“Better is the poor that walks in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1)
Integrity---not something we hear much about these days so many people may not know what it means. Simply put, integrity means we integrate what we say we believe into our lifestyle. In other words, integrity is about our words matching our actions. If we refuse to live in integrity we will live a conflicted life because we say one thing and do something different. The opposite of integrity is hypocrisy.
We are told in scripture to let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no.” Integrity also conveys the idea of loyalty and dedication; again two things we don’t often hear or see today. The Bible actually has a lot to say about people living honorable lives; in fact, God tells us that He will honor those who walk with honor and integrity.
Are you living your life with integrity? Can people depend on you to keep your word? It is not always easy to live with integrity but it is certainly the best. I have been the recipient of malicious talk but I remain true to my convictions and walk in my integrity. Like I said, it is not always easy but you can sleep well at night and one day you will be commended by the Lord.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Monday, April 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Easter
“Do not be alarmed, you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here, see the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6).
“He is risen!” I doubt there are any other words ever spoken that sounded as sweet as these three. Imagine walking to the tomb after witnessing the events of the past couple of days. You were there, you heard Him speak His final words and you watched Him take His final breath. You knew He was dead and as it was with so many, your hopes and dreams died that day as well.
You make your way to the tomb thinking one thing and you get there and discover something totally different. You leave home still filled with despair and hopelessness; you return home encouraged and hopeful.
This is what Easter is about. It is about giving us hope and courage in a world gone mad. Maybe you feel like you life is spiraling out of control and all hope is gone; let me challenge you to make your way to where Jesus is. These ladies got a glimpse of resurrection power and it radically changed their lives. I believe if we will catch a fresh glimpse of resurrection power it will change our lives as well.
Easter is about hope; because of His resurrection we have hope for today as well as hope for tomorrow. Hear those words with a newfound freshness, “He is risen! He is not here…”
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
“He is risen!” I doubt there are any other words ever spoken that sounded as sweet as these three. Imagine walking to the tomb after witnessing the events of the past couple of days. You were there, you heard Him speak His final words and you watched Him take His final breath. You knew He was dead and as it was with so many, your hopes and dreams died that day as well.
You make your way to the tomb thinking one thing and you get there and discover something totally different. You leave home still filled with despair and hopelessness; you return home encouraged and hopeful.
This is what Easter is about. It is about giving us hope and courage in a world gone mad. Maybe you feel like you life is spiraling out of control and all hope is gone; let me challenge you to make your way to where Jesus is. These ladies got a glimpse of resurrection power and it radically changed their lives. I believe if we will catch a fresh glimpse of resurrection power it will change our lives as well.
Easter is about hope; because of His resurrection we have hope for today as well as hope for tomorrow. Hear those words with a newfound freshness, “He is risen! He is not here…”
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Evangelism
“And on some have compassion, making a difference but of others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…” (Jude 22-23).
In a couple of weeks we will once again host our annual “Friend Day.” On March 28th several hundred people will gather for this annual event that has proven to be very effective in reaching lost people with the life changing gospel. While not all have settled in at BT; I have heard from many over the years of how their life was changed because of what we did.
I want to urge you to help us by inviting your friends and acquaintances to this life changing service. Jude reminds us that evangelism is not a take it or leave it proposition; it is something we must continue until the Lord returns. Each of us has a circle of influence and would admit that we know someone who needs to be in the service that day. Take a bold step and invite them to come to this life-changing service.
I promise that the staff and I along with our ministry team will work hard to make this a day to impact your friends for Christ. I am preaching an illustrated sermon entitled “Taken” and I believe it will be used mightily but God to draw people in to a relationship with Him.
Again, I ask you to join with the BT family and let’s pull our effort and resources together to make a difference in Johnson County and beyond. I refuse to accept the notion that the best days of the Church are behind; we rejoice in past victories but press forward to new opportunities and new challenges. Make God and His house a priority; not just on special days like “Friend Day” but each Sunday, gather with fellow believers and rejoice in the goodness of God.
