The Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.  Romans 1:16.

(This teaching, applied, can change your life for the better.  Much better)

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in our mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:8-10

Why is confessing or speaking what you are thinking required for salvation?  For that matter, why is saying aloud (confessing) what you are thinking necessary at all?

Notice how the Apostle Paul connects Words + Believing + Confessing

• “The Word in your mouth” with also being “in your heart”. 
• And again, he connects “confessing with your mouth” with “believing in your heart”
• And finally, again, connecting “with the heart a person believes” with “with the mouth he confesses”
• THE RESULT is SALVATION (soteria)

There is something powerful about saying aloud what is in your mind or heart – for good or for evil.

Read what Dr. Ronald Alexander, PhD psychotherapist says, “An affirmation can work because it has the ability to program your mind into believing the stated concept. This is because the mind doesn’t know the difference between what is real or fantasy.  There are both positive and negative types of affirmations.”

One of the key psychological theories behind positive affirmations is self-affirmation theory (Steele, 1988). So, yes, there are empirical studies based on the idea that we can maintain our sense of self-integrity by telling ourselves (or affirming) what we believe in positive ways.

Another related article by Catherine Moore, Psychologist, MBA, says

“The development of self-affirmation theory has led to neuro-scientific research aimed at investigating whether we can see any changes in the brain when we self-affirm in positive ways.

There is MRI evidence suggesting that certain neural pathways are increased when people practice self-affirmation tasks (Cascio et al., 2016). If you want to be super specific, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex—involved in positive valuation and self-related information processing—becomes more active when we consider our personal values (Falk et al., 2015; Cascio et al., 2016).

More importantly, and centuries ahead of Ronald Alexander, PhD psychotherapist, Catherine Moore, Psychologist, MBA, and all the others, is what The Bible has to say on meditating and speaking what you are thinking:

1.         THE POWER OF THOUGHTS 

Proverbs23:7  “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.
            He says to you, “Eat and drink!”
            But his heart is not with you.

2.         THE POWER OF MEDITATION

Joshua 1:8  “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

3.         THE POWER OF SPEECH

Matthew21:21  “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

John15:7  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Matthew 16:19  “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

Matthew18:19  “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

 Philippians 4:8  “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

The Bible uses words like The Mind (set on), To Think, To Think on, Meditate, Dwell on, Speak, Say, in both the Greek (NT) and Hebrew (OT) languages to show us how we are made and how we are to manage what God has granted to us.

A FINAL NOTE and a caution:  The secular view by most psychologists and psychiatrists is anthropocentric (man-centered, woman-centered).

The Biblical view is Theocentric or God-centered.

So, while you practice these powerful Truths, it is vitally important to remember that Romans 8:5 teaches us the difference between man-centered (death) and God-centered (life) and the application of these truths”

Verse 5. “those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Verse 6.  “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Verse 7.  “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”   ROMANS 8: 5-8

Please remember that you are dealing with powerful forces here.  One leading to death and the Other leading to LIFE.  Use wisdom.  Use caution. Choose Life. 

Please do not dabble in occult-like practices.  This is not about you being a “better you” or “how to gain wealth” nor is it a “name-it-and-claim-it theology”. 

This is about SERVING GOD, BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE and BEING MADE INTO HIS IMAGE.  What you learn and apply here are His gifts and methods to serve Him better and to live this life abundantly by His Standards.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Father, I pray over this article and this message and that you will watch over those who read this, who diligently apply this, Your Word, to their lives, that You will cause it to bear much fruit that You will be glorified.”   Amen & Amen!

In a recent POST, “Open Your Eyes“ from my series “And You Shall Be My Disciples”, I note how the Apostle Paul prayed this for the Ephesian Christians: 

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling…and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1: 18-19).

Also, in 2 Kings 6:17  Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

The problem is that we don’t always see things clearly.  It is like we are squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.  But we can have the weather clear and the sun shine bright!  We can see it all as clearly as God sees.  

(“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”  1 Corinthians 13:12)

We need our eyes opened so we may see what God would have us see.  So we can see our way.

The Good News is that God has made a way – even when there doesn’t seem to be a way. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Coincidentally, I finished another post, “Bring in the Poor” Lesson #35, of my “And You Shall Be My Disciples” series, with these words:

“We are living in a time where the “State” has largely replaced God in our lives.  What the Church used to do (or does, in a very limited fashion) The “State” now does, but with serious consequences.

“The “State” provides food, clothing, housing, medical care, social welfare income, social security retirement income, disability income, mandated education, government funded abortions, job training, etc., regardless of your beliefs, lifestyle or habits, morals or ethics.

“WE, the CHURCH, are abdicating our role and responsibility.  We must care for and provide for our pastors. But, the average church spends 70% to 80%+ of its buildings, debt, income on salaries, retirement plans, healthcare plans, perks, etc., for pastors and staff.  Even the best missions programs top of their giving at an average of just 5%. Even once the mission money is delivered, it to goes largely to the same budgetary items. 

We go to our church buildings and worship in relative luxury while the world around us becomes more and more secular, more hostile to Christianity and lost to God.

“WE, THE CHURCH, THE SAINTS OF GOD, HIS CHILDREN, MUST RECLAIM THIS TERRITORY!

“I pray that God will forgive me – forgive us – and that we will submit ourselves, our luxuries, our wants to Him. That I – that we – have the will and the courage to repent and follow Him, fully devoted, fully surrendered, all in!”

It seems, if you are looking around, you cannot escape this message. 

For instance, today, I heard a message from Pastor Alistair Begg.  Here is an excerpt from his message.

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/frangelism-1friends-relatives-assoc-/

“They (the disciples) were looking without seeing. Despite the fact that the disciples of Jesus lived closed to him, listened to him, were part of seeing his miraculous deeds, and were, if you like, as tuned in as any group might be, they were guilty of taking care of practical matters to the detriment of ultimate issues. Indeed, what Jesus says to them here is that they’re living with their eyes closed.

