Kingdom Thinking – Part 22

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Deuteronomy 28:13 “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”

 

A question that I have on my mind is: How are we (true believers) training our children? Our children are a heritage from the Lord and with that blessing there comes tremendous responsibility.

 

I often hear how children who have grown up in the church and have gone off to higher education soon lose their faith. This brings another question to my mind and that is: Did they have a faith to begin with to even lose? Or perhaps put another way: Was the faith that they professed a preference (something you prefer over something else) or was it a conviction? There is a difference between the two.

 

We might ask: What is the difference between a faith that is a conviction and one that is preference? In Daniel chapter 2 we see Daniel interpreting the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had about a statue and what it meant.

 

In chapter 3 we see a statue being built with the instructions “As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. If one does not bow down and worship the consequences are quite drastic: “Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Daniel 3:5-6

 

Three young men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who had been taken captive along with Daniel, were not going to deny their faith. They must have been taught this as young boys by their parents, and before being captured by this pagan king who demanded this loyalty. This loyalty only belongs to Jehovah, the great I AM.

 

These three men were taken and thrown into the fiery furnace that the king had heated up seven times hotter than usual because of the answer the three men gave to the king. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

 

What boldness, courage and conviction that these three men had! In this testimony of these three men we see a faith that was a conviction and not a preference. There are four things that we can learn from this to see whether or not our faith is a conviction or a preference.

 

  1. First, we see that their faith was unchangeable. No matter how much pressure Nebuchadnezzar placed upon them they did not recant or change. If we find that under pressure from our authorities, or our peers, etc. that we can change what we believe, then I would have to that – that kind of faith is a preference and not a conviction. (verse 15)
  2. Secondly, they were willing to stand alone. There could have been at least 500 Jews in Babylon at that time. Where were these Jews and what were they doing? They must have been bowing the knee as required by the king. We do not like standing alone, but if we must we must. (verse 12)
  3. Thirdly, a faith that is a conviction is non-negotiable. When we read verses 16-18 we see that Nebuchadnezzar was trying to negotiate with them but to no gain. If our faith is negotiable then it is a preference and not a conviction.
  4. Fourthly, a faith that is a conviction does not need to be assured of success before taking a stand. We find that often we can be intimidated by the opposing party (whatever that might be) and so we do not take a stand if it seems that we are the minority. It would be nice to have others stand with us, but if they do not, then the men and women of conviction are willing to stand alone on what they profess to believe.

 

How do we instill this type of faith in our children? First, we instill it by our example. What do our children see in us? Do they see a faith that is a conviction or one that is preference?

 

Luke 6:40 tells us:  “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”  In other words, where we are spiritually is how we raise our own children.

 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us:  “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

 

If God has called us to rule and reign with Him then we need to be teaching our children the same. What a responsibility we have!

 

Hugh Welchel said: “Our salvation is not just a bus ticket to heaven, but an invitation to participate in God’s redemptive plan to rescue humanity and the physical universe.”

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, when I speak, My voice echoes above the sea. My voice is powerful and majestic. With just one word from Me I can split the mightiest of trees. When I speak it is like bolts of lightning that makes the earth quake, and in My Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

 

Son, I am making you a watchman for the people. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for Me. For I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.

 

People will come pretending to be sincere and sit before you listening to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their hearts seek only after money, they hear what you say, but they don’t act on it! But when all these terrible things begin to happen, as they certainly will-then they will know a prophet has been among them.

 

Tell the leaders of your country that sorrow awaits them. They rule the people with harshness and cruelty. They starve their people of the knowledge of Me. Now I consider them My enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has, and will happen!

 

Soon I will brake the chains of slavery and rescue My people from these leaders who have enslaved them. Then My people will know that I am the Lord, that I am with them, and that they are Mine. I will strengthen My people and bless them with My peace. I will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain; all of these things are gone forever. I am coming soon. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Yes, I am coming soon!

 

Lord, Your favor will last forever! Therefore, I thank You, and I will not be silent. I will do all that You have told me to do.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, My prophesies make it very clear who I am and what I am about to do. So listen to what I tell you, “The leaders of your country have become proud and arrogant, and have set themselves higher than everyone else. They care nothing for what I have done or for what My hands have made. So I will begin to judge them, and all My judgments are valid and just.”

