Archive for Christian
True Holiness is not Legalism
Yielding to His Voice
Yielding to His Voice
Psalm 32:8-11 (The Message)
and giving it to you straight:
to stay on track.”
every time they turn around.
God’s Master Stroke
1-2You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
Mike D. Maxson
24 Hours Before and After
Three events come to mind to me about what was happening 24 hours before and 24 hours after.
1. The destruction of 9/11 from terrorism on many lives.
Before: daily routines, jobs, economy, safety
During: vulnerability, death, shock, fear, hopelessness.
After: unity, strength, support, hope, determination, then disunity,discouragement, loss of life, economy in the tank,
fear, hopelessness, discouragement, determination.
2. The capture and killing of Usama Bin Laden
Before: daily routines, frustrations, death, hoplessness, fear, insecurity, economy in the tank.
During: secrecy, frustration, precision, accuracy, victory
After: celebration, relief, fear, victory, exhileration, hope, unity, pause, reflection, emotional rollicoaster, then fear of the unknown, fear, insecurity, economy in the tank, debt.
3. The life, capture and killing of Jesus the Christ
Before: daily routines, frustrations, hoplessness, fear, insecurities, slavery, healing, mentorship, kindness, desparation,
discipleship, compassion, unbelief, hate, pride, unloyalty.
During: emotional rollicoaster, accusations, unbelief, frustration, fear, innocence, sacrifice, loss, hoplessness,
purity, persecution, injustice, misunderstanding.
After: unbelief, fear, hoplessness, then hope, understanding, repentance, forgiveness, victory, healing, deliverance, authority, belief, confidence, security, energy, freedom, disipleship, mentorship, love, honor, peace, compassion, unity, praise, worship, communion, friendship,
encouragement, purpose, fullfillment, excitment, anticipation.
Mike D. Maxson
Message of A Gospel Lifestyle
Living as a member of the commonwealth and sharing the blessings and benefits of being a child of the King brings character building. Such lifestyle automatically is bent toward taking on some of the same attributes of the Father. Although very individualistic and different, we want to uphold the vision of the Father and always strive to do everything with the spirit of LOVE. Thinking unselfishly about others needs, hurts and well-being should be one of our first responses.
Preferring our brother before self is taking on the character of the Father. Selfishly thinking of me first, then what is left over might get shared is only self-pleasure for the moment, not lasting. Living the walk of Faith being empowered for that walk by the Fathers Spirit gift is only done by His lead. His idea was sacrifice to gain relationship with you in mind. There are many other mindsets to find peace and access to heaven, but all other paths lead to frustration and destruction. A Gospel Kingdom lifestyle must take on the same attributes of the one who created you and set your feet on the path. Breathing life into every step you take, if in obedience, develops into Holy- Righteous character. Striving to only do, say, and go where the Father directs. Some wait for a burning bush or the perfect word from someone before taking off with their assignment, never finding destiny or fulfillment. The first two letters in the word GOSPEL is GO.
In our flesh, we will never be ready and will analize our way out of the task. This is not love! Love always puts others before ourselves. You would rather see the other person blessed to know how much God loves them than take advantage.
Being in fear of never getting self-fulfilled always stifles fulfillment and delays growth. When we stay in fear, we are of no use to the Kingdom, so let go of those chains that bind you up in fear and learn to trust. God will see you through and show you freedom and a new powerful life on the other side of fear! When operating in Faith and power, nothing is impossible with God. See where God is looking and GO! That is where He COMMANDS HIS BLESSINGS! Signs and Wonders will flow in your shadow.
Matthew 25:35-40
(The Message)34-36″Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:I was hungry and you fed me,I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,I was homeless and you gave me a room,I was shivering and you gave me clothes,I was sick and you stopped to visit,I was in prison and you came to me.’37-40″Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Mike D. Maxson
You are My Bread
How many times have you read or corporately repeated the Lord’s Prayer? For many of you, I suppose hundreds of times.