“Now, that would be one thing if it were merely an historical description and we could look back on it and say, “Boy, those guys really made a mess of it. I’m glad we’re not like that at all”—until we read the verses, and it begins to scratcth where we itch, begins to cut into our lives.

“And we realize that this is a telling picture not simply of the disciples on that day, but it is to some degree a picture of many local churches—and actually, to a certain measure, a description of the church as a whole: taking care of what it believes to be priorities, while all the time failing to see that the issues, as good and as important as they may be, are subservient to the timeless and pressing issue of the souls of men and women. Indeed, if you like, living in the midst of time without acknowledging that eternity casts its shadow across it all.

“So Jesus, exhorts his disciples , “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” The disciples obviously were not noticing this; they hadn’t grasped it, nor had they been grasped by it.

And again, it is vitally relevant, because I find myself like them, inclined to be preoccupied with the immediate and the material needs, and that I constantly need to be refocused to the spiritual and to the eternal.

Why is it that I can be so consumed with the assumption that because my neighbors and my friends are relatively okay, they are materially satisfied, they are intellectually stable, they are emotionally not total basket cases, is that really the case?

“And, we look at indigent people, in a crime-laden society, the criminal elements, the poor people, and such, and we’re often lulled in to thinking “if we would only  increase the social benefits towards these folks, all would be well for them—failing to recognize that no matter what we do in that regard, still will not address the ultimate issues of these people’s lives.

“And in that, the harvest is obscured. 

“The picture which Jesus employs is to, “open your eyes and look at the fields!” Now, what does Jesus mean? I mean, they obviously weren’t standing around with their eyes actually closed.  But, they certainly had their ears closed, and metaphorically, so were their eyes.”  Alistair Begg.

ONE WAY

There is only ONE WAY to fix the mess we are in and that our world is in.

1.  If you have not already, then, turn to God now, through faith in Jesus

2.  Put your desires and passions for luxuries of this world aside (no matter what the size, cost or context of luxury is to you)

3.  Immediately, come to the Harvest.  God is calling and I am inviting you.

4.  OPEN YOUR EYES.  Be aware that if you continue to seek your own achievements, your own status and goals, pleasures, relaxation and comfort, NO MATTER HOW NOBLE THEY MAY BE, you may be putting yourself in jeopardy as that Day of the Lord draws near.  You and I must fix this.

5.  If you and I continue CHURCH AS USUAL, then what are you really doing?

As the Church goes, so goes America, so goes the world

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The Rabbit, The Plant and The Eagle.

I am sitting on my lanai (screened patio) watching the sun rise, drinking a cup of coffee and reading my morning devotions.

The Rabbit

I spy a rabbit appearing to also be enjoying the same sunrise as he sits quietly, eating the dew wet grass, just outside my patio area.

I thought, “Rabbits are such cute creatures.  They hurt no one and seem to enjoy what life they have, playing, eating and hiding.  Yes, hiding.  They are also food for predators.  So, they have their nests or burrows or warrens, I like to call them their “hidey-holes”.

The Plant 

I glance around and notice what appears to be a new plant in our landscaping.  It is noticeable because it isn’t like the rest of the plants and flower.  It is growing more quickly than the other plants and is beginning to loom above them.  

So, I get up and go out into the landscaping to inspect this plant.  It is a small tree indigenous to southern Florida.  It is not an attractive tree and is considered to be an invasive plant.  If it is not controlled, it will grow and spread quickly, overcoming the other plants in an area.

I pull the plant out by the roots and toss it aside and return to my seat on my lanai.

The Eagle 

I am back in my chair and I continue to read.  I hear a slight screech from above.  I look and see and eagle, circling.  The pond behind our house has fish, so I suspect this eagle is looking for a morning meal.  Then my eyes catch the rabbit who is unaware of what is now overhead.  I realize the rabbit may become the meal.

The Lesson

Rabbits are cute creatures.  They contribute little except as a meal for predators.  They live in relative fear, always staying close to their “hidey-holes”.  Beyond that, they are just cute little creatures descended from the rodent family.  Oh, yes, and they multiply.

When the come to an area they contribute little, barely change the environment and when they are gone, they are soon forgotten.

Invasive plants contribute little except as unwanted shade for other plants.  Other plants will eventually die from the overwhelming influence of surrounding weed-like-plants.  Invasive plants and trees are actually nothing more than a plant doing the work of a weed.

When these plants come to the environment they are considered a nuisance and are removed.  No one misses them and are glad to be rid of them.  Oh, yes, and they multiply.

Eagles are a spectacle.  Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with heavy heads and beaks. Due to the size and power of many eagle species, they are ranked at the top of the food chain as apex predators in the avian world.  

When an eagle comes to an area, the dynamics of that world are changed.  Other animals in the eagle’s area are put on notice and go on guard.  The area becomes the domain of the eagle to be of service to him and his offspring.

Eagles will probably live between 20-30 years.  Some eagles in captivity have lived up to 50 years.

The Bald Eagle mates for life only mate with it’s own kind.  If one of the pair dies, the other will find a new mate and usually keep going in the same territory.

Adults eagles may withhold food as the eaglets get near fledging, and encourage them to fly to a nearby perch to get their meal, but that’s about it. Usually, no coaxing is necessary and the eaglets are all too anxious to test their wings!

Given the option, eagles will choose a “super-canopy” for their nests, trees which rise above the rest of the trees with sturdy limbs and a commanding view of the surrounding terrain, which is also always very near to water.  Typical nest heights are 50-125 feet high.  The higher the better!

1.  Don’t just be a rabbit.  Don’t live in fear.  Don’t be just a ‘meal ticket’.  Don’t stay hidden.  Don’t be a forgotten footnote.

2.  Don’t be like an invasive weed.  Don’t be a negative influence.  Don’t overshadow others just to silence them.  Don’t be the type others are glad to be rid of.

