Fear: Reverence; respect; high regard; to think highly of God; to run to God.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom is Godly integrity—Godliness, holiness, truth and righteousness—Fruit of the Spirit, the characteristics of Christ.
We can’t truly love anyone we don’t first respect. To know God is to know wisdom. God is a spirit. We must worship God in spirit and in truth. God is all knowing, all powerful and ever present. Christ has to live in our hearts in order for us to know God.
To gain the knowledge of God, we must spend time with God. It’s a two-way communication in the presence of God, meditating in the Word of God, to truly know God, and, simultaneously, gain spiritual wisdom.
As God begins to work in our lives, we begin to respect Him. As God’s love is poured into our hearts, we begin to love Him and keep His commandments. As we begin to experience the love of God in our hearts, we value and respect God.
All our thoughts and decisions begin to center on the Word of God as we live in the presence of God, experiencing a Christ-centered, heart-felt experience with God, which is the fulfillment and value of life because God is life.
God is an awesome wonder. Happy is the man who is always reverent (Proverbs 28:14).
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Never Give Up on God's Vision
Several years ago, my life took a negative turn, and I was homeless (by choice) for a period of time, because I wanted to do my own thing. I felt like my life wasn't going anywhere because of a short pro football career. I felt like I had been protrayed--all the promises, the coaches had made to me down the line, didn't come true. The politics of football, and the fairness of it all, gave me an entirely different outlook on life. I believed that I had been given a bad deal and that the world owed me something. So, I was off and running, without any cares in the world, no responsibilities in life, and out of fellowship with God.
As a homeless person, I began to see the Body of Christ from a different perspective. I saw a lot of hurting people out there, and I wondered "where is the church?" Then God gave me a new vision about evangelism--networking with churches to go out into the community because too many Christians sit in the pews and edify each other, while the real hurting people are outside of the church. As I begin to pray to God about getting my life back in order, He gave me the vision for a ministry that went out beyond the four walls of the church. One of the scriptures that God put on my heart was Matt 28:18-20. The Lord commands us (Christians) to go into all the world, not sit inside the four walls of the church.
Sometimes, we, as Christians, get the wrong idea about going out into all the world. We're always saying that ministry is for other people. We say things like "That's not my gift." "God hasn't called me to go." "That's not my ministry." Sounds familiar? But the vision God gave me is this: No, you go into all the world, not the person sitting next to you in church, but you go into all the world because wherever you go is ministry. Then, He gave me the scripture, Habakkuk 2:2-3, to stand on. "Then the LORD answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry." So, I wrote it down and I waited. Every week, for years, I read this promise.
More recently, every, single day for over a month, I had been receiving inspirational, text messages from someone. Then, several weeks ago, I received this text message: "Living by faith puts you in a position to receive the promises of God." The person referenced Hab 2:1-4.
The vision is here: "You Go" Evangelist Ministries Network, Inc.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
(P.S. I eventually found out that it was Brother Cal, who had been sending me the inspirational text messages.)
As a homeless person, I began to see the Body of Christ from a different perspective. I saw a lot of hurting people out there, and I wondered "where is the church?" Then God gave me a new vision about evangelism--networking with churches to go out into the community because too many Christians sit in the pews and edify each other, while the real hurting people are outside of the church. As I begin to pray to God about getting my life back in order, He gave me the vision for a ministry that went out beyond the four walls of the church. One of the scriptures that God put on my heart was Matt 28:18-20. The Lord commands us (Christians) to go into all the world, not sit inside the four walls of the church.
Sometimes, we, as Christians, get the wrong idea about going out into all the world. We're always saying that ministry is for other people. We say things like "That's not my gift." "God hasn't called me to go." "That's not my ministry." Sounds familiar? But the vision God gave me is this: No, you go into all the world, not the person sitting next to you in church, but you go into all the world because wherever you go is ministry. Then, He gave me the scripture, Habakkuk 2:2-3, to stand on. "Then the LORD answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry." So, I wrote it down and I waited. Every week, for years, I read this promise.
More recently, every, single day for over a month, I had been receiving inspirational, text messages from someone. Then, several weeks ago, I received this text message: "Living by faith puts you in a position to receive the promises of God." The person referenced Hab 2:1-4.
The vision is here: "You Go" Evangelist Ministries Network, Inc.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
(P.S. I eventually found out that it was Brother Cal, who had been sending me the inspirational text messages.)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Value of Foregiveness
Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if ye have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:24-26
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:13
These scriptures, plainly, tell us to always forgive our brothers and sisters (in Christ)--no matter how they have hurt us. When we don't forgive, it hurts us more than it hurts them.
It's not about who is right, or who is wrong; it's about coming to a solution. Sometimes, we just have to be wrong, in order to make it right. When we don't forgive someone, it stops our positive, spiritual and emotional growth, as well as places us into bondage to the enemy. God says, in his Word, forgive them, just like I forgave you. It's about keeping our side of the fence right with God.
