Do you have doubts? Many do. In this episode Mike looks at what the brother of Jesus says about doubting. 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. — James chapter 1

How does the Lord use His people to comfort those who are going through very difficult times? Today, Mike talks about one example of God’s comfort being given and received. 

God wants to use you as an agent of His comfort and grace. Listen, then speak. 

What is success in God’s eyes? Do you want a fruitful life? What does it mean to abide in the Lord and for Him to abide in us? In today’s episode, Mike responds to listener mail and talks through the scripture on abiding — what the Lord says and the results of abiding in Him. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” — John chapter 15

In today’s episode, Mike talks about guiding principles and personal mission statements — their value and how they help us discern the will of God. 

One definition: Guiding Principles are broad, strategic guidelines that help people make decisions and operate in alignment with their core values and mission. They serve as a framework for behavior and decision-making.” 

“Be completely humble and gentle. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  — Ephesians 4

Moses, Elijah and Jesus met on a mountain and spoke about the departure of Jesus. In this episode, Mike takes a look at this departure and what it means for us — for those who follow the Lord. 

Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. — Luke 9

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion. — Psalm 84

Do you believe in the gifts of the Spirit?Have you heard conflicting teaching on this topic? Do you want to know more about how God uses these gifts? 

Today, Mike shares examples of how the Lord has been at work, expressing His gifts among His people. 

‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved. — Joel 2; Acts 2

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.— 2 Timothy 2

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” — Romans 12

Today, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what he senses the Lord putting on his heart, using no notes, walking in faith as we continue the series of episodes titled As He Leads. 

May these words edify, encourage and comfort you or someone near you today. 

Recently, a friend wrote: Quite a few things went wrong today – I had to die over and over – I’m glad we discussed all the things that we did yesterday. The Lord knew what was coming. All is well. I heard someone say that it is always good to be humbled.

What is to be our response when things go wrong, when we must die to self over and over? What is the pathway of the Lord when we’re humbled? 

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. — 1 Timothy, chapter 1

“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Continuing the discussion about how Jesus is a good shepherd.

Scriptures Referenced:

• John 10
• Psalm 23

A question occurs several times in the New Testament. It’s stated in various ways but aims for the same answer. What must we do to be saved? What must we do to enter the Kingdom? What must we do to do the work that God requires? What shall we do? 

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. Therefore, in the same way, God loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” — John chapter 3