As another Christmas season fades from most people's memories, I am reminded of all the usual things for which we thank God; families, friends, health and homes. Christians also add their thanks for the incredible gift that is Jesus, and our salvation, which He made possible. We understand the honor with which Mary was gifted. To be the mother of the Savior is a blessing which has gone forth from Mary and touches all women everywhere.
But I stand in absolute awe of Joseph! Imagine being accepted by God to be a suitable substitute father for His Son! You see, I love kids. I wish I'd been blessed with dozens. It was not to be, but God substituted something just as wonderful. Many children have opened their hearts to me, several have even "adopted" me to be a substitute grandfather. Knowing how I feel about all of them helps me to better identify with Joseph, the foster-father of the Son of God!
Lord, I thank You for all of Your gifts!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Is He only your "SPARE TIRE?"
Every day I see a lot of folks driving who have no concerns about everyone and everything else. They speed, refuse to use signals, tailgate and cut you off with reckless abandon. All too often they are driving an SUV or other large vehicle, so that in the event of an "accident," they will be safe, even if you aren't.
A lot of us treat God with similar contempt. We careen through life, often narrowly avoiding one spiritual disaster after another, confident that He will save us in the nick of time. After all, Jesus is our "spare tire," and we've got Him in the trunk! When the "blowout" occurs, we just pull over, and it is "Jesus to the rescue!"
Is this what God wants from us? We are told, "Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right. For some people have disobeyed their consciences and have deliberately done what they knew was wrong. It isn't surprising that soon they lost their faith in Christ after defying God like that." 1TIM 1:19
...and, "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of His commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen His greatness and His awesome power." DEUT 11:1-2
...also, "Must God tailor His justice to your demands? Must He change the order of the universe to suit your whims? The answer must be obvious even to you!" JOB 34:33
...finally, "For I have told you often before, and I say it again now with tears in my eyes, there are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is this life here on earth." PHLP 3:18-19 (all quotes TLB)
Get Jesus out of your trunk! He is not the "band-aid" to fix our "ouchies," nor the "spare tire" to fix our "judgment errors!"
Put Him in charge of your life!
Until we meet again, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
A lot of us treat God with similar contempt. We careen through life, often narrowly avoiding one spiritual disaster after another, confident that He will save us in the nick of time. After all, Jesus is our "spare tire," and we've got Him in the trunk! When the "blowout" occurs, we just pull over, and it is "Jesus to the rescue!"
Is this what God wants from us? We are told, "Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right. For some people have disobeyed their consciences and have deliberately done what they knew was wrong. It isn't surprising that soon they lost their faith in Christ after defying God like that." 1TIM 1:19
...and, "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of His commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen His greatness and His awesome power." DEUT 11:1-2
...also, "Must God tailor His justice to your demands? Must He change the order of the universe to suit your whims? The answer must be obvious even to you!" JOB 34:33
...finally, "For I have told you often before, and I say it again now with tears in my eyes, there are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is this life here on earth." PHLP 3:18-19 (all quotes TLB)
Get Jesus out of your trunk! He is not the "band-aid" to fix our "ouchies," nor the "spare tire" to fix our "judgment errors!"
Put Him in charge of your life!
Until we meet again, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Friday, November 21, 2008
Turn on Your GPS!
We all know what a GPS is, that small electronic device that tells you exactly where you are and how to get where you want to go. With it, you can never get lost. Isn't technology wonderful?
Do you ever wish you had a GPS that could help you plan and direct your future? Something that could help you arrive at your ultimate destination, while avoiding the worst of today's spiritual pitfalls? Guess what? You do!
Jesus is our GPS!
By listening to, and following Him, we will arrive at His side in heaven, there to stay eternally. By ignoring Him or turning away from Him, we will arrive at some other destination (and there is, after all, only one other destination).
To use your GPS, you must;
1) turn it on
2) pay attention, &
3) follow its directions.
To get to heaven, you must;
1) recognize that you are a sinner, & will NEVER
.....get to heaven on your own (admit)
2) know that God paid this awesome price for
.....you. Incredible? yes! (believe)
3) tell others, they need to know it works, too!
.....(confess)
God wants us in heaven!
Jesus tells us how to get there!
Do you want to go to heaven?
Turn on your GPS!
See you all in Paradise!
Do you ever wish you had a GPS that could help you plan and direct your future? Something that could help you arrive at your ultimate destination, while avoiding the worst of today's spiritual pitfalls? Guess what? You do!
Jesus is our GPS!
By listening to, and following Him, we will arrive at His side in heaven, there to stay eternally. By ignoring Him or turning away from Him, we will arrive at some other destination (and there is, after all, only one other destination).
To use your GPS, you must;
1) turn it on
2) pay attention, &
3) follow its directions.
To get to heaven, you must;
1) recognize that you are a sinner, & will NEVER
.....get to heaven on your own (admit)
2) know that God paid this awesome price for
.....you. Incredible? yes! (believe)
3) tell others, they need to know it works, too!
.....(confess)
God wants us in heaven!
Jesus tells us how to get there!
Do you want to go to heaven?
Turn on your GPS!
See you all in Paradise!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nobody
Young people today really have it tough. Morals, politics, public policies, family life and social values have all gone downhill drastically in the last hundred years. The prince of lies has had thousands of years to perfect his techniques, and it shows in every aspect of our daily lives.
Satan knows the future of Christ's church depends on our conveying God's message to, and through, our young people.
What does God's word say?
"...and who should be coming down the road but the Treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, and was now returning in his chariot, reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the chariot." Philip ran over and heard what he was reading and asked, "Do you understand it?" "Of course not!" the man replied. "How can I when there is no one to instruct me?"" Acts 8:27-31 (TLB)
Without our aid, care, concern, love and instruction, young people today will hear only Satan's message, and never begin to understand God's.
Who is there to instruct them?
Nobody but us!
Mr Mike
Satan knows the future of Christ's church depends on our conveying God's message to, and through, our young people.
What does God's word say?
"...and who should be coming down the road but the Treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, and was now returning in his chariot, reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the chariot." Philip ran over and heard what he was reading and asked, "Do you understand it?" "Of course not!" the man replied. "How can I when there is no one to instruct me?"" Acts 8:27-31 (TLB)
Without our aid, care, concern, love and instruction, young people today will hear only Satan's message, and never begin to understand God's.
Who is there to instruct them?
Nobody but us!
Mr Mike
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ladies' Nite
OK guys, its ladies' nite (so to speak), read on at the peril of your previous convictions...
Women have all recognized that men are different (some are a lot more different than others). Why, you wonder? Lets examine the differences, and the reasons for them...
In general, men are bigger, stronger, more interested in contact sports, hunting, war movies, violent video games, boxing, wrestling... do you see a theme here? We are very aware that men mature over a longer time than do women, why is that? Then, too, most men are not so great at conversation or shopping, is there something that ties these all together?
Within any society, men's and women's jobs differ, especially so in reproduction. Since the female is blessed by God with the ability to bear children, her mate MUST be her defender! Imagine, if you will, a family traveling. Mrs Caveman is 7 or 8 months pregnant, carrying her 1 year-old on her right hip, and the family's belongings (some animal skins and a sharp stick) on her back, when a cougar jumps in to attack. Mr Caveman leaps in with his spear and club, parries off the attacking big cat, then kills it.
Too untimely, you say? Alright...
Mr and Mrs Smith are leaving the civic function and dinner. It is fairly late at night. She, in order to present a good image, is wearing her best clothes and jewels. Suddenly a doped-up psycho leaps out from behind a van, intent on assaulting her and stealing her jewels. Mr Smith leaps to her defense, using his barely-remembered high-school boxing training to save her.
In both cases, the man must be single-minded enough to see the desired end result as a path-line through all possibilities, otherwise his mate suffers the consequences. Women are generally much better at keeping track of multiple tasks, but, to be a good defender, men must be able to single-task to the near total exclusion of any distractions. Men pay a fairly hefty price for this concentration enhancement. During pregnancy, the mother's body actually attacks the unborn male baby's brain, destroying many of the cross-linkages that allow the multi-tasking process to work. In other words, a male is made to be a primarily single-tasking expert. There are other costs, as well. Males are usually much less verbose, which makes it harder for him to express his feelings to you. He will assume you understand that his coming home at night shows you just how much he cares. You worry why he doesn't express his love for you very much? To himself, he thinks; "Hey, I told her I loved her just last month! Tonight I had seconds of her stew, how could she not know?"
Some of what the bible says appears to put women down, as regards men. For example, these verses are often misinterpreted...
Eph 5:22-24 "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (kjv)
Col 3:18-19 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." (kjv)
Many men (and women) choose to read a near-slavery into these verses, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Women are told to submit to husbands and to God the same way! It does not say you are enslaved. It does say, "...as it is fit in the Lord." In other words, as it is right by God. So, why would it say that "the husband is the head of the wife?" Think back to the single-tasking caveman above, as he jumped to her defense, he shouted to his wife, "RUN!" Should she not run, she could easily be killed by the cougar, along with her baby and unborn child. The husband is the defender of the family, and leads it, much as a general is the leader of the army, & for much the same reason, survival! Note that the husband is told to not be bitter against his wife, but to love her.
God has put a lot of extra time into making your husband, your defender. Trust God to know what He is doing. Recognize that your man will not be as good as you at some tasks. It doesn't mean he has stopped loving you, he may just need a little jog to his memory, every so often. Remember when you first met how you leaned lightly against him as you waited in line at the movies? How you touched his hand as he drove? How you stared into his eyes at dinner? These are some of the most profound declarations of love you ever made to him, and they are completely non-verbal. You were speaking "his language."
Remember, also, he asked you to marry him. He didn't ask that air-headed twit who jiggled so much when she walked that both her brain cells rattled. Sometimes, your guy just needs to be reminded of your love, and his.
A woman's role is difficult enough. Often, she is Christ's representative to her children, as well as her husband. Keep God in the middle of your marriage. Don't let the world shake your confidence. God gave you a tough job, because He knew you were tough enough. Prove Him right!
See you soon, in paradise!
Mr Mike
Women have all recognized that men are different (some are a lot more different than others). Why, you wonder? Lets examine the differences, and the reasons for them...