Lastly, please be in prayer for this powerful day. We are asking God to lives to be powerfully impacted with the gospel; we want to plunder hell and populate heaven. With us all working together we will make a difference.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
In a couple of weeks we will once again host our annual “Friend Day.” On March 28th several hundred people will gather for this annual event that has proven to be very effective in reaching lost people with the life changing gospel. While not all have settled in at BT; I have heard from many over the years of how their life was changed because of what we did.
I want to urge you to help us by inviting your friends and acquaintances to this life changing service. Jude reminds us that evangelism is not a take it or leave it proposition; it is something we must continue until the Lord returns. Each of us has a circle of influence and would admit that we know someone who needs to be in the service that day. Take a bold step and invite them to come to this life-changing service.
I promise that the staff and I along with our ministry team will work hard to make this a day to impact your friends for Christ. I am preaching an illustrated sermon entitled “Taken” and I believe it will be used mightily but God to draw people in to a relationship with Him.
Again, I ask you to join with the BT family and let’s pull our effort and resources together to make a difference in Johnson County and beyond. I refuse to accept the notion that the best days of the Church are behind; we rejoice in past victories but press forward to new opportunities and new challenges. Make God and His house a priority; not just on special days like “Friend Day” but each Sunday, gather with fellow believers and rejoice in the goodness of God.
Lastly, please be in prayer for this powerful day. We are asking God to lives to be powerfully impacted with the gospel; we want to plunder hell and populate heaven. With us all working together we will make a difference.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Monday, February 15, 2010
Honor
“Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse” (Proverbs 28:6).
Have you noticed how obsessed Americans’ are with stuff? I mean we have taken consumerism to a whole new level. We by things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like. We have been conditioned to grave the newest and latest gadgets. We work from sun up to sun down to accumulate stuff that gets shoved into a box within year and stored until we clean out and have a garage sale.
The writer or Proverbs tells us that there is something much more valuable than being rich. Being a person of honor and integrity is much more valuable than the riches of the world. I have a motto I try and live by that goes like this: “You can never go wrong by doing what is right.”
One of the missing ingredients in today’s society is integrity. There was a time when people did the right thing because it was the right thing to do. Today, it is rare to find someone who will do the right thing unless they get something out of it.
Let me challenge you to live by a different standard. Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Walk with honor and integrity; it might not get you to the head of the line here but God will be well pleased and heaven will take note.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Have you noticed how obsessed Americans’ are with stuff? I mean we have taken consumerism to a whole new level. We by things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like. We have been conditioned to grave the newest and latest gadgets. We work from sun up to sun down to accumulate stuff that gets shoved into a box within year and stored until we clean out and have a garage sale.
The writer or Proverbs tells us that there is something much more valuable than being rich. Being a person of honor and integrity is much more valuable than the riches of the world. I have a motto I try and live by that goes like this: “You can never go wrong by doing what is right.”
One of the missing ingredients in today’s society is integrity. There was a time when people did the right thing because it was the right thing to do. Today, it is rare to find someone who will do the right thing unless they get something out of it.
Let me challenge you to live by a different standard. Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Walk with honor and integrity; it might not get you to the head of the line here but God will be well pleased and heaven will take note.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sowing and Reaping
“Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will come back to you” (Luke 6:38).
This is a powerful principle that will revolutionize our lives if we put it into practice. Jesus is teaching that whatever we give has a way of coming back to us. He tells us in verse37 to forgive, don’t judge and don’t condemn; if we do then it will come back to us. One guy calls this the boomerang effect.
If you throw out condemnation, judge other or refuse to forgive; this is what you can expect to come back to you. So we should pay close attention to our conduct and behavior because it has a way of coming back to us. I am on a couple social networking sites and I am amazed at the stuff people write. I have taken some personal attacks from disgruntled people who suppose themselves to be something, even though they aren’t and I get asked from time to time; “Why don’t you respond?” Well, Jesus wasn’t wasting words here, payday comes and we get what we give.
Another truth is, what comes back to us is always greater than what we have sown. Like a farmer who plants a kernel of corn reaps a stalk with many ears of corn with many kernels this is how it will be for us.
So, are you ready to harvest?
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
This is a powerful principle that will revolutionize our lives if we put it into practice. Jesus is teaching that whatever we give has a way of coming back to us. He tells us in verse37 to forgive, don’t judge and don’t condemn; if we do then it will come back to us. One guy calls this the boomerang effect.
