Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, I pray that after I die it not be said of me, “He followed the Lord’s instructions, but not with all his heart.”

 

Son, then never turn away from My Word. Unless your faith in Me is firm, you will not be able to stand. People who refuse My Word will live their lives in the darkness. Wherever they look, they will only see trouble, anguish and despair, and not anything good that I am doing or that I could do if they came to Me. So walk in the light of My Word while you can, and darkness will not overtake you. Trust in My Word, and you will be known as a child of the light who is filled with My peace and hope. Allow My Holy Sprit to control your life. Stand up for My Word and teach it to your children and grandchildren, and they will put their faith in Me as well.

 

Son, tell your children and grandchildren the key to life is to trust Me with all their hearts; seeking My will in all they do, and I will show them My good path to take. When they hold on to My instructions, never letting go, My Word will penetrate deep into their hearts and they will always know the right course to take in life.

 

Show them how to honor Me with their wealth, and train them to have good common sense and discernment, and then their homes will be blessed. They must listen for Me to speak to them and then do all that I ask of them; so that they will be rewarded for faithfulness. Be the example of faithfulness before your children and grandchildren.

 

Son, I know the day you live in and that there are many people who want to teach and lead people, but remember to first listen to their life before you listen to what they say. People that want to control other people will say and do anything to gain control over people, communities and nations. So, be wise and aware of the schemes of those who do not listen to Me.

 

 

Needed: An Awakening – Chapter 5 – Is America at War with God’s Law?

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Fourth Commandment

 

Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

 

Basically the Sabbath is a day of rest both physically as well as spiritually, but there has always been some confusion regarding the Sabbath Day. God worked six days and He rested on the Sabbath and we are to do the same. This was something unknown to ancient non-Christian nations and so when God instituted this day of rest for people and animals it was something unique to other nations. For example, during the French revolution the leaders not only did not keep the Sabbath but tried to institute a 10 day week.

 

We find that when we follow God’s order and have a day of rest it helps us to be very productive in the six days of work. I find for example a short nap after lunch helps keep me going for the rest of the day, to be more alert as well as more productive.

 

The Sabbath is vital to our relationship with God because it shapes the way we perceive and worship Him.  We should remember the Sabbath by formally worshipping God on that day.

 

The Sabbath is a special day to concentrate on developing our relationship with God. It takes time to build any relationship and to build a relationship with our Heavenly Father we need to take time to do it and the Sabbath is just such a day. No close relationship can succeed without taking the time it needs, whether its courtship, marriage, friendship or especially our relationship with God.

 

The Hebrew word for Sabbath, shabbath, means “to cease, to pause or take an intermission.” On the Sabbath we are to take the day off from our regular activities and devote our time and attention to our Creator.

 

The idea in back of spiritual rest is to help build our trust and confidence in God so that we might be able to enter into the redemptive rest to where we cease from our own works and have confidence in His work.

 

God goes on to say in Exodus 20:9–11 “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.”

 

Work has been ordained by God and He has given us all unique talents and skills that fit us for our unique purpose and calling that He has given us. Our work is a way to extend God’s kingdom here on earth. We see that Jesus followed His Father’s example by working hard and enjoying His work in John 5:17. “My father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

 

Many people want to become rich so that they can work less, but true Christians love work. We are to work not just to supply our own needs (although that is necessary), but to work for God’s glory in all that we do.

 

Stephen McDowell brings out that there are three Sabbaths mentioned in the Word of God. “First, the creation Sabbath when God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Secondly, we have the Hebrew Sabbath that was to be remembered in how Israel was delivered out of Egypt by God in a miraculous way. Then we have the Christian Sabbath where we remember Christ’s triumph over sin and death and eventually the restitution and restoration of all things in Christ.”

 

So we find that the Sabbath is a day of rest, but it is also a time to remember. God tells us to remember what Christ has done; to remember the great acts of God; to remember God’s faithfulness, mercy and love.