In general, men are bigger, stronger, more interested in contact sports, hunting, war movies, violent video games, boxing, wrestling... do you see a theme here? We are very aware that men mature over a longer time than do women, why is that? Then, too, most men are not so great at conversation or shopping, is there something that ties these all together?
Within any society, men's and women's jobs differ, especially so in reproduction. Since the female is blessed by God with the ability to bear children, her mate MUST be her defender! Imagine, if you will, a family traveling. Mrs Caveman is 7 or 8 months pregnant, carrying her 1 year-old on her right hip, and the family's belongings (some animal skins and a sharp stick) on her back, when a cougar jumps in to attack. Mr Caveman leaps in with his spear and club, parries off the attacking big cat, then kills it.
Too untimely, you say? Alright...
Mr and Mrs Smith are leaving the civic function and dinner. It is fairly late at night. She, in order to present a good image, is wearing her best clothes and jewels. Suddenly a doped-up psycho leaps out from behind a van, intent on assaulting her and stealing her jewels. Mr Smith leaps to her defense, using his barely-remembered high-school boxing training to save her.
In both cases, the man must be single-minded enough to see the desired end result as a path-line through all possibilities, otherwise his mate suffers the consequences. Women are generally much better at keeping track of multiple tasks, but, to be a good defender, men must be able to single-task to the near total exclusion of any distractions. Men pay a fairly hefty price for this concentration enhancement. During pregnancy, the mother's body actually attacks the unborn male baby's brain, destroying many of the cross-linkages that allow the multi-tasking process to work. In other words, a male is made to be a primarily single-tasking expert. There are other costs, as well. Males are usually much less verbose, which makes it harder for him to express his feelings to you. He will assume you understand that his coming home at night shows you just how much he cares. You worry why he doesn't express his love for you very much? To himself, he thinks; "Hey, I told her I loved her just last month! Tonight I had seconds of her stew, how could she not know?"
Some of what the bible says appears to put women down, as regards men. For example, these verses are often misinterpreted...
Eph 5:22-24 "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (kjv)
Col 3:18-19 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." (kjv)
Many men (and women) choose to read a near-slavery into these verses, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Women are told to submit to husbands and to God the same way! It does not say you are enslaved. It does say, "...as it is fit in the Lord." In other words, as it is right by God. So, why would it say that "the husband is the head of the wife?" Think back to the single-tasking caveman above, as he jumped to her defense, he shouted to his wife, "RUN!" Should she not run, she could easily be killed by the cougar, along with her baby and unborn child. The husband is the defender of the family, and leads it, much as a general is the leader of the army, & for much the same reason, survival! Note that the husband is told to not be bitter against his wife, but to love her.
God has put a lot of extra time into making your husband, your defender. Trust God to know what He is doing. Recognize that your man will not be as good as you at some tasks. It doesn't mean he has stopped loving you, he may just need a little jog to his memory, every so often. Remember when you first met how you leaned lightly against him as you waited in line at the movies? How you touched his hand as he drove? How you stared into his eyes at dinner? These are some of the most profound declarations of love you ever made to him, and they are completely non-verbal. You were speaking "his language."
Remember, also, he asked you to marry him. He didn't ask that air-headed twit who jiggled so much when she walked that both her brain cells rattled. Sometimes, your guy just needs to be reminded of your love, and his.
A woman's role is difficult enough. Often, she is Christ's representative to her children, as well as her husband. Keep God in the middle of your marriage. Don't let the world shake your confidence. God gave you a tough job, because He knew you were tough enough. Prove Him right!
See you soon, in paradise!
Mr Mike
Monday, November 10, 2008
Love your wife!
Guys, do you have trouble understanding your wives?
No, this isn't a trick question!
Most husbands do find it difficult to comprehend a woman's point-of-view. It isn't a defect in either's thinking, rather just the way thought processes differ by gender.
(Ladies, this is aimed at the men, so you may find it overly obvious. If so, print out a copy, and leave it on his breakfast plate.)
Look, bud, your wife is NOT the same as you. God made her different for a reason! She completes you in a way nothing else can. She makes you stronger, as well.
Think not? What happens inside you if some total jerk comes up to you both on the street, and tries to accost her? See what I mean?
With God and your wife in your marriage, you can do almost anything.
But, what happens?
Sometimes she says things that make no sense to you at all, or asks questions that you KNOW she already knows the answers to, or wants your attention when you'd rather be doing something else...
In the back of your mind maybe you are noticing she isn't quite the teenager you fell in love with. When do you suppose that happened? Possibly during the years she cared for you, kept up your home, had your kids, AND balanced all this with working a job as well, just to help make ends meet.
In Eph 5:28-31 we read; "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (kjv)
Awesome, isn't it? (There is real power in the King James)
You know, guys, she is very aware that she is a little older. Our society reinforces her fears that you will no longer appreciate her as much as you did once. Television constantly depicts younger women as being more attractive, and yes, even more desirable. It isn't fair to her. She needs to be reminded of your continuing love, & of your devotion to her. Don't let complacency destroy your relationship! She needs your love and attention to be the strength you need when your job stinks, when major problems arise, and especially when you feel you are carrying the world on your shoulders.
Call her up unexpectedly when you're at work, remind her that you love her, and were just missing her and thinking of her. Ask her out on a date (sure, I know you're married, but that doesn't mean she has stopped being exciting, does it?). Do little things for her, unexpectedly. Stop by Wal-Mart on the way home and buy her a single rose. Get her some ear-rings, just because it is NOT her birthday. Tell her they looked lonesome without her. Propose marriage to her AGAIN! She needs to know your love for her is real, and constant. No other woman has ever given you what she has, right? Be sure she knows it! Remember how much she means to you, and has meant to you. Hey, she married you and not pimple-faced Ziggie Pflugelmeister from college, right?
Keep your marriage strong. Keep God centered in it. Keep your wife loved and content, and always reminded of your devotion. She will continue to be there to reinforce you, love you, and care for your kids. When disaster strikes, you will be each other's strength. It is what God intended, what more can you ask?
Walk with God.
Mr Mike
No, this isn't a trick question!
Most husbands do find it difficult to comprehend a woman's point-of-view. It isn't a defect in either's thinking, rather just the way thought processes differ by gender.
(Ladies, this is aimed at the men, so you may find it overly obvious. If so, print out a copy, and leave it on his breakfast plate.)
Look, bud, your wife is NOT the same as you. God made her different for a reason! She completes you in a way nothing else can. She makes you stronger, as well.
Think not? What happens inside you if some total jerk comes up to you both on the street, and tries to accost her? See what I mean?
With God and your wife in your marriage, you can do almost anything.
But, what happens?
Sometimes she says things that make no sense to you at all, or asks questions that you KNOW she already knows the answers to, or wants your attention when you'd rather be doing something else...
In the back of your mind maybe you are noticing she isn't quite the teenager you fell in love with. When do you suppose that happened? Possibly during the years she cared for you, kept up your home, had your kids, AND balanced all this with working a job as well, just to help make ends meet.
In Eph 5:28-31 we read; "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (kjv)
Awesome, isn't it? (There is real power in the King James)
You know, guys, she is very aware that she is a little older. Our society reinforces her fears that you will no longer appreciate her as much as you did once. Television constantly depicts younger women as being more attractive, and yes, even more desirable. It isn't fair to her. She needs to be reminded of your continuing love, & of your devotion to her. Don't let complacency destroy your relationship! She needs your love and attention to be the strength you need when your job stinks, when major problems arise, and especially when you feel you are carrying the world on your shoulders.
Call her up unexpectedly when you're at work, remind her that you love her, and were just missing her and thinking of her. Ask her out on a date (sure, I know you're married, but that doesn't mean she has stopped being exciting, does it?). Do little things for her, unexpectedly. Stop by Wal-Mart on the way home and buy her a single rose. Get her some ear-rings, just because it is NOT her birthday. Tell her they looked lonesome without her. Propose marriage to her AGAIN! She needs to know your love for her is real, and constant. No other woman has ever given you what she has, right? Be sure she knows it! Remember how much she means to you, and has meant to you. Hey, she married you and not pimple-faced Ziggie Pflugelmeister from college, right?
Keep your marriage strong. Keep God centered in it. Keep your wife loved and content, and always reminded of your devotion. She will continue to be there to reinforce you, love you, and care for your kids. When disaster strikes, you will be each other's strength. It is what God intended, what more can you ask?
Walk with God.
Mr Mike
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chapter & Verse
I've always had a bit of trouble remembering the "addresses" within the Bible. Some verses, like John 3:16, are easy to remember. Repitition makes that chapter and verse pop into mind almost instantly, but most are much harder.
Where did David say, "For salvation comes from God." Where did Paul ask Euodias and Syntyche to become friends again? Where did John say that he looked and saw a door standing open in heaven? Often I can remember a verse, word for word, but still can't quite place it without searching. Is it a weakness?
Just to confound the problem (for me), I note that when Jesus quotes Scripture (ie Isaiah in Mark chap 7) He doesn't use the chapter and verse, so, when did all this come about?
Hmmm......
It seems that Rabbi Nathan first divided the Hebrew Old Testament in 1448 AD, which was then printed in Venice in 1524. The first Bible with present verse divisions throughout was the Stephanus Vulgate in 1555. (courtesy "The Story of the Bible" by Sir Frederic Kenyon, © 1936)
These divisions made it easier to translate and print, and certainly make it easier to jump to a particular point in Scripture. To do without them, all I have to do is memorize each whole book of the Bible!
OK, so I'm convinced I need to put in more Bible study-time, how about you? Remember, the Post Office cannot deliver the mail without an address, neither, it seems, can we deliver God's Word to potential believers without the addresses!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Where did David say, "For salvation comes from God." Where did Paul ask Euodias and Syntyche to become friends again? Where did John say that he looked and saw a door standing open in heaven? Often I can remember a verse, word for word, but still can't quite place it without searching. Is it a weakness?
Just to confound the problem (for me), I note that when Jesus quotes Scripture (ie Isaiah in Mark chap 7) He doesn't use the chapter and verse, so, when did all this come about?
Hmmm......