3.  Be an Eagle.  Change things around you for the better.  Bring positive order to the world, make your domain serve for good.  Be faithful to your own.  Live long and prosper!

              Isaiah 40:28

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
            Does not become weary or tired.
            His understanding is inscrutable.

      29 He gives strength to the weary,
            And to him who lacks might He increases power.

      30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
            And vigorous young men stumble badly,

      31 Yet those who wait for the LORD
            Will gain new strength;            

They will mount up with wings like eagles,
            They will run and not get tired,
            They will walk and not become weary.

Maybe I just think too much about this kind of thing.  But, WOW.  There are things to be learned, and they are all around us!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

IMAGINE with me that a person stands up in the congregation of a church and loudly makes a statement, ending it with or implying, “This is what God says!”

Are they demonstrating themselves to be a prophet or a prophetess?  Are the demonstrating they have the Spiritual gift of “Tongues” or “Prophecy”? 

It is a strange or risky thing, is it not, that someone using words which are not from the established Word of God, The Bible, would presume to speak for God?  Saying or implying that God had given them some special words or special revelation?

They may be good and encouraging words.  They may have even been the thoughts or images this person would think relating to God or what they think God might say. 

BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT THEY SAID they were saying – They were saying it is a WORD FROM GOD – BUT, IT IS NOT THE WORD OF GOD!

It is indeed presumptive to instruct the Assembly in extra-scriptural sayings.

It is one thing to repeat or to closely paraphrase the Word of God to a congregation, proclaiming “THUS SAYS THE LORD”, but it is quite another to imagine a saying or a clever word and deliver it as BEING A WORD FROM GOD.

WORDS OF CAUTION

1 Corinthians 14:20 , says, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. Verse 21. In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. Verse 22. So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. Verse 23. Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?

Matthew 5:18, says, “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Verse 19. “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Revelation22:18, says,  “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”

GOOD INSTRUCTION

2 Timothy 3:14 , instructs, “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4:1 , says, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: Verse 2. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

Amen, Amen.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Are the seemingly “good coincidences” in our life good luck or are they a sign or an act of a gracious God?  Are they a special gift or a miracle?

Are the seemingly “bad coincidences” in our life just a run of bad luck, a sign we are doing wrong or headed in the wrong direction in our life?  Are they an obstacle to teach us or turn us aside?  Are they an act of the devil?

When the farmer prays for rain and the vacationer prays for sunshine, whom does God favor?  Who gets the “miracle” from God?

God says:

Matthew 5:45 “..,God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

    Lamentations 3:38  “Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
            That both good and ill go forth?

   Isaiah4 5:6 “That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun
            That there is no one besides Me.
            I am the LORD, and there is no other,

      7 “The One forming light and creating darkness,
            Causing well-being and creating calamity;
            I am the LORD who does all these.”

The potential for good fortune and for bad fortune is always present.  Good and evil both exist.  The presence of one does not validate the presence of the other; and the absence of one does not give room to the other.  Both good and evil exist.  And since they both exist we need to know how to discern and navigate our lives for good.

One of the Gifts and abilities given of the Holy Spirit is the ability to see and discern from a heavenly perspective, that is, from God’s perspective.

For example, the Apostle Paul prayed this for the Ephesian Christians:  “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling…and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1: 18-19).

Also, in 2 Kings 6:17  Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

The problem is that we don’t always see things clearly.  It is like we are squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.  But we can have the weather clear and the sun shine bright!  We can see it all as clearly as God sees.  

(“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”  1 Corinthians 13:12)

We need our eyes opened so we may see what God would have us see.  So we can see our way.

The Good News is that God has made a way – even when there doesn’t seem to be a way. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

He has made the “crooked paths straight” for anyone who can “See” and is willing to trust Him. (Isaiah 45:2) 

He sees the beginning from the end on our behalf and He is providing a way for you and for me. (Isaiah 46:10)

Deuteronomy 30:15 tell us to, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; 16 in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.”

When you have trained your mind and the “eyes of your heart” you will “see God” and you will see as God sees.

“1 Timothy 6:16 says that no one can see God and yet Matthew 5:8 tells us that the pure in heart WILL see God. Is there a sense in which we will be able to ‘see’?

“There are the two ways we can see God:

“1. We use the word “see” to mean that we finally understand and discern the beauty and glory of God after being blind to it. Like when we say: Oh, now I see. Our soul is tuned in to the glory so that the glory of God that shines through the gospel is seen as glorious, and we are no longer spiritually blind to it. That is the first way we see him.

“To see God’s glory is to understand and discern the beauty of God after being blind to it.”

“2.  And the second way is that, in the narrative of the Bible, we see the glory of God and finally we will see him face to face through Christ — by seeing Christ. So, John 1:14, 18 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.   So, we see God by seeing Jesus. And 1 John 3:2, “We know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”

“So, the implication is: Pursue purity of heart, purity of faith, purity of life so that your heart is able to see God’s beauty as what it really is in the Scripture, and so that, when he comes or when he calls us in death, we will see him face to face and be glorified with him.  (John Piper)

It is then that our “miracle” occurs.

Having the Living Christ within us, and straining to obtain the mind of Christ as our own, we are thereby being transformed through the renewing or our minds, and in our mortal bodies proving the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Then, almost imperceptibly, though we were once blind, we now SEE!  A special discernment or knowing overcomes us and we are drawn to that which is good and right, to that which is pure and honorable and lovely in His Sight.

It is no mistake that your soul will abide in prosperity, and your descendants will inherit the land. (Psalm 25:13) 

And you will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither;  and in whatever your do, you prosper. (Psalm 1:3)

Now, set your eyes on things above!

 Colossians 3:1 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE SECRET OF MEDITATING ON AND MEMORIZING THE WORD OF GOD

THE ORACLE:  John 15:7 is an oft overlooked or misunderstood and often misused verse.  When taken in the correct context and applied diligently, a door to the Kingdom of God is opened which no man can shut.