If you throw out condemnation, judge other or refuse to forgive; this is what you can expect to come back to you. So we should pay close attention to our conduct and behavior because it has a way of coming back to us. I am on a couple social networking sites and I am amazed at the stuff people write. I have taken some personal attacks from disgruntled people who suppose themselves to be something, even though they aren’t and I get asked from time to time; “Why don’t you respond?” Well, Jesus wasn’t wasting words here, payday comes and we get what we give.
Another truth is, what comes back to us is always greater than what we have sown. Like a farmer who plants a kernel of corn reaps a stalk with many ears of corn with many kernels this is how it will be for us.
So, are you ready to harvest?
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Mark of a Disciple
“By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love one for another” (John 13:35).
Tina Turner had a song back in the 80’s that asked the question, “What’s Love Got to do With it?” Truthfully, love has everything to do with it. There is nothing that reveals the true you like how you treat other people. The apostle Paul said it doesn’t really matter how significant you think you are and how gifted you claim to be, if you don’t operate with genuine love for others you are nothing more than an annoying noise maker (1 Cor.13).
How are we to love? Jesus said in verse 34, “A new command I give to you, love one another as I have loved you.” There it is, if you want to know how to love as we are commanded to love just study the life of Jesus because He gave left us an example of love. His love is a sacrificial love…He willingly laid down His life for us. His love is merciful…He doesn’t give us what we deserve and His love is unconditional…He accepts us with warts and all.
This is how He commands us to love others. This is so difficult and can only be accomplished as we remain in Him, connected to the life-flow from the vine. Our life will take on an entirely new dimension if we learn to love as He loved us. Why not give it a try? What if we loved as He loved; would our world change? I think the answer is a resounding “yes” in a short amount of time.
Try it this week, love like He loved, act like He acted and live like He lived; watch what happens.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Tina Turner had a song back in the 80’s that asked the question, “What’s Love Got to do With it?” Truthfully, love has everything to do with it. There is nothing that reveals the true you like how you treat other people. The apostle Paul said it doesn’t really matter how significant you think you are and how gifted you claim to be, if you don’t operate with genuine love for others you are nothing more than an annoying noise maker (1 Cor.13).
How are we to love? Jesus said in verse 34, “A new command I give to you, love one another as I have loved you.” There it is, if you want to know how to love as we are commanded to love just study the life of Jesus because He gave left us an example of love. His love is a sacrificial love…He willingly laid down His life for us. His love is merciful…He doesn’t give us what we deserve and His love is unconditional…He accepts us with warts and all.
This is how He commands us to love others. This is so difficult and can only be accomplished as we remain in Him, connected to the life-flow from the vine. Our life will take on an entirely new dimension if we learn to love as He loved us. Why not give it a try? What if we loved as He loved; would our world change? I think the answer is a resounding “yes” in a short amount of time.
Try it this week, love like He loved, act like He acted and live like He lived; watch what happens.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Well, we made it. Whether you celebrate the arrival of the New Year or merely surviving the old one we are starring at brand new possibilities and unlimited potential. For many people this is one of the most exciting times of the year because it signals to us the opportunity to start fresh. Once we turned the pages of 2009 it was a chapter that has ended. However, 2010 is a chapter yet to be written and the story is yet untold.
What will you write on this new chapter? What are you expecting in this New Year? Will things be different for you or will you just continue in the monotony of the routine? Remember, we are the sum total of the decisions we make.
One thing is certain; according to the above scripture God has a plan for each of us. God’s plan is a good thing full of hope and destiny. This was a promise given to Judah but I believe just as real for us today. God has a destiny in mind for each of us and if we will walk in confidence He will get us there. Not only does God know where we are going, He also knows how He is going to get us there.
2010 can be a fantastic year for us as individuals and as a body of believers if we will embrace God’s plan for our lives. 2009 is gone, let go of it and embrace 2010. Let your dreams be bigger than your memories and trust that God will get you to the place He wants you to be.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Well, we made it. Whether you celebrate the arrival of the New Year or merely surviving the old one we are starring at brand new possibilities and unlimited potential. For many people this is one of the most exciting times of the year because it signals to us the opportunity to start fresh. Once we turned the pages of 2009 it was a chapter that has ended. However, 2010 is a chapter yet to be written and the story is yet untold.
