What does Jesus Ask?

In Matthew 16, when Jesus took his disciples to the Gentile region of Caesarea of Philippi, surrounded by the idols and influences of the heathen nations, he asked them, “who do men say that I am?” They answered, “some say that you are John the baptist, or Elijah, or Jeremiah returned from the dead. Peter answered, “thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Jesus said, “heaven and earth has not revealed this to you, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Jesus asked another question in Luke 6:46, “And why call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Jesus said that the one who is greatest among you shall be servant of all. You are slaves to whom you obey. They claimed that they were “all in” but Jesus said that unless you obey, unless you give up all that is in the world to follow me, you are not my disciple. Christians in our culture today like to leave our options open. We often say “no” to his will.
Jesus said but what are men of this generation like? They do not understand the things of the spirit of God. They, like their idols, hear but cannot hear and they see but they cannot see. In other words, they are apathetic… present but not engaged. They have a lust (over desire) for the affairs of this world instead of a passion and compassion for the things of the spirit. God has sanctified us through the power of his holy spirit. Holiness (sanctification) means to set apart… As the master designer he has separated us for the purpose for which he designed us… to be holy and without blame before him in love.

In Mathew 5: 46 and 47 Jesus delivered the “sermon on the mount.” Jesus said many radical things in this message… He challenged those who said they loved and followed God. Jesus said if you love only those who love you… don’t even the pagans do that? Is your success defined by keeping the rules of the world? What does it mean to love unconditionally with the love of God? As believers, he created within us a new spirit, a new man. The spirit of Christ in us is the blessed assurance that we are sons of God… It is the token of our inheritance, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which he’s committed to me against that day of judgement. The message that Jesus delivered is that the problems of this world are opportunities for God to show his power to deliver. There is no justice and fairness in this world… bless them that persecute you and despitefully use you for great is your reward in heaven. The world says for us to build up a resentment bank so that we can get revenge, so that we can exact “just retribution.” However Jesus said that you have the power to be different… to allow God to balance the scales of justice in his own time frame. Jesus implied that compassion for the affairs of this world is opposed to passion for the affairs of heaven. Why does God allow the morals of the world to dominate the culture? Why does he allow the body of Christ to be influenced by the passions of this world? He has called his people to make a choice… to pray for the world, to intervene on their behalf, to love with the unconditional love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation. The love of God loves the unlovable, that’s why it’s unconditional. Forgiveness is to forgive the unforgivable. Any man can claim his rights and any demon will make sure he gets them. Human “rights” are often spiritual wrongs. Jesus said that your enemies in the flesh are not your real enemies. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness, against spiritual wickedness from on high. Often the trials and tribulations of worldly relationships are given to us so that we can repent… so that we can turn our hearts away from the things of this world and toward the things of God. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, for they do gender strife. The bondservant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome. The love of God and the wisdom from above is first peaceable, easy to be entreated, without hypocrisy and without partiality. A bond slave gives up his “right” to seek vengeance. God has called us to be an holy nation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people. We are outlives from this world of darkness… from the world’s perspective we are “freaks of nature.” From God’s perspective we are an holy nation, separated from this world and separated unto the purpose for which he designed us. To be a bond slave for Christ, we must give up our human rights in order to live righteous in him… in him we live and move and have our being. For I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. Ye are slaves to whom ye obey. Make me a captive Lord, and then I shall be free…

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

God’s Calling

In Matthew 11 Jesus asked, “To what then shall I compare this generation, and what are they like? We played the flute and you didn’t dance, we played a funeral dirge and you didn’t mourn. You don’t understand because you have no passion and no compassion. How then, can I explain to you the things of heaven?”
He said to Nicodemus, “you call yourself a master and a teacher of Israel and yet you don’t understand the things of the spirit and of faith?”

Every winning team must master the basics and do them consistently. The fundamentals of the faith are the things that really matter. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We’ve got to follow through on our basic assignment according to Colossians 3:2: Set your affections on things above, not on things of the world. 2 Timothy 2:4 says, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

Casual and apathetic are words that characterize men of this world. Apathetic is not caring about the things that matter. The greatest danger is not that you’ll fail in something that matters but that you’ll succeed in something that doesn’t matter. Men of God do not fall from fellowship deliberately… they just gradually stop showing up. Success is not what the world calls success.. Rather, success is according to God’s terms. Success is mostly showing up for God’s assignments… to be available and open to his calling. Availability is availing myself of his ability. Disappointment is the result of missing our divine appointments. Disappointment is “disrespecting God” by failing to meet with him at his appointed time. Every moment in life is an appointment with God. Life becomes difficult when apathetic men make wrong choices because they chose not to meet with God. Influence begins with influencing my own mind… grabbing hold of the reins of my own mind to hold every thought captive to Christ.

