God has been using his Word to encourage me. The book of Jeremiah has some keen insights that should help any believer as they seek to live in the battles of this world.
1) Believers are encouraged that they ought to repent, and repent often in order to have constant communion with God.
2) Idolatry is common and can occur without being in a religion such as Hinduism or Buddhism.
3) Most people will not repent, but run away from God.
I find all three points to be encouraging because the time Jeremiah was alive is very similar to the current times. People in all places either love God or hate Him. I am very thankful for the glorious relationship I have with Christ; He is my only joy.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
War!
The war is on! Actually it began the moment Satan rebelled, before humans even touched the earth. Because of Christ, man is now able to be saved and is no longer at enmity with God when they trust that Jesus took away our punishment on the cross. So where does that leave us today?
Sudan:
A team of Christians are booted out with threats of death promising. They are exiled to Tanzania until they find out if the village will let them live amongst them.
Middle East:
Public executions are a "public" event every Friday as people who have committed sexual immorality or are found out as "infidels" of Islam. The good news does not penetrate here without blood shed.
South Asia:
Countless times Buddhist nations declare, "Westerners are not wanted here!". But what does a follower of Jesus do when he knows they need the gospel? Does he cower away and slip into the pulpit? No, he or she acknowledges Jesus is worth the persecution.
Risk: “You do not evaluate a risk by the probability of success but by the value of the goal.” ~ Ralph Winter.
The war is worth fighting; for His name's sake.
Sudan:
A team of Christians are booted out with threats of death promising. They are exiled to Tanzania until they find out if the village will let them live amongst them.
Middle East:
Public executions are a "public" event every Friday as people who have committed sexual immorality or are found out as "infidels" of Islam. The good news does not penetrate here without blood shed.
South Asia:
Countless times Buddhist nations declare, "Westerners are not wanted here!". But what does a follower of Jesus do when he knows they need the gospel? Does he cower away and slip into the pulpit? No, he or she acknowledges Jesus is worth the persecution.
Risk: “You do not evaluate a risk by the probability of success but by the value of the goal.” ~ Ralph Winter.
The war is worth fighting; for His name's sake.
Monday, April 27, 2009
a seed...
Matthew 13:1-9...Parable of the Sower
seed - word of the Kingdom
People need seeds to be thrown on them so they can grow. Soil has its time and place of readiness to accept seeds. Soil can be fertile for a few years. This can occur when major changes happen, trials pour rain upon the earth, etc. Soil also can become barren and dry.
The seed however is unchangeable. The problem is not with the seed, but with the soil. The soil cannot be changed by man, but only by the Farmer.
Sowers ought only be concerned with sewing and watering. Our hands our tied when it comes to changing the nature of the soil. When sowers understand their role in the farming process, frustration will dimmer.
SEW!
seed - word of the Kingdom
People need seeds to be thrown on them so they can grow. Soil has its time and place of readiness to accept seeds. Soil can be fertile for a few years. This can occur when major changes happen, trials pour rain upon the earth, etc. Soil also can become barren and dry.
The seed however is unchangeable. The problem is not with the seed, but with the soil. The soil cannot be changed by man, but only by the Farmer.
Sowers ought only be concerned with sewing and watering. Our hands our tied when it comes to changing the nature of the soil. When sowers understand their role in the farming process, frustration will dimmer.
SEW!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
jesus + something = worthless chatter
Too many people are dazzled by philosophical ideas and traditions. Wolves and false teachers are salivating at the door of churches waiting to kidnap weak and straying sheep. The traditions of man are foolish, and the atheistic philosophies of Darwin are bringing people to hell.
What this world needs are people who abide in Jesus. Philosophy and traditions tell you that Jesus is great, but you also need (fill in the blank) to be complete. Their argument dies quicker than an un-hatched egg, and Satan proves to be King of their ideas.
