Author Archives: MikeS

Cry For Help

Wednesday, 28 June 2017 01:15
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Habakkuk 1:2New International Version (NIV)

Habakkuk’s Complaint

2 How long, Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?

The prophet Habakkuk was calling for help, but you see him use the word ‘cry’. In Hebrew the meaning is literally ‘to scream’. Habakkuk had a burden for the wickedness in his country. He was crying out and burdened, yet for him he wondered why God seemed so indifferent.

Have you ever had those moments with Jesus? Have you ever been looking into the sky crying out to him? You may have even asked the question, “Do you even hear me?” Every man who has ever walked the planet has had those moments.. Too many of us stop there. We quit and give up.

In verse 5 of Habakkuk, God responds, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you would not believe even if someone told you about it.”

Our God is still moving nations. He is positioning them for such a time as this. These were prophetic words then and prophetic words for today. You see, men, God is calling out for ‘watchmen’. He is calling for men who will be responsible to warn a city of the approaching danger.

Jesus is the Coming One. God is positioning the nations so all will bow to the presence of the King of Kings. You watchmen cry for help. It is only in the strength of the Holy Spirit that we can stand. These are exciting days, men. Let’s be the watchmen and cry for help to our mighty God!

Strength and Courage

Michael

 

Change

Monday, 26 June 2017 01:15
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James 1:17New International Version (NIV)

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

We all have seasons of change in our lives. Change occurs when you get married. Change occurs when you have children. Change happens as a loved one or friend passes away. Change can bring joy, sorrow, anxiousness, and loneliness.

Yet, James says all change is a perfect gift. In my life change has occurred in a job and a community. It is a homecoming doing ministry in my home town. 

I believe that all of my life experiences as a builder, working in manufacturing, leading men’s ministry, and being an associate pastor brought me to this point in life.

For me, not only am I not a young man, I am not even a middle aged man. I am entering the senior years of my life. I must say that I have never felt more excited for this new change than all the other changes put together.

I see the Lord’s hand and his mission on my life. I have my wife right by my side, and that is also confirmation for me. You see, change can bring fear and anxiety, and I cannot deny that I experience both at times. But here is the key element, I will keep my eyes fixed on the prize, and that is to be with my Lord and Savior, King Jesus. He is the lover of my soul. With that, I step into that change. Allow the good and the bad to build your life and to accept his changes.

Strength and Courage

Michael

 

Vital Ministries News

Saturday, 24 June 2017 01:15
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Vital Men Breakfast

July 1

Hy Vee in Newton, Iowa

7:00 A.M.

Cost: $7.00 All You Can Eat

All Men – Any Age

 

Fatherhood Entails Teaching

Wednesday, 21 June 2017 01:15
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Proverbs 22:6New International Version (NIV)

6 Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

It is essential for fathers to teach their children principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for other people. These principles are seemingly eroding away in our culture. In my mind, we are not only failing to teach the importance of these characteristics, but living them out within our own lives.

I often get hit for being direct in teaching, preaching, and even in my writing, but that is how I was taught. My dad expected me, as a young man, to do what is right and to live it. That was the teaching my dad instructed me with.

Men, we only live to be 60-80 years old at best. Time flies, and it goes quicker as I get older. So, I see teaching and writing as being direct way to communicate important issues.

I like to hang around men who do not beat around the bush. They are not asking to be coddled, but to be raised. That is what raising kids is about. It is important to show your children love, direction, and  to raise them. Step into that arena and know that fatherhood teaching is important. You will impact the generations to come.

Strength and Courage

Michael

 

Fathers Needed

Monday, 19 June 2017 01:15
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1 Timothy 5:8New International Version (NIV)

8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

A father’s place in the home as AT Home. Most men are taken away from the home in order to provide for their families. It is Biblically a necessity. We are not called to be absent when we are home.

This past week I had a conversation with my son before he left America to go on a mission trip to Uganda. He was leading a group of twenty adults to do mission work at an orphanage. I am proud of him.

While I was talking with him on the phone, I heard my grandkids in the background. I asked what they were doing. Hours before his take off from the Kansas City Airport, he was taking time to play monopoly with them. He was being engaged in family time and being present at home.

Too often as men, we fail in those moments. We are so exhausted from work and the stress of life, we become more of a father in in the physical form rather than emotionally engaging with our families.

The Apostle Paul is pretty direct in this portion of Scripture. Those who choose not to care for their own household is worse than an unbeliever. That means they are lost. A lost father who only exists in a family is not leading in the way the Bible directs.

Fathers, choose to engage with your family. Your wife is counting on you. Your children are counting on you. Our Father in Heaven has placed you in such a time as this to lead your family. Love your family well.

Strength and Courage

Michael

 

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