What will you write on this new chapter? What are you expecting in this New Year? Will things be different for you or will you just continue in the monotony of the routine? Remember, we are the sum total of the decisions we make.
One thing is certain; according to the above scripture God has a plan for each of us. God’s plan is a good thing full of hope and destiny. This was a promise given to Judah but I believe just as real for us today. God has a destiny in mind for each of us and if we will walk in confidence He will get us there. Not only does God know where we are going, He also knows how He is going to get us there.
2010 can be a fantastic year for us as individuals and as a body of believers if we will embrace God’s plan for our lives. 2009 is gone, let go of it and embrace 2010. Let your dreams be bigger than your memories and trust that God will get you to the place He wants you to be.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas hero
“…Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take you Mary for your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).
I’m sure that most of you have probably thought as I have from time to time that Joseph is the most overlooked person in the Christmas story. We have many Christmas songs about Mary and the baby Jesus, there are songs about the Shepherd and Wise men but I cannot recall anything about Joseph. It’s almost like he is an insignificant figure in this story.
Far from it; Joseph is vital to the story. Think about it, here is a man who is engaged to a girl, he finds out she is pregnant and the child is not his. His finance tells him she is a virgin and her pregnancy is of God; wow, what to do. The law would allow her to be executed but he was honorable even in the pain of thinking he had been betrayed so he would quietly release her. He gets a visit from an angel confirming the story and encouraging him to move forward with their plans.
To me Joseph is a hero; he was an honorable and reliable man that God trusted to be the earthly father to His only son. It must have been a tremendous burden to walk that path but Joseph was faithful to the call of God and became the earthly father to God’s only son.
This Christmas season, are we honorable and reliable to God? Can God trust us with miniscule tasks knowing that we will complete them? What about when the recognition doesn’t come; can we be counted on?
Even if you feel insignificant this Christmas season, God still has a task for each of us. They may never write songs about us and we may never have a place of prominence but God calls us to be faithful even behind the scenes and one day what is done in secret will be declared openly in His time.
May it be said of us that God can count on us to be honorable and faithful in what He has called us to. I pray this Christmas is blessed above them all as we celebrate the fact that “a savior is born who is Christ the Lord.”
Merry Christmas!!
Pastor Mike
I’m sure that most of you have probably thought as I have from time to time that Joseph is the most overlooked person in the Christmas story. We have many Christmas songs about Mary and the baby Jesus, there are songs about the Shepherd and Wise men but I cannot recall anything about Joseph. It’s almost like he is an insignificant figure in this story.
Far from it; Joseph is vital to the story. Think about it, here is a man who is engaged to a girl, he finds out she is pregnant and the child is not his. His finance tells him she is a virgin and her pregnancy is of God; wow, what to do. The law would allow her to be executed but he was honorable even in the pain of thinking he had been betrayed so he would quietly release her. He gets a visit from an angel confirming the story and encouraging him to move forward with their plans.
To me Joseph is a hero; he was an honorable and reliable man that God trusted to be the earthly father to His only son. It must have been a tremendous burden to walk that path but Joseph was faithful to the call of God and became the earthly father to God’s only son.
This Christmas season, are we honorable and reliable to God? Can God trust us with miniscule tasks knowing that we will complete them? What about when the recognition doesn’t come; can we be counted on?
Even if you feel insignificant this Christmas season, God still has a task for each of us. They may never write songs about us and we may never have a place of prominence but God calls us to be faithful even behind the scenes and one day what is done in secret will be declared openly in His time.
May it be said of us that God can count on us to be honorable and faithful in what He has called us to. I pray this Christmas is blessed above them all as we celebrate the fact that “a savior is born who is Christ the Lord.”
Merry Christmas!!
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Light
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2).
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is filled with non-stop activities. There are parties to attend, presents to purchase, decorations to put up, to-do lists to check and recheck, travel plans to confirm and…. Kind of makes you want to take a holiday from the holidays.
