Ask for the Ancient Paths

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. 

See also: Two Kingdoms, Episodes 12-15; https://www.ancientpaths.faith/?s=two

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,

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? 

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

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!