In 2 Thes 1: 11-12, We are called to encourage each other unto words and good deeds to God’s glory. According to 1 Peter 2:9, We have each been called by God, who through Christ, has made us worthy of our calling to be a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that we should show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light… However, the natural man is one who looks in the mirror and forgets who he is. How do we walk worthy of our calling? We having received his holy spirit, glory not in ourselves, but in him who has called us to be his servant. Lordship means to make myself a slave to my Lord Jesus Christ… to make his heart’s desire my heart’s desire and to make his will my will. For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure.

God is involved with every aspect of our lives… he cares about the little things. He cares that we master the fundamentals. Not my will but thine be done. It’s not what you know but rather who you know. Lordship is wanting what he wants. Delight thyself in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Never seek a ministry and never seek to be useful to God. Rather, seek God himself and then he will work in you to will and to do of his good pleasure when your good pleasure is his good pleasure. Our desire is to hunger and thirst for his righteousness in the spirit… to seek his fervor for the Word of God and to do his will. I found thy words and I did eat them and they were unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.

Spiritual power cannot be separated from faith. The work of faith is energized by the power of the holy spirit when we walk according to his will. God has chosen men who are weak in this world so that his power can work within them… thy power is made manifest in my weakness.

The body of Christ is a family and not a business. Policy should never take precedence over caring for the flock of God over which he has called you to be an overseer. A calling to minister cannot be fear based. Rather, it must be faith based and faith works by love. It’s counter intuitive to call the poor men to pray but this is exactly what God calls his men to do. We rely not on the riches of men but on faith that God is faithful to provide… not that we are sufficient in ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.

According to 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21, God has called us to fulfill our calling to be an ambassador for Christ. He has committed unto us the word of reconciliation and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. To reconcile is to bring back to God, those who have been separated beginning with our own minds. Therefore, we pray you in Christ’s stead be ye reconciled to God. This is the fundamental message that he has called us to deliver and to master: For he who knew no sin became the perfect sin sacrifice on our behalf, that we may be made the righteousness of God in Him…

In other words, our calling is this: Give ’em heaven!

May God richly bless you,
Your brother in Christ,

Michael

Our Hope

Christianity is the only doctrine of hope among the great religions of the world. Hope is the confidence that everything works out according to God’s ultimate plan… according to his divine design; according to his sovereign will. Biblical speaking, hope is different from what the world says hope is. Hope according to the Word of God is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose.

The first three verses of First John Chapter 3 are about truths related to the hope: past, present, and future. 1 John 3:1-3: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

God’s love is manifested in that he has made us his children. Beloved now are we the sons of God, as such we are! Prior to God’s intervention through Jesus, we stood before God as complete strangers, having a debt of sin that we could not pay. When Jesus intervened on our behalf and we confessed him as Lord, God placed his seed of holy spirit within us and made us his sons.

Words are inadequate to describe the beauty of God’s created spirit within us. According to 1 Corinthians 2:9 …Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. At the present time, it does not yet appear what we shall be. However, in the future we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is! As 1 Corinthians 13 says, for now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face we shall know him even also as also we are know by him. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he always cheers for us as his dear children. Even though we see our own frailties and imperfections, he sees us not as we are, but as we shall be. For even if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things.

Our spiritual response is that we are sons of God and that the hope of the return of Jesus Christ covers all of the negative contingencies of this present life. The hope of the return liberates us… it frees us to live, not according to the problems of this present world, but that we may live genuinely according to the security we have in anticipation of the Hope of his return.

Humanity chases after the things that do not really matter. Being a man of God means to chase after the Man of God Jesus Christ who gave his life on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him. Our hope is in Him, for all things work together for good to those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. For this light affliction which is but for a moment worketh a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Our Hope is the blessed assurance of knowing how the story ends.

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

Friendly Fire

The Church of the body of Christ is the city of refuge; a safe home base in the midst of the spiritual battle against the darkness of this fallen world. Men of God are asylum seekers, fleeing from the persecution of the enemy and the powers of Darkness. The Lord is our refuge and strength, He is our fortress and our high tower. Our mission is to reach out to the asylum seekers of this world so that we together can stand strong in the power of his might… A mighty fortress is our God. A bulwark never failing.

Even within the apparent security of the Church, many Christians are victims of “friendly fire.” We must guard our hearts to love as Jesus loved us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly. Our challenge is to love others regardless of their response. This is the essence of the love of God… to love unconditionally. However men of God are not taught how to avoid becoming a victim of “friendly fire” in the Church. To love the world is really no chore. The real chore is to love the neighbor next door.