With all the hustle and bustle of bulging schedules, never lose sight of the reason for the celebration in the first place. Isaiah speaks of people wandering in darkness and God’s promise to send the light to shine upon them. The nation of Israel was in a dark period in their history but God sent word that a new day would dawn for them and the light would radiate about them. This was prophetically looking forward to the birth of Christ, the light of the world.
Today, there are many people roaming in the dark, hopeless and helpless. Fear and despair has gripped many as we see a world imploding and things we thought were secure unraveling before our eyes. It is into this environment that the light will shine once again. Jesus came and revealed the light at the right moment in time. As hope faded and dreams died, Christ came into the world to reconcile God and man.
This year, remember, the light has come; you may feel like you are wandering in darkness but the light has come. You might be dwelling in a dead place relationally, spiritually or financially but the light has come to shine upon you and bring you a new day. No matter what this year has been like, let’s all celebrate Jesus…the Light of the world.
I love You!
Pastor Mike
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is filled with non-stop activities. There are parties to attend, presents to purchase, decorations to put up, to-do lists to check and recheck, travel plans to confirm and…. Kind of makes you want to take a holiday from the holidays.
With all the hustle and bustle of bulging schedules, never lose sight of the reason for the celebration in the first place. Isaiah speaks of people wandering in darkness and God’s promise to send the light to shine upon them. The nation of Israel was in a dark period in their history but God sent word that a new day would dawn for them and the light would radiate about them. This was prophetically looking forward to the birth of Christ, the light of the world.
Today, there are many people roaming in the dark, hopeless and helpless. Fear and despair has gripped many as we see a world imploding and things we thought were secure unraveling before our eyes. It is into this environment that the light will shine once again. Jesus came and revealed the light at the right moment in time. As hope faded and dreams died, Christ came into the world to reconcile God and man.
This year, remember, the light has come; you may feel like you are wandering in darkness but the light has come. You might be dwelling in a dead place relationally, spiritually or financially but the light has come to shine upon you and bring you a new day. No matter what this year has been like, let’s all celebrate Jesus…the Light of the world.
I love You!
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Meaningless
“When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
Have you noticed how hard people are working today and yet the most prescribed type of medication is antidepressants? It seems Solomon knew what he was talking about. Many have bought into the notion that stuff is the answer to their quest for happiness and fulfillment and yet when they get the stuff money can buy they don’t have that which money can’t buy.
Are you running from one purchase to the next thinking that one more transaction, one more acquisition, one more rung on the social ladder will somehow fill that emptiness you are experiencing? My friend, when you climb that ladder to the top you are going to discover that it is leaning against the wrong wall. If this is your life’s pursuit, Solomon says it is meaningless; it’s like chasing the wind and in the end no matter what you have accumulated, it is not gain.
What is the answer to your emptiness? The answer is very simple yet it is hard to do; total surrender. Give it all to God; lay it down before Him in surrender, lose your life in Him because that’s where you truly find it. Moses was told to give up what he was holding on to and then to pick up what God was giving him. Let go of what you are hanging on to and let God give you what you truly need to live the abundant life.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Have you noticed how hard people are working today and yet the most prescribed type of medication is antidepressants? It seems Solomon knew what he was talking about. Many have bought into the notion that stuff is the answer to their quest for happiness and fulfillment and yet when they get the stuff money can buy they don’t have that which money can’t buy.
Are you running from one purchase to the next thinking that one more transaction, one more acquisition, one more rung on the social ladder will somehow fill that emptiness you are experiencing? My friend, when you climb that ladder to the top you are going to discover that it is leaning against the wrong wall. If this is your life’s pursuit, Solomon says it is meaningless; it’s like chasing the wind and in the end no matter what you have accumulated, it is not gain.
What is the answer to your emptiness? The answer is very simple yet it is hard to do; total surrender. Give it all to God; lay it down before Him in surrender, lose your life in Him because that’s where you truly find it. Moses was told to give up what he was holding on to and then to pick up what God was giving him. Let go of what you are hanging on to and let God give you what you truly need to live the abundant life.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Freedom
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
Freedom has such a nice sound to it. History is filled with stories of men and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. Innate in us is the desire to be free. It was this desire that caused our forefathers to board vessels and set sail looking for freedom. America was founded upon the premise that freedom is granted to us from God. For over 200 years we have enjoyed freedoms that the vast majority of the world will never know.