 

The one thing that I like to do on my Sabbath is to let that be a time when I just wait upon God, to remember and to write down the thoughts that He has given me about Himself, things to do in the days ahead or just to praise Him; but the main idea is to “remember.”

 

To me the Sabbath is a prelude to what we read in Hebrews 4 about the rest of faith. What a tremendous thing it is in the midst of tribulation, problems, obstacles, etc. we have the rest of faith knowing that God is in control and He is working out all things for His glory and purpose.

 

Psalm 91:4-8 “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”

 

Let us all remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, I have asked myself this question, “What will it take to unite this country?” America has had divisions in the past and overcame them. The civil war, the 60’s, and the Vietnam war are just a few, but today it is different; for there is a great hatred in our land.

 

So what will it take to unite our country? Your word tells us the answer in Luke 1:17 that men need to turn their hearts back to their wives and children; to unite their family. And, to show that rebellion will not be tolerated – with consequences for bad choices. We need to see the wisdom of the righteous at work – so that people will see the good it brings and accept the wisdom of the godly. Finally, God’s people need to be prepared for the return of the Lord, and to make ready a people prepared for Him. We plan our lives as though You might not come in our life time; but we live each day as though this is the day of Your coming!

 

Son, I am about to do something you wouldn’t believe even if My prophets told you about it. Be encouraged and continue in the faith. Remind My children that in the coming days they will suffer many hardships, but if they will listen – they will hear a small voice behind them saying, “This is the way you should go.” Don’t be afraid to feed an enemy and give your enemies water to drink. Let them see Me through you. Remember that I’m testing your love for Me. I will deliver You at just the right time!

 

People today have rejected Me and judged themselves unworthy of My eternal life. These people are stubborn, and refuse to pay attention to My Voice and My Word through My messengers.. They tell My children, “Stop telling us what you say is right. We don’t want to hear anymore gloom and doom. Get off that narrow path of thinking! We don’t want to hear any more about this Holy One you speak of.” These fools believe their own lies! There is no hope for fools who think they are wise and capable of leading others, even a nation.

 

Listen very carefully to their smooth words today, which only hide their wicked hearts. People cover their hatred with pleasant words, and pretend to be kind, but you must not be fooled; don’t believe one word that comes from their mouths. For, I see that their hearts are full of evil, and I will expose their wrongdoing in public. Soon they will recognize My holiness. They will stand in awe of the Holy One they have despised. But, if they will turn to Me with faith in My Word they will be saved and be at rest in what I have done for them. My peace I will give them.

 

Son, take confidence in My Word and stay calm in all situations holding to the promise I have given you and your family. Hold on to it, for this will be your strength in the days ahead!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, I ask that You would bless me and my family. I hope and pray that You are pleased with us in all that we do. Those who trust in You – You will keep them in perfect peace. Those whose thoughts are fixed on You – Your path for them is not steep or rough. I will show my trust in You by being obedient. You are the One all the prophets wrote about saying, “Anyone who believes in the Lord will have their sins forgiven.”

 

Son, today people have become deceived thinking they are right in their own eyes, but I examine their hearts and only find wickedness. These people today have strayed from common sense, and they need to understand that no human wisdom or plan of man can stand against Me. Those who have planted injustice, are going to harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. These wicked people will keep doing wrong and will never acknowledge who I AM! My kindness to these wicked people does not make them good. My love and justice is in My children, and it terrifies evildoers that My children have such peace and confidence.

 

I AM coming from heaven to judge these rebellious people for their sins, and the earth will no longer hide those who have been killed. Everything hidden will be brought out for all to see, and I will condemn all evil and reward all faithfulness to Me accordingly.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, disasters are coming to America because the people are worshiping other gods. Again and again I have sent My prophets to warn the people of America: “Turn from all your evil ways.”

 

 

Some of the people are refusing to listen. They have become stubborn, despising My warning, rejecting My Word and the covenant I made with their first fathers of the nation. Since these stubborn people reject Me, and would rather worship worthless things; they have become worthless themselves. They will elect leaders that want to follow the bad examples of the rest of the nations. Remember that wickedness never brings stability, and your leaders are chasing fantasies that make no sense; making fools of themselves and of all the people.