The way of truth is simple. Believe that Jesus died for your sins, he rose again (defeating the power of death and giving those who trust in Him victory over satan and his works), and seek to live as salt among the earth proclaiming the Good deeds of God.
What this world needs are people who abide in Jesus. Philosophy and traditions tell you that Jesus is great, but you also need (fill in the blank) to be complete. Their argument dies quicker than an un-hatched egg, and Satan proves to be King of their ideas.
The way of truth is simple. Believe that Jesus died for your sins, he rose again (defeating the power of death and giving those who trust in Him victory over satan and his works), and seek to live as salt among the earth proclaiming the Good deeds of God.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
John the Baptist
Are you ever fascinated by a person so much that you would love to emulate them? You probably are, and I am too. My hero, and his name is John the Baptist. This John is recognized as a man who was born to "Make straight the way of the Lord." The Bible speaks clearly about him, but other religions believe he lived also. Mormons, Muslims, Mandeans, Baha'i followers, Catholics, and even the Unification Church acknowledge his existence. We even know that Jesus calls him the "greatest man born of a woman to ever live." The famous Jewish Historian Josephus writes about him. So what makes John the Baptist special?
Here is why John is the best man alive:
1) John knew his purpose on earth was to give Jesus honor.
2) When Jesus came on the scene, John decreased his role.
3) John sacrificed his body to eat locusts and honey in order to preach the gospel continually and baptize people.
4) John rebuked the religious people of his day for their unbelief in Jesus.
5) John was a leader, but let his followers leave him in order to follow after Jesus.
6) John never claimed to be the Messiah.
7) He told people to repent of their sin.
8) John knew the role of the trinity in the works of God.
9) John died in order to preserve God's holy name and proclaim Jesus as God.
Why John would be martyred if he was alive in 2009...
1) John calls the religious people names.
2) He told a king to stop having an affair with his brothers wife.
3) He was not dressed nicely.
4) He lived in the desert.
5) He called people to repent of their sin and follow after Jesus.
6) John claimed that Jesus was the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Their was no other way other than through Jesus.
John the Baptist was indeed a man who would never have survived in today's society either. Although John the Baptist was unique all Christians should crave to become more like John the Baptist. He pointed people to JESUS.
"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" (John 1:29).
Here is why John is the best man alive:
1) John knew his purpose on earth was to give Jesus honor.
2) When Jesus came on the scene, John decreased his role.
3) John sacrificed his body to eat locusts and honey in order to preach the gospel continually and baptize people.
4) John rebuked the religious people of his day for their unbelief in Jesus.
5) John was a leader, but let his followers leave him in order to follow after Jesus.
6) John never claimed to be the Messiah.
7) He told people to repent of their sin.
8) John knew the role of the trinity in the works of God.
9) John died in order to preserve God's holy name and proclaim Jesus as God.
Why John would be martyred if he was alive in 2009...
1) John calls the religious people names.
2) He told a king to stop having an affair with his brothers wife.
3) He was not dressed nicely.
4) He lived in the desert.
5) He called people to repent of their sin and follow after Jesus.
6) John claimed that Jesus was the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Their was no other way other than through Jesus.
John the Baptist was indeed a man who would never have survived in today's society either. Although John the Baptist was unique all Christians should crave to become more like John the Baptist. He pointed people to JESUS.
"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" (John 1:29).
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Round 2
So our first go-around of the Bible study went great. We had round 2 last Saturday, and God brought more people! It indeed is a good thing when more people come to honestly hear about God's plan of salvation through Jesus! Their is no other name among heaven whereby man can be saved (Acts 4:12), and we acknowledge that HEAVILY!
I taught out of Romans 5:12-21. God tells us that all men are condemned because of the curse that Adam brought upon us. If you look at the 3rd page of my Bible, you will clearly see that man does not get better after disobeying God, but Adam's sons have a fight and the first has occurred. By the 6th Chapter of Genesis, God wants to annihilate mankind because their have wicked intentions in their hearts continually. By Chapter 11 man tries to make a huge tower to "make a name for ourselves", only to realize that they cannot because God kills their construction plans and scatters them throughout the earth. It was only through the a perfect sacrifice being made that man could ever receive the perfect obedience necessary to attain eternal life. Whew!
