Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, there is good news; people’s lives are changing all over the world. Their lives are being changed just like your life was changed when you accepted Me as your Saviour.  Therefore, continue to believe in My Word, and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the promises you received from Me. Pray, and I will show you what to do and where to go.

 

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from ignorant people today. Understand who I AM! I existed before anything was created, and I reign supreme over all My creation. I created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. I made the things you can see and the things you can’t see. Everything was created through Me and for Me. I hold all creation together, and in Me lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. So let your roots grow deep into the knowledge of Me, and let your life be built on My Word. Then your faith will grow strong, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

 

Son, some of My children say to Me, “Just tell us what to do and we will do it!” I have told them in My Word exactly what they are to do. They’ve also heard it through My prophets, My pastors and My teachers, but they will not obey any better now than they have in the past.

 

So you can be sure that curses are coming that will overwhelm them! They will be confused and frustrated in everything they want to do. They will not find their way through what is coming, but will be oppressed. They will watch as their sons and daughters are taken over by the philosophies of today, and it will break their hearts. How will they help their children when they are helpless themselves – having set My Word aside and resisting My Holy Spirit? They will go mad because of all the tragedy they see around them. Their anger and frustration will not accomplish one good thing!

 

My children will continue to be objects of ridicule and mockery by those they live among you. Their enemies will become stronger and stronger, while My children become weaker and weaker. Since they do not serve Me only; serving with joy and enthusiasm, they will serve those who hate Me and them, and find no peace or rest. Their hearts will tremble because they have neglected My Word. My stubborn children will live night and day in fear and insecurity because they have misplaced their faith.

 

But, if My children will return to Me and set My Word as the standard in their hearts and homes, and fully obey what I ask of them – then they will be blessed by Me. I will bless their children, their homes and their work. Wherever they go and whatever they do, they will be blessed. I the LORD will guarantee a blessing on everything they do in this world because they love Me and obey My Word. People all over the world will know that I protect those who faithfully follow Me. I want the world to stand in awe of My children because My children stand in awe of Me. My children will be leaders and no longer followers when they surrender to Me and My leadership in their lives.

 

Lord, in You I have all that I need. You give me rest when I need it. Your Word renews my strength and guides me along right paths. I will honor Your holy name. Even when things look dark, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me – leading in my life. Your Word and Your Spirit protect and comfort me. Thank You Lord!

 

Relationships – Chapter 28

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

Biblical Self-Esteem – Part 3

 

In building on who God is; that He is who He claims to be and He will keep His Word, we need to see what God will do. This is important in being able to build strong relationships.

 

We read in Colossians 1:13-14 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

 

Here we see that He has brought us into another kingdom – the kingdom of heaven. Someone rightly said that the kingdom of heaven is a kingdom of right relationships.

 

We see that He has given us redemption, the forgiveness of sins. It is important for us to understand this because what separates us from God as well as man is SIN. Here we see that we have been forgiven. What does this mean in the context of relationships? First it means that
the barrier, SIN, which was there, has now been removed. We have been reconciled and this is the message that we are to carry to the ends of the earth: reconciliation.

 

Secondly it means that we have been accepted. Ephesians 1:5-7 “Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (It comes out more powerfully in this King James Version of the Bible.) We have been accepted!

 

Why is it so important to be accepted? One of the basic human needs we have is to be accepted. And one of the ways that Satan keeps peoplelocked up in the different kingdoms of this world is through the bars of acceptance. People sense acceptance from the wrong people and identify with those who accept them as they are. This acceptance is stronger than bars of steel.

 

When we do not feel accepted in a relationship, it is hard for us to accept others, but when this need is met (as it is in Christ) then we can begin to accept others. We need to see that this acceptance is not based upon our performance, and nothing that we have done, but it is all aboutwhat Christ has done for us. It is based upon His promise. This is why it is important for us to have a healthy concept of God. He is not a man that He should lie. If He says He accepts me in Christ then this is what He does.