It seems that Rabbi Nathan first divided the Hebrew Old Testament in 1448 AD, which was then printed in Venice in 1524. The first Bible with present verse divisions throughout was the Stephanus Vulgate in 1555. (courtesy "The Story of the Bible" by Sir Frederic Kenyon, © 1936)
These divisions made it easier to translate and print, and certainly make it easier to jump to a particular point in Scripture. To do without them, all I have to do is memorize each whole book of the Bible!
OK, so I'm convinced I need to put in more Bible study-time, how about you? Remember, the Post Office cannot deliver the mail without an address, neither, it seems, can we deliver God's Word to potential believers without the addresses!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Rapture
Some people do not believe there will be a Rapture. Either their religion teaches there will be no such thing, or they may be agnostic, atheist, or a member of one of the many non-Christian religions. I am constantly amazed at the number of people, who claim to be Christian, but do not believe it will happen. Often, I am told, "the word 'Rapture' does not appear in the Bible." In a manner of speaking, they are right. You see, the New Testament was written in Greek, not English, so rapture, as a word, could not be there. But, what is written in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, in Greek, is the word;
- Rapiemur -
If you are better than I am with Greek (probably most who've studied it), feel free to correct me.
In English, we translate rapiemur as "Rapture."
So, while it is true that Paul simply didn't write his letters in modern-day English, he did tell us we would be "caught up" to be with our Lord.
Be assured, Paul did tell us the rapture is coming. The Bible tells us explicitly how to be ready, and Jesus tells us to spread the word to all.
Behold! The Rapture cometh!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Now, I do not speak Greek, so I have to depend on the work of translators. In Anglic lettering, they render that word as
- Rapiemur -
which, as near as I can figure, means "will have been caught up."
If you are better than I am with Greek (probably most who've studied it), feel free to correct me.
In English, we translate rapiemur as "Rapture."
From the Living Bible; "Then we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever."
So, while it is true that Paul simply didn't write his letters in modern-day English, he did tell us we would be "caught up" to be with our Lord.
Be assured, Paul did tell us the rapture is coming. The Bible tells us explicitly how to be ready, and Jesus tells us to spread the word to all.
.
Invest the "talent" He entrusted to you!
Behold! The Rapture cometh!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Choices
Choices... all of our lives are filled with choices...
Most of the choices we face are not easy. Sadly, all too often, we make the wrong choice. I know, it is a problem I face as well. Age and health issues do (and have) contributed to erronious decisions, but the fault cannot be only attributed to them.
A good friend once nicknamed me "Micah" because he said I "preached too much," but the sad truth is, I really didn't witness enough. God throws LOTS of opportunities our way, but we often find ourselves looking the other way.
Hey... These are my friends!
-or- I have to work with them.
-or- This really isn't my calling.
-or- I don't know the Bible well enough.
-or- I'm too tired!
Choices... they are all choices, and it is easy to choose wrongly, and find a good excuse for doing so at the time. But, the Bible tells us...
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17
So, if you know what you're supposed to be doing, and DON'T do it, that is a sin!
But choices also include what we believe. We've all known of the Ten Commandments since childhood, but, do you know where they are defined in the bible? (Exodus 20:3-17) It is easy enough to check on, but few have ever done so.
I sometimes hear somebody making what they claim is a Scriptural quote that just doesn't ring true. When your "uh-oh" light turns on, remember John 8:32; "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Psalms 119:160 tells us; "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgements endure for ever."
What's all this mean to me? Whenever you hear any priest, preacher, deacon or televangelist quote something from the Bible, make a note of his interpretation. Does your Bible seem to give a different meaning to the passage? Grab another translation, discuss it with your friends, bring it up at your Bible study, or talk to your trusted priest, preacher or deacon. Choosing not to do so leaves one of Satan's seeds planted to sprout forth doubt at a most inconvenient time.
So, "know the truth" and know God's "word is true."
Luke 11:28 says; "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
OK, so listen to the Word of God, and do what it says.
And never forget John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Jesus is the Word, with God from the beginning, and He IS God!
So, how do we make the right choices? We take everything to the word of God! Then, when we know what God tells us, we spread the Word so that others may know.
They thirst for the good news.
Remember Prov 25:25 "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." and from Psalms 63:1, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee..."
Give others what they thirst for, and get a good drink for yourself!
And when it comes to choices... choose God!
................................(all quotes KJV)
See you in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Most of the choices we face are not easy. Sadly, all too often, we make the wrong choice. I know, it is a problem I face as well. Age and health issues do (and have) contributed to erronious decisions, but the fault cannot be only attributed to them.
A good friend once nicknamed me "Micah" because he said I "preached too much," but the sad truth is, I really didn't witness enough. God throws LOTS of opportunities our way, but we often find ourselves looking the other way.
Hey... These are my friends!
-or- I have to work with them.
-or- This really isn't my calling.
-or- I don't know the Bible well enough.
-or- I'm too tired!
Choices... they are all choices, and it is easy to choose wrongly, and find a good excuse for doing so at the time. But, the Bible tells us...
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17
So, if you know what you're supposed to be doing, and DON'T do it, that is a sin!
But choices also include what we believe. We've all known of the Ten Commandments since childhood, but, do you know where they are defined in the bible? (Exodus 20:3-17) It is easy enough to check on, but few have ever done so.
I sometimes hear somebody making what they claim is a Scriptural quote that just doesn't ring true. When your "uh-oh" light turns on, remember John 8:32; "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Psalms 119:160 tells us; "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgements endure for ever."
What's all this mean to me? Whenever you hear any priest, preacher, deacon or televangelist quote something from the Bible, make a note of his interpretation. Does your Bible seem to give a different meaning to the passage? Grab another translation, discuss it with your friends, bring it up at your Bible study, or talk to your trusted priest, preacher or deacon. Choosing not to do so leaves one of Satan's seeds planted to sprout forth doubt at a most inconvenient time.
So, "know the truth" and know God's "word is true."
Luke 11:28 says; "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
OK, so listen to the Word of God, and do what it says.
And never forget John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Jesus is the Word, with God from the beginning, and He IS God!
So, how do we make the right choices? We take everything to the word of God! Then, when we know what God tells us, we spread the Word so that others may know.
They thirst for the good news.
Remember Prov 25:25 "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." and from Psalms 63:1, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee..."
Give others what they thirst for, and get a good drink for yourself!
And when it comes to choices... choose God!
................................(all quotes KJV)
See you in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Afterlife Insurance Policy
It seems everywhere you turn, someone is predicting "The End." Some find it disturbing or think it misleading. Some think it is wrong to warn of the coming end, because "God has it all arranged, and only He knows." Obviously, there are those who find preparedness interferes with their lifestyle.
God does not want us to know the exact moment of the Rapture. There would otherwise be some who would plan to have "their fun," then get saved at the last possible moment. God wants us to choose Him because we want Him, love Him, and recognize our need of Him. He does not intend to be only an "afterlife insurance policy."
Why is it so hard for people to see the inevitable? What does God tell us?
-In Daniel 12:9-10, we read; "Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." -kjv-
Sometimes I think it helps a lot to use multiple versions of the Bible when studying. The Living Bible reads thusly; "For what I have said is not to be understood until the time of the end. Many shall be purified by great trials and persecutions. But the wicked shall continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those willing to learn will know what it means."
(I use the Living Bible for faster reading, and to help "catch" ideas, but then go back and check it against the King James. For me, this helps.)
So, what is this passage trying to tell us?
-Those who enjoy evil will never try to learn.
-It will be hard to understand these predictions,
...right up until the time of the end.
- You will be made stronger by hatred, abuse, and
...neglect; and by being misunderstood &
...mistrusted.
Although we cannot know the exact time, the increase in numbers of those who see it coming are a sign that the end is getting closer. God granted us the priceless gift of salvation, don't bury it! Take His investment in you to the public and give Him a "return" on that investment!
See you in paradise!
Mr Mike
God does not want us to know the exact moment of the Rapture. There would otherwise be some who would plan to have "their fun," then get saved at the last possible moment. God wants us to choose Him because we want Him, love Him, and recognize our need of Him. He does not intend to be only an "afterlife insurance policy."
Why is it so hard for people to see the inevitable? What does God tell us?
-In Daniel 12:9-10, we read; "Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." -kjv-
Sometimes I think it helps a lot to use multiple versions of the Bible when studying. The Living Bible reads thusly; "For what I have said is not to be understood until the time of the end. Many shall be purified by great trials and persecutions. But the wicked shall continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those willing to learn will know what it means."
(I use the Living Bible for faster reading, and to help "catch" ideas, but then go back and check it against the King James. For me, this helps.)
So, what is this passage trying to tell us?
-Those who enjoy evil will never try to learn.
-It will be hard to understand these predictions,
...right up until the time of the end.
- You will be made stronger by hatred, abuse, and
...neglect; and by being misunderstood &
...mistrusted.
Although we cannot know the exact time, the increase in numbers of those who see it coming are a sign that the end is getting closer. God granted us the priceless gift of salvation, don't bury it! Take His investment in you to the public and give Him a "return" on that investment!
See you in paradise!
Mr Mike
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Remember Who is in charge!
A while back, my eldest son and his family were involved in an accident. They were broad-sided by a loaded lumber delivery truck, not too far from their home. Their car was knocked sideways, spinning, across the street, and up into someone's yard. My son had both knees partially dislocated. His baby, 1 1/2 years old, bit through her tongue from the impact. Blood was pouring out of her mouth, and for a while, we thought she might lose part of her tomgue. His wife, 8 months pregnant, was hit so hard that she didn't immediately realize she was in labor. As any mother will tell you, that was some intense pain, to be able to disguise birthing pains. Her baby (another granddaughter, thanks God!) was born at 4:45am, the next morning, bearing a diagonal bruise from the seatbelt!
I was in even greater shock than would otherwise have been the case, because not 2 weeks previously, my son had told me he'd come to the conclusion that God did not exist...
I know I've done a lot of really dumb things in my life. Often, God will give me a whallop, upside the head (as we used to say) to let me know that a change of direction was indicated. Usually, I'm not so hard-headed that I don't take the hint...