When we're offended, it progresses into spiritual separation from God and hatred. First, we're offended, which turns into "I don't like that person." Then, we're angry, which turns into resentment and allows the spirit of hatred in, which is the opposite of God because God is love. Saying I can't forgive someone is a trick of the enemy that keeps us from positive growth, spiritually and mentally--it keeps us in bondage and leads to spiritual death (separation from God).
We have to love people, but hate their negative behavior that influenced by the enemies in their lives. We can't be ignorant of Satan's devices, whose purpose is to keep us separated from God.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:13
These scriptures, plainly, tell us to always forgive our brothers and sisters (in Christ)--no matter how they have hurt us. When we don't forgive, it hurts us more than it hurts them.
It's not about who is right, or who is wrong; it's about coming to a solution. Sometimes, we just have to be wrong, in order to make it right. When we don't forgive someone, it stops our positive, spiritual and emotional growth, as well as places us into bondage to the enemy. God says, in his Word, forgive them, just like I forgave you. It's about keeping our side of the fence right with God.
When we're offended, it progresses into spiritual separation from God and hatred. First, we're offended, which turns into "I don't like that person." Then, we're angry, which turns into resentment and allows the spirit of hatred in, which is the opposite of God because God is love. Saying I can't forgive someone is a trick of the enemy that keeps us from positive growth, spiritually and mentally--it keeps us in bondage and leads to spiritual death (separation from God).
We have to love people, but hate their negative behavior that influenced by the enemies in their lives. We can't be ignorant of Satan's devices, whose purpose is to keep us separated from God.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Teaching Others How to Experience God
A Christ-centered, heart experience with God is the true fulfillment and value of life. Our reason for living and our value of life becomes an open book, an impartation of our life experiences with God into others.
It's not about man's different views or interpretations, or studies about theology, the Exegesis, or the study of God, its about experiencing God, allowing God's Holy Spirit to change our identities into His express image. It's about being transparent in our lives, allowing others to actually see the Spirit and Love of God, living in and through us. It's about becoming Ministers of God, a flame of fire.
It's about teaching others how to experience God in their lives, and how to grow in the Spirit. It's about tapping into the source of power, the Holy Spirit, in a new and living way. It's about the very nature and Spirit of God living in and through us--God's express image.
It's not about judging a person, or making a person line up, according to the Word. It's about praying and allowing God's Spirit through Jesus Christ, who lives in us, to bring discernment about a person's personal experience with God and their spiritual maturity. We have to meet them right where they are, spiritually.
We have to use our personal experiences with God to impart spiritual values and spiritual wisdom that will minister to their hearts and help them grow spiritually, gaining Godly integrity, as well as leading them to seek God on their own and experiencing God on a personal and intimate level (where ever they are, spiritually, with God). Then, God can give them the revelation of His will for their lives, according to the Word of God.
God gives us discernment to pray and help people grow, spiritually. Discernment is not for us to judge and beat others up with the Word of God, but to love others into the Will of God.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
It's not about man's different views or interpretations, or studies about theology, the Exegesis, or the study of God, its about experiencing God, allowing God's Holy Spirit to change our identities into His express image. It's about being transparent in our lives, allowing others to actually see the Spirit and Love of God, living in and through us. It's about becoming Ministers of God, a flame of fire.
It's about teaching others how to experience God in their lives, and how to grow in the Spirit. It's about tapping into the source of power, the Holy Spirit, in a new and living way. It's about the very nature and Spirit of God living in and through us--God's express image.
It's not about judging a person, or making a person line up, according to the Word. It's about praying and allowing God's Spirit through Jesus Christ, who lives in us, to bring discernment about a person's personal experience with God and their spiritual maturity. We have to meet them right where they are, spiritually.
We have to use our personal experiences with God to impart spiritual values and spiritual wisdom that will minister to their hearts and help them grow spiritually, gaining Godly integrity, as well as leading them to seek God on their own and experiencing God on a personal and intimate level (where ever they are, spiritually, with God). Then, God can give them the revelation of His will for their lives, according to the Word of God.
God gives us discernment to pray and help people grow, spiritually. Discernment is not for us to judge and beat others up with the Word of God, but to love others into the Will of God.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
Life Is An "Open Book"
Over the years, many people have told me “You need to write a book.” The senior pastor of the church, where I was a minister, told me I needed to publish my writings and actually hooked me up with a publisher so that my work could get published.
Another time, I was at a bank, when I was approached by a developer (who I had actually gone to school with) about writing a book on my life story. Amazingly, I ran into this person again, surveying some land in San Bernardino for a housing project, and he still wanted to write my life story.
More recently; however, I saw one of the ministers from my former church, when we happened to be visiting the same church. He asked, "Have you written that book yet?" This time, I knew it was God; and I knew it was time.