 

When I am accepted, not depending upon what I do or not do, then it becomes easier for me to accept others. One of the basic laws of the kingdom of God is acceptance or reception. It is hard for a person locked up in one of the kingdoms of this world to enter into the kingdom of God when there is no sense of acceptance from those that are in the kingdom of God. It is a scary thing to leave a kingdom of this world for another kingdom because of this human need of acceptance.

 

What will God, who is not a man that He should lie, do for me? He will accept me not because of what I do (my performance), but because of His promise. Isaiah tells us: “The LORD Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.’ For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:24, 27

 

Praise God that we have been accepted in the Beloved!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I am coming soon, so don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Me what you need, and be thankful for all that I have done for you. Then you will experience My peace, which exceeds anything you can understand. My peace will guard your heart and mind as you live for Me, and I will give you eternal blessings and the joy of My presence. So stay focused on this: forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead. Remember, soon I will take your weak mortal body and change it into a glorious body like Mine!

 

Understand that My unfailing love will keep you from stumbling. Therefore, fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise, and learn how to be content with what you have. Remember, with Me you can do anything – because I will supply everything you will ever need.

 

Son, watch and be wise; those evil people who want to control you by the intimidation of political correctness, and expect you to tolerate and even accept that which I call evil – will not stop until My children have fully surrendered to them. They have no fear of Me at all. So when they attack you – fear Me, not them, and stand on My Word no matter what. They so proudly brag about their shameful ways and think that life on earth is all there is. Their conduct shows that they are My enemies. And, you know what I have said is coming to all My enemies; for it is written and set to happen.

 

Lord, I was yours at birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Everything in this life is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing You. So whatever happens, I want to know You and experience the mighty power that raised You from the dead.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, understand that I began a good work within you the day you asked Me into your heart, and it will continue until it is finished. Therefore, know what really matters in this life. Live your life pure, blameless, and be bold for Me. Live as citizen of heaven, and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of My grace. Stand with My children, by being united with one spirit, one purpose, and fighting together for the faith. Don’t be intimidated in any way by the progressive thinkers of today. This will be a sign to them that they are going to have to stand in front of Me SOON! I have given you not only the privilege of trusting in Me, but also the privilege of suffering for Me.

 

Don’t be selfish, or try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Do everything I ask of you without complaining and arguing. Hold firmly to My words of life, then your life will count, and your work will not be useless.

 

Lord, Your Word is perfect, for it revives my soul. Your Word is trustworthy, for it brings joy to my heart. Your words are clear giving insight for living. Your Word warns me of danger, and is a great reward for those who obey them.

 

Lord, look at all the sins lurking in my heart! Cleanse me from these faults. Don’t let them control me. May my life be pleasing to You, my LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. For it is my prayer that my life will bring honor to You.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, do you want to know who My heroes are? Those who have let My Spirit renew their thoughts and attitudes; who speak the truth of My Word without any hate in their hearts, only My love in their hearts – these are today’s true heroes! I take pleasure in them, for they have decided to live a life worthy of their calling. They are not moved from the truth by new kinds of teaching. They cannot be influenced when people who cleverly try to trick them with lies.

 

These heroes are united, binding themselves together as one, with My peace. They understand that there is only one body, and it fits together perfectly. That they have been called to one glorious hope for the future. That there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God who is over all, in all, and living through all. They come boldly and confidently into My presence, and I tell them remarkable secrets about things to come, so that they are prepared. They know that I am able to accomplish infinitely more than they can think or imagine with their lives.

 

So My children – who still need milk, live no longer like the people of this world do, who do not know Me, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they have wandered far from My truth. They have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Me. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. Do not feel sorry for them, or show them pity, for they have made their choice and are guilty! You need to understand that I will fight for you against these wicked people who have refused the truth, and I will give you victory when you stand on the truth of My word!

 

Lord, when I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray. I pray that Your glorious, unlimited resources will empower me today, with inner strength. Let my roots grow deep into Your love, so that I will proclaim Your truth from a sincere heart; one that goes after Your heart.