I ask these two favors of everyone;
First - examine your life. Is there a message that God is trying to make you aware of?
Second - pray for everybody (my son included). We all need God in our lives.
God loves us all so much that He allows us to say "no" to Him, to our eternal peril. Many choose to keep that which is temporary and worth nothing, and pay for it with that which is eternal and worth everything.
"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
>>>>>-Mark 8:36 KJV-
See you in Paradise!
I was in even greater shock than would otherwise have been the case, because not 2 weeks previously, my son had told me he'd come to the conclusion that God did not exist...
I know I've done a lot of really dumb things in my life. Often, God will give me a whallop, upside the head (as we used to say) to let me know that a change of direction was indicated. Usually, I'm not so hard-headed that I don't take the hint...
I ask these two favors of everyone;
First - examine your life. Is there a message that God is trying to make you aware of?
Second - pray for everybody (my son included). We all need God in our lives.
God loves us all so much that He allows us to say "no" to Him, to our eternal peril. Many choose to keep that which is temporary and worth nothing, and pay for it with that which is eternal and worth everything.
"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
>>>>>-Mark 8:36 KJV-
See you in Paradise!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Your Ally
One of the very worst feelings is that you are alone against danger. Satan loves it when that feeling hits you, knowing that you are at your lowest level of spiritual strength.
Of course, this is when all the doubts creep back in.
-Does God really know just how bad I've been?
-Did I really mean it, when I was saved?
-But I've sinned since then, doesn't that negate the
.whole thing? etc. etc.
.
Almost any question can hit you with doubts, you wouldn't be human, otherwise. The Devil knows just how to turn the pressure up and keep you reeling.
Why is this? He knows if you are suffering from doubt, you are not an effective witness for Jesus. The less you witness, the less likely it is that someone else will be influenced by you for God. Your testimony just might be the key to their understanding of their need for Christ. Without it, that individual might never come to the Lord, and Lucifer does not want any of us in heaven!
Not that he loves us, you understand. He hates us because we can go to heaven to be with God, and he cannot. It is very important that we remember, as much as the Devil hates us, he hates God worse. Keeping us out of heaven denies us to our Lord, who made us, and loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. There is no other love that can compare to this!
So what do you do when you are bottomed-out? When all your reserves are totally spent, and you feel so alone you can't even muster up the energy to even look up?
That is the time to remember what Jesus said to us in Mat 28:20 "...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen."
Keep your head up! With Jesus as your ally, who can stand against you?
See you again soon, in Paradise.
Of course, this is when all the doubts creep back in.
-Does God really know just how bad I've been?
-Did I really mean it, when I was saved?
-But I've sinned since then, doesn't that negate the
.whole thing? etc. etc.
.
Almost any question can hit you with doubts, you wouldn't be human, otherwise. The Devil knows just how to turn the pressure up and keep you reeling.
Why is this? He knows if you are suffering from doubt, you are not an effective witness for Jesus. The less you witness, the less likely it is that someone else will be influenced by you for God. Your testimony just might be the key to their understanding of their need for Christ. Without it, that individual might never come to the Lord, and Lucifer does not want any of us in heaven!
Not that he loves us, you understand. He hates us because we can go to heaven to be with God, and he cannot. It is very important that we remember, as much as the Devil hates us, he hates God worse. Keeping us out of heaven denies us to our Lord, who made us, and loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. There is no other love that can compare to this!
So what do you do when you are bottomed-out? When all your reserves are totally spent, and you feel so alone you can't even muster up the energy to even look up?
That is the time to remember what Jesus said to us in Mat 28:20 "...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen."
Keep your head up! With Jesus as your ally, who can stand against you?
See you again soon, in Paradise.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Stand Together or Fall Apart
At one time, or another, all married couples experience a situation wherein strain within the marriage threatens our stability. It is very important that we recognize such problems and not let them come between us.
How do we prevent this? It is very important that we each see our spouse for what he or she truly is; the one who really is our "other half."
Marriage ceremonies commonly use the phrase, "the two shall become one." We tend to think it is symbolic, just a "part of the package." But why use these words? What do they imply? Why are they in the ceremony at all?
From Genesis, we know that God made Adam. God then said, "It is not good that man should be alone." He "caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep." While Adam slept, God removed a rib from Adam’s side, from which He formed Eve. At this point, we have the first man and woman. Obviously, Adam and Eve were both originally one. Each was the other’s "other half." Made from the same stock, each completed the other. Adam was Eve’s complement, and she was his. Were they exactly equal? Of course not! That was never God’s intent!
Since then, men and women have often looked at each other, and wondered, "Why can’t he/she see things my way?" or "Doesn’t she/he understand how much this will hurt me?" Questions like this illustrate the fact that men and women do think differently. It helps to understand that we were intended by our Creator to be different from each other.
Women have been especially blessed by God to hold a tiny part of His creation. Within them, human life can start, and grow. But, because a woman is nearly defenseless during the last of her pregnancy and childbirth, her spouse MUST be her defender. This requires him to think linearly. He must see problems and solutions as a line with discrete steps along the way. Since he has to think this way to ensure her survival, she has been better equipped by God to be able to keep track of home, kids, supplies, etc, the things for which most men are usually not as well suited.
Our God has arranged all this most marvelously well. With man as the defender, and woman the caretaker, we stand as two of the three legs of a tripod. God is, and must be, the third leg. We cannot allow anything to pry us apart. If you pull one of the tripod’s legs away from the rest, it will collapse. If we allow either of the human legs to pried away from the other, or from God, the "marriage tripod" will likewise no longer stand. If there is an irritant between yourself, and either God or your spouse, you must get that irritant out from the center, so that you have God and the strength of the marriage to help you deal with it. Take all problems to the Lord in prayer, and rely on His guidance.
Stand together or fall apart. The choice is ours!
See you again soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
How do we prevent this? It is very important that we each see our spouse for what he or she truly is; the one who really is our "other half."
Marriage ceremonies commonly use the phrase, "the two shall become one." We tend to think it is symbolic, just a "part of the package." But why use these words? What do they imply? Why are they in the ceremony at all?
From Genesis, we know that God made Adam. God then said, "It is not good that man should be alone." He "caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep." While Adam slept, God removed a rib from Adam’s side, from which He formed Eve. At this point, we have the first man and woman. Obviously, Adam and Eve were both originally one. Each was the other’s "other half." Made from the same stock, each completed the other. Adam was Eve’s complement, and she was his. Were they exactly equal? Of course not! That was never God’s intent!
Since then, men and women have often looked at each other, and wondered, "Why can’t he/she see things my way?" or "Doesn’t she/he understand how much this will hurt me?" Questions like this illustrate the fact that men and women do think differently. It helps to understand that we were intended by our Creator to be different from each other.
Women have been especially blessed by God to hold a tiny part of His creation. Within them, human life can start, and grow. But, because a woman is nearly defenseless during the last of her pregnancy and childbirth, her spouse MUST be her defender. This requires him to think linearly. He must see problems and solutions as a line with discrete steps along the way. Since he has to think this way to ensure her survival, she has been better equipped by God to be able to keep track of home, kids, supplies, etc, the things for which most men are usually not as well suited.
Our God has arranged all this most marvelously well. With man as the defender, and woman the caretaker, we stand as two of the three legs of a tripod. God is, and must be, the third leg. We cannot allow anything to pry us apart. If you pull one of the tripod’s legs away from the rest, it will collapse. If we allow either of the human legs to pried away from the other, or from God, the "marriage tripod" will likewise no longer stand. If there is an irritant between yourself, and either God or your spouse, you must get that irritant out from the center, so that you have God and the strength of the marriage to help you deal with it. Take all problems to the Lord in prayer, and rely on His guidance.
Stand together or fall apart. The choice is ours!
See you again soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Friday, July 25, 2008
Soon! and Very Soon!
One of the things none of us like to face is the fact that we don’t know how much time we have left. The younger we are, the more distant and remote the possibility of our own end seems. Somewhere around middle age it becomes obvious that there is quite a bit less road stretching out in front than there used to be.
As Christians, we know we are supposed to live as though tomorrow will bring us face-to-face with our creator, but do we? All too often, we continue on our way, comfortable in our certainty that there is plenty of time left to fix our lives, and get right with God. But, how much time do we really have?
In addition to all the possible worldly causes of our demise, we do not know when the tribulation will start. "No man will know" the exact hour. We do know that the generation that sees Israel reformed will not have passed, but that could be any time from right now until moments before the last of that generation draws his or her dying breath.
The seven years of the tribulation will be very bad, the nearest thing to "hell-on-earth" to ever exist. It is possible to be saved after the rapture, but with the antichrist in charge, your life will likely be brutal and short.
Don’t risk dying without salvation. If you’ve not yet accepted Jesus, stop whatever else you’re doing right now! Pray to God. Tell him, "I am a sinner." Know in your heart that He sent His Son to pay your debt for your sins. Ask Him in and accept Him. Then get about His business and tell others.
After all, like the song says, "Soon, and very soon, we’re all going to see the King."
How soon? Very soon!
See you soon, in Paradise.
Mr Mike
As Christians, we know we are supposed to live as though tomorrow will bring us face-to-face with our creator, but do we? All too often, we continue on our way, comfortable in our certainty that there is plenty of time left to fix our lives, and get right with God. But, how much time do we really have?
In addition to all the possible worldly causes of our demise, we do not know when the tribulation will start. "No man will know" the exact hour. We do know that the generation that sees Israel reformed will not have passed, but that could be any time from right now until moments before the last of that generation draws his or her dying breath.
The seven years of the tribulation will be very bad, the nearest thing to "hell-on-earth" to ever exist. It is possible to be saved after the rapture, but with the antichrist in charge, your life will likely be brutal and short.
Don’t risk dying without salvation. If you’ve not yet accepted Jesus, stop whatever else you’re doing right now! Pray to God. Tell him, "I am a sinner." Know in your heart that He sent His Son to pay your debt for your sins. Ask Him in and accept Him. Then get about His business and tell others.
After all, like the song says, "Soon, and very soon, we’re all going to see the King."
How soon? Very soon!
See you soon, in Paradise.