My biggest encouragement; however, came from my pastor, Dr. Joshua Beckley of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, who encouraged me, when I told him about my plans to write this book.
Having said all that, I am excited to announce my upcoming book: BROKEN: I Learned Obedience through the Things I Suffered, which will be published by Royal Candlelight Christian Publishing, Inc., and is scheduled to be released in January (2010).
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
Another time, I was at a bank, when I was approached by a developer (who I had actually gone to school with) about writing a book on my life story. Amazingly, I ran into this person again, surveying some land in San Bernardino for a housing project, and he still wanted to write my life story.
More recently; however, I saw one of the ministers from my former church, when we happened to be visiting the same church. He asked, "Have you written that book yet?" This time, I knew it was God; and I knew it was time.
My biggest encouragement; however, came from my pastor, Dr. Joshua Beckley of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, who encouraged me, when I told him about my plans to write this book.
Having said all that, I am excited to announce my upcoming book: BROKEN: I Learned Obedience through the Things I Suffered, which will be published by Royal Candlelight Christian Publishing, Inc., and is scheduled to be released in January (2010).
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
Monday, August 31, 2009
Man on a Mission
In 2002, I spoke at Loveland's Mens' Breakfast at Home Town Buffet in Rialto, California. At that time, I was serving as a minister. I was also the coordinator for the evangelist teams to go out into the community. My message at the breakfast was entitled "Man on a Mission."
Little did I know, I was going on a mission that had been predestined before the foundation of the world that I might add to my testimony. Through life's experiences, I made a decision that resulted in disobedience to God. It took me seven years to make a decision to come back to God. By His mercy and grace, this decision allowed God to break me down, which brought an end to self and is allowing God to raise me back up in humility.
It is truly a blessing to me that God touched Dr. Joshua Beckley's (Senior Pastor of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship) heart to walk with me and minister to me and my wife for a year; and, that he gave me an opportunity to preach my first sermon at ECF entitled "Staying Broken Before God" on August 2, 2009.
From the 2002 sermon, "Man on a Mission," to the 2009 sermon, "Staying Broken Before God," I have truly learned obedience through the things I suffered. I am very grateful to God to still be here to teach and give my testimony. And, it is truly rewarding to be able to preach my life experiences.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
Little did I know, I was going on a mission that had been predestined before the foundation of the world that I might add to my testimony. Through life's experiences, I made a decision that resulted in disobedience to God. It took me seven years to make a decision to come back to God. By His mercy and grace, this decision allowed God to break me down, which brought an end to self and is allowing God to raise me back up in humility.
It is truly a blessing to me that God touched Dr. Joshua Beckley's (Senior Pastor of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship) heart to walk with me and minister to me and my wife for a year; and, that he gave me an opportunity to preach my first sermon at ECF entitled "Staying Broken Before God" on August 2, 2009.
From the 2002 sermon, "Man on a Mission," to the 2009 sermon, "Staying Broken Before God," I have truly learned obedience through the things I suffered. I am very grateful to God to still be here to teach and give my testimony. And, it is truly rewarding to be able to preach my life experiences.
To God Be the Glory,
Michael Davis
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friendship and Companionship
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
When two people can share their intimate, personal relationship with God as true friends and companions with pure hearts, pure motives and with clean hands (soul mates), the two relationships with God become one relationship in God. It is the ultimate spiritual experience with God (in spirit and in truth): a sacred place. It becomes a three-fold cord that is not easily broken. God has to be the object of our love for one another. The love of God has to be living through us to love each other. That makes it a bond that can't be broken, two people becoming one in mind, in love, in God.
First, we have to become complete in God, as individuals, allowing God's love to be perfected in us, completely satisfied in God first, letting patience have its perfect work. We have to love God more than our companions (wives and husbands), or anything else in life. It is much more healthier, spiritually, and a safe covering for one another, in true holiness. When two people become one in God, sharing their intimate relationship, and personal experience with God, it becomes the ultimate sacred marriage in God and in Heaven because God is the center of their relationship.
To God Be the Glory
Michael Davis
When two people can share their intimate, personal relationship with God as true friends and companions with pure hearts, pure motives and with clean hands (soul mates), the two relationships with God become one relationship in God. It is the ultimate spiritual experience with God (in spirit and in truth): a sacred place. It becomes a three-fold cord that is not easily broken. God has to be the object of our love for one another. The love of God has to be living through us to love each other. That makes it a bond that can't be broken, two people becoming one in mind, in love, in God.
First, we have to become complete in God, as individuals, allowing God's love to be perfected in us, completely satisfied in God first, letting patience have its perfect work. We have to love God more than our companions (wives and husbands), or anything else in life. It is much more healthier, spiritually, and a safe covering for one another, in true holiness. When two people become one in God, sharing their intimate relationship, and personal experience with God, it becomes the ultimate sacred marriage in God and in Heaven because God is the center of their relationship.
To God Be the Glory
Michael Davis
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