If you believe in Jesus Christ, then you have eternal salvation! Contrary to those who think God loves the world like He is hugging a teddy bear, He s sin. Those who choose to sin, enslave themselves to it, and owe God their lives in hell upon . The good news is that Jesus Christ, the perfect God-man, came to earth, died on the cross, paid our debt in full, and declared those righteous who by faith in His payment are reconciled with God.
That is our Bible Study. We are transformed people who through the gospel of Jesus Christ have been born again by the living and abiding word of God.
Blessings
I taught out of Romans 5:12-21. God tells us that all men are condemned because of the curse that Adam brought upon us. If you look at the 3rd page of my Bible, you will clearly see that man does not get better after disobeying God, but Adam's sons have a fight and the first has occurred. By the 6th Chapter of Genesis, God wants to annihilate mankind because their have wicked intentions in their hearts continually. By Chapter 11 man tries to make a huge tower to "make a name for ourselves", only to realize that they cannot because God kills their construction plans and scatters them throughout the earth. It was only through the a perfect sacrifice being made that man could ever receive the perfect obedience necessary to attain eternal life. Whew!
If you believe in Jesus Christ, then you have eternal salvation! Contrary to those who think God loves the world like He is hugging a teddy bear, He s sin. Those who choose to sin, enslave themselves to it, and owe God their lives in hell upon . The good news is that Jesus Christ, the perfect God-man, came to earth, died on the cross, paid our debt in full, and declared those righteous who by faith in His payment are reconciled with God.
That is our Bible Study. We are transformed people who through the gospel of Jesus Christ have been born again by the living and abiding word of God.
Blessings
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Soaked in the gospel
Ever read through the Matthew passage about using you bag of talents? Well, God has been prodding me into using my vision for His purpose. For over 6 months he had impressed me with the idea to begin a college group that was seeking to be centered in the Bible, worshipping the hero of the Bible, Jesus Himself.
I didn't know how this would work out, and as I continue to develop the heart to run this ministry, God ALONE works out the details. At our first meeting we had 25 people, with about 5 unbelievers mixed in. A good friend shared her story of how she "once was lost, but now was found", I taught from the Word of God, and a dear brother lead us in some music.
The message came out of Hebrews 2:5-18, which talks about the need humanity had for a human Savior. That saviour could have only been perfect, because perfect blood needed to be shed to forgive all sin. Jesus came to die as our propitiation - the appeasement of our punishment we owed God! That is rich, because each man actually has to make a payment of his life back to God. God says that either you will trust that Jesus made that payment, or you will make that payment forever in Hell. (Easy choice, right?!?!?!)
God was honored, and we are going to be meeting this coming Sat., March 14th at 7 pm in Newhall. I am eager to have him bring more unsaved to hear about the sweet name of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
I didn't know how this would work out, and as I continue to develop the heart to run this ministry, God ALONE works out the details. At our first meeting we had 25 people, with about 5 unbelievers mixed in. A good friend shared her story of how she "once was lost, but now was found", I taught from the Word of God, and a dear brother lead us in some music.
The message came out of Hebrews 2:5-18, which talks about the need humanity had for a human Savior. That saviour could have only been perfect, because perfect blood needed to be shed to forgive all sin. Jesus came to die as our propitiation - the appeasement of our punishment we owed God! That is rich, because each man actually has to make a payment of his life back to God. God says that either you will trust that Jesus made that payment, or you will make that payment forever in Hell. (Easy choice, right?!?!?!)