 

Thank You, that You guard all that I have. I have confidence that You stand beside me, and I will not be shaken. You will show me the way to live my life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, only fools say, “There is no God.” Will these fools never learn the truth? Look at the problems they face today and yet they will not even think of humbly praying to Me for help. The One who provides the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the night, and who stirs the sea into roaring waves and the wind into mighty winds, and who releases and restrains the rain; I wait for fools to look up to Me. 

 

Terror will grip these fools because they are under the control of the evil one, the commander of the powers of this world: Satan. His spirit is at work in the hearts of those who say there is no God. These fools who live in denial of Me, have no strength to stop the results of My wrath on all wickedness.

 

Son, in the coming days My children must know My Word and read it daily. That way they will know the truth of what is coming, and how to be prepared. This regular reading will protect them from foolishness, and encourage them to turn to Me in the smallest ways. They will have hope, and know that I will give them rest and joy. When My words go deep within them, it will overcome their fears of what they see happening. When My children honor My Word – I will be their God in every way. Remember that I will not reject My children – just as I can not abolish My laws of nature! NEVER!

 

Lord, why do I struggle with anguish of my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day, when You are so rich in kindness and grace? You purchased my freedom with the blood of Your Son and forgave me all my sins. I ask, that You flood my heart with Your light so that I can have a confident hope. Help me to understand the incredible greatness of Your saving power. Your salvation is not a reward for the good things I have done, no, it is because of the great thing Your Son did – that I have been granted so great a salvation, and a hope that won’t be disappointed, for a great future WITH YOU.

Legalism and Witchcraft

Posted by & filed under Carols Blog.

Legalism and witchcraft have been widely accepted for the masks they wear: a false hood. We tend to think that legalism is about rules we don’t believe in, but legalism is about following good rules in order to win favor with man.

 

We think of witchcraft as what we see in fantasy movies and books, but witchcraft at its base seems harmless and even good.  It’s neither harmless or good.

 

God hates legalism: rule keeping to gain favor with man; controlling people with rules and regulations; what leadership uses with laity; what governments use on the people; what parents use on children, etc.

 

God condemns witchcraft of any form; the intimidation, manipulation, domination and condemnation used on people to control people.

 

 

Paul addresses the Galatians as “foolish Galatians,” empty headed people. “Who has bewitched you?!!!!! They claimed to be spirit-filled and gifted; highly spiritual people. What were they lacking?

 

Wives use witchcraft with their husbands when they hold back sex from their husbands to get what they want.

 

Husbands use legalism/witchcraft with their wives and children, when they lay heavy rules down on them to control their wives and children – for their own advantage and pride.  (Rules are to protect people, not control people.) Condemnation used to control people is legalism/witchcraft. Laws made to put fear into people in order to make them submit, is a form of legalism/witchcraft.

 

Parents use witchcraft on their children by making them feel guilty about what they did after the child has repented, in order to control the child. Guilt, intimidation, manipulation and condemnation used to control someone is all witchcraft.

 

If you keep bringing up the past that makes someone else feel guilty, or they keep doing it with you, this is witchcraft. People who say, “This wouldn’t be happening to you if you had not sinned, or were spiritual.” Religious leaders use witchcraft on their congregations by using legalism: setting rules for worship and serving in the church; controlling their gifts for their own agendas; even the self-righteous attitude behind leadership over laity is a form of witchcraft.

 

The spirit of Jezebel is the spirit of witchcraft, is present anywhere there is the use of any means to control another person, group or nation – for man’s own agenda and pride.  Over America’s government is the hovering jezebel-spirit of witchcraft and legalism.  

 

Satan, the god of the world, is the master over legalism and witchcraft.  In the garden the devil used legalism with Eve, and witchcraft with Adam. The devil questioned Eve on God’s only command to them; that Adam passed on to her.  The devil used Eve’s female charm and cunning to get Adam to disobey his Father’s one and only rule in life. Every man is Adam’s son, and every woman is Eve’s daughter with the same tendencies.

 

When Adam and Eve broke God’s one and only rule – many other unnecessary rules came upon mankind, both from God and evil men under the control of the devil.

 

You can’t follow Christ’s rules, if you’re following someone else’s rules.  Jesus died to set you free from legalism and witchcraft; whether you have been the prey or predator, victim or villain.  Satan is the father of both legalism and witchcraft.