It is “The Key of David”, a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David’s domain, Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel. The fact that, in Revelation 3:7, Jesus holds this key shows that He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the ruler of the New Jerusalem, and the Lord of the kingdom of heaven.

John 15:7  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

THE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS:  The effects and benefits of abiding in Christ and having His Words abide in you and vast and wide ranging.  The following list is by no means exhaustive.  Perhaps starting here will motivate you to begin a regular time of meditating on and memorizing God’s Word.

MEDITATING ON AND MEMORIZING THE WORD OF GOD:

REDUCES STRESS:  Many styles of meditation can help reduce stress. Meditation can also reduce symptoms in people with stress-triggered medical conditions.

Romans 8:6 “…the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace”.

REDUCES ANXIETY: Habitual meditation helps reduce anxiety and anxiety-related mental health issues like social anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

      Psalm 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin;
            Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.

PROMOTES EMOTIONAL HEALTH:  Some forms of meditation can improve depression and create a more positive outlook on life. Research shows that maintaining an ongoing habit of meditation may help you maintain these benefits long term.

Proverbs 3:1 ¶  My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;  2  For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.

PROMOTES PHYSCIAL HEALTH:  Good emotional health helps promote good physical health.  Research shows that maintaining an ongoing habit of meditation could help develop lasting benefits and so much more if you memorize the Word of God.

Proverbs 3;5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  6  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 ¶  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8  It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.

ENHANCES AWARENESS:  Meditation can help you know your surrounding, environment, situations and conditions. This can be a starting point for making positive changes.

IMPROVES ATTENTION SPAN:  Meditating on God’s Word may build your ability to redirect and maintain attention. As little as four days of meditation may have an effect.

REDUCE MEMORY LOSS:  The improved focus you can gain through regular meditation on God’s Word may increase memory and mental clarity. These benefits can help fight age-related memory loss and dementia.

GENERATE KINDNESS:  Loving-kindness focused meditation increases a positive mindset, can create empathy and compassion toward others.

Psalm 77:6  I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit ponders:

7  Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again?

8  Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever?

9  Has God forgotten to be gracious, Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? Selah.

10  Then I said, “It is my grief, That the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

11 ¶  I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

12  I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds.

13  Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?

14  You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.

15  You have by Your power redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

MAY HELP FIGHT ADDICTIONS:  Meditation develops mental discipline and can help you avoid triggers for unwanted impulses. This can help you recover from addiction, lose weight and redirect other unwanted habits.

IMPROVES SLEEP:  Meditation can help you relax and control the “runaway” thoughts that can interfere with sleep. This can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep quality.

Psalm 63:6  When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,

7 ¶  For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.

8  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

9  But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth.

10  They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; They will be a prey for foxes.

11  But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.

HELPS CONTROL PAIN:  Meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain. This may help treat chronic pain when used as a supplement to medical care or physical therapy.

CAN DECREASE BLOOD PRESSURE:  Blood pressure decreases not only during meditation, but also over time in individuals who meditate regularly. This can reduce strain on the heart and arteries, helping prevent heart disease.

CAN INCREASE EFFICIECNY AND SUCCESS:  Help focus your attention on the important details needed to increase efficiency, effectiveness which can lead to greater success and profitability.

Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

PROVIDES SAFETY IN THOUGHT AND ACTIONS:  Meditating on the promises of God for provision and safety can create and peaceful mindset in many circumstances.

   Psalms 27:3Though a host encamp against me,
            My heart will not fear;
            Though war arise against me,
            In spite of this I shall be confident.

      4One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
            That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
            To behold the beauty of the LORD
            And to meditate in His temple.

      5For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
            In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
            He will lift me up on a rock.

      6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
            And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
            I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

I pray that the Lord direct you in the way of wisdom and lead you in upright paths.  When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;  and if you run, you will not stumble.  Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

I don’t mean to be irreverent or impolite, but sometimes when you are feeling alone, even in a crowd, you just need a friend, a pal, like Jesus. So, try this. (I trust it will help)

“I no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I call you friends”. (paraphrase) John 15:15

 
JESUS.

Feeling overwhelmed sometimes? Feeling Alone? Sit. Quiet yourself. Call out softly to God. Now wait – expectantly.

You just call out My Name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’ to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that ol’ north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you’ll hear Me knockin’ at your door

You just call out My Name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’ to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there

Ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend
When people can be so cold
They’ll hurt you, yes, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don’t you let them

You just call out My Name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’ to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend

GOD

AND A BILL OF SPIRITUAL RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

GOD APPOINTED RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A disciple of Jesus, also known as a child of God, also known as a Christian, you have certain secure and inviolable rights and responsibilities.

(NOTE:  This preamble is derived from Matthew 18:19; the interpretation is from the New Testament Greek text, NASB version, using Strong’s lexicon and dictionary and printed in all CAPITAL letters.)

PREAMBLE:

You have been given you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever YOU DISCERN AND DECIDE TO  bind on earth, WHETHER PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE,  shall have been bound in heaven, AND THAT ACTION IS COMPLETE, ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME AND EVERYONE SHALL BE BOUND BY THAT ACTION FOR ALL TIMES, and whatever YOU DECIDE TO loose RELEASE, ANNUL, DISOLVE, DESTROY, OVERTHROW OR DO AWAY WITH on earth shall have been loosed in heaven AND THAT ACTION IS COMPLETE, ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME AND EVERYONE SHALL BE BOUND BY THAT ACTION FOR ALL TIMES. (*Matthew18:18, Matthew 16:19)

Hereby considering that you have confessed with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you are saved;  for with the heart you believe, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth your confessed, resulting in salvation. (*Romans 10:9, 11)

Hereby considering that you confess and believe That Jesus is The Christ, The Son of the living God.” (*Matthew16:16)