 

 

Truth will stand the test of time, and expose all lies. These foolish leaders broadcast their foolishness, and are trapped by their own words that accomplish nothing good. When someone truthful and honest stands up to them, the wicked leaders stand on their flimsy idea that they are in control. They continue on with their progressive lifestyle without any regard for the truth. They will not listen to the prophets I send them, but just continue to mislead the people. They don’t believe they are wicked and that they should turn from their wickedness and let Me rescue them from the coming wrath upon all wickedness.

 

 

Son, America stands at a crossroad. They can choose to follow these progressive thinkers and be lead down the path of wickedness to their destruction, or they can choose to do what is pleasing in My sight, and to trust Me at My Word! When the leaders are faithful to Me in everything, and obey all that I ask, then I will be with America again. The nation will be strong and successful in everything they do. But when treacherous and dishonest people lead, wickedness will control the nation and the whole nation will suffer.

 

 

When leaders look to Me and do what is right – the whole country will celebrate. People will shout for joy when wicked leaders die and righteous ones take their place. Without wise leadership, a nation falls! I detest people with crooked hearts, who think nothing of lying as only a means to get what they want, but I delight in those with the integrity of truth. If America chooses Me, they will again find My favor; but if they choose evil, they will find that as well!

 

 

Son, do you love Me? Then do all that I ask of you. Don’t be wise in your own eyes, give good advice to those who ask, and make use of everything I give you. Remember that a wise person stays calm in times of trouble, because they see what I show them.

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

O LORD, my God, You are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace – for people defy You. Help us, our nation has turned away from You; the only One who can save us. We have forgotten You and all that You have done for us. We used to meet together as a nation of prayer to You; devoted to the teaching of Your Word in our homes and schools. We used to love to share with those in need. Godliness is what made our nation great. Today people only think about themselves only hoping for peace and security in their own lifetime, with no concern for future generations.

 

Son, I have heard your prayer. America needs to understand what is taking place. For there is a path before them that seems right, but it ends in destruction. The wise will avoid the danger ahead, but the foolish plunge ahead with reckless confidence, and harvest a load of grief and unrelieved pain. Remember that hope deferred makes the heart sick, and fools who refuse to turn from evil will have injustice sweep away everything they have.

 

Do not be disturbed by the blasphemous speeches against Me! Who do they think they have been defying and ridiculing? Against Whom have they raised their voices? At Whom do they look with such haughty eyes? It is Me! The Holy One! By their words and actions they have defied Me. I know them well – where they stay and when they come and go. I know the way they have arrogantly raged against Me. I will protect My honor! Therefore, I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below – blood and fire and clouds of smoke are coming. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red. Then these people will see their Creator, The Holy One.

 

Everyone who calls on My Name will be saved, and filled with the joy of My presence. They will have a deep sense of awe come over them. My children will again meet together, seek after Me, pray and share everything they have with those in need. They will worship together as one body and with one mind, praising Me everyday, and I will add to My family those who will be saved.

 

Lord, thank You for allowing me to be able to spread out my concerns before You today, this is what I needed this morning.

 

Needed: An Awakening – Chapter 4 – Is America at War with God’s Law?

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Third Commandment

 

Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

 

David Kupelian says in his book Snapping of the American Mind: “It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that in today’s America, tens of millions of people are living in a delusional dream state.” He goes on to say: “In politics and culture we speak casually of “the left” and “the right,” as though these were two morally equivalent camps or worldviews. In reality the socialist/Marxist ideology that has captivated today’s Democrat Party is at war with reason, human nature, common sense, history and truth – indeed, at war with God and His laws.”

 

This third Commandment reveals the negative aspect of the law which is important for us to understand. This negativism is not bad but in reality of a great benefit, because it limits the power of the state and insures liberty. For example, the eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal,” limits the state from stealing and taking over private property. So when the law prohibits blasphemy and false witness it is also guaranteeing that all other forms of speech have their liberty.