Mr Mike
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Witness
I saw Your star above the earth.
Oh! It filled my heart with joy!
It shined God’s pleasure in Your birth,
and His pride in You, His boy.
Oh! It filled my heart with joy!
It shined God’s pleasure in Your birth,
and His pride in You, His boy.
I saw You in a straw-filled barn,
Your head pillowed by the hay.
Your mother watched, to keep from harm
God’s own baby, born that day.
I saw You with some wise men then
and You were no more than twelve.
You spoke of love, and God, and sin,
and the banishment of hell.
I saw You at a wedding feast
with Your mother and some friends.
The wine You made was proclaimed best,
so the groom could make amends.
I saw You near the temple walls,
Your voice spoke with rage and ire;
"My Father’s house, not pirate stalls,
get out or you’ll feel His fire!"
I saw You feed five thousand men
with two small fish and some loaves.
And when the scraps they picked up then,
twelve baskets full did they show.
I saw You teach near Galilee,
And the words You spoke rang true.
You said You’d come to rescue me
if only I’d follow You.
In Gethsemane, I heard You cry,
and I paused and listened, then.
What I heard made me ask God, "Why?
Must You pay for all my sins?"
I saw You up on Calgary,
and my tears were like the sea.
Your pain and death and agony
You did offer up for me.
I saw You in a stranger’s tomb,
and the night dared make no sound.
I thought man’s end must surely loom
when Your Father’s wrath came ‘round.
I saw You rise with Glory’s cheer!
God’s Son lives! No more to die!
It’s You I love! Your voice I hear!
Your praise alone will I cry!
.
'till we meet in Paradise
.
Mr Mike
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Repent!
One of my favorite "churchy" jokes goes like this...
"A tiny country church, badly in need of repainting, had little more than $100 with which to have the job done. Old Joe (a well-known skinflint) was asked to do the work. He considered the matter, and came to the conclusion that, if he stretched the paint out as much as possible, he could maybe get by with just one gallon of white paint. Monday morning, he started to work. With about a third of the church painted, he'd already used up most of the paint, so he topped the can up with water, stirred well, and painted on. As he passed the three-quarter point, he realized he was, again, nearly out of paint, so he dilluted once more.
When he finished, he surveyed his work. "Not too bad." he thought.
Friday evening, though, a storm rolled in, and soaked everything.
Sunday morning, as he arrived for service, old Joe noticed the theme for the day's sermon on the church marque that read:
Repaint!
& Thin No More!
What does this have to do with us? How often do we tell God we are sorry for what we've done, then go back to our old ways? What does the Bible say?
Luke 13:5 "...except ye repent,ye shall all likewise perish."
Acts 8:22 "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
Rev 2:5 "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent,..."
Rev 3:19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." - all quotes kjv-
Often, we forget that repentance does not only mean saying we are sorry, it means doing something about our behavior to keep the offense from ever happening again.
Not stopping for red lights is a bad habit that could cost your driver's license, but your soul is worth a whole lot more than any document! If you tell the judge you're sorry, but then you see him again for the same offense, he'll be a bit skeptical of your repentance.
Repent,
& sin no more!
See you in Paradise!
Mr Mike
"A tiny country church, badly in need of repainting, had little more than $100 with which to have the job done. Old Joe (a well-known skinflint) was asked to do the work. He considered the matter, and came to the conclusion that, if he stretched the paint out as much as possible, he could maybe get by with just one gallon of white paint. Monday morning, he started to work. With about a third of the church painted, he'd already used up most of the paint, so he topped the can up with water, stirred well, and painted on. As he passed the three-quarter point, he realized he was, again, nearly out of paint, so he dilluted once more.
When he finished, he surveyed his work. "Not too bad." he thought.
Friday evening, though, a storm rolled in, and soaked everything.
Sunday morning, as he arrived for service, old Joe noticed the theme for the day's sermon on the church marque that read:
Repaint!
& Thin No More!
What does this have to do with us? How often do we tell God we are sorry for what we've done, then go back to our old ways? What does the Bible say?
Luke 13:5 "...except ye repent,ye shall all likewise perish."
Acts 8:22 "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
Rev 2:5 "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent,..."
Rev 3:19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." - all quotes kjv-
Often, we forget that repentance does not only mean saying we are sorry, it means doing something about our behavior to keep the offense from ever happening again.
Not stopping for red lights is a bad habit that could cost your driver's license, but your soul is worth a whole lot more than any document! If you tell the judge you're sorry, but then you see him again for the same offense, he'll be a bit skeptical of your repentance.
.
God spells it out clearly for all of us,
"...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Repent,
& sin no more!
See you in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
She's My Miracle
Seven years ago, God blessed me with a miracle. Her name is Trish, and she came into my life when it seemed to me that life was no longer worth living. But, let me back up a few years...
I married my first wife 35 years ago. I carefully chose her for all the wrong reasons. She was really cute, fairly short, but not too bright. This is what I was seeking. You see, her being good looking meant (to me) that I must have something going for me, right? If she were short, it made me look more impressive, and likewise, not being too intelligent made me look smarter by comparison. None of these reasons have anything to do with God's plan.
Our marriage was basically in trouble from day one, but stubborn determination, 2 kids, and my becoming a Christian part-way through helped to keep us together for 23 years. She had a lot of mental problems, but I contributed my share of irritants, too. She ran off with her best friend's husband, even so, I spent a few years trying to get us back together again. I had the kids, and after the eldest grew up, and moved on, it seemed to me that my life would surely end when the youngest reached adulthood. I wasn't planning that anything would happen, I was simply sure my life would be over then.
I had a lot of health problems that seemed to reinforce these beliefs. Mostly, I waited on my demise, neither looking forward to it, nor dreading it.
Then God sent the miracle into my life. I received an invitation from a company to sign up for a pen-pal. Usually, I tossed such stuff out. This time, for some reason, I looked into it. After much filtering-out of individuals that nobody would care to meet, I ran across a woman who'd had a horrible childhood, primarily featuring periods of various forms of abuse. She'd been hurt so badly, over so many years, that I was amazed to find her functional, at all. I wrote her to assure her that I was certain that God had placed someone on this earth for her, and to not give up hope. This was May 19th, 2001. Little did I realize, the someone God had picked out for her, was me.
After about a month, our email "conversations" had reached several per day.I began to be more and more supportive to her, and she began to mean a lot to me. As I still had a son at home, she flew in on July 3rd, for a visit. We were married on July 9th.
Seven incredible years! Oh, thank-you, God! I realized she was the one God had intended for me from the beginning. She is now more able to deal with what was done to her, and while my health problems have only gotten much worse, I no longer look forward to the day when I can call it quits.
I figured out, once, that the odds of our ever meeting at all were several billion to one. But God is in charge, and odds don't matter.
So, why am I writing this, now? As of the 9th of July, 2008, we've been married for 7 years. She is my couterpart, the Eve to my Adam, my soulmate! I finally understand that God knows best.
Put Him in charge of your life, it will be the best thing you've ever done. Afterward, you will certainly say, "Thanks, God!"
Mr Mike
I married my first wife 35 years ago. I carefully chose her for all the wrong reasons. She was really cute, fairly short, but not too bright. This is what I was seeking. You see, her being good looking meant (to me) that I must have something going for me, right? If she were short, it made me look more impressive, and likewise, not being too intelligent made me look smarter by comparison. None of these reasons have anything to do with God's plan.
Our marriage was basically in trouble from day one, but stubborn determination, 2 kids, and my becoming a Christian part-way through helped to keep us together for 23 years. She had a lot of mental problems, but I contributed my share of irritants, too. She ran off with her best friend's husband, even so, I spent a few years trying to get us back together again. I had the kids, and after the eldest grew up, and moved on, it seemed to me that my life would surely end when the youngest reached adulthood. I wasn't planning that anything would happen, I was simply sure my life would be over then.
I had a lot of health problems that seemed to reinforce these beliefs. Mostly, I waited on my demise, neither looking forward to it, nor dreading it.
Then God sent the miracle into my life. I received an invitation from a company to sign up for a pen-pal. Usually, I tossed such stuff out. This time, for some reason, I looked into it. After much filtering-out of individuals that nobody would care to meet, I ran across a woman who'd had a horrible childhood, primarily featuring periods of various forms of abuse. She'd been hurt so badly, over so many years, that I was amazed to find her functional, at all. I wrote her to assure her that I was certain that God had placed someone on this earth for her, and to not give up hope. This was May 19th, 2001. Little did I realize, the someone God had picked out for her, was me.
After about a month, our email "conversations" had reached several per day.I began to be more and more supportive to her, and she began to mean a lot to me. As I still had a son at home, she flew in on July 3rd, for a visit. We were married on July 9th.
Seven incredible years! Oh, thank-you, God! I realized she was the one God had intended for me from the beginning. She is now more able to deal with what was done to her, and while my health problems have only gotten much worse, I no longer look forward to the day when I can call it quits.
I figured out, once, that the odds of our ever meeting at all were several billion to one. But God is in charge, and odds don't matter.
So, why am I writing this, now? As of the 9th of July, 2008, we've been married for 7 years. She is my couterpart, the Eve to my Adam, my soulmate! I finally understand that God knows best.
Put Him in charge of your life, it will be the best thing you've ever done. Afterward, you will certainly say, "Thanks, God!"
Mr Mike
Monday, July 7, 2008
Your Faith is Your Shield While Witnessing
Oftentimes, while we witness to others, we run into the "intellectual skeptic." He is the one who will not listen to a word you say because he "knows better." This individual discounts everything biblical as fairy tales, or worse. Nothing you say will get through, so it seems. Not only do you feel you are wasting your time, but the devil will try hard to pry his way under your faith by way of the skeptic’s rebuttal, which will often involve "proof" involving evolution or whatever current theory is popular (i.e. global warming). Satan is trying to work on you as surely as you are trying to work for God, and he has had thousands of years of experience.
So, what are you supposed to do? God expects you to present His message, especially to the lost, but He doesn’t want you swayed by the devil’s arguments. This is why He gave you a mind, too, so you can reason on your own. He does not want you to just blindly follow. Commit your thinking processes to the struggle, as well.