And, considering that all things are created by God through and by His Word;  (*John 1:3)

And considering that the lower kingdoms of this world are subject to the higher Kingdom of God; (*Hebrews 10:13, Romans 14:11)

And considering that Jesus has all authority granted to Him in heaven and earth;  (*Matthew 28:18)

And considering that He has granted His Authority to His Disciples to bind or loose what is on the lower kingdoms to be subject to the righteous, permanent and inviolable powers of God in heaven;  (*Matthew18:18, Matthew 16:19, Matthew 10:1)

You are hereby appointed to go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; (*Matthew28:18-20)

You are hereby conferred the authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. (*Matthew10:1)

It has hereby been granted to you that all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. (*Matthew21:22))

It has herby been granted that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses even to the remotest part of the earth. (*Acts 1:8)

TO WIT:

ARTICLE  I.   CREATION – CAUSE – CAUSATION

You were created for by God for His purpose.  You come from the Invisible God, and you are sustained by God.   You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES: 

• WHAT IS SEEN, COMES FROM THE UNSEEN. 
• GOD IS THE INVISIBLE GOD. 
• THE WORD IS WITH GOD. 
• GOD, BY HIS WORD, IS THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF ALL THINGS.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Colossians 1:13  “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

Hebrews11:3  “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

 

ARTICLE II.  DIVIDING THE KINGDOMS

You are not of this world because He chose you out of this world.  You are from God, little child, and you have overcome those of the world; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES: 

• THE GREATER RULES OVER THE LESSER. 
• THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE SUBJECT TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 
• GOD HAS CHOSEN US OUT OF THIS WORLD AND INTO HIS KINGDOM.
•  HE WHO IS IN ME IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THIS WORLD.

John 8:23, Jesus says “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.”

In John 18:36, Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Jesus tells us in John 15:19 that we are not of this world, either, because He chose us out of this world.

1 John 4:4  “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

 

ARTICLE III. BINDING AND LOOSING

Jesus has said to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

Again He has said to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst, remembering this it is God Who does the works though you, an obedient and yielded friend of Jesus –  His disciple.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES: 

• GOD. ALONE, CONFERS AUTHORITY.
• YOU MAY “BIND” ONLY BY GOD’S AUTHORITY.
• YOU MAY “LOOSE” ONLY BY GOD’S AUTHORITY.
• YOU, ALSO, WILL  BE BOUND OR LOOSED BY THE AUTHORITY GOD GRANTS YOU.
• “BINDING” AND “LOOSING” ARE SERIOUS MATTERS AND THEIR EFFECT IS PERMANENT.

Matthew 18:15   “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

16  “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.

17  “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

18  “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

19  “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

20  “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

21 ¶  Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

22  Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

THIS SOLEMN APPOINTMENT ATTESTED TO AND SIGNED BY JESUS:  “And, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

Witnessed by your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young

PS:  By scrolling further down this page you will find the scripture references used and related to this article and Spiritual Constitution.

THEOLOGIAN, FRANCIS SCHAEFFER

 

RECAPITULATION & FOOTNOTES:

Interpreted, subscribed and taken from the text in Matthew18:18  “Truly I say to you, whatever YOU DECIDE TO  bind on earth WHETHER PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE, shall have been bound in heaven AND THAT ACTION IS COMPLETE, ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME AND EVERYONE SHALL BE BOUND BY THAT ACTION FOR ALL TIMES; and whatever YOU DECIDE TO loose RELEASE, ANNUL, DISOLVE, DESTROY, OVERTHROW OR DO AWAY WITH on earth shall have been loosed in heaven AND THAT ACTION IS COMPLETE, ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME AND EVERYONE SHALL BE BOUND BY THAT ACTION FOR ALL TIMES.”

19  “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 16:13  “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

15  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17  And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

18  “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

19  “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

BIND = DEO aorist/active/subjunctive  = no regard to past present of future time/the subject is the doer of the action/the mood of possibility and

BOUND = DEO perfect/passive/participle   = the action has been completed in the past once and for all not needing to be repeated/the subject is the recipient of the action/ ing or ed, a verbal noun, has the characteristics of both a verb and an adjective

Binding and being bound referred to as having or granting authority in decision making and the granting the authority to act on that decision and the power to complete it.

Footnotes:

Matthew 4:17  “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:19  “And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:23 “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.

Matthew 9:37  “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  v38  “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Matthew 10:1  Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

Mark 16:17  “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; v18  they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Matthew 28:18  “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. v19  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

v20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus is The Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Jesus and He in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Jesus you can do nothing.

If anyone does not abide in Jesus, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

If you abide in Jesus, and His words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  The Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be Jesus’ disciples.

No longer does Jesus call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but Jesus has called you friends, for all things that I have heard from His Father, He has made known to you.

You did not choose Jesus but He chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in Jesus name He may give to you.

Jesus commands you, that you love one another.

– FOR CHRIST FOLLOWERS ONLY –

THE ‘ORACLE’ OF

BLESSINGS & PROSPERITY

“Biblical Prosperity” may not be what you thought.  Keeping your understanding and practice of the Word of God in context of His Word – it will be the difference.

Here is where to start:

1.  Know and follow Jesus as His disciple.  This is the hard one.  So many people believe they are Christians because they followed some “Plan of Salvation”. 

• But, John 3:16  says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (Matthew 3:16)

• And, verse 21 tells us that “He who practices the truth comes to the Light (Jesus), so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

One way to check on this is by your prayer life, your attitude toward others and your humility before God. 

Another test is do you exercise Spiritual disciplines or do you do what seems right or feels right or do you do what is right?  If you only do what ‘feels good’ you are on the wrong basis. 

(Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.)

Until you are truly a follower and a disciple of Jesus, what is written here will NOT work for you.