God was honored, and we are going to be meeting this coming Sat., March 14th at 7 pm in Newhall. I am eager to have him bring more unsaved to hear about the sweet name of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
the few
Why are there so few men that carry the burden of the kingdom win them wherever they go? I have seen many guys pass through the doors of youth group and lens groups that rarely want to give their to
time and energy for the sake of the gospel. This is frustrating to the mind of the one who labors hard to honor the king.
God, be gracious to me as I too am weak.
time and energy for the sake of the gospel. This is frustrating to the mind of the one who labors hard to honor the king.
God, be gracious to me as I too am weak.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
how sweet is this Kingdom?
Ever wonder what you must give up to follow Jesus? Maybe it is not the same thing that a person living under religious persecution in Iraq or Bhutan may give up. However, as we are bound by our cultures norms and practices, if we have sacrificied nothing to follow Jesus, we are probably not following Him.
As important as relationships and things are, Jesus said we must leave them. MUST is an important word. Their is no "calling" necessary for a person to have to leave these things. Jesus' words are the "calling"!
I read a book recently that asked the question, "How are you living by faith right now?" I had to ponder this hard because my life is easy. I have a place to live, food to eat, a college education, great family, and everything else this culture wants me to have. But what if I gave it all up to follow Jesus and preach His name everywhere I went?
I think this world would look different if each of us did that. So, I am taking the steps to making His name look great. This is not a "Look at me" moment, but one that is clinging to the words of Scripture to be true. I will prove it to you that my life will not be wasted, as long as it clings to the words that Jesus said, "He who loses his life gains it!"
The gloriuos thing about following Jesus is that you can NEVER give up too much in following Him. We only give up that which we think is worth losing anyways.
Run hard my brothers and sisters in Jesus!
-Michael
As important as relationships and things are, Jesus said we must leave them. MUST is an important word. Their is no "calling" necessary for a person to have to leave these things. Jesus' words are the "calling"!
I read a book recently that asked the question, "How are you living by faith right now?" I had to ponder this hard because my life is easy. I have a place to live, food to eat, a college education, great family, and everything else this culture wants me to have. But what if I gave it all up to follow Jesus and preach His name everywhere I went?
I think this world would look different if each of us did that. So, I am taking the steps to making His name look great. This is not a "Look at me" moment, but one that is clinging to the words of Scripture to be true. I will prove it to you that my life will not be wasted, as long as it clings to the words that Jesus said, "He who loses his life gains it!"
The gloriuos thing about following Jesus is that you can NEVER give up too much in following Him. We only give up that which we think is worth losing anyways.
Run hard my brothers and sisters in Jesus!
-Michael
Saturday, January 17, 2009
conviction
Man, I wish this road were easy. God is putting tremendous conviction on my heart to bear His name. I am reading a book by Piper called "Let the nations be glad" and it is brutal. He gives two reasons why people should pursue missions: 1)For God's name to be glorified and 2) Out of a compassion for the lost.
Isn't this the reason why we ought to live out our days always? As I begin the thought process of leaving this country and enter into the borders of another to proclaim the gospel I am fearful that I do it for the wrong reasons. My heart is burdened and I have no answers other than the Bible.
Maybe that is why the Bible is so utterly important. It's God's 66 book love letter written to mankind. What a treasure we have in being able to know God. Let us rejoice because we are made by Him for His glory.
Isn't this the reason why we ought to live out our days always? As I begin the thought process of leaving this country and enter into the borders of another to proclaim the gospel I am fearful that I do it for the wrong reasons. My heart is burdened and I have no answers other than the Bible.
Maybe that is why the Bible is so utterly important. It's God's 66 book love letter written to mankind. What a treasure we have in being able to know God. Let us rejoice because we are made by Him for His glory.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rejoicing in the unknown
Well, my week in FL went great. I am approved for going overseas with this organization and will begin the process of making that happen with my local church. I wish that I could say this is easy, but this is the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I am walking blindly through this life with Christ as the bright light shining in front of me.
John 8:12 says this, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life."
