Stand Still

(Exo 14:13)  And Moses said to the people, Do not fear. Stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah, which He will prepare for you this day. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them anymore.

(Jos 3:8)  And you shall command the priests that carry the ark of the covenant, saying, When you have come to the brink of the water of Jordan, you shall stand still in Jordan.

(Jos 10:12)  Then Joshua spoke to Jehovah in the day when Jehovah delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun! Stand still on Gibeon! And, moon, stand still in the valley of Aijalon!

(Job 37:14)  Listen to this, Job; stand still, and consider the wonderful works of God.

There are times in our lives that no matter how hard we try or what we do nothing seems to come out right. There are also times that we are faced with situations that people are actually the problem. Then there are times we face what appears on the surface a task or situation that is insurmountable even impossible. Finally there are periods of sickness, suffering, persecution and affliction. Our trouble and problems seem to have no end.

The first thing that we should always do is honest self examination, take a look inward. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you are the problem.  Take a look at what you are doing in life are you following God’s guidance and living out his divine purpose for your life? You should also look at your surroundings what kind of company do you keep? Who are you spending your time with? Is it clear and evident that the people you associate or even live with are serving God and living out their divine purpose?

If you are the problem, then you are the one that needs to seek God’s forgiveness and probably the forgiveness of others as well. Then you need to ask God to help you pull yourself together and start afresh. However if you are not the problem then the best thing for you to do is to stand still. If you take time and study the above scriptures there are some dire situations revealed in which God’s instructions through his messengers were to simply stand still.

Often we face situations and problems and God gives us an answer or solution and we fail to give him credit.  So these Mega Problems or situations occur so that God will get the glory. God wants us to simply stand still so he can handle the problem or situation for us. It is insurmountable for us but an after thought to God. What some of you are going through right now may be so painful, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just realize that it is all for your good and at the end of the day God will get the Glory. When it is all over the only thing you will be able to tell people is that. It was God that brought you out. It was God that delivered you. It was God that saved you. In the mean time, Stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah, which He will prepare for you this day. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them anymore.

Just be patient, there is some stuff, some people, situations, conditions, and some places that you will see no more. It I pray soon will only be a memory. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike.

 

Life’s Gray Areas

(Proverbs 14:12)  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Often times in life we paint things black or white, right or wrong and they are just that. However there are those gray areas of life and often times in our churches we avoid them. One obvious example is spousal abuse, if a woman or a man is being physically abused by their spouse there is no way the church should encourage the person being abused to stay in the relationship even though we know that the Bible says adultrey is the only grounds for divorce according to the Bible. The worst advice anyone could give is to tell them to hang in there and the person ends up dead by the hands of their spouse.

Life is full of gray areas situations that the world, even some churches may say is okay but as our scripture says the end is death. There are times when the obvious is not so obvious. What you’re feelings and emotions tell you to do sometimes you should not. Then there are times when what you feel that you should not do, you should do. We cannot let people or society even church folk help us decide which path to take nor what to do, who to associate with, or who to help out. So how do you decide when faced with one of life’s gray area situations? I’m glad you asked.

 

(Pro 3:5)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

(Pro 3:6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

(Pro 3:7)  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

(Pro 3:8)  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

 

The type of relationship that you personally have with God will determine whether or not you’ll make the right decision when faced with a gray area situation. Because no matter what people may say or think if you seek God’s guidance and he places in your spirit a path to take, an answer as to what you should do in a gray area situation. If you follow his lead then God’s got your back and there is nothing anyone can say or do because If God is for you who can be against you. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike

My Take Part Two

Well it is now the wee hours of election day 2008 and no matter who wins this election will go down in history as one of the most historic ever.  I believe that this election maybe part of a series of pivotal events that will impact the future of all mankind. As a person that has an interest in the study of Biblical numerics I have found some recent events to be very interesting.  As most of you know recently the stock market has experienced some very chaotic days of trading. On one in particular day September 29 the stock market ended with the numbers -777.68. For those who study Biblical Numerics they know that 777 is the number of Christ 6 is the number of man and 8 the number of new beginnings.  Another interesting thing to note on this same day September 29th after sunset the Jewish New Year began which marked the first day of Tishrei of the year 5769 exactly 8 years away from the first day of the year 5777.

Maybe God is trying to tell us something. However the question is are we listening? 

(Mat 24:44)Therefore you also be ready, for in that hour you think not, the Son of Man comes.(Mat 24:45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has made ruler over His household, to give them food in due season?(Mat 24:46)Blessed is that servant whom his Lord shall find him doing so when He comes.

(Mat 24:47)Truly I say to you that He shall make him ruler over all His goods.Now more than ever we should be doing the work of the master because as we view world events we know that our Lord is coming soon. Don’t get so caught up in the cares of this world that you neglect to do the master’s will. Those of us who know Christ as Savior and Lord should be putting forth our maximum efforts into telling those that don’t know the Lord that it is time to accept him before it is everlastingly too late. On this Election Day make sure that you have chosen the right candidate the one that not only promises change but performs it in all of those who ask. One that has not only promised but who has and will deliver on everyone of the promises that he has made. Not for a short term but for eternity.

