chapters we have seen the stronghold that has been built that has led us to the place where we are in our Western society. The question that comes up and begs for an answer is: What are we going to do? What steps can we take?

 

We all go through a transformation, or perhaps a better word would be that we go through a revolution in our thinking or theology. For a long time my theology was that everything is going to burn up and so we need to save as many as possible. I still believe that we need to save as many as possible, but now I have come to see that culture needs to be redeemed as well. I know that we will not reach that goal until Jesus comes and reigns, but that is the goal we should be working towards. That is what the Father is working towards and like Jesus, ‘whatever the Father does the Son also does.’ (John 5:19)

 

In these past chapters we have seen what human reasoning that is based on experience has brought us to which is the stronghold that we now face here in our Western world. What steps should we be taking?

 

I think of the admonition given to us in 2 Chronicles: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

We all know that verse and probably have quoted it quite often, but do we realize what it is saying? God does not say that if the government, or politicians, business people, the entertainment crowd or if the media outlet would get on board then we would see our land healed. 

 

 

In the Old Testament “my people” refers to the Children of Israel, but in the New Testament this is referring to the Church – those who have been born again. Peter brings this out: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

 

God gives us the solution which is at once quite easy, but seems hard to put into practice. If we, His people, will do our part: “humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways” then God will do His part: “I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” We see that the burden lies with His people and His people only.

 

What will God do? We know that when it is the darkest in the land God’s light shines the brightest. History gives us a glimpse of what God has done in the past and shows us what can be done in the days ahead.

 

Five students from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts met in a grove of trees near the Hoosic River to talk and debate about the theology of missionary service. A thunderstorm interrupted their discussion and time of prayer so they took shelter under a haystack until the sky cleared. That prayer meeting now known as the “Haystack Prayer Meeting” sparked a new interest in missions that sent out missionaries all over the world.

 

D.L. Moody the greatest evangelist in the 19th century gathered together university students to hear different speakers speak about the need of missions around the world. That meeting sparked what is now known as the “Student Volunteer Missions” and spread to other universities around the States and the world where thousands of students dedicated their lives to missions. Under the watchword of “THE EVANGELIZATION OF THE WORLD IN THIS GENERATION” came the most successful missionary recruiting challenges of all time.

 

Through the years 1904-1905 the Welsh revival had a profound effect upon the West. What happened? The church did what 2 Chronicles 7:14 said to do and when they did their part they found God doing His part; that of forgiving sins and healing the land. God tells us in Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings.” 

 

In 1906 in the living room of a small house on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles one of the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit came upon a small group of people that included William Seymour. Word spread and soon thousands gathered, and small groups were gathering in living rooms all across America and rapidly spread throughout the world. The Azusa Street Revival was born and the Pentecostal movement spread throughout the world and swept millions into the Kingdom.

 

We could go back and look at the Great Awakening with Jonathan Edwards that shook America out of its apathy at the time or John Wesley, George Whitfield who shook Great Britain. It is stated by historians that what kept Great Britain from following the blood path of the French Revolution was the preaching of these two men.

 

Moving into the 21st century things look bleak spiritually, but is God limited, can His hand not move, or not bare His arm and bring about another great revival? He can and just like the examples above He is looking for a faithful man through which to work. That is always His method. At the first coming of Christ we read: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.” (John 1:6) At the second coming of Christ perhaps we will see the same thing: There was a man sent from God and his name is ________.

 

God is on the throne and we need to remember that God’s method of doing anything is through men and women sold out to Him.

 

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Listen to what is being said today by these progressive leaders. They say that the problems you are facing are because others have cheated you and it is not your fault. With this type of thinking injustice springs up. Their logic is to tell everyone that evil is good, and good is evil. This new generation has bought into their lies, and have put their trust in their evil logic. Because they spout empty words and make promises they don’t intend to keep, this type of thinking will result in fear, distrust, and destruction.

 

God says that when the storms of life come – to plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord. His blessing makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

 

So the choice is ours to listen to the words of God; which are a life-giving fountain, or to the words of the wicked that conceal violent intentions. Those who seek the wise words of God will have understanding, and will be able encourage many. But fools who reject God’s words will be destroyed by their lack of common sense. The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled.  The hopes of the godly will be granted, and result in happiness. But the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Today we tell everyone that to have a great life you must be educated, and have a degree showing your knowledge. But the bible says the greatest thing is to get wisdom. Wisdom understands what to do with knowledge. To have knowledge without wisdom is almost useless; for knowledge will fail you without wisdom; the pure wisdom that is from above.