 

“Your nation boasts of its self-made prosperity, and does not seek Me. Your leaders speak friendly words; while all the time they are planning evil in their hearts. They deceive people into believing that they have the right answers.  Soon, I will avenge the murder of My children, and open My book of accounts, even the Book of Life. I will judge everyone who has lived according to what they have done, and anyone whose name is not found recorded in My Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire.”

 

Son, there is still time for My people to humble themselves and pray. If My people have a change of heart, and humble themselves before Me, then I will not completely destroy this country. My people must learn the difference between serving Me and serving earthly rulers.

 

Lord, You are my light and my salvation! I will not be afraid! You will protect me and my family from the danger that is coming. The one thing I seek, is to hear You say, “Come and talk with Me.” Show and teach me how to live this life You have given me. Lead me along Your right path for my life. Lord, I trust You with all my heart because You have helped me in the past. I know You will help me today and tomorrow. Therefore, my heart is filled with joy and I am thankful.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, why do You seem so far away when I seek Your answers? Each morning I call to You, and at night I know You hear my voice, but my soul is not at rest. Lord, You have been my God from the moment I was born. I know that You do not ignore me, and I know that You have never turned Your back on me, but have listened to all my cries for understanding.

 

I know that there is no God like You in all of heaven and earth. I know that I sin and act wickedly. But, You said that if I turn to You with my whole heart and soul, and pray, then Your ears will be attentive to my prayers to You. I know that You keep Your promises and show unfailing love to all who walk before You in wholehearted devotion. Lord, hear and grant what I ask of You. Give me understanding of what is going on.

 

Son, the time has come when the whole earth will acknowledge Me. All the families of the world will bow down and worship Me, the One who who made the heavens, the earth, and the sea. But, first a man will be allowed to speak great blasphemies against Me. He will be given authority to do whatever he wants for forty-two months. He will be allowed to wage war against My holy people and to conquer them. He will be given authority to rule over every tribe, people, language and nation. He will have control over everything that is sold or bought. Everyone will be required to belong to his system; the system that is now starting to take place. But, those who belong to his system will drink the cup of My anger. Their future will be one of torment, fire and burning sulfur. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night.

 

Son, My holy people must ENDURE persecution patiently, OBEYING My commands and MAINTAINING their faith in Me.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I looked for a leader in your country who would rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards your land. I searched for a leader who would stand in the gap of the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy your land, but I found no one.

 

Because there is no leader in your country, there is a great rebellion against Me. My design for family is treated with contempt, babies are aborted, orphans and widows are wronged and oppressed. People do obscene things, and murder and extortion are everywhere. The leaders of the people never even think of Me or My word. My Name has been dishonored among the nations because of their actions, and soon they will know that I am the Lord. Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. They actually destroy people’s lives for money! Your country has brought all this on itself because they have forgotten Me and turned their back on Me.

 

Your leaders and the people must bear the consequences of all their actions. I tried to cleanse them, but they refused. So they will remain filthy until my fury against them has been satisfied. The time has come, and I won’t hold back. I will not change My mind, and I will have no pity on them. They will be judged on the basis of all their wicked actions; they will waste away because of their sins.

 

Son, the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with My household. If judgment begins with My household, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed My Good News! Don’t be fooled by what they say, “This day will not come in our life time.” But I say, “This day will come when there is a great rebellion against Me.”

 

Let Me reveal to you a wonderful secret. Some of My children will not die, but will be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, WHEN THE LAST TRUMPET IS BLOWN. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever, and they who are living will also be transformed. For their dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. I will come down from heaven with a COMMANDING SHOUT OF THE ARCHANGEL, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, those who are still alive and remain on the earth, will all be caught up in the clouds to meet Me in the air. Then you will be with Me forever. So encourage each other with these words.

 

Lord, help me to tell Your people to be prepared for what is coming. The very things that You said are found in Revelation chapter 10. Therefore, Your children need to be prepared for what happens prior to chapter 10. To some this will bring fear and anxiety in their lives, but You have told us ahead of time, so that we can be prepared and use it for our advantage.

 

Lord, Your word is perfect, and will revive My soul. Your word is trustworthy, making wise the simple.  Your commandments are right and bring joy to my heart. Your commands are clear, giving insight for living and knowing the future. There is a great reward for those who obey Your commands.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, do you want to know who My true heroes are? Those who lead a blameless life and do what is right; those who speak the truth from sincere hearts, and refuse to gossip or harm others. These heroes are tormented by the evil they see, and they should be. They faithfully follow Me and keep their promises even when it hurts.