My Take

My Take (Part 1)

To say a lot has gone on this year would definitely be an understatement. This year has been and still is one of the most pivotal years since they turn of the nineteenth century or the years leading up to and including the Great Depression. The world will definitely not be the same from this point on. So let me give you my take on current events.

First of all let’s take a look into God’s word which we’ll do a few times.

(Ezekiel 33:6) But if the watchman sees the sword coming, and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned; if the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity. But I will require his blood at the watchman’s hand.

(Ezekiel 33:7) And you, son of man, I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore you shall hear the Word from My mouth, and warn them from Me.

Recently I’ve been studying the book of Ezekiel and as Pastor John Walthall would say Times Change but People Don’t. As I look at today’s society the times may have changed since the writing of the prophet Ezekiel but the people haven’t. Just look at what was going on back then.

(Ezekiel 22:11) And a man has done abomination with his neighbor’s wife; and a man has defiled his daughter-in-law in unchaste acts; and a man has humbled within you his sister, his father’s daughter.

(Ezekiel 22:12) In you they have taken bribes to shed blood. You have taken usury and increase, and you gained by extortion of your neighbors, and you have forgotten Me, says the Lord Jehovah. So what do we have today? We have a whole lot of Sex in The City, Desperate House Wives and we are suffering economically from systematic greed on Wall Street. I believe just as in the time of the prophet Ezekiel who God instructed to inform his chosen people of the impending wrath and judgment that he was going to exact on them due to their constant rebelliousness and their numerous acts of sin.

Today sin is not a popular subject even in the church. It’s often about prosperity, self esteem, expansion etc. None of these in and of itself is bad but what about sin and is the church addressing the issues raised in Matthew 25?

(Matthew 25:34) Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

(Matthew 25:35) For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in;

(Matthew 25:36) I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.

We are in the midst of difficult times and they are going to get worse. Why? Because God is tired of us. (Mark 7:6) But He answered and said to them, Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. How often do we give lip service instead of helping to carry out the true mission of the church? We often stress the need to attend church but how often do we stress the need of those attending to actually be the church? (Act 2:44) And all who believed were together and had all things common.(Act 2:45) And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. To be continued************

It’s Broke but who’s Gonna Fix It !!!

Our Political system is definitely broke, anytime we see hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on political advertisement while people lose their homes and others their jobs.  Both McCain and Obama promote themselves as agents of reform and change yet the sheer magnitude of the money being spent by both parties on advertising is shameful on both their parts. Think of what could be done with all of the money being spent just on advertising alone. Would it not be better spent helping those struggling or rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, even using it to help fund alternative sources of fuel. What if both paries actually put country first and instead of raise funds for campaign advertising etc.  Instead a national relief fund was established to help America and Americans restore this country.

In my opinion campaign advertising could be easily decreased by 90% people get tired of political commercials. There should be a very strict limit on the number of them. For each one purchased all media would have to match it with a free one. Also each candidate would be allowed the same number of commercials no more no less.

Another novel idea, in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation instead of each party choosing their candidate for Vice President how about the winner of the General election becomes President and the loser Vice President.  Also the Vice President’s role and responsibility’s would be enhanced beyond public appearances they would have a tangible role in governing written into law and not according to the whims of any given President. Finally my most radical of ideas how about a residential complex being constructed in Washington D.C. and if you serve in Congress you have to live there simliar to like if you are in the service. I believe more would be accomplished if those in Congress had to actually live together. Also their salaries would be whatever the national median wage was. So if the average wage in America was $50,000 annually that’s what they earn annually in Congress.  No perks they would have the same universal health care as every American citizen. This maybe dreaming but I never thought I would see an African American candidate with a real chance of becoming President either in my life time.  Maybe we in America really can change our political system it’s broke let’s fix it.

Today is Triple (8′s)

 

Come the 8th of August, 2008, there will be more than one historical event in China, as some estimated 9,000 couples have will be married on the same day to celebrate the opening of the Olympic Games. The Chinese government had planned the Olympics to kick off on 8/8/08, due to the number “8″ being very lucky  and sounding like part of the phrase “to get rich” in Mandarin.  http:www.weirdasianews.com/2008/07/31/9000-couples-to-marry-on-lucky-8808/ 

In Moscow Newly-weds are calling it the day of  triple infinity and believe a wedding on this day will bring luck according to the Kommersant newspaper

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/europe/2008/08/03/168353/Russian-couples.htm 

According to Biblical Numeric’s the number 8 in Hebrew represents New Beginnings and 888 represents the Holy Spirit; the sum of the tree of life http://www.asis.com/users/stag/godcount.html The Bible tells us in (2Co 5:17)  So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  In Revelations we find these words

(Rev 21:5)  And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. Why not make today your day for a fresh start, God is able to help you start afresh.  Today can be the day you truly forgive that friend or loved one that hurt you so badly.  Today could be the day that you let God through the Holy Spirit free you from whatever has you bound and keeping you from experiencing all that he has planned for you.  Today can be the day that you take that first step towards realizing your dreams.  It can be the day that you make an about face and change direction.  It is all up to you !!!  David said

(Psa 51:10)  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Things can change for you today because with God all things are possible.