 

“The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sons-ship.Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God – or rather are known by God –   how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” Galatians 4:2-9

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I have a plan for your life, and it is a good one with a great hope and future. When you allow My Holy Spirit to guide your life it will be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So never get tired of doing what is good, and you will reap a harvest of blessings. Work for peace and prosperity, and pray for America, because how it goes will determine your welfare. 

 

Son, pray for the removal of those who are holding America from following the truth. When truth is honored – justice prevails. When truth is rejected – people will mock Me and My word. America needs to look back in history and see that any nation that has rejected truth will see their foundation of law and order – crumble. Wicked people will strut their shameful wickedness in front of everyone to see. Evil will be lifted up throughout the land, while that which is good and acceptable to Me – will be knocked down.

 

 

Relationships – Chapter 27

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Biblical Self-Esteem – Part 2

 

In order to understand ourselves as well as others we must have an understanding of who God is and to have a healthy concept of Him (as all of this is important in building relationships).

 

So often we have equated God with some bad experience. Perhaps we grew up in a home with abusive parents and consequently this affected our view of God. It is hard to think of God as a Father when we have never experienced a loving father here on earth. I think of so many homes today where there is only one parent, most usually a mother. The father fled long ago leaving the mother to raise the child.

 

We read in Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  In the development of relationships it is important that we start with God and the first step is “that God exists,” as we read in Hebrews 11:6. It is amazing how many Christian atheists we have in our churches today.

 

My thoughts about God will be seen by my thoughts about myself as well as others. Wrong thoughts about God lead to wrong thoughts about others and myself. This is a real problem today and one of the reasons we have breakdown in relationships. It comes back to a wrong concept of God.

 

When we come to the place where we believe that God exists then there are two things that we must consider:  

 

Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

 

1. He is who He claims to be. He is not a man; He is God. This is the first thing that we should keep in mind. We believe that He exists.

 

2. He keeps His Word. He is not a man that He should lie. Man will lie, but this is not true with God. He is the truth and what He says will be the truth. This is so important in the society that we live in where truth has become relative (humanistic worldview) or in some quarters there is no recognition of such a thing as truth (postmodernism).

 

Anything we do must be built on the foundation of who God is. This is
important when it comes to building and maintaining relationships. The reason that this is important is because God gives us the principles that we are to live and govern our lives by.

 

Therefore, to take God at His Word, first we must believe that God exists and that what He says – we can count on; His Word is true and accurate.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, I have been asked by some of Your children, “Why do I hate the church?” Did I become their enemy – by telling them what You have told me to tell them; telling them the truth?

 

Son, do not listen to their insinuations and accusations, for this only tests you to see if you truly love Me by obeying Me wholeheartedly. Serve Me only and fear Me alone. I am Your Redeemer and Rewarder. Keep listening for My voice and obeying what I tell you to do.

 

I will be merciful if My children begin to listen to My voice and do what I ask of them. My ancient prophets who preceded you spoke against many nations, always warning of disease, disaster and war. Did it come true?  Do the predictions of false prophets come true? A prophet who predicts must prove he is right with his predictions by his predictions coming true. This is how My children will know that a prophet is really from Me. Therefore, examine carefully what you hear in My Word, that it is what I tell you to give out; for then you will have confidence to speak and send out My messages. 

 

Son, the wicked are bringing America down, and what are My children doing to stop this? Why are My children allowing mere mortal judges to stop them from doing what I ask of My children? Why have they stopped standing on My Word? These judges who refuse to judge with righteousness, using My laws, will stand before Me their JUDGE. And, until then, they will suffer greatly in the coming days, for I will let everyone know they are merely human, and fools at that! They brag about the evil in the land; they praise the corrupt and greedy. They curse Me when they do this. They are too proud of themselves to seek Me. They think nothing bad will ever happen to them because they accept sin of any kind; they call this love and think it will bring peace. And everyone is happy about it! But, I will bring justice to those who stand up for the truth, to those children of mine who are not terrified of these wicked leaders. So, do not let your fear come upon you; put your faith and hope in Me.