 

These heroes understand who I am; that I am Holy and Just, Faithful and True.  They seek wise counsel from men of great insight. They are careful to obey all that I ask of them. They have a desire to learn and know Me intimately. Their worship of Me is with their whole heart and mind. They take seriously the task that I have given them. They are strong and courageous, and will complete the work, no matter what. They are not afraid or discouraged, for they know that I am with them to the end.

 

These heroes will stand out in the days ahead, and die because they stand out. They know that I have robes washed in My blood for them. These heroes know what is coming because they read what I have written and believe every word; they have prepared for it.

 

Son, tell those who want to be like everyone else in the world, “How dare you to ask Me for My help. As surely as I live, I will not help you until you get rid of the vile things you are so obsessed with.”

 

Lord, I want to be called one of your heroes. I know that You will not fail or forsake me because you rule everything. You see my heart and know my every plan and thought. Every good thing I have comes from you, and I know that You are always with me.

Kingdom Thinking – Part 21

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Acts 1:1 “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.”

 

We find that kingdom thinkers are also kingdom doers. Not only will they think of what needs to be done, but will be actively involved in seeing it done. Kingdom thinkers will be men and women of character, men and women of commitment.

 

When we think of character we must think about COMMITMENT.

 

When I look at the evangelical scene today I see a great lack of commitment. When I look at the lack of laborers out on the field especially in the difficult areas of the world like the Muslim, Hindu and Chinese world – I believe it comes back to a lack of commitment.

 

Where are God’s people who will go to these hard areas of the world and stick it out? We find very few who even respond to the call or the challenge. Out of those who do respond we see a great number dropping out after a short time. Often, those who make it to the field do not go back again after the first term. Why? I believe there are a number of reasons, but one big reason is a lack of commitment.

 

Commitment is so important. Webster’s dictionary defines commitment this way: to bring together; to join; to entrust; to give in trust or charge; to consign for safe keeping; to bind by pledge or assurance.

 

I commit my life to Christ Jesus. In other words: I join my life to His, I give my life to Him and entrust all things to Him for safe keeping.  

 

The same is true of marriage. Why are marriages falling apart? I know that we often hear of incompatibility, mental cruelty, etc. All of these things are often a camouflage for the real culprit that tears the marriage apart; which is usually a lack of commitment.

 

When we commit our lives to the Lord we are committed to His will. Jesus said, “If you continue in my word then you are my disciples.” The word “continues” brings out the idea of commitment. John 8:31 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’”

 

However, we also need to think through some of the ‘reasons’ why we break our commitment.

 

1. It wasn’t quite what I felt it would be.

 

This is one excuse that I hear quite often with people who break a commitment. Perhaps we didn’t count the cost.

 

Luke 9:57-58 “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'”

 

When Jesus laid down the terms of discipleship he did not hear from these would-be-followers again.

 

2. We don’t have a mind to suffer.

 

1 Peter 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.”

 

This is part of our armor and is as essential to us as the armor we read about in Ephesians 6.

 

Because we do not have that mind-set or mentality we see that the enemy gets in and hits us just where we do not want to suffer. Consequently, we go about seeing what we can do in order to break our commitment.

 

A young lady joined Doulos, one of our OM ships, for two years when I was the director. She had been very active in her church and had a responsible job. When she was on the ship she had to wash dishes. Every night when she was in her room she was complaining about her dish-pan hands and that she did not join the ship to be a dish washer, etc. One night while she was complaining to the Lord about her hands, how red they looked, etc. and thinking how she might be able to get out of her commitment, the Lord spoke to her and said: “Look at my hands.”

 

That was a turning point in her life. She realized how the Lord had suffered for her. She armed herself with the right mentality and stuck it out. She became one of the members of our line-up team who have the big responsibility of going ahead of the ship and lining up the ship’s program, a job that carries much responsibility. It is a job for people with commitment.

 

3. Wrong ideas of what it means to follow Christ.



We seem to think that in following Christ there will be no problems. We do not understand how the Lord builds character in us. It is not that we do not have problems, because we do and always will. As a matter of fact, we probably have more problems in following Christ (because Satan is against us in doing this), but we also have solid solutions to our problems. And this is what makes the difference.

