Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, America wants to be known as a righteous nation. Some of its leaders even ask Me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near Me. They think wealth is a strong defense; a high wall of safety to protect them from the things coming. They act so pious, pretending to know Me. They left Me long ago when they traveled far, even into the world of the dead, to seek new gods to love. How foolish to think that these new gods will help them. There is no peace for the wicked!

 

My church needs to know that I did not give their responsibility to the government. They need to help those in trouble. Share their food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from anyone who needs their help. Then My light will shine out from them. I will continually give back to them and restore their strength. My church will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes, and when they call out to Me I will answer them. Then the world will know I am truly among them.

 

Son, let Me show you the life that is the best. Love others! Remember what love is: It is patient and kind, not jealous or boastful, not proud or rude. It does not demand its own way, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It is not happy or joyful about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever! Remember that of these three things: faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these is love. So make it your goal to love others like I do, for this is the strength of My church.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, if you listen carefully to My voice and do what I say you will know and enjoy the best for your life. Therefore, come to me with your ears wide open, and listen. Seek Me! Call on Me! Trust Me! Know that My ways are better than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. Remember My word always produces fruit, and will accomplish all I want it to. Those who live by My word will prosper in everything.

 

I always test My children to see whether or not they will follow My instructions by leading them through the deserts of life. In these times some of My children complain and will turn on each other. They question My word by asking, “What are we going to do now?” I hear all of their complaints, which are not against people but are really against Me. What have I done that they should complain about? I have lead them this way to show them how to overcome the things that hinder them and weigh them down.

 

So do not turn on each other, but remember a gentle answer deflects anger. My children should think carefully before speaking. They may think that they are pure in their own eyes, but I examine their motives. The wise are known for their understanding and their words are pleasant and persuasive.

 

Remember that pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Everyone seems right in their own mind, but those who commit all their words and actions to Me will be successful. So listen to Me, for I am coming soon to display My righteousness.  Those who listen to My instruction will prosper; those who trust Me will be joyful.

Kingdom Thinking – Part 29 – Building God’s House

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Haggai 1:5-6 “Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.

 

“‘You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands.’” (vs. 9-11)

 

Because God’s people forsook the task that the Lord gave them we see the consequences. God says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” We see the consequences in Haggai’s days, but what about ours?

 

Look at the economic downturn in the Western world. Runaway debt that we are drowning in, inflation (hidden tax) that leaves us with little left (wages in a purse with holes in it), and we never seem to get ahead or keep our heads above water. “Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.”

 

Because the house of the Lord was being neglected in Haggai’s time we see the result upon nature – no dew or rain for the crops, drought that affects all crops, animals (cows, sheep) and people – their livelihood. What do we have in the West today? Out of control unemployment, government entitlements that will eventually sink the Western countries, and calamities that have come upon us costing billions of dollars.

 

Haggai gave God’s message to God’s people in his time and I think that is also relevant for us today. “Give careful thought to your ways.” What Haggai was bringing out is that the reason all of these things coming upon the nation of Israel was “because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.”

 

So what does this mean today in the 21st century? We come back to 2 Chronicles 7:14 “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.”

 

Since we are building the temple out of living stones, so that we are each a part of the temple, we need to ask ourselves: Are we ready to be fitted into the temple?

 

Remember when the Old Testament temple was being built there was no sound of any building tool heard within the building. “In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.” (1 Kings 6:7)

 

Since we, the church of born again believers, are the living stones are we allowing the dressing (cutting and polishing) to take place? Could this be what Chronicles 7:14 means by humbling ourselves? Are we allowing the Divine tools that the Lord uses to cut us down to size, polish us to get us ready to fit in just like it was with the Old Testament temple? Are we individually moving towards sanctification, working out what the Lord has worked in us? Are we humbling ourselves before Him?

 

We are told to seek His face, but again what does that mean practically? Could it be what Haggai told the Jewish people 2500 years ago?  This is what the Lord Almighty says: “‘Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.” (Haggai 1:7-8)

 

It would seem to me that if I am seeking His face that it means I would be seeking His will, His desire, etc. What is His will? First, His will is to believe in the One that He has sent – the Lord Jesus Christ, and secondly, it means to GO. Where? To go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the to the ends of the earth. In seeking His face He will show and reveal to us where to go. For me it was to go to the ends of the earth, but for others it might be their neighbors, fellow workers, or students, etc. But, we are each commanded to GO with the good news of His Gospel, teaching the Word of God and making disciples after Him!

 

If we fulfill our part, the Lord will fulfill His: “I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” May we see this happening in our own lands for His glory and coming Kingdom. May we have Kingdom Thinking!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, do not be afraid of people, or fear their insults, for I am the One who will comfort you. I will go ahead of you, and will protect you from behind. Since I paid a high price for you, don’t become enslaved by this world again. The time that remains is very short, and this world as you know it will pass away; use the things of the world to tell everyone about Me!