I am trusting and leaning on this verse now. I am eager and excited that God would choose me to take a small part in this process, but uncertain what it will look like. If I do not do this out of love for the people there I am a clanging gong and worthless.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me during this time. I felt the prayers of the saints working, and I am not just saying that.
Now I urge you too to live with the same mindset, pushing on towards being content with God and pushing God's Kingdom to bounds it is not!
love,
michael
John 8:12 says this, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life."
I am trusting and leaning on this verse now. I am eager and excited that God would choose me to take a small part in this process, but uncertain what it will look like. If I do not do this out of love for the people there I am a clanging gong and worthless.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me during this time. I felt the prayers of the saints working, and I am not just saying that.
Now I urge you too to live with the same mindset, pushing on towards being content with God and pushing God's Kingdom to bounds it is not!
love,
michael
Thursday, January 8, 2009
thoughts...
I live in a land of ease. A land where we want to test things out before we believe we will be good at them. (I too am the same way.) Where good opportunities abound, and investments bring great return. Where obeying Jesus means consistent church-going. O God, take me out of the land of ease and into your presence. Suffering is joy when you are near.
Giving up your life is not to be done when going to the field, but should be done at the moment you accept Jesus' gospel. Preaching Jesus and Him crucified should be done ALWAYS, not when it is your vocation. Jesus deserves people radically sold out to Him. Why is it easy to excuse obedience because of our vocations?
Just some things I have been pondering...
Giving up your life is not to be done when going to the field, but should be done at the moment you accept Jesus' gospel. Preaching Jesus and Him crucified should be done ALWAYS, not when it is your vocation. Jesus deserves people radically sold out to Him. Why is it easy to excuse obedience because of our vocations?
Just some things I have been pondering...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Day 3
3:39 pm
Florida
Thanks to all of you who prayed for this meeting. Discussing the details of serving long-term overseas has been enlightening. The moment I walked out of the room I felt a peace of confirmation flush over me. God has been working in my heart to refine it to His service to those without the gospel, and that meeting was a blessing to my heart.
Tomorrow around 8 am I will meet with them again to discuss whether or not they are confirming me to serve with them and my local church. This is HUGE! Please pray for that time.
Being here this week has been so fruitful and encouraging to me. I believe God has me going down a path of full commitment to following Jesus. I want all who read this to also consider walking down that path with me, whether or not you leave America.
Following Jesus means losing your life in order to gain a better one!
Love,
Mike
Florida
Thanks to all of you who prayed for this meeting. Discussing the details of serving long-term overseas has been enlightening. The moment I walked out of the room I felt a peace of confirmation flush over me. God has been working in my heart to refine it to His service to those without the gospel, and that meeting was a blessing to my heart.
Tomorrow around 8 am I will meet with them again to discuss whether or not they are confirming me to serve with them and my local church. This is HUGE! Please pray for that time.
Being here this week has been so fruitful and encouraging to me. I believe God has me going down a path of full commitment to following Jesus. I want all who read this to also consider walking down that path with me, whether or not you leave America.
Following Jesus means losing your life in order to gain a better one!
Love,
Mike
Monday, January 5, 2009
First FULL Day
2:49 pm
Florida
Today has been spent hearing more about the organization. This place is insane! They will send anyone that is fit anywhere the gospel is not. We heard a portion of the places where missionaries are, but because of security issues they are unable to tell of the “hard to reach” areas.
The thoughts that have been washing through my mind have been ones I am sure the disciples first thought. The proper question to ask is: Am I going to make an effort to go down the road to bringing people the gospel? The improper question to ask is: Am I capable of being a missionary? Quite honestly, no one is capable and no one is worthy. The Holy Spirit does a good enough job at qualifying us!
I am meeting in 30 minutes to have a very important meeting here. For those of you that can pray during this time, pray from 3:30-4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time.
I will update later…
Colossians 1:12b “Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”
Florida
Today has been spent hearing more about the organization. This place is insane! They will send anyone that is fit anywhere the gospel is not. We heard a portion of the places where missionaries are, but because of security issues they are unable to tell of the “hard to reach” areas.