 

There is a tendency to think that when following Christ, if things are rough and don’t seem to be working out then it must not be of God. It is this type of thinking that leads into many erroneous ideas about discipleship.

 

How do we interpret Hebrews 11:35-38? “Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated – the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.”

 

What about these people mentioned here? Didn’t they have a commitment of faith? Did they believe God for deliverance? Yes, they had faith. As a matter of fact, they probably had more faith than most Christians. Here we see what real Biblical faith is. Biblical faith takes us through the problems for the good results of God’s purpose. This is what commitment is all about.

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, there are false religions that say I was created, that I am an angel. They are liars when they say that I am not the Christ. I am the Word of life, and I existed from the beginning! I am the sacrifice that atones for your sins, and not only your sins, but the sins of all the world. I am your advocate that pleads your case before the Father. I have given you My Spirit, and My Spirit lives within you so that you know what I say is the truth. For My Spirit will teach you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is the truth!

 

So do not love this world or the things it offers you. It only offers cravings for physical pleasure, pride in achievements and possessions. Remember that this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.

 

Son, the last hour is here, and the antichrist is coming. So weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed. The sins of the people are very, very great. The entire world is full of murder and injustice.

 

Lord, I cried out to You, and You answered me. Therefore, I am sure of this: You set me apart, and all who have Your Spirit living in them, apart for Yourself. The whole world will see what You do for Your children. Forgive me when I have failed to ask You about how to live this life You gave me.

 

Thank You for Your greatness. I will tell everyone about Your wonderful deeds. I will exalt Your Holy Name. I will search for You and for Your strength always. I will remember Your wonders and the miracles You have performed. Help me to give You all the glory You deserve. Your faithful love endures forever; therefore You are my Lord and God.

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I have given you everything you need for living a godly life. I have given you a great promise that you can escape the world’s corruption. You will have great joy when you do not follow the advice of the wicked. When you meditate on My word day and night you will be like a tree planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season; whose leaves never wither. You will prosper in all you do. When I watch over your path you can ask Me for anything, and I will give it to you. I will bless you, your family, everything you own, and I will move ahead of you.

 

I am coming soon, so pay close attention to what My prophets wrote; for their words will be a lamp for you. My prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and then they spoke and wrote the words of God. But, be aware that there are false prophets, and they will teach destructive heresies and even deny Me. Many will follow their evil teaching and cause the way of truth to be slandered. These people are proud and arrogant. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. Remember, and tell My children, that they will be a slave to whatever controls them.

 

Son, I said that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that I am coming again?”  But My day will come unexpectedly. When My day comes the heavens and earth will pass away with a terrible noise. I will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames of judgment. So, do not fear this day but pray for it!

 

Until My day comes I cannot bring in the new heavens and new earth. Just think about it, a world filled with My righteousness. I am telling you ahead of time, so that you can be on guard, and not be carried away by the errors of these false prophets and lose your own secure footing. I will call these false prophets to account for all their detestable sins. Their silver and gold won’t save them on My day of anger.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, talk is cheap, and speaking too many words makes you a fool. For the more words you speak, the less they mean.  If you claim to be a religious person but can’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself. So let your words be few, and keep your ears open.

 

Those who love money never have enough, and how meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Everyone will die, and be in the same condition as when they were born; naked and empty-handed. Remember, that when you die you can’t take anything with you.

 

Son, it is good for you to eat, drink, enjoy your work, and to accept your lot in life. When you enjoy your work and accept your lot in life, you will know this is a gift from Me. Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless.

 

When the troubles of life come your way, consider it an opportunity. Be sure that your faith is in Me alone, for a person with divided loyalty is unpredictable. These people should not expect to receive anything from Me, for their loyalty is divided between Me and the world. These people are unstable in everything they do.

 

Son, I will bless you when you patiently endure testing, and temptation, and I will give you the crown of life. Remember, I will never tempt you to do wrong; your temptation comes from your own desires. These desires give birth to sinful actions, and when these actions are allowed to grow, it gives birth to a dead relationship between you and I. So don’t be misled, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Don’t just listen to My word, do what it says, and I will keep you so busy enjoying life that you will have no time to brood over the past.

 

Lord, help me to know Your word, and not forget what it says. Help me to do what Your word says I am to do. Then I will find satisfaction in this life and know You have blessed me!