 

For example, Roman Law was based upon the positive concept of the Law that “the health of the people is the highest law.” However, all aspects of life can come under the well-being of man and society and so a law like this becomes unlimited and the state then can control all life and the result is a loss of liberty.

 

We see in the Bible that some cursing is biblical as we see God pronouncing curses on people and nations as well as the prophets and others on certain occasions that God called to invoke judgment on evil doers.

 

Stephen McDowell says about profane speech: “Profane means ‘outside the temple’ and thus all speech, action, and living which is outside God.”

 

This third Commandment is not just talking about taking the name of God in vain but a wicked and rebellious language that is directed against God. It shows a disregard and lack of reverence to the Supreme Being. This lack of reverence to God leads to a disregard of His Word as well as His Law. Isn’t this what we see today in our society? When there is a lack of reverence and fear of God there is really no effectual restraint of human passions, lusts, ambitions, anger, profanity, hostility, etc.

 

We know that the Name of the Lord represents all the ways that God makes Himself known to us and so by taking His name in vain also represents degrading who He is. In 1 Corinthians 11:28 and 29, regarding the Lord’s Supper says: “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” This sacrament of bread and wine represents not only who Jesus is but what He has done. Therefore, the one that “eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (verse 27) In this sacrament the Lord is making His sacrifice for us known and we are not to partake of it vainly or profanely.

 

This third Commandment deals with speech, but also at the heart of it deals with the foundation of a legal system. We have what is known as the oath of office, oath of the courts, the oath of husbands and wives in marriage as well as the oath (vows) of ministers, and all of this is vital for having a proper functioning society.

 

We also see the profanity in our culture as a barometer of our society. As profanity increases it shows a profane action by society against God. When we see more and more profanity working its way into our arts, TV, music, movies, entertainment, it shows a moral decline occurring in our society. We know that words eventually lead to actions and we see this in our entertainment today.

 

When we stop and think about it, what use is profanity? Is any man or woman wiser or happier because they use God’s Name in vain and in a profane way? Often it indicates a person’s lack of vocabulary and being able to properly express his/her emotions. Why is it that because a person does not know a proper word to use, he inserts a blasphemous word against God? “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” and so we see a desperate need for the gospel of Christ that can reach into the human heart and begin to change it. God says that He will write His laws on our heart.

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, those who accept My Word and obey it are the ones who love Me. Because they love and obey Me I will give them the gift of My peace. The world cannot give My peace. I give My children peace of mind and heart so they won’t be troubled or afraid of what is coming.

 

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are Mine! Remember, I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. Those who accept that I AM, and then do all that I ask of them can ask for anything in My Name, and I will do it. Yes, they can ask for anything in My Name, and I will do it!

 

Son, the Holy Spirit will always lead you to the truth. This world cannot know the truth because they aren’t looking for Me; they do not recognize the truth. But you know Me because I live in you. So listen very carefully to what I AM about to tell you.

 

The time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. I see clearly what the leaders of America are doing, and I examine every path they take. They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of their fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble by dividing the people.

 

These are the same leaders that said, “We will replace the broken bricks of our ruins with finished stone, and replant the felled sycamore-fig trees with cedars.” Even after all the warnings I have given them since that time, they have not publicly repented, and neither to they seek Me as the God over there nation. These leaders are to serve Me and protect the people, but they have ignored Me and misled the people by leading them down a path I did not show them. They lead the nation down the path of destruction. They will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing. My judgment has fallen upon these wicked leaders.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, I pray that after I die it not be said of me, “He followed the Lord’s instructions, but not with all his heart.”

 

Son, then never turn away from My Word. Unless your faith in Me is firm, you will not be able to stand. People who refuse My Word will live their lives in the darkness. Wherever they look, they will only see trouble, anguish and despair, and not anything good that I am doing or that I could do if they came to Me. So walk in the light of My Word while you can, and darkness will not overtake you. Trust in My Word, and you will be known as a child of the light who is filled with My peace and hope. Allow My Holy Sprit to control your life. Stand up for My Word and teach it to your children and grandchildren, and they will put their faith in Me as well.