Spiritually, we once were slaves to our sin nature; often doing what we shouldn’t and not doing what we should. We could not do anything about this slavery; we “were dead in our trespasses and sin.” We owned the penalty of that sin but Christ came to set us free. He willingly took upon Himself the penalty and paid the price for humanity. Now we can be free; “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Spiritual freedom; we have it but we must stand in the accomplished work of Calvary. Sin no longer has dominion over us; through Christ we have freedom; so don’t allow sin to ruin your life. Stand in the finished work of Calvary and refuse to be shackled with the burden of sin.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, make it a point to thank God for the freedom we have in Christ and that we can live in victory.
I love you!
Pastor Mike
Freedom has such a nice sound to it. History is filled with stories of men and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. Innate in us is the desire to be free. It was this desire that caused our forefathers to board vessels and set sail looking for freedom. America was founded upon the premise that freedom is granted to us from God. For over 200 years we have enjoyed freedoms that the vast majority of the world will never know.
Spiritually, we once were slaves to our sin nature; often doing what we shouldn’t and not doing what we should. We could not do anything about this slavery; we “were dead in our trespasses and sin.” We owned the penalty of that sin but Christ came to set us free. He willingly took upon Himself the penalty and paid the price for humanity. Now we can be free; “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Spiritual freedom; we have it but we must stand in the accomplished work of Calvary. Sin no longer has dominion over us; through Christ we have freedom; so don’t allow sin to ruin your life. Stand in the finished work of Calvary and refuse to be shackled with the burden of sin.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, make it a point to thank God for the freedom we have in Christ and that we can live in victory.
I love you!
Pastor Mike
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Life's Giants
“…I cannot walk with these for I have not tested them. So David took them off” (1 Samuel 17:39).
All I can say is wow; here is a young man who knew how to walk in complete faith in God. David was about to confront Goliath, the Philistine champion and conventional wisdom dictated that you be equipped with armaments of war but David states he has no confidence in these things because he has not tested them as to their reliability.
How often do we jump into something because we are looking for a quick solution or an easy answer! Water is not the only thing that seeks out the path of least resistance; human beings do the same thing. In an effort to alleviate our discomfort we are willing to try just about anything to restore our comfort and often we end up worse than before.
David had learned in whom to place his trust. David was able to walk out and face this huge giant as well as the army of the Philistines with complete confidence in God.
Most often when we are confronted with giants in our life we either run away or simply cower in fear. King Saul operated in fear and would not confront the enemy of God; David operated in faith and took on Goliath. Faith or fear; it is out choice.
I know what you’re saying, “If you only knew how big my giants are.” Without sounding calloused; it really doesn’t matter how big your giants are, the answer is still the same. Walk in the power and providence of God and watch the giants fall by the wayside. If we are willing to reflect on past victories in stead of defeats, we can all see the mighty hand of God coming through for us. He is still the same; you have tested Him and found Him to be trustworthy so take off all the vices we use to find relief and go forth in faith.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
All I can say is wow; here is a young man who knew how to walk in complete faith in God. David was about to confront Goliath, the Philistine champion and conventional wisdom dictated that you be equipped with armaments of war but David states he has no confidence in these things because he has not tested them as to their reliability.
How often do we jump into something because we are looking for a quick solution or an easy answer! Water is not the only thing that seeks out the path of least resistance; human beings do the same thing. In an effort to alleviate our discomfort we are willing to try just about anything to restore our comfort and often we end up worse than before.
David had learned in whom to place his trust. David was able to walk out and face this huge giant as well as the army of the Philistines with complete confidence in God.
Most often when we are confronted with giants in our life we either run away or simply cower in fear. King Saul operated in fear and would not confront the enemy of God; David operated in faith and took on Goliath. Faith or fear; it is out choice.