2.  Know and understand the CONTEXT of what Jesus represents and taught. 

(a)  Jesus came into the world to save people from perishing. 

(b)  Jesus became ‘sin’ on our behalf and took the punishment of sin for us.  His teachings and actions reflect and work to this end.

(c)  Jesus’ mindset regarding everything He said or taught was from a Spiritual (Heavenly) Perspective.  (Philippians 2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,)

In other words, the material world emanates from the Spiritual realm and is controlled by the Spiritual realm.  We come from the Spiritual realm and will return to that realm, whether it is with God in Heaven or you perish into outer darkness and into Hell.  Jesus teaches this and until you understand this and adopt it as your basis for learning, you will never receive His Blessings and you will miss the Prosperity Jesus is offering.

3.  Abide in Him and put His Word in you.  Dwell, Meditate, Speak and Act.

John 7:15  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

Matthew21:21  “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Sound easy?  Think again.  Read what Jesus says about His Teachings.

I.  You must be born of water and The Spirit in order “to see and hear”

(that is, “to understand and to do”)

Matthew 13:1  “That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea.

2  And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.

3  And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to

sow;

4  and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.

5  “Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil.

6  “But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7  “Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out.

8  “And others fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.

9  “He who has ears, let him hear.”

10  And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

(THE ORACLE)* 11  Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.

12  “For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.

13  “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

(THE ORACLE)* V14  “In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE;

15  FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.’

16  “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.

17  “For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

18  “Hear then the parable of the sower.

19  “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.

20  “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21  yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.

22  “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

23  “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

II.  Blessings and Prosperity must begin on the ‘inside’ (the Spiritual Realm) in order to manifest in the natural world.

3 John 3:2 “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

1.  Every good material gift (blessing) comes from, emanates from, originates as, a Spiritual Blessing.  Even then, the material gift fades, but the Spiritual Gift remains.  It is never the other way around.  PUT YOUR FOCUS, YOUR MIND, ALWAYS ON THE SPIRITUAL, on the things above.

2.  Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

• 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23“But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

•  24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

II.  Blessings & Prosperity of the Soul are Eternal,

material blessings fade

1.  Another way to see that the ‘material world’ is fading is found in Romans 8, which tells us that the mind set on the flesh, is DEATH.  But, the mind set on The Spirit of God, is life and peace (Spiritual Blessings and Prosperity). 

Romans 8:5 

• “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but
•  those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
• 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death,
• but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

III.  BIBLICAL PROSPERITY

Now that we have established that

1. You must be born again to experience the blessing and prosperity from God
2. The Blessings and Prosperity from God are of a Spiritual Nature
3. The natural blessings which manifest or flow from the Spiritual (life) are temporary and fade (death)
4. Spiritual Blessings and Gifts are Eternal
5. You cannot serve both God and wealth
6. You must stay focused on things Above, that is, on the Spiritual (GOD)

IV.  Here are the Blessings of Spiritual Prosperity

1.  ETERNAL LIFE:  John3:14  “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

2.  ABUNDANT LIFE:   John10:9  “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

3.  PROSPERITY AND GOOD HEALTH:   3 John 3:2  “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

4.  MANIFEST BLESSINGS:   

1. OBEY GOD:  Deuteronomy28:1“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being   careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, The LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

2. IRRESISTIBLE BLESSINGS:  v2 “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God:
3. OMNIPRESENT BLESSINGS:  3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
4. GENERATIONAL BLESSINGS:  4 “Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.
5. NATURAL BLESSING:  v5“ Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6. CONTINUAL BLESSINGS:  v6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7. PROTECTIVE BLESSINGS:  7“The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.
8. OMNISCIENT BLESSINGS:  8“The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
9. HOLY BLESSINGS:  9“The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. 10“So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of you.
10. ABUNDANT BLESSINGS:  11“The LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.
11. ESTABLISHED BLESSINGS:  12“The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
12. BLESSINGS OF AUTHORITY:  13 “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,

Do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Deuteronomy28:14

THE LEFT and THE RIGH translates from the Hebrew language as:

When you have a need or are praying for a blessing, do not turn to the “RIGHT” hand of personal effort or in your own strength

Nor to the “LEFT” hand of wrapping yourself up in the cares of this world so as to make your request in your own image (imagination)

As Joshua 1:7  says “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

This is a long read, but, put into practice is a BLESSING!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The world is lacking and in desperate need of effective leaders. Leaders who are not driven solely by ego or profits. But the leader who is driven to improve the lives of others.

1.  The heart of leadership is serving others first, before yourself.

God Centered:  Matthew 20:28  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Secular Self Centered:  Here’s the problem, most organizations operate from a hierarchical leadership structure. Leaders “move up” the ladder in an organization, and, once there, see themselves “above” their team. Despite its trending status – as well as its undeniable success – most people do not equate leadership to service. Rather than epitomizing humility, influence and meeting people where they are at,  too many leaders think being a leader means power and authority – (John Maxwell on leadership)

It is repugnant when Church leaders or pastors act this way, and some do act just this way!

2.  Servant-hood is valuing others.

God Centered:  Philippians2:3 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

Matthew 6:24  “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Secular Self Centered:  A self-described Servant-Leadership model is used by some the of the top performing companies like Chick-fil-A, Best Buy, UPS, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Ritz Carlton and Southwest Airlines. Their leadership qualities are people-centric, modeling servant leadership behavior and valuing service to others. They are humble – allowing their behavior to communicate their values and their appreciation for their people – and they are vigilant – in promoting the right attitude and belief systems that encourage others to succeed.

Just because someone has the title of leader, doesn’t mean they are a leader. The greatest reflection on a leader being a true leader is whether or not they are influencing anyone. And, of course, the first place you’ll see that is in the leader’s people. An organization is only as great as its people. If the people aren’t following, the leader isn’t leading. Too often leaders get too focused on the bottom line financial results instead of growing their people and the company. –( John Maxwell on leadership.)