Consider, if you will, the popular theory of evolution. The claim is that after millions of years of evolution, after countless billions of failed changes in biological design, we came to be. Now, none of the evolutionists claim there were as few as a million evolutions between primordial ooze and homo-sapiens, most still maintain there were billions of evolutions. Bear in mind that they still believe life has been on the earth for 50 million years, plus or minus, according to whichever "expert" is talking. For the number of evolutions they claim have to have happened, that is an incredibly short time. One billion changes over 50 million years equals 20 evolutions per year! Mankind has kept written records for 4 or 5 thousand years. Where are the records of the sheep growing wings or fish harvesting wheat? Why are there no dogs with scales or mice with 100 legs? Even if they cut the number of "required" evolutionary changes down by a factor of 100, someone would still have recorded a corn plant that walked to a better location in order to grow. Nope! Not very likely!
Along this vein, do you know what makes atom bombs work? The nucleus of the atom cracks apart and releases fantastic force. But, what keeps it together? Everything in the nucleus is either neutral, or a positively charged particle. Like charged particles repel each other violently, hence the nuclear explosion. Why doesn’t your coffee cup have its nuclear particles repel each other and leave a hole the size of New York in your front lawn? It is because our phenomenal God has seen to it that these things do NOT happen to us!
Will any of this convince your skeptic when you witness to him? Probably not, but you never know. The dedicated unbeliever will use anything to stay away from God. What it can do for you is help to build up your shield and your confidence so that the evil one has fewer chinks in your armor on which to work. Satan wants to steal you away from God, and keep you from being an effective soldier, but you know his future. Remind him of it always, and in every way…
Go with God.
Mr Mike
So, what are you supposed to do? God expects you to present His message, especially to the lost, but He doesn’t want you swayed by the devil’s arguments. This is why He gave you a mind, too, so you can reason on your own. He does not want you to just blindly follow. Commit your thinking processes to the struggle, as well.
Consider, if you will, the popular theory of evolution. The claim is that after millions of years of evolution, after countless billions of failed changes in biological design, we came to be. Now, none of the evolutionists claim there were as few as a million evolutions between primordial ooze and homo-sapiens, most still maintain there were billions of evolutions. Bear in mind that they still believe life has been on the earth for 50 million years, plus or minus, according to whichever "expert" is talking. For the number of evolutions they claim have to have happened, that is an incredibly short time. One billion changes over 50 million years equals 20 evolutions per year! Mankind has kept written records for 4 or 5 thousand years. Where are the records of the sheep growing wings or fish harvesting wheat? Why are there no dogs with scales or mice with 100 legs? Even if they cut the number of "required" evolutionary changes down by a factor of 100, someone would still have recorded a corn plant that walked to a better location in order to grow. Nope! Not very likely!
Along this vein, do you know what makes atom bombs work? The nucleus of the atom cracks apart and releases fantastic force. But, what keeps it together? Everything in the nucleus is either neutral, or a positively charged particle. Like charged particles repel each other violently, hence the nuclear explosion. Why doesn’t your coffee cup have its nuclear particles repel each other and leave a hole the size of New York in your front lawn? It is because our phenomenal God has seen to it that these things do NOT happen to us!
Will any of this convince your skeptic when you witness to him? Probably not, but you never know. The dedicated unbeliever will use anything to stay away from God. What it can do for you is help to build up your shield and your confidence so that the evil one has fewer chinks in your armor on which to work. Satan wants to steal you away from God, and keep you from being an effective soldier, but you know his future. Remind him of it always, and in every way…
Go with God.
Mr Mike
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Bucket List
I just recently saw the movie "The Bucket List." Morgan Freemen and Jack Nicholson play a couple of men, diagnosed with, and dying of cancer.
Both have a very limited life expectancy (a few months) and they put together a list of things they wish to do before they "kick the bucket," hence the name of the movie. The list is comprised of the sort of fanciful desires a lot of us have, and normally would be out of the financial reach of almost everyone.
Nicholson's character, however, is very wealthy, and he starts to make the wish-list come true.
In the end, of course, both men die. The moral, given at the movie's end, is that you measure yourself by those who measure themselves against you.
Incredible! It completely misses the mark! We all know none of us can "measure up" to God's standards, and the world's standards simply don't count for anything!
Nothing counts!
- If we don't first admit to our being sinners...
- If we do not believe, with every fiber of our being that Jesus, the Son of God, covered Himself with the horrible slime of our sins, for which only He could pay the penalty...
- If we do not get out and spread the word, confessing to all and sundry, the great news of God's plan for everyone's salvation.
Remember the parable of the talents? The master gave to all three of His servants. Two broght Him a return on His investment, but one buried his. We owe God a "return" on His investment!
There you have it... our "Bucket List."
First - get saved!
Second - help others find their own salvation!
How many billions are there in the world? How many have I reached so far? I better get going... still a few billion to reach yet on "my" bucket list!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Both have a very limited life expectancy (a few months) and they put together a list of things they wish to do before they "kick the bucket," hence the name of the movie. The list is comprised of the sort of fanciful desires a lot of us have, and normally would be out of the financial reach of almost everyone.
Nicholson's character, however, is very wealthy, and he starts to make the wish-list come true.
In the end, of course, both men die. The moral, given at the movie's end, is that you measure yourself by those who measure themselves against you.
Incredible! It completely misses the mark! We all know none of us can "measure up" to God's standards, and the world's standards simply don't count for anything!
Nothing counts!
- If we don't first admit to our being sinners...
- If we do not believe, with every fiber of our being that Jesus, the Son of God, covered Himself with the horrible slime of our sins, for which only He could pay the penalty...
- If we do not get out and spread the word, confessing to all and sundry, the great news of God's plan for everyone's salvation.
Remember the parable of the talents? The master gave to all three of His servants. Two broght Him a return on His investment, but one buried his. We owe God a "return" on His investment!
There you have it... our "Bucket List."
First - get saved!
Second - help others find their own salvation!
How many billions are there in the world? How many have I reached so far? I better get going... still a few billion to reach yet on "my" bucket list!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Thanking God for aches and pains
How often do we thank God for the times we hurt?
Not often, I bet! Not in my case, anyway.
I wanted to do some work up on the roof, yesterday. I work part-time (am) for a church, and assumed I'd come home, grab my tools, and get started.
But, I'm just not as young as I used to be... don't know just when I got old, but somehow I did. When I returned home, every joint in my body was screaming, usually a sure sign a front is coming in. A short nap, yeah, that's the answer!
Just about that time, a tremendous storm blew in! Several inches of rain fell in just over an hour. If I hadn't been so sore, I'd have been up on the roof with my power tools when it hit.
Electrical tools, rainfall, wet ladders and falling off of wet roof and/or ladder... ouch!
How often do we think to thank God for what seems to be bad things in our lives? How often would things have been much worse without His intervention?
Thank-you, God, for ALL my aches and pains!
Mr Mike
Not often, I bet! Not in my case, anyway.
I wanted to do some work up on the roof, yesterday. I work part-time (am) for a church, and assumed I'd come home, grab my tools, and get started.
But, I'm just not as young as I used to be... don't know just when I got old, but somehow I did. When I returned home, every joint in my body was screaming, usually a sure sign a front is coming in. A short nap, yeah, that's the answer!
Just about that time, a tremendous storm blew in! Several inches of rain fell in just over an hour. If I hadn't been so sore, I'd have been up on the roof with my power tools when it hit.
Electrical tools, rainfall, wet ladders and falling off of wet roof and/or ladder... ouch!
How often do we think to thank God for what seems to be bad things in our lives? How often would things have been much worse without His intervention?
Thank-you, God, for ALL my aches and pains!
Mr Mike
Monday, June 30, 2008
The great and terrible day of the Lord is coming!
In Joel 2:28-30 (kjv) we read, "...I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant that the Lord shall call."
The vast majority of people today do not watch religious programming on television, nor do they listen to it on the radio. They neither attend church regularly, nor even open a bible. They do not speak of Jesus to their kids, assuming that children will "pick that sort of thing up if they need it". They are embarrassed to be seen near a store-front preacher.
Many of these folks consider themselves to be Christians...
As the end draws closer, there will be further increases in those who prophesy, experience dreams and visions, and find they are compelled to take God's Word to the people.
There will also be an increase in those who spew out Satan's twisted viewpoint, in an effort to separate us from God. Some of these will be disguised to look like God's messengers.
It is important for us to remember that God loves us! He sent His Son to die in our place, for our crimes.
Satan does NOT love us! He hates us! We can go to heaven, he cannot! But, as much as he hates us, he hates God even more! By infecting us with sin, he can deny us to God, who wants us with Him.
Don't let "fitting in with the world" point you away from God. There is only one destination in that direction, and you don't want to go there! You MUST take everything to God, and compare it to His Word!
Please, I beg you, call on the Name of the Lord.
If you're reading this, then it isn't too late... yet...
Tell God you know you've sinned (We all have).
Know in your heart and soul that Jesus died for your wrongdoings. He took all the bad things ever done by everyone who ever lived, or ever will, upon Himself.
Go and do your part by telling others. If you don't tell them, who will?
Hope to see you in Paradise.
Mr Mike
The vast majority of people today do not watch religious programming on television, nor do they listen to it on the radio. They neither attend church regularly, nor even open a bible. They do not speak of Jesus to their kids, assuming that children will "pick that sort of thing up if they need it". They are embarrassed to be seen near a store-front preacher.
Many of these folks consider themselves to be Christians...
As the end draws closer, there will be further increases in those who prophesy, experience dreams and visions, and find they are compelled to take God's Word to the people.
There will also be an increase in those who spew out Satan's twisted viewpoint, in an effort to separate us from God. Some of these will be disguised to look like God's messengers.
It is important for us to remember that God loves us! He sent His Son to die in our place, for our crimes.
Satan does NOT love us! He hates us! We can go to heaven, he cannot! But, as much as he hates us, he hates God even more! By infecting us with sin, he can deny us to God, who wants us with Him.
Don't let "fitting in with the world" point you away from God. There is only one destination in that direction, and you don't want to go there! You MUST take everything to God, and compare it to His Word!
Please, I beg you, call on the Name of the Lord.