 

Son, My children are so afraid of these mere humans who wither like the grass and that will soon disappear. There is a distinction between My children and the people of the world. When I look at My children I see My blood, and I will pass over them when judgment begins. Remember, if you search for evil, it will find you! If your trust is in your money, down you go!

 

Son, without wise leadership a nation will fall. These wicked leaders are trapped by their own words, and they think their own way is right. Their wickedness will never bring stability, and their dishonesty will destroy them. All of their riches won’t help on the day of My judgment. Now keep this in mind, truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed and forgotten.

 

Son, let me tell you how to live in this wicked time. Honesty will guide you and rescue you from trouble, Give freely so that you will  become wealthy in My kingdom. Listen and seek Me with all your heart; then you will know right from wrong. Cherish My word and store it in your heart. Remember that knowledge of My word might make you feel important but it is love that strengthens My church.

 

My Children will soon know the full power in My Name, and then at last they will recognize that I am the One who speaks truth to them. The person who loves Me is the one I will recognize.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I alone am God, and there is none like Me. I speak only what is true and declare only what is right. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. I make bold promises, and everything I plan will come to pass. I do whatever I wish.

 

I would not have told people to seek Me if I could not be found. You sought after Me and found Me. I have cared for you since you were born knowing you would seek Me. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I have been your God throughout your lifetime. Even now that your hair is white with age I am still with you. Because I made you, I will care for you and save you.

 

So remember the things I have done in the past, and tell everyone that will listen that I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! I am ready to save anyone who calls on Me. I will even show my glory to America.

 

It will sound foolish to most and they will not receive this truth because they won’t understand it. The world will never know Me through their own logic and human wisdom. Therefore, only sorrow awaits them. Soon every knee will bend to Me and every tongue will confess allegiance to Me. All who were angry with Me will come to Me and be ashamed. They will fall to their knees in front of Me and say, “You are God, and there is no other.” I have spoken the truth, and I never go back on My Word; what I have said will happen – will happen!

 

Lord, how can I expect anyone to listen to me? I’m such a clumsy speaker and I need help with my writing. Why would anyone want to listen to me? People have become hard and their hearts have become perverted. They refuse to listen to the truth; they think they know what is right, but it is wrong. They would never admit that they are wrong. Even Your children have become too discouraged by their bondage to this world to listen.

 

Son, I have equipped you because I have called you, so why do you question Me?  I choose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. I choose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. Therefore, since I made you and freed you from sin, rely only on the power of My Holy Spirit. Remember, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what I have prepared for those who love Me! My Holy Spirit searches out everything and will show you My deep secrets and that you can know the wonderful things I have freely given you and that I have in store for you. 

 

 

 

Kingdom Thinking – Part 28 – Building God’s House

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “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.”

 

Kingdom thinking understands the tremendous responsibility that is upon the church when it comes to the welfare of a society, community, state and country. This verse makes it very clear that it is God’s people who are called by His Name that hold in their hands the responsibility in seeing the Lord forgive their sin and heal the land. We do our part and God will do His.

 

I have been thinking about this and asking the question: What is our part? I know it’s about humbling ourselves, praying and seeking His face and turning from our wicked ways, but what does this mean practically? This is the question that I have been asking myself and searching Scripture to find the answer for.

 

This is where the prophet Haggai comes in. I believe that his message is for God’s people today and in the next few weekly letters we will deal with this in bringing to a close this series on “Kingdom Thinking.”

 

King Cyrus of Persia let the Jewish people come back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Upon returning they undertook the task, but soon opposition and obstacles came and the work slowed down and eventually stopped as complacency and apathy began to set in. With this God was not honored. The people then went to build their own homes, worked their crops and basically forgot about the House of God.

 

For eighteen years this was the case until Haggai the prophet came on the scene with a word from the Lord. It is this word from the Lord that I think is very apt for us today. 

 

In Ephesians chapter 2 we are told: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

 

We see that we too are building a holy temple, according to Paul. We learn from Peter: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)

 

When we look at the scene in heaven we see that there are people from every tribe, tongue and nation worshipping the Lord. “And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”’ (Revelation 5:9)

 

So when I put these verses together what does it tell me? The church, God’s people, like the Jewish people of old in Haggai’s time, are building a temple – a holy habitation for the living God. The stones that we use are not made out of granite, but are living stones made out of flesh and blood and these stones must come from every tribe, nation and people group in the world.

 

The question in my mind is this: How are we doing in building this temple? To finish the temple there must be stones from all of these different groups I mentioned. It is estimated that in the world there are still between 2,000 – 3,000 people groups where the church needs to be established, where living stones need to be gathered, polished and fitted into the temple.

 

When we think of the obstacles, the opposition from governments and evil people, this task is very daunting and the work of world evangelism is slowing down and in some places it has even stopped.

 

We are now beginning to see complacency and apathy settling in on the people of God especially here in the Western world. We find ourselves very busy building our own homes and thinking of ourselves so that God’s house is not being built and God is not being honored. What should we do?

