Ask for the Ancient Paths

With no preparation, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart. Please remember to weigh carefully what is said, and in all things bring glory to the Father. 

Today we take a look at the life of Barnabas, a man often overlooked today but very often in the heart of the Lord's work in the book of Acts.  "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith."  - Acts chapter 11

Why does the Lord do His good work in us? The answer may be surprising, especially for a sentimental and hedonistic generation.  “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the...

In today's episode, Mike talks with his wife Olga about their recent border crossing between Estonia and Russia -- the experience itself and the Kingdom lessons learned.

What about times when we feel that God is silent? How can followers of Jesus go through such times well? What is the path of faith when the Lord seems far off? “Look at the nations and watch– and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." -- Habakkuk chapter 1

After a failed attempt to record an episode on the life of Barnabas, Mike speaks from the heart, as the Spirit leads. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -- John chapter 8

In today's episode, we hear again one of Mike's favorite stories and the lessons he learned from Ted.

What are God's promises regarding suffering? What does He say about pain? Does He ever harm us? Does He ever hurt us? What is His character?  These are very important questions, and the answers will define our walk with the Lord.

How do we engage in hard conversations according to God's will? What are guidelines for talking with people who disagree with us? Peter has something to say about that. . . . all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you ma...

In this second episode in the series, we look at more claims that Jesus makes, exclusive claims that do not allow us to think if Him as merely a good teacher or a moral person. "I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!”  Is He Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

Today we take a break. Please accept this musical gift (which ends with a Thai/Finnish story.) Tunes in this episode: Be Still My Soul Skye Boat Song In the Bleak Midwinter Fanny Po'er My Jesus I Love Thee Jock O'Hazeldean O'Carolan's Welcome Amazing Grace/Be Thou My Vision https://music.apple.com/us/album/sanctuary/1517475316

Today's episode ranges from Paul's letter to the Corinthians to a discussion about marketing and the ancient Merovingian kings of Frankia. Enjoy! "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret?" "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

In this final episode on this Spiritual Hamburger, we look at the Biblical teaching on orderly worship, what pleases God. Just as in the first century, churches today may fall into disorder and a lack of unity. May it not be so. "If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be i...

Today we look at Paul's teaching on two gifts: Tongues and Prophecy. Though these gifts are often misunderstood, misapplied or confusing, just as they were in the first century, the Bible gives us clarity about what these gifts are and how to walk in them. We must remember that these gifts are not the "meat of the hamburger."  Love is the most excellent way. "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does...

In today's episode, Mike talks about body life and the meat of this Spiritual Hamburger: the primacy of love. In his letter, Paul continues to emphasize unity and service because the gifts of the spirit caused disunity and unloving actions in the church. Let's listen for God's instruction to the church today. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. . . . eagerly desire...

Today we look a very important part of "The Spiritual Hamburger": the lists of spiritual gifts that Paul gives in his letters -- what are they, how do we get them, and why they are given. They are: 1. Prophecy (4x) 2. Teaching (3x) 3. Speaking in different kinds of tongues (2x) 4. Healing (2X) 5. Interpretation of tongues 6. Message (Word) of wisdom  7. Message (Word) of knowledge  8. Faith  9. Mi...

Today we continue our look at "The Spiritual Hamburger" of 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14. Mike addresses the questions - Why does the Lord give His gifts to His people? Are we limited to just one spiritual gift? What does it mean to see a 'manifestion of the Spirit'?

Joseph wasn’t bitter toward his brothers who threw him into the pit and sold him as a slave to Egypt, or toward Potiphar’s wife who lied about him and got him thrown into jail. It was part of God’s plan.   Jesus wasn’t bitter toward Judas who betrayed him. Of course it hurt to be betrayed by a friend. But the truth is Jesus could have completed His mission without John, James and Peter, but He cou...

The purpose of this series of talks is to de-mystify a Biblical sandwich, a text that has often been divisive and/or misunderstood, very often taken out of context or broken into constituent parts.  If you don’t have beef, do you have a hamburger? Let's talk about a Biblical Hamburger. 

In this episode Mike looks at a real-world application of a Greek noun. Do you need a lawyer? God provides one who will be with you forever.

What is the intended result for human beings? What is the goal and outcome of our walk with God?   If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or...

Today we continue the extended series of episodes titled As He Leads. Mike turns on the microphone and shares what he senses the Lord saying. May these words edify, encourage and comfort you or someone near you today.

Today, we look at the words of Jesus to the church in Laodicea: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked...

“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 r...

In this episode, i share quotes that have been meaningful and helpful as I have walked as a follower of Jesus. ——— Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time. -- Andrew Murray ——— Irish Prayer:  Teach us good Lord,     to serve thee more faithfully,      to give and not to count the cost,     to fight and not to heed the wounds,     to toil and not...