I know what you’re saying, “If you only knew how big my giants are.” Without sounding calloused; it really doesn’t matter how big your giants are, the answer is still the same. Walk in the power and providence of God and watch the giants fall by the wayside. If we are willing to reflect on past victories in stead of defeats, we can all see the mighty hand of God coming through for us. He is still the same; you have tested Him and found Him to be trustworthy so take off all the vices we use to find relief and go forth in faith.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Monday, September 21, 2009
Build Right
“Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock;” (Matthew 7: 24).
One of the goals of every contractor is to build a solid structure that will stand the test of time. I marvel at buildings that were built hundreds of years ago. They were able to build these structures without all the modern equipment and materials yet they have endured all these years.
Today, it seems we have replaced quality craftsmanship with economy and speed. Too many contractors cut corners and build an inferior building that will not be able to weather the storms and time. In order for a structure to endure the test of time; it must be built with a solid foundation, high grade material and it must be properly maintained with routine repairs.
Similarly, as Christians, we must build our lives upon a solid foundation as a wise builder, as Jesus described. One of the ways we build such a strong foundation is by regular discipleship. Sunday school has long been an effective discipleship mechanism of the church. It is so sad today to see it scaled down and even eliminated from mainline churches. Let me challenge you to make Sunday school a priority and invest in building your life on something solid using the right material.
Here at BT, we have Sunday school classes each Sunday at 9:45; if you are in the Cleburne area, make it a priority and watch how solid and stable your life will become.
I love you!
Pastor Mike
One of the goals of every contractor is to build a solid structure that will stand the test of time. I marvel at buildings that were built hundreds of years ago. They were able to build these structures without all the modern equipment and materials yet they have endured all these years.
Today, it seems we have replaced quality craftsmanship with economy and speed. Too many contractors cut corners and build an inferior building that will not be able to weather the storms and time. In order for a structure to endure the test of time; it must be built with a solid foundation, high grade material and it must be properly maintained with routine repairs.
Similarly, as Christians, we must build our lives upon a solid foundation as a wise builder, as Jesus described. One of the ways we build such a strong foundation is by regular discipleship. Sunday school has long been an effective discipleship mechanism of the church. It is so sad today to see it scaled down and even eliminated from mainline churches. Let me challenge you to make Sunday school a priority and invest in building your life on something solid using the right material.
Here at BT, we have Sunday school classes each Sunday at 9:45; if you are in the Cleburne area, make it a priority and watch how solid and stable your life will become.
I love you!
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Stand
“…and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Have you reached that placed where you are ready to throw your hands up in despair and just walk away? If so, you’re not alone. Today many people are walking away from life. Too many simply exist; they have no meaning and purpose to their life. It is sad because we are seeing people walk away from their families, their marriages, their faith and their friends.
When we get to this place we convince ourselves that it will never get any better so what’s the use trying any more? We just go through the routines of life and wish things would get better but we don’t really believe they will.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus reminding them that there is a spiritual war going on and we have a real enemy who wants to do real harm to us. If you find yourself at this place of total despair, remember there is a real devil who wants to “steal, kill and to destroy” you and all you hold dear.
Paul reminds us that when you have done all you can do; stand! The he lists for us the armor of God that is available to us for protection but we must appropriate this. When you have done all you can, stand in the confidence that God will do what you cannot do. You’ve done your part, now stand and let God do His part. He loves you more than you can even comprehend so stand in the faith and believe that God is going to come through for you.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Have you reached that placed where you are ready to throw your hands up in despair and just walk away? If so, you’re not alone. Today many people are walking away from life. Too many simply exist; they have no meaning and purpose to their life. It is sad because we are seeing people walk away from their families, their marriages, their faith and their friends.
When we get to this place we convince ourselves that it will never get any better so what’s the use trying any more? We just go through the routines of life and wish things would get better but we don’t really believe they will.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus reminding them that there is a spiritual war going on and we have a real enemy who wants to do real harm to us. If you find yourself at this place of total despair, remember there is a real devil who wants to “steal, kill and to destroy” you and all you hold dear.
Paul reminds us that when you have done all you can do; stand! The he lists for us the armor of God that is available to us for protection but we must appropriate this. When you have done all you can, stand in the confidence that God will do what you cannot do. You’ve done your part, now stand and let God do His part. He loves you more than you can even comprehend so stand in the faith and believe that God is going to come through for you.