It is repugnant when Church leaders or pastors act this way, and some do act just this way!

3.  FUNNY THING, The word, LEADER. as found in the New Testament isn’t complimentary:

Matthew 23:10  “Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.

Luke 22:26  “But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.

Acts 18:8  Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized.

Acts 18:17  And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

In the Old testament the word “leader” always refers to a political or secular position except in the Temple then it refers to an official.

4.  THE WORD “LEADER” is NEVER connected with being a SERVANT of CHIRST (DOULOS).  So, the word servant-leader is a manmade concoction, an aberration and a deviation from what Jesus and the Bible teaches.  Period.

5.  So, how do I serve God to succeed and prosper?

1. Joshua 1:5  “No man will be able to stand before youall the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
2. v6  “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
3. v7  “Only be strong and very courageous;be careful to do according to all the lawwhich Moses My servant commanded you;
4. do not turn from it to the right or to the left,
5. so that you may have success wherever you go.
6. v8  “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth,
7. but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; forthen you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

1. Proverbs 3:9  Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;
   1. v10  So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.

1. 3 John 3:2Beloved, I pray that in all respectsyou may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Deuteronomy28:1“Now it shall be, if youdiligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today,

1. the LORD your God willset you high above all the nations of the earth.
2. 2“All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God:
3. 3 “Blessed shall you bein the city,and blessed shall you bein the country.
4. 4 “Blessed shall be the offspring of your bodyand theproduce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.
5. v5“ Blessed shall be your basketand your kneading bowl.
6. v6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7. 7“The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeatedbefore you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.
8. 8“The LORD will command theblessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to,and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
9. 9“The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. 10“So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of you.
10. 11“The LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.
11. 12“The LORD willopen for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shalllend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
12.   13 “The LORD willmake you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,

14and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Let’ remember that there is no greater love for others than to lay down your life for a friend. (John 15:13)  So, let’s ask ourselves,

One: What can I do for people to help them succeed?

Two: What do people need from me daily that they may not want to ask for?

Three: What can I work on that will help me serve people better?

Four: How will I know that I am serving people well?

Five: What is it like for the people who work (or live) with me?

Six: How can I gain value while adding value to others by serving?

Seven: What do I do best that allows me to serve people better?

Eight: How can I serve people in a way that will inspire them to serve others?

(- John Maxwell on leadership.  My comment added within parentheses.)

“All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  Not surprisingly, the void of effective leadership presents an opportunity for someone to come on the world scene and capture the world’s attention, garner the world’s adoration and captivate hearts. Should this happen, pray it is a good person and not one who would victimize the world. (The Antichrist)

Our neighborhood was flooding during hurricane Irma.  Water was rising and approached our front door.  Our house would be flooded in a matter of minutes.  (This is an actual photo of that day)

Several neighbors were searching for the street drains to see if they were clogged and were causing the flooding.

One man seemed to take charge and yelled over the deafening winds, “Stop messing around!  Go along the edge of the street until you find and clear those drains.”

Those instructions and that command moved everyone to move to action, reaching down into the flooded street, feeling around for the drain grates, one person yelled, “Here they are.  Help me clear them!”

Everyone converged on that area and removed the debris and thankfully the waters immediately began to recede.  Our house and others houses were saved from flooding that day!

Later, one man told me that his feeling were hurt by the coarse yelling of the man who took charge.  “I was doing the best I could.  He didn’t have to yell at us that way.”

I tried to explain to him that the man who took charge knew the immediacy of the problem and was not shouting at anyone in particular nor was he yelling in anger.  He was focused on the crisis and perhaps it was how he was perceived.

This reminds me of another time and occasion.

“And Jesus, having seen a great crowd around Him, gave orders to depart to the other side.  And one scribe, having approached Him, said “Teacher, I will follow You wherever that You should go.”

And Jesus says to him, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere He might lay the head.”

And another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, allow me first to go and to bury my father.”

But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”  Matthew 8:18

What is Jesus saying?  Are these harsh and insensitive remarks?  Or was Jesus focusing this scribe and this disciple on the urgency of His Mission?

A close study of the language Jesus used reveals that He was saying that others, even the creatures, live to survive, so they spend time worrying about the necessities of life.  But He has no time for such matters.  He is saying that to follow Him you must let go of the perceived necessities of life and make God’s calling and mission your priority.  Organization planning, new ministries strategies, worries of finances or support, will only delay the mission at hand:  Preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus, healing the sick, making and baptizing disciples.

Jesus’ life, leadership, and model for our ministry

He SAID the WORDS

Mattew4:17  From that time Jesus began to proclaim and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near!”

18 Now walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And He says to them, “Come follow after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 And immediately having left the nets, they followed Him.

21 And having gone on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. And He called them, 22 and immediately having left the boat and their father they followed Him.

He SHOWED the WONDERS

23 And He was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24 And the news of Him went out into all Syria. And they brought to Him all the sick having various diseases and oppressing pains, and being possessed by demons, and having seizures, and paralytics—and He healed them.

He SENT the WORKERS

Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Now, please, try to describe it from your understanding:

#1.  Jesus’ seminary education and requirements for the disciples (answer)

#2.  Jesus’ financial backing, fund raising efforts, special offering requests (answer)

#3.  Jesus’ political stance (answer)

#4.  Jesus’ board of directors (answer)

#5.  Jesus method of advertising (answer)

Our calling. 

Matthew 4:17-20  “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

“And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”

Our authority.

Matthew10:1  And having summoned … He gave to them authority over unclean spirits, so as to cast them out and to heal every disease and every sickness.

Our mission.

Matthew 29:18  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus creates a new spirit within us.  Jesus call us.  Jesus commissions us not with the ‘spiritual gift of door greeter’ or the ‘spiritual gift of coffee maker’ or the ‘spiritual gift of church CEO’, although these may be helpful things, they are not the CALLING nor the GIFTING.