The thoughts that have been washing through my mind have been ones I am sure the disciples first thought. The proper question to ask is: Am I going to make an effort to go down the road to bringing people the gospel? The improper question to ask is: Am I capable of being a missionary? Quite honestly, no one is capable and no one is worthy. The Holy Spirit does a good enough job at qualifying us!
I am meeting in 30 minutes to have a very important meeting here. For those of you that can pray during this time, pray from 3:30-4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time.
I will update later…
Colossians 1:12b “Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”
Sunday, January 4, 2009
What does a Jesus Follower Look like?
2:01
Florida
Brief introductions were made with about 15 other candidates here so far. The Lord is clearly working in people’s lives as I have now met people who desire to tell the lost world about Jesus. Many want to go to China, Greece, North Korea, South Africa, and other places to proclaim the gospel to draw others to Christ.
What an honor to be among such people. They are God’s workmen and this is fabulous. I long to be in such relationships with people back home. Why can’t other Christians carry this mindset throughout their lives? Why is it that it is the few in the churches that are like this?
Dear God, raise up more workers everywhere.
Love,
Michael
Florida
Brief introductions were made with about 15 other candidates here so far. The Lord is clearly working in people’s lives as I have now met people who desire to tell the lost world about Jesus. Many want to go to China, Greece, North Korea, South Africa, and other places to proclaim the gospel to draw others to Christ.
What an honor to be among such people. They are God’s workmen and this is fabulous. I long to be in such relationships with people back home. Why can’t other Christians carry this mindset throughout their lives? Why is it that it is the few in the churches that are like this?
Dear God, raise up more workers everywhere.
Love,
Michael
The Process
4:03 am
Cincinnatti, OH
We just landed here about half an hour ago. I prayed that I would be bold with the person that would sit next to me on the plane. God flipped the situation though, and He placed a couple next to me that were Christians. They even have taken a missions class called Perspectives that I have become so fond of. It was sweet fellowshipping with them until we dozed off to a few hours of uncomfortable sleep.
What has been plunging my mind and rocking my heart is the thoughts of being inadequate for the work I so long to do. As a missionary I plan on changing lives by going overseas. I want to actually play a part in seeing people who were headed for hell to be accepting of my message that God gave me. How insane does that sound?!?!
The reason for my inadequacy however cannot be my downfall. Maybe it should be what I rejoice in? I will rejoice in the fact that God would use such a broken and doubtful person as me.
The last person I was with before leaving the LAX airport was a recent convert that God has brought my way. He is a seed that has sprouted. The gospel watered his hardened soul, and he is a new creation. Perhaps I should dwell on the fact that God is using me in powerful ways. It’s kind of scary to see your prayers answered. The God of this universe hears me, wow!
Love,
Michael
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Cincinnatti, OH
We just landed here about half an hour ago. I prayed that I would be bold with the person that would sit next to me on the plane. God flipped the situation though, and He placed a couple next to me that were Christians. They even have taken a missions class called Perspectives that I have become so fond of. It was sweet fellowshipping with them until we dozed off to a few hours of uncomfortable sleep.
What has been plunging my mind and rocking my heart is the thoughts of being inadequate for the work I so long to do. As a missionary I plan on changing lives by going overseas. I want to actually play a part in seeing people who were headed for hell to be accepting of my message that God gave me. How insane does that sound?!?!
The reason for my inadequacy however cannot be my downfall. Maybe it should be what I rejoice in? I will rejoice in the fact that God would use such a broken and doubtful person as me.
The last person I was with before leaving the LAX airport was a recent convert that God has brought my way. He is a seed that has sprouted. The gospel watered his hardened soul, and he is a new creation. Perhaps I should dwell on the fact that God is using me in powerful ways. It’s kind of scary to see your prayers answered. The God of this universe hears me, wow!
Love,
Michael
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
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