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Fire of God
"John answered them all, 'I baptize you with water but one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire'" (Luke 3:16).
Fire is a common metaphor of God in scripture; He is described as a "consuming fire" in both the Old and New Testament. A fire is an accurate description because to believers He is the fire that warms, protects and comforts but to those who don't know believe He is the fire of judgment. The fire of God brings conviction and leads to repentance.
One of the missing ingredients in the modern church is the fire of God. We pride ourselves on revelation knowledge but our message is powerless and unable to bring life transformation. The modern church has been guilty of operating without the fire burning in our altars and consequently people are dying form exposure in the cold, lifeless world we live in.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy to "stir up the gift of God that was within" which places the responsibility directly on the individual. To have the fire burning in our churches it must be burning within us. We have to take the responsibility for feeding the fire and fanning the flame through our spiritual disciplines like bible reading, prayer, fasting, church attendance and serving.
God is ready to send the fire but we must prepare the altars of our lives, clean out the debris from past fires and ask God for fresh fire to fall upon us. As a church, we must seek the fire of God to burn in our services so hearts will be changed and lives transformed. God is ready....are we?
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Fire is a common metaphor of God in scripture; He is described as a "consuming fire" in both the Old and New Testament. A fire is an accurate description because to believers He is the fire that warms, protects and comforts but to those who don't know believe He is the fire of judgment. The fire of God brings conviction and leads to repentance.
One of the missing ingredients in the modern church is the fire of God. We pride ourselves on revelation knowledge but our message is powerless and unable to bring life transformation. The modern church has been guilty of operating without the fire burning in our altars and consequently people are dying form exposure in the cold, lifeless world we live in.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy to "stir up the gift of God that was within" which places the responsibility directly on the individual. To have the fire burning in our churches it must be burning within us. We have to take the responsibility for feeding the fire and fanning the flame through our spiritual disciplines like bible reading, prayer, fasting, church attendance and serving.
God is ready to send the fire but we must prepare the altars of our lives, clean out the debris from past fires and ask God for fresh fire to fall upon us. As a church, we must seek the fire of God to burn in our services so hearts will be changed and lives transformed. God is ready....are we?
I Love You!
Pastor Mike
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Word of the Week
“Then Peter said, ‘silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk” (Acts 3:6).
Have you noticed how many needs there are just surrounding our lives? With the state of our Nation needs have become very prolific and we are left trying to figure out what to do. It is for sure, our faith demands that we do something but how. The challenge for us as believers is to wade past the muck and discern what the true need really is.
Peter shows us how important it is to not get distracted with superficial things. Peter could have given this lame man silver and gold but it would have only enabled this man to continue to live the life he always lived. Each day would be the same until his death. As Christians we have been called to lead people to Jesus for life transformation. Peter was able to discern the true need and led the lame man to Christ and it totally changed his world.
With this said, however, we must understand that we cannot give that which we do not have. This is where the modern church finds itself in the West. We have the songs and the mottos but we don’t have the power. We have a form but we are void of the power. Let me challenge you to pray up, fill up and then avail yourself to God to touch people with His power and in His name.
God is ready….are we?
I love you!
Pastor Mike
Have you noticed how many needs there are just surrounding our lives? With the state of our Nation needs have become very prolific and we are left trying to figure out what to do. It is for sure, our faith demands that we do something but how. The challenge for us as believers is to wade past the muck and discern what the true need really is.
Peter shows us how important it is to not get distracted with superficial things. Peter could have given this lame man silver and gold but it would have only enabled this man to continue to live the life he always lived. Each day would be the same until his death. As Christians we have been called to lead people to Jesus for life transformation. Peter was able to discern the true need and led the lame man to Christ and it totally changed his world.
With this said, however, we must understand that we cannot give that which we do not have. This is where the modern church finds itself in the West. We have the songs and the mottos but we don’t have the power. We have a form but we are void of the power. Let me challenge you to pray up, fill up and then avail yourself to God to touch people with His power and in His name.
God is ready….are we?
I love you!
Pastor Mike
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