I’ll even go out on a limb here.  If you are doing anything other than what He said to do, you need to hear His Words again: 

And Jesus says to him, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere He might lay the head.”

And another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, allow me first to go and to bury my father.”

But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” 

Your Brother and Friend in His Name

Mike Young

PS:  To pastors and ‘church leaders’ – Jesus led by example.  He DOES what He teaches.  We should do no less.  Let’s get to it and stop playing the post-modern church game.

YOU go witnessing.  YOU share the gospel one-on-one.  YOU heal the sick, the lame and the infirm.  You cast out demons.  You comfort the afflicted.  Leave the rest of the scribes.

Have you heard that phrase before?

It can mean “to be overwhelmed with work or information, or to be inundated with an uncapped, unfiltered amount.  To take a small amount from an enormous, hard-to-manage quantity.”

That’s how I used to feel on some Sundays after church.

There is an image of a clock on the Megatron-like screen looming over us, ticking down the minutes and seconds until the church service is to start.

There will be two services, so we must stay on time!

Then, just like clockwork, (pun intended) the announcements are made;  then the music begins.  It is often rhythmic but frantic at first.  THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, repeating lyrics over and over, song after song.  The final ‘worship song’ slowing to a quieter pace, readying us for a sermon or a lecture.

There is a screen at the back of the auditorium for the preacher to view.  It is reflecting the preacher’s notes and a CLOCK ticking down the minutes and seconds.  He must stay on time!

We rapidly fill the blank spaces in the bulletin’s sermon notes section, occasionally peeking at our neighbors sheet for an answer we miss.

Next, the concluding remarks, a quick invitation to repeat a prayer and on your way out pick up literature confirming your decision today.

CLEAR OUT, the next audience is coming in just thirty minutes!

HURRY, HURRY, HURRY, and chat with others on the way out of the doors.  Into you cars and leave.  MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEXT SERVICE!

And then along comes the-not-so-“Pandemic”.

Research shows that, since the not-so-pandemic started, that 1 in 3 church-goers are not coming back to the ‘religious races’.  Preferring instead to watch from home, or gathering in a homes in small groups, slow down the pace, but not forsaking the “GATHERING TOGETHER”.

They like to say “I like to know you name.  I want you to know me.  I want to get to know about you – to actually know you.  I want your for a friend and I want you to be my friend.”  You get it, right?

 

What do you think?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

This thought crossed my mind recently, “Am I ‘forsaking not the gathering together’ or AM I CLOISTERING?

Cloister.  clois·ter  noun

A religious way of life in which a person renounces worldly pursuits to pursue a spiritual life or works: monastic life, literally the act of “dwelling alone” (Greek monos, monazein, monachos), has come to denote the mode of life pertaining to persons living in seclusion from the world, under religious vows and subject to a fixed rule, in general as religious. The basic idea of monasticism in all its varieties is seclusion or withdrawal from the world or society.

verb

Seclude or “shut up in” or as if in a convent or monastery.

I don’t think I am a “cloisterer”.  I look forward to Sundays at my church.  We gather, meet, greet, shake hands, laugh, pray, worship, hear a sermon, then we usually go to lunch together.  Afterwards, home.  Then, next week, we do it al again!  It is my favorite time of the week.  (Maybe I AM a ‘closet cloisterer’.  But, certainly not in the strict sense of the word).

While pondering the thought of ‘cloistering’, it dawned on me, that I don’t see many ‘religious seekers’ and fewer new ‘conversions’ at our church anymore.  I do see the “not-so-regular attendees” on religious holidays.  We will see someone from another church, either locally or from out of the area looking for a new church or a place to visit while they are on vacation.  And that’s too bad, because, each week, our Pastor preaches a really good bible-based salvation message.

But, it seems to me that even during our ‘revival meetings’ I don’t see that many non-Christians coming down the aisles to get saved.

I wonder why?  Is that I am not paying attention?  are the ‘unsaved’ present in our services but our methods of anonymity during ‘the invitation to receive Christ into your life’ make it difficult to discover them?

I greet a lot of folks at our church each week.  It is one of my favorite things to do.  But, I am not discovering many ‘confessing non-believers’.  (I have to ask myself, “Who wouldn’t love to join such a fun and loving group as ours?”) 

Then I come back to this word, “Cloister”.  I read the definition and was a little bothered that it might sound a little like what I have been doing with my life.

For example, I attend church at least twice a week (or more) and visit with my Christian friends, new and established ones. 

During my week, I try to abstain from unnecessary worldly ‘pleasures and practices’ – and most associations of that kind.  So I don’t venture far from my ‘safe places’.  I go out to eat with friends, on occasion.  We attend movies, ball games, the beach, etc.

Almost all my friends are Christians.  But, I have very little in common with those who don’t have a Spiritual life or a relationship with Jesus. 

I don’t drink alcoholic beverages so I don’t hang around with folks who frequent bars.  I don’t smoke, don’t cuss (on purpose), don’t watch “R” rated or worse, movies, I don’t gamble, etc.  I guess I have very few vices, if any. 

I mean, this is what all my preachers have always said I should be and do.  So, to facilitate ‘good behavior’ I avoid places where vices are practiced.  I guess I might also be avoiding the people who practice such things.  After all, the bible does say, “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Aside from that, I wonder why I don’t have more non-believers as friends.

Then, there is that bible verse in Matthew 28:19, which says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Since it seems “they” aren’t coming to church as often anymore, does that mean I have to start going to where ‘they’ are? 

Maybe that’s the problem.  It’s me.  I haven’t been GOING and MAKING.  But how do I go THERE and not be accused of participating in ‘worldly things’?

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?”  (Romans 10:14)  I wonder if this can be applied to me, as a Christian?

Or this bible verse?

Mark 1:1 “¶The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (2)  As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; (3)  THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.”

(This could really cut into my ‘free time’!  How about yours?)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young