If you're reading this, then it isn't too late... yet...
Tell God you know you've sinned (We all have).
Know in your heart and soul that Jesus died for your wrongdoings. He took all the bad things ever done by everyone who ever lived, or ever will, upon Himself.
Go and do your part by telling others. If you don't tell them, who will?
Hope to see you in Paradise.
Mr Mike
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Today, I was especially blessed to witness 2 baptisms. It is always an honor to be present at these events, as they are often the first public testimony presented by new Christians.
A bit later, a young boy raced past me. "Who was that?" I asked nobody in particular. A girl standing nearby said, "Oh, that's the boy whose mom just got "pastorized."
I haven't laughed so hard in years! "Pastorized!" I know she was just mentally combining "pasteurized" with "baptized," but the effect was incredible! Everyone close by laughed. All to whom I related the story later, at least chuckled.
Thank-you, God! I love this kid! What an incredibly sweet view of events! How much God must love us to entrust us with kids! Especially when you consider how often people don't live up to that trust. What a precious, precious gift they are! "Of such as these is the Kingdom of Heaven."
With this in mind, here is a little something, dedicated to His kids...
-----
When God made kids,
A bit later, a young boy raced past me. "Who was that?" I asked nobody in particular. A girl standing nearby said, "Oh, that's the boy whose mom just got "pastorized."
I haven't laughed so hard in years! "Pastorized!" I know she was just mentally combining "pasteurized" with "baptized," but the effect was incredible! Everyone close by laughed. All to whom I related the story later, at least chuckled.
Thank-you, God! I love this kid! What an incredibly sweet view of events! How much God must love us to entrust us with kids! Especially when you consider how often people don't live up to that trust. What a precious, precious gift they are! "Of such as these is the Kingdom of Heaven."
With this in mind, here is a little something, dedicated to His kids...
-----
God’s Little Lights
When God made kids,
He used His heart,
His love He gives them, from the start.
He made them small, and softly sweet,
and entrusted them to you and me.
The love they offer us each day,
We thank the Lord for, when we pray.
Smiles and hugs are signs, you see,
that show how God meant life to be.
So, when you’re reeling
from Satan’s bites,
they’re here to love you…
God’s Little Lights!
-----
Thanks, Father...
Mr Mike
Saturday, June 28, 2008
I Can't Wait to Meet the Apostles
Like many others, I confess to having difficulty understanding the lives of those who wrote the New Testament. My perception of Paul was that he was something of a firebrand who was turned by Jesus from an opponent into a supporter. I saw the apostles as just being average guys, with the odd hothead, skinflint and scoundrel thrown in, for good measure. Two thousand years was just too long of a gap for me to be able to identify easily with these biblical heroes.
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ new series have been an incredible help in putting flesh on these old bones. The first book is "John’s Story," a plausible reenactment of John’s life from his own perspective. Book two, "Mark’s Story" does a similarly excellent job. I caution all to not treat these works as fact, merely as an aid to better understanding of the lives, times, and circumstances of those first Christians. I now find myself eagerly looking forward to meeting these early followers and evangelists, and thank them for a job well done.
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ new series have been an incredible help in putting flesh on these old bones. The first book is "John’s Story," a plausible reenactment of John’s life from his own perspective. Book two, "Mark’s Story" does a similarly excellent job. I caution all to not treat these works as fact, merely as an aid to better understanding of the lives, times, and circumstances of those first Christians. I now find myself eagerly looking forward to meeting these early followers and evangelists, and thank them for a job well done.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Stuff, and more stuff!
The commandments tell us; "thou shall not covet" anything of our neighbor’s. In general, we feel rather secure about this directive because we’re able to convince ourselves we don’t want to take anything from our neighbors. We’d rather buy them for ourselves. But, what does "covet" really mean? My dictionary lists these definitions;
----------
1: to long for something belonging to another, and
2: to desire
----------
Hmmm, is buying our own stuff covered by the second definition? If we want it, we just go out and buy it, right? It’s only because we want it. Sounds a bit like "covet" to me.
I knew a man overseas, many years ago. He and his family, ran a Sari-Sari store, a half-walled hut wherein he bought, sold and bartered things for his community, sort of a 3rd world eBay. His wife washed his only good shirt and pants every night so he’d look his best the next day. None of the family even owned shoes…
By contrast, a friend in California once asked me to help him drive his car home, as he’d recently purchased another. The new car was parked in back of his house with 11 or 12 others he’d collected over the years. Stuff…
A friend has a room in her home walled with glass-fronted cabinets so she can display her collection of hundreds of teapots from around the world. Stuff…
Another has thousands of salt & pepper shaker sets stored in her home. Stuff…
I own a lot of old videos, a friend with whom I used to work has a collection of thousands of expensive tools he doesn’t use, a guy I know claims he has one of every game cartridge ever released and I once knew a man who’d turned one room in his home into a giant gun-safe to house and protect his collection of hundreds of old firearms… All stuff!
Where does it all end?
When will we ever have enough stuff?
Jesus once told a rich man to sell all he owned & give the money to the poor if he wanted to get to heaven. This really troubled the rich guy. Why? Because he was very much in love with all his stuff.
Why is it easier for a camel to go through the "eye of the needle" than for a rich man to get to heaven? Because it is easy to get so attached to stuff, that it replaces God as the item of greatest importance in your life. God has no intention of playing second-fiddle to our collections of stuff. Not only does He want to be FIRST in our lives and our hearts, He wants us to choose to put Him first, & He wants us to care enough for all his people to put their needs ahead of our desire for stuff.
Do I really need a TV in every room or is it more important for starving kids to have food to eat? Is my new "Halo IV" videogame more important than getting the Word to those oppressed under Islam? Can any new RV be more vital than getting inexpensive bible translations made for peoples not previously reached throughout the world? Does preventing the murder of unborn babies mean less than being seen in our fancy new clothes?
Will Jesus agree with our decisions in these matters? "WWJD" is more than just a slogan for t-shirts, you know.
All the stuff ever made doesn’t begin to match the value our Heavenly Father places on one more soul won over to Him. Folks, we all need to build up our treasure in heaven, where it counts (and lasts), not here on earth, where it is just so much more stuff!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
----------
1: to long for something belonging to another, and
2: to desire
----------
Hmmm, is buying our own stuff covered by the second definition? If we want it, we just go out and buy it, right? It’s only because we want it. Sounds a bit like "covet" to me.
I knew a man overseas, many years ago. He and his family, ran a Sari-Sari store, a half-walled hut wherein he bought, sold and bartered things for his community, sort of a 3rd world eBay. His wife washed his only good shirt and pants every night so he’d look his best the next day. None of the family even owned shoes…
By contrast, a friend in California once asked me to help him drive his car home, as he’d recently purchased another. The new car was parked in back of his house with 11 or 12 others he’d collected over the years. Stuff…
A friend has a room in her home walled with glass-fronted cabinets so she can display her collection of hundreds of teapots from around the world. Stuff…
Another has thousands of salt & pepper shaker sets stored in her home. Stuff…
I own a lot of old videos, a friend with whom I used to work has a collection of thousands of expensive tools he doesn’t use, a guy I know claims he has one of every game cartridge ever released and I once knew a man who’d turned one room in his home into a giant gun-safe to house and protect his collection of hundreds of old firearms… All stuff!
Where does it all end?
When will we ever have enough stuff?
Jesus once told a rich man to sell all he owned & give the money to the poor if he wanted to get to heaven. This really troubled the rich guy. Why? Because he was very much in love with all his stuff.
Why is it easier for a camel to go through the "eye of the needle" than for a rich man to get to heaven? Because it is easy to get so attached to stuff, that it replaces God as the item of greatest importance in your life. God has no intention of playing second-fiddle to our collections of stuff. Not only does He want to be FIRST in our lives and our hearts, He wants us to choose to put Him first, & He wants us to care enough for all his people to put their needs ahead of our desire for stuff.
Do I really need a TV in every room or is it more important for starving kids to have food to eat? Is my new "Halo IV" videogame more important than getting the Word to those oppressed under Islam? Can any new RV be more vital than getting inexpensive bible translations made for peoples not previously reached throughout the world? Does preventing the murder of unborn babies mean less than being seen in our fancy new clothes?
Will Jesus agree with our decisions in these matters? "WWJD" is more than just a slogan for t-shirts, you know.
All the stuff ever made doesn’t begin to match the value our Heavenly Father places on one more soul won over to Him. Folks, we all need to build up our treasure in heaven, where it counts (and lasts), not here on earth, where it is just so much more stuff!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
We are God's tools!
It is important to remember that we are but God's tools. He has had a plan for each of us from the very beginning. No tools can ever be as important as its Creator. We do His bidding, even when we are not aware of it...
And yet, He gave His Son for us, that we might live.
What a mighty God we serve!
"The Arrow" was just something I drew up about 15 years ago to remind myself to not be impressed with my own accomplishments, and to give all glory back to God, where it belongs.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Use YOUR Big Gun!
Sometimes I have problems when trying to witness to others. Yeah, I know, we all do. It happens like this: God sends an opportunity your way. You take a breath, get ready to speak, then you notice that there is something REALLY different here. Age, background, ethnicity, gender, maybe even monetary status. It happens to me, it happens to all of us. Out of the blue, you feel very uncertain. what are the right words to say to this person? God put this person here, the time is now… But, how to bridge the gap?
My memory is far from perfect. I can usually remember the gist of the bible’s message, but the exact wording… chapter and verse? Sometimes even which book, who wrote it and when, is temporarily gone. Stress of the moment and Satan running interference can do that to anyone. Add even a little bit of doubt or unwillingness to listen, on the part of the "prospect," and I find myself flopping around, like a fish out of water.
In truth, there are a LOT of people who do NOT want to hear God’s message. Some simply don’t want to believe. Then, too, there are those who hear what you’re saying, but, to them, it sounds like this, "I know someone who has a neighbor who thinks her friend’s son’s girlfriend heard that…etc, etc."