 

Son, tell your children and grandchildren the key to life is to trust Me with all their hearts; seeking My will in all they do, and I will show them My good path to take. When they hold on to My instructions, never letting go, My Word will penetrate deep into their hearts and they will always know the right course to take in life.

 

Show them how to honor Me with their wealth, and train them to have good common sense and discernment, and then their homes will be blessed. They must listen for Me to speak to them and then do all that I ask of them; so that they will be rewarded for faithfulness. Be the example of faithfulness before your children and grandchildren.

 

Son, I know the day you live in and that there are many people who want to teach and lead people, but remember to first listen to their life before you listen to what they say. People that want to control other people will say and do anything to gain control over people, communities and nations. So, be wise and aware of the schemes of those who do not listen to Me.

 

Needed: An Awakening – Chapter 3 – Is America at War with God’s Law?

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Second Commandment

 

Exodus 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or the waters below.”

 

Psalm 81:8-10 “Hear me, my people, and I will warn you – if you would only listen to me, Israel! You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”

 

This Psalm is speaking to God’s people (“my people”). So often we look at the culture around us in our own society and we very easily blame the liberals, progressives, communism, statism, or any other ‘ism.’ But, if I understand Scripture properly, the fault lies with God’s people. Here in Psalm 81 God is not talking about the heathen, or the unsaved, but He is talking about His own people; those that know Him and claim to love Him.

 

This is what 2 Chronicles 7:14 is talking about: “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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 

It is obvious that the burden in seeing something done in our culture and society lies with God’s people. In this Psalm 81 we read the words “hear,” “listen,” “follow,” etc. What would be the result of hearing, listening and following God and His Word? He will forgive us our sins and He will heal the land. We will subdue our enemies. He will meet our every need.

 

Habakkuk 2:18: “What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols.”

 

Of course modern man in the Western world would not think of making a golden calf, setting it up in a special room in the house and then bowing down to it. However, what we have today are what we call the humanists. They trust in their own handiwork, create their own laws, think up their own value systems, form and worship their own governmental and educational systems – trusting in them to be that which is right and true for everyone. However, they will soon find out that if it is not based upon God’s truth it will eventually lead to ruin. This type of idol-worship produces bondage and not liberty.

 

We must learn to worship God on His terms and not ours; for worshiping God on our own terms also means death to our society. Religion, or rather, a right belief in God, is the life-blood of a society. Idolatry for Israel was a capital offense because it was treason against God and would produce the destruction of the nation.

 

The first commandment tells us that there is only One God and we are to worship Him. This also tells us that there is only one law and that is God’s law. Having other gods (idols) means we also have and follow other laws that are contrary to God’s law.

 

The one thing that we are confronted with constantly especially here in our western world is what is known as toleration. Today in our Western society we have an evolving value called “tolerance,” but that is a little different than what we are looking at here. The tolerance that our society is trying to get across is tolerance about life-styles and thinking that are in direct conflict with God and His Word.

 

God is tolerant towards us, but that which is not in accord with His Word He will judge as evil, and so must we. We cannot be taken in by our society that tells us that we should be tolerant (by their definition) and not make any judgments.

 

We must keep in mind that the law of God is intended to judge us and preserve God’s order; to protect God’s people. This is true of the law of God’s creation and the revealed law given to Israel by God. Toleration of other laws contrary to biblical law is a form of idolatry that eventually leads to destruction, and any society that tolerates ideas and laws of wickedness will fall into confusion and anarchy.

 

We must realize that we are in spiritual warfare and biblical law (God’s Law) will always be at war against all other laws that are contrary to God’s law. We have just seen this in the USA with recent removal of the Ten Commandments in the middle of the night from the State Capital in Oklahoma. The same will happen in the other state capitals as well, if God’s people just tolerate it.