 

I used to meet with a man who is very knowledgeable about many things, but not very wise. God gave me a vision of him with a huge head but a little body. The problem he had was getting his knowledge through his hour glass neck to the heart of wisdom.

 

So what does God say, about wisdom? Wisdom will lead you to trust in the Lord with all your heart. With wisdom you will not be impressed with your knowledge and degrees. You will understand that wisdom is more profitable than silver, gold, and with it you will never lose sight of common sense and discernment. So getting wisdom is the key to life; for it will help you develop with good judgment. God’s wisdom come from the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Wise people will not lose the discipline of being in the Bible everyday. They will let the words of the Bible penetrate deep into their heart, for they know that this will determine the course of their life.

 

What does knowledge do? First it puffs up those who have it. So why push people to get a so called higher education? Could it be that the world system knows that if they can educate people without having wisdom they can control them? Ask yourself do we have leadership today with common sense, discernment, and good judgment? Or do we have leaders who have no idea how to solve the problems we face?

 

The country that is led by knowledgeable leaders without wisdom will have the following: No faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God. People’s promises mean nothing, because they break them. There will be killing, stealing and lying, and sexual sins as common place. There will be violence everywhere- one murder after another.

 

That is why America is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away. People love shame more than honor. So don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! God’s complaint is with us, the people of America. We have forgotten that wisdom comes from God.

 

So what is the future of any country run by people with knowledge and no wisdom: What the people feared would happen – will happen. What they dreaded – will come true. There will be no peace, no quietness, and no rest; only trouble and chaos.

 

Oh God please show us leaders who have Your wisdom to know what needs to be done, and the courage to do it. Help Your people to put them in power.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

 So what does a man of integrity look like? He fears God! He is disciplined, getting up early every morning to meet with God, crying out to God for insight, and asking for Him for understanding. This is the foundation of his life; seeking the Lord in His word and in prayer everyday to find the right way. Only then will he understand what is right and just. This type of wisdom will save him and others. The man of integrity exposes evil men whose words are twisted and deceptive. He does not flaunt his authority like others. He leads in a different way; for he is a servant of the people.

 

What America has now are leaders that rush to commit evil, and allow the murder of the innocent. Men that are greedy for money and power; men without the truth. These men, and those who follow them, will eat the fruit of living this way. They will choke on their own evil schemes.

 

Lord, it is impossible to find men of complete integrity today! But, I know that with You everything is possible, so show us men with the common sense You give; men who live their lives with the integrity of their hearts. Let these men lead us and not the evil men in power today.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, the only way to change America is one heart at a time!

 

My way is for My children to get involved with people closest to them, and meet their needs. This can only happen when My children give of themselves. When they do it My way those who are in need will see the sacrifices made to help them. This will cause them to begin to help themselves. Be ready to help others when they are in need, and allow them to see the hope that My children have.

 

When we pass this great opportunity to the goverment, people will not get to know their neighbors. People in need will not see personal sacrifices made. There is no personal touch. People begin to think the government’s role is to meet all of their needs. Therefore, the opportunity to change a heart is gone. What is left are people who have no desire to help others, and only think about themselves.

 

What is happing in America is in direct conflict with My word! My children are canceling My word for the sake of their own individuality. What is left are man-made ideas on how to help their neighbors, and this deceptive teaching is because people are seeing things merely from a human point of view.

 

What is needed is for My people to start reading My word recognizing the truth, and seek mercy from Me, and turn from their sins. Is anything worth more than a soul! Remember, I delight in those who fear Me, those who put their hope in My unfailing love.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

To bring common sense back will require people to stand up in the truth and say, “We want to make this very clear that we will never follow what you have set up! What we are doing is for our children, and our children’s children.”

 

When you listen closely to what those without common sense say it becomes very obvious who they are. They say, “Look what I have built, this great system is to display how great I am; therefore, people will remember me.” To stand against these people will require us to be shrewd and yet harmless, and to be willing to be arrested and handed over to the courts.

 

I want everyone to know that I serve God, and that He is able to save me, from the power of the wicked, but even if he doesn’t, I will not bow to them! For my God is able to humble the proud. Therefore, I don’t need to worry about how to respond or what to say, when I am dragged into their courts. For my God will give me the right words at the right time, and it will be Him speaking through me when He says, “I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship Me, the God who created everything by just My word.”

 

Therefore, if I cling to my life, and refuse to stand up, I will lose it; but if I am willing to stand up and give up my life for Jesus whom I believe in, then I will find it. In Him forever!