If you render testimony in a court of law, the judge has no tolerance for hearsay. All he wants is FACTS. Often, those you witness to feel the same way. They won’t hear you at all unless you tell them your own personal experience. There is a very persuasive aura that surrounds you when you speak of your own life's experience. This is your major weapon in your arsenal for getting through to those who doubt. They cannot ignore your testimony, because you know exactly what happened to you, and when, and how. Nothing you ever say will carry the same conviction!
A very good friend, a "baby-sister" in Christ, had been raising her children on her own. Needing money badly. she accepted a temporary job delivering phone books. One evening, at our bible study, she was in obvious pain. She'd wrenched her back from the day's labor, and was fearful she'd be unable to return to work the next day. Another good friend. a profound prayer warrior, took her aside and prayed intently, asking God to relieve her of pain so that she could continue to support her family. Immediately, the light dawned on her face. She went from person to person, telling each what had occurred.
God blessed her, both with a surcease from pain and an incredible testimony. No one, listening to her recounting of these events, could miss the aura of truth that surrounded her.
When you relate your own testimony, always lead with the truth of your life. Sure, we've messed up, we all have, BUT God saved us anyway. Above all, don’t worry so much about what to say, say what you know. A soldier going into battle wants the most powerful weapon he can carry. God has already armed you!
The world is Satan’s battleground, & you’re in God’s army, so...
My memory is far from perfect. I can usually remember the gist of the bible’s message, but the exact wording… chapter and verse? Sometimes even which book, who wrote it and when, is temporarily gone. Stress of the moment and Satan running interference can do that to anyone. Add even a little bit of doubt or unwillingness to listen, on the part of the "prospect," and I find myself flopping around, like a fish out of water.
In truth, there are a LOT of people who do NOT want to hear God’s message. Some simply don’t want to believe. Then, too, there are those who hear what you’re saying, but, to them, it sounds like this, "I know someone who has a neighbor who thinks her friend’s son’s girlfriend heard that…etc, etc."
If you render testimony in a court of law, the judge has no tolerance for hearsay. All he wants is FACTS. Often, those you witness to feel the same way. They won’t hear you at all unless you tell them your own personal experience. There is a very persuasive aura that surrounds you when you speak of your own life's experience. This is your major weapon in your arsenal for getting through to those who doubt. They cannot ignore your testimony, because you know exactly what happened to you, and when, and how. Nothing you ever say will carry the same conviction!
A very good friend, a "baby-sister" in Christ, had been raising her children on her own. Needing money badly. she accepted a temporary job delivering phone books. One evening, at our bible study, she was in obvious pain. She'd wrenched her back from the day's labor, and was fearful she'd be unable to return to work the next day. Another good friend. a profound prayer warrior, took her aside and prayed intently, asking God to relieve her of pain so that she could continue to support her family. Immediately, the light dawned on her face. She went from person to person, telling each what had occurred.
God blessed her, both with a surcease from pain and an incredible testimony. No one, listening to her recounting of these events, could miss the aura of truth that surrounded her.
When you relate your own testimony, always lead with the truth of your life. Sure, we've messed up, we all have, BUT God saved us anyway. Above all, don’t worry so much about what to say, say what you know. A soldier going into battle wants the most powerful weapon he can carry. God has already armed you!
The world is Satan’s battleground, & you’re in God’s army, so...
Use YOUR Big Gun!
Mr Mike
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tool or Jewel?
Sometimes life stinks. You try your best to do what is right, you mostly stay out of trouble, you haven't broken any laws, but, once in a while, life clobbers you hard. Maybe your family came down on you when you didn't deserve it. Your best friend's been cutting you down real bad for no reason. The girl or guy you've been interested in couldn't care less about how you feel. You get the feeling that life is out to pound you into the ground. You're burning up inside, and every day it gets worse! Why? Why is this happening to you? It isn't fair! It can't be right!
The process whereby gold and silver are refined involves repeated melting at high temperatures, burning away the impurities, so that these precious metals are ready for the manufacture of jewelry.
But, what if you don't need jewels. Let's say what you really need is a tool. It doesn't really matter if what you need is a hammer or a chisel, a sewing machine, a saw blade, a roller to make sheet metal for car-bodies or a press to shape cell-phone batteries... what you NEED is a TOOL! You can't make most tools out of gold or silver, these metals are just too soft.
Some tools can be made out of iron (which is harder), but really good tools have to be made out of steel. Steel is made from iron, and the refining process for iron is similar to that of gold or silver.
But to make steel, tool-grade steel, the temperature is a lot hotter. After the iron has been refined, you actually have to add impurities to the liquid metal, let it cool slightly, press it into long bars, fold it over onto itself, and then pound it together. After a slight cooling, you take it back, almost to the liquid state and repeat this process, sometimes thousands of times. Over and over, tremendous heat, fantastic pressure, exposure to contaminants, and constant pounding. Finally, the metal has big chunks cut away, and THEN its stamped under thousands of tons of pressure. All this, just to make a steel tool.
Nobody makes jewelry out of iron or steel, and people just don't need tools made of gold or silver, & God doesn't much use jewels to spread His word. He needs tools... us. He needs us to be tough enough to stand up to life's abuse, to accept His guidance, to do His work. In other words, to be His tools!
So remember, when you get dealt a nasty hand, when it all seems like it is too much for one person to bear, when you are burning up inside at the injustice of it all, remember... God needs TOOLS to spread His word.
So... ARE YOU a TOOL? or just a jewel?
The process whereby gold and silver are refined involves repeated melting at high temperatures, burning away the impurities, so that these precious metals are ready for the manufacture of jewelry.
But, what if you don't need jewels. Let's say what you really need is a tool. It doesn't really matter if what you need is a hammer or a chisel, a sewing machine, a saw blade, a roller to make sheet metal for car-bodies or a press to shape cell-phone batteries... what you NEED is a TOOL! You can't make most tools out of gold or silver, these metals are just too soft.
Some tools can be made out of iron (which is harder), but really good tools have to be made out of steel. Steel is made from iron, and the refining process for iron is similar to that of gold or silver.
But to make steel, tool-grade steel, the temperature is a lot hotter. After the iron has been refined, you actually have to add impurities to the liquid metal, let it cool slightly, press it into long bars, fold it over onto itself, and then pound it together. After a slight cooling, you take it back, almost to the liquid state and repeat this process, sometimes thousands of times. Over and over, tremendous heat, fantastic pressure, exposure to contaminants, and constant pounding. Finally, the metal has big chunks cut away, and THEN its stamped under thousands of tons of pressure. All this, just to make a steel tool.
Nobody makes jewelry out of iron or steel, and people just don't need tools made of gold or silver, & God doesn't much use jewels to spread His word. He needs tools... us. He needs us to be tough enough to stand up to life's abuse, to accept His guidance, to do His work. In other words, to be His tools!
So remember, when you get dealt a nasty hand, when it all seems like it is too much for one person to bear, when you are burning up inside at the injustice of it all, remember... God needs TOOLS to spread His word.
So... ARE YOU a TOOL? or just a jewel?
Friday, June 20, 2008
How did I get here?
I was raised in a church that was fairly repressive. Dissagreements were strongly discouraged. Questions were frowned upon, ask too many, and you were invited to leave. By the time I reached adulthood, I wanted out. I didn't want anything to do with organized religion or God.
As soon as I was old enough, I joined the military. There were some feelings of patriotism, but a lot was determination to "just do things my way." I wanted to get out on my own, and have fun.
A good friend set for himself the task of getting me back into God's grace. Brother, did I ever resist! Everything I'd ever experienced led me to believe that religion was phony, as were its practitioners. After more than a year of my buddy's attention, going with me everywhere I went, "arranging" for our travel past Christian servicemen's centers, "accidentally" running into powerful Christian speakers, and pointing out God's handiwork at every opportunity, I decided I'd had enough. I was going to end all this nonsense by faking my salvation! What an idea! He'd go bother someone else about this, and I'd be out having fun again.
Somehow, he saw through me. It really had me puzzled. The only good thing I did at that time, though, was to pray the first honest prayer of my life. I said, "God, I don't know how to believe in You. If You're really there, please help me to believe."
I don't think I actually expected results, yet belief did seem to start seeping in. About a month later, I asked God to forgive me for everything I'd done wrong, thanked Him for the sacrifice of His Son, and (to my surprise) felt compelled to tell others.
Have I ever failed since then? Yes, I'm a long way from perfect. I just get back up, apologize to God for my failings, and keep trying.
God forgives those of us who have sinned. He requires that we acknowledge our sins, believe that Jesus' death paid the price for our salvation, and spread the Word!
That's it! It is hard to admit that we sin, but once we are over that hurdle, the rest is easy!
Think about it. Pray about it. Act on it.
If God can save me, He can save anybody!
Hope to see you in Paradise!
Mr Mike
As soon as I was old enough, I joined the military. There were some feelings of patriotism, but a lot was determination to "just do things my way." I wanted to get out on my own, and have fun.
A good friend set for himself the task of getting me back into God's grace. Brother, did I ever resist! Everything I'd ever experienced led me to believe that religion was phony, as were its practitioners. After more than a year of my buddy's attention, going with me everywhere I went, "arranging" for our travel past Christian servicemen's centers, "accidentally" running into powerful Christian speakers, and pointing out God's handiwork at every opportunity, I decided I'd had enough. I was going to end all this nonsense by faking my salvation! What an idea! He'd go bother someone else about this, and I'd be out having fun again.
Somehow, he saw through me. It really had me puzzled. The only good thing I did at that time, though, was to pray the first honest prayer of my life. I said, "God, I don't know how to believe in You. If You're really there, please help me to believe."
I don't think I actually expected results, yet belief did seem to start seeping in. About a month later, I asked God to forgive me for everything I'd done wrong, thanked Him for the sacrifice of His Son, and (to my surprise) felt compelled to tell others.
Have I ever failed since then? Yes, I'm a long way from perfect. I just get back up, apologize to God for my failings, and keep trying.
God forgives those of us who have sinned. He requires that we acknowledge our sins, believe that Jesus' death paid the price for our salvation, and spread the Word!
That's it! It is hard to admit that we sin, but once we are over that hurdle, the rest is easy!
Think about it. Pray about it. Act on it.
If God can save me, He can save anybody!
Hope to see you in Paradise!
Mr Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)