In John 2:23, At the Passover feast, many witnessed the miracles that Jesus did and they marveled. However, Jesus knew their hearts and that the heart of man is full of deception. Jeremiah 17:9 says “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” According to an article by Oswald Chambers, Disillusionment is to be free from the illusions of emotional deception. However when we turn from the illusions of emotion, we often end up at the other extreme and become coldly analytic. We become critics against our own emotions and against the emotional responses of the people of this world. We look for a different kind of response from those to whom we give our love and affection. This will result in disaster. Our Lord, knowing the heart of man, did not place his confidence in people. If we put our trust in human beings, we will be disappointed, for all we humans are fallible in the flesh. However, the life that I now live, I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

Worldly love is reciprocal… it requires love in return. However, there is only one kind of love that does not require a reciprocal response from the other party. This is the unconditional love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation. Jesus knew their heart… that all men are liars… that they are incapable of keeping their commitments and their promises. He did not rush to conclusions from the illusion that men are inherently righteous and good. Any fool can claim his human rights, and any devil will make sure he gets them. Suspicion is the first thought of worldly men in a reciprocal relationship. Men always treat each other unfairly… they can’t help it because it’s hard wired into their fallen human nature. People will break your heart. However, the love of God gives unconditionally… it never burns bridges and is not sensitive about the reaction of others. Cruelty is to hurt others, whether intentionally or unknowingly, without any remorse. When someone leaves a personal relationship, we must realize that this is not a personal affront… it’s just part of our fallen sinful nature.

Only our Lord Jesus Christ can love unconditionally…. to love regardless of love given in return. Therefore, put on the mind of Christ. In Philippians 2, Jesus humbled himself, took upon himself the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death, even unto the death of the cross. How could Jesus have loved even though he was reviled, persecuted, tortured, and crucified? He, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross and is seated on the right hand of God. What was the joy set before him? His joy was your redemption and mine.
Doubting Thomas said to Jesus, “unless I put my finger in the nail prints in his hands and thrust my hand into the wound in his side, I will not believe.” Jesus told Doubting Thomas, “blessed are those who have not seen the wounds in my hands and side, and yet believe.”
Men of this world say, “I just want my just desserts.” However, the Word says, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God loved the unlovable by giving us his only begotten son… He who knew no sin became the prefect sin sacrifice on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.

The key to loving others is to not feel uncomfortable in their presence when you see them, even after a long period of separation. This truth will set you free. Judge not lest ye be not judged. The love of God is unconditional. Love gives without expecting anything in return. Loving and forgiveness go hand in hand… both require nothing in return. The love of God is to love the unlovable. The forgiveness of God is to forgive the unforgivable. Herein lies the secret to avoid killing and being killed by “friendly fire” within the body of Christ… I forgave and set the prisoner free, only to find that the prisoner was me.

Therefore, be ye kindly affection-ed one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

What a Concept!

The most important thing about a man is his concept of who God is. As the apostle Paul said, we have been given the mind of Christ. What is your concept of God? Some think God is the traffic cop, waiting for you to make a wrong move. If this is your concept of God, this will keep you from intimacy with your Heavenly Father. Is God your scorekeeper? Corinthians says that he keeps no score of wrongs done. Is your concept of God a charitable foundation who metes out charity in times of trouble? Is god your ER physician to whom you run when you’re bleeding and wounded? Why does God allow suffering? God perfects us through trials and tribulation… through the crucible of fiery trials of this world.

The sons of Isachar understood what God was doing through tribulations and the evil of this world. For tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit whiich is given to us. Men of God understand the purpose of God’s deliverance from the trials of this world.

Matthew 16:13ff. In Caesarea Phillipi Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Some said that Jesus was Elijah or Jeremiah returned from the grave. Then Jesus asked, “but what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is the most important question that anyone could ever ask. For whosoever confesses with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believes in his heart that God has raised him from the dead shall be saved. Your concept of Jesus Christ will determine your eternal destiny. Simon Peter answered Jesus’ question, “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “blessed art thou Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father which is in heaven.” The question is, “Can I really trust God through the trials of life, and no matter what will I still love and serve him?” Even though we’re not in control, will we relinquish our lives to His sovereign will? Would we purpose in our hearts to be faithful to him regardless of the circumstance and situations of life? Do I believe that God will deliver me? Is my prayer that God will deliver me, not from the storm, but through the storm? Does God need to explain why he is doing what he’s doing? Is God answerable to me? In order to approach the throne of his grace, I must humble my heart under the mighty hand of God. My job is to surrender my heart to him, believing that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. It’s easy to think that God is like the unreasonable bosses and taskmasters in our lives. Is your concept of God molded by the world’s definition of dominion? To know God we must spend time in his presence, and in his word.

According to E. M. Lockridge, I wonder if you know him… That’s my King.

The Bible says
He’s King of the Jews
He’s King of Israel
He’s the King of Righteousness
He’s the King of the Ages
He’s the King of Heaven
He’s the King of Glory
He’s the King of Kings
and he is the Lord of Lords

Now that’s my King!
David says the Heavens declare the glory of God
And the firmament showeth his handiwork. No measure can define his limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

He is enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

That’s my King!

He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centerpiece of civilization.. He stands alone in Himself. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and saves. He guards and he guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He rewards the diligent. He beautifies the meek.

Do you know him?
He is the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the pathway of peace. The’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He”s the leader of the legislators. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of Kings, and he’s the Lord of Lords.

His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. The heavens cannot contain Him. No man can explain Him.
The Pharisees couldn’t stand him. Pilate could not convict him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him. The grave couldn’t hold Him.

That’s my King, that’s my King!!!

Rise up Oh men of God, have done with lesser things.

May God Richly bless you!
Michael