People say No to God. Even followers of Jesus say No to God. We’ll talk about that today. What is the Lord's view of people saying Yes or No to Him?

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." -- Philippians 2

What is in your spiritual crock pot? In this episode, Mike talks about Love, Sonship, and voting for dictators. 

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him." -- Jeremiah 27

In this episode, Mike again teaches in the manner of charaz, the stringing together of pearls. Mike talks about the cost of discipleship, addresses some listener feedback, and he reads commandments for roommates!

In today's episode, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart, including this from Isaiah 41:

I said, ‘You are my servant’; 

All who rage against you 

Elder, Overseer, Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop, Apostle

Various Christian traditions have different meanings for these terms. It can be confusing, and the meanings of these words have been obscured over the years. 

Let’s get into it. 

Often, we don't have clarity about next steps. What is the Lord's will for us? In the Kingdom, something is more important than clarity about such questions. Today, Mike addresses that issue. 

And, Mike talks about the difference between bribery and extortion!

Today, Mike talks about hedonism, the world's wisdom, and how to walk along the path of life. What must die?

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

What do bits, rudders and sparks have in common?

Want to be perfect?

Do you want true religion? Do you want to avoid self-deception?

James, the brother of Jesus, has the answers.

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he

In today's episode, Mike looks at what Peter, Paul, James, the writer of Hebrews and the Lord Himself say about suffering. He also uses the phrase, "you go girl!"

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. -- 2 Timothy 2

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? -- 1 Peter 4

Mentioned in this episode: Suffering is Not for Nothing.  

Continuing the last episode, Mike looks at the place of perseverance and rest as we walk through times of suffering. 

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,