 

Let us pray Father in heaven we Thank You for the opportunity to start anew.  We are so blessed that you have provided us with grace and mercy. That you have patiently waited on us, not dealing with us as you could or should have.  Lord help everyone who receives this e-mail to start anew no matter on what day they read it.  Help them to realize that you are there and have always been there for them, through the best and worst of times.  Help them right now as only you can in Jesus name we pray Amen.  I hope and pray that you allow God to help you with whatever you are facing right now and that you allow him through his Holy Spirit to make all things in your life right now today. Be Encouraged and Blessed.

 

Minister Mike

 

The Choice is yours !!! Part 1

Often times in ministry we live what we will one day teach or preach about.  For the past few years I’ve gone through a lot of personal adjustments as a result of life’s daily challenges. The economy has affected me like many other people today.  However I was preparing myself way before our current economic crisis.  There was a time in my life where I always had to have some form of car payment or lease payment because I always wanted to be driving a nice car.  Then about thirteen years ago I was struck with Fibromyalgia and no longer could do the things I once could. I was not prepared.  During a three year period prior to my illness I had spent over $22,000.00 on car lease payments this was just poor money management on my part and poor financial stewardship of the resources that God had Blessed me with. However I learned from my mistake.

After the bank took last lease vehicle back I needed another car, this time I went about things differently. I always liked Buick Reattas and always wanted one. I saw one on a used car dealer’s lot and inquired about it. I made an arrangement with him in writing I made payments to him in several installments and after the final one drove the car off his lot paid in full. I still have the car and few years ago got a great paint job for it. When the transmission went out it sat until I could pay for its repair without going into debt. About two years ago it had some minor mechanical problems that I fixed only for it to break down again. At that point I said okay God what are you trying to show me.

Fibromyalgia requires me to exercise a lot mostly by walking just so that I can have a decent day health wise. I had been walking a lot to my office at the time getting exercise as well as saving money on gas. When the car broke down again I started to really evaluate things. First of all walking was good for me and saved gas but it was actually preparing me for today’s crisis. I had a good friend offer to repair it for me and agreed to let him do it but told him not to rush and do it. It has been almost a year and it still has not been repaired (my choice). I promised myself first that I would not repair it until I could pay at least six months to a year’s car insurance up front I grew weary of monthly car insurance payments.

The other thing I started looking into ways to actually increase the cars MPG. there are a couple of companies out there that are offering conversions for cars that will help them use less fuel by converting them to hybrids.  Once the price of these come down and are dependable I’ll convert my car to a hybrid. In the meantime I purchased a bike, became a online scooter dealer, and I still walk.  When I need a car I use my wife’s car.  The parts to repair my car are only around $100.00 but I’m not going to repair until I have six months to a year’s insurance payments saved up and still I’ll only drive it when absolutely needed. I’ll walk, ride my bike or the scooter I’m soon to purchase.

We have choices in these tough economic times, it is not a sin to car pool, walk, ride public transportation, or buy and use a scooter.  The actual sin may be in the  use of gas guzzling and environmental polluting vehicles. These vehicles are not a good use of God’s resources. There is nothing in the Bible that condones waste and we in this country have been very wasteful. So the choice is yours what things that you probably did not need are you going to do without? What things that you really never needed are you going to get rid of? Jesus walked and did so from town to town. You can make your life less stressful and even enjoyable by learning to do without.

The State of The Church

Okay Let’s get this blogging started. For those of you in the Southeastern MI Northwest OH area. This Sunday Morning at 9:00 AM on Buckeye Cable Channel 69.  Our first installment of our latest series on Chain Breakers entitled the State of The Church is scheduled to air. For everyone else we will be streaming it live soon as well as uploading the series. For those of you surfing the Bloggosphere in your opinion.  What is the State of The Church today in America and around the world.  According to a 2005 study by George Barna there is a group more then 20 million and growing labeled as revolutionaries “These are people who are less interested in attending church than in being   the church,” according to Barna. Barna also went on to say “A common misconception about revolutionaries,” he continued, “is that they are disengaging from God when they leave a local church. We found that while some people leave the local church and fall away from God altogether, there is a much larger segment of Americans who are currently leaving churches precisely because they want more   of God in their life but cannot get what they need from a local church. In various blogs on the Internet the term fake christian is being used commonly on other blogs Christians in general are looked upon as fakes. All that being said for those of you surfing the bloggosphere What is The State of The Church Nationally and Globally in your opinion?  Where do things stand? Can we lump all of them together? Are most heeding the Master’s call and following his teachings and principles? Are some coming up short or are most?