 

In the next few weekly letters we will deal with this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, what makes my children become slaves? They become slaves when their dependence is upon others for everything, rather than depending upon Me. Therefore, My children have been robbed, plundered, enslaved, imprisoned, and trapped. They have become fair game for anyone and have no one to protect them. They want to live their own way. Their slave drivers will rule over them hoping to wear them down, and force them into accepting their evil life styles.

 

Everyone must submit to governing authorities, and pay everyone what they owe. They must pay their taxes and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. It is very important for My children to follow the steps of the godly men of the past, and stay on My righteous path. I have called to My children so often, but they wouldn’t come. I reached out to them, but they paid no attention. They have forgotten that those who listen to Me will live in My peace, untroubled by the threats and slavery of these evil leaders.

 

Son, listen to what I say, and treasure what I have said. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Then you will understand what it means to fear Me, and you will gain knowledge of who I am. So clothe yourself with the knowledge that My presence is with you always. Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Aim for harmony, and try to build each other up for good. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. I will help you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One.

 

I will guide you along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before you and smooth out the road ahead of you. I will hold your hand and guard you. Then you will be a light, and a guide to others. Remember, I am the Lord! Everything I prophesied will come true. 

 

Lord, with all my heart I desire to see all that You promise me. Help me meet every condition You have set forth. You know what kind of man I am; that I can do nothing of worth to You unless You are with me, guiding me and giving me strength to do Your will.  I’m trusting in Your powerful Word to me each day. Keep me on Your path.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, in my mind I really want to obey Your word, but because of my sinful nature I sometimes fail. This sinful nature has a power within me, and there is a war within my mind. When this power wins it makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! When will I be free from this life that is dominated by sin and death?

 

Son, I have given My Spirit to free you from the power of sin. I came in a body like yours, and in that body I declared an end to sin’s control over you by giving My life as a sacrifice for your sins. So let My Spirit control your mind, and you will have My peace. My Spirit will join with your spirit to affirm that you are Mine. Since you are Mine, you are an heir of God’s glory.

 

If you are to share God’s glory, you must also share in My suffering. Keep this in mind, what you suffer now is nothing compared to the glory I will reveal to you later. Your spirit longs for the new body that is released from sin and suffering. When you look forward to something that you don’t yet have, you must wait patiently and confidently for it. Remember, I cause everything to work for the good of those who love Me. If I am for you who could ever be against you, and what could ever separate you from My love?

 

Does this mean that I no longer love you if you have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, you must be convinced that nothing can ever separate you from My love. I always keep My promises. I am close to all who call on Me.

 

So don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. You will have My joy when you have Me as your helper. When you remember that I keep every promise I’ve made, you will find strength. So be strong and do not fear, for I am coming and soon you will be walking My Highway of Holiness. Then when people ask, “What makes you think that God can rescue you,” you will be able to confidently answer them!

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I am telling you in advance what I am about to do. That way you and your family will have enough when the years of famine come. People from all around will come to buy from you when you are prepared. Remember, that you must keep believing even when there is no reason to do so. In this time of testing you must not waver in believing My promises. When you keep believing – your faith will grow stronger, and this brings Me great glory. But, you must be fully convinced that I am able to do what I have promised.

 

When My children hear and see the truth, they will be prepared. They must understand that My righteousness will bring them peace, quietness, and confidence. I will greatly bless My children when they know this truth.

 

People of the world need to understand that no one can ever be made right with Me by doing what they think are good acts. People can only be made right with Me by placing their faith in Me. This truth is for everyone, no matter who they are.

 

Lord, help me not to think as if everything is going against me! Take control of what I say, and don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. I pour out my complaints and tell You all my troubles because You alone know the way I should turn. Hear my cry, and rescue me.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, My name is El-Shaddai, God Almighty. I am the one who answers your prayers when you are in distress. I have been with you wherever you have gone. My faithful love for you will endure forever.

 

I am preparing a wonderful feast for you, and all My children. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. I will remove the cloud of gloom, and the shadow of death. I will wipe away all tears. On this day My people will proclaim, “I am their God! We trusted in Him, and He saved us!”

 

Son, now get to your feet, for I have appointed you as My servant and witness. Tell the world what you have seen and what I have shown you about the future. Tell them that they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among My children when they accept Me as their Savior. Prove that you have changed by the good things you do. Remember, people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care; then you can speak boldly.

 

Lord, thank You for You are good and have done mighty miracles in my life. Thank You for leading me and my family. Your faithful love endures forever. You saved us, and give us food every day. I will honor and praise Your name, for You are my God. You do wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and You accomplish them all. Your hand of blessing has rested on me. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You; when their thoughts are fixed on You! You are a God who does what is right, and You smooth out the path ahead of me.

 

Lord, I show my trust in You when I obey Your word. My heart’s desire is to glorify Your name. Thank You for giving me Your peace. Everything I have accomplished is really from You. Thank You for the promise that those who die in You will live with You. Their bodies will rise again, and sing for joy!