You know, we can read and memorize scripture and gain knowledge, that is good and great to do. When you can actually make it practical and put it into action as a way of life, then that is life changing! The actual Word becoming real and vibrant is an exciting, liberating, refreshing flow through your veins that brings light. Not only dispels darkness in the deep corners of our lives, but is contagious to others around you. We serve a God that has given us an advocate that is not immune to our sense of failure and shortfalls. That is why He came, to give us our daily bread for every need.
He knew you before He threw the stars into the universe. He had you in mind, before all the birds of the air, and the fish in the oceans, before all the flowers in fields that are never seen by human eyes. He dressed them in all their array.
How much more He cares for you, His child. Sometimes, just coming to the end of ourselves is all it takes to see clearly, acknowledging you are not alone. The pride of man is what blocks freedom every time, so lay it down and find the new wind for you sail, it will carry you across the troubled waters. Blessings
Matthew 6:11 (New King James Version)
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
You are My Bread
How many times have you read or corporately repeated the Lord’s Prayer? For many of you, I suppose hundreds of times.
You know, we can read and memorize scripture and gain knowledge, that is good and great to do. When you can actually make it practical and put it into action as a way of life, then that is life changing! The actual Word becoming real and vibrant is an exciting, liberating, refreshing flow through your veins that brings light. Not only dispels darkness in the deep corners of our lives, but is contagious to others around you. We serve a God that has given us an advocate that is not immune to our sense of failure and shortfalls. That is why He came, to give us our daily bread for every need.
He knew you before He threw the stars into the universe. He had you in mind, before all the birds of the air, and the fish in the oceans, before all the flowers in fields that are never seen by human eyes. He dressed them in all their array.
How much more He cares for you, His child. Sometimes, just coming to the end of ourselves is all it take to see clearly, acknowledging you are not alone. The pride of man is what blocks freedom every time, so lay it down and find the new wind for you sail, it will carry you across the troubled waters. Blessings
Matthew 6:11 (New King James Version)
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
Being a Member of the Commonwealth
*What should we expect when living in His Kingdom?
- To bring honor to Him
- To Uphold His Name
- To have all our needs met
- To be given purpose for the furtherance of the Kingdom
- To take on His character
- To have access to His ear
- To have access to His heart
- To walk in confidence when doing
- To be confident that He will empower you to carry out your purpose
- To know the mystery of His Will (Eph1:9)
Ephesians 2:11-13 (New King James Version)
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
(This is a small exerpt from “Surrendering To His Will – Journey”)
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
What are you Known For?
When you think about the old saying, “your actions speak louder than words”, it is so very revealing to our character.
As we go through our days on earth, we are making an impact upon the earth and other people, may it be of high character or not. We do overflow onto others with whatever we are full of. So then it is really up to us what we consume and chew on. We can go after selfish ambition and things of temporal value that only satisfies then blows away quicker than it came, or we can be part of something lasting. Something life giving and full of restoration and light, and compassion for others to sustain hope. Living as a called disciple causes change. A change from living for self to sacrificial lifestyle and a walk of love no matter the inconvienience or struggle. You hear someone say or post, ”in a relationship, but it is complicated”. Well what I automatically think, what relationship is not complicated? But is the relationship healthy and God sent, worth fighting for or exactly where is my focus, on the flesh, lust , etc?
When being a doer instead of just a hearer requires commitment, that’s when trust, faith, power, and discipline all must come together. Relationship with God through His Son Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit cannot mature past the toddler stage with a selfish mindset. With Christ in you, sacrifice and pouring out Love comes natural and supernaturally makes the old hateful person full of compassion. Makes the selfish person that hoards money be a big giver, makes a person full of depression be full of mercy and kindness. You can’t walk in relationship with God without taking on some of His character, it is only natural. Learning the character of God and then pursuing His presence will bring a hunger and desire to learn His ways and know His will. He hides none of His mystery from His own children. So you say, it is too hard, it is so complicated to figure out how to be and what to do. The word says in (James 4:8) The Message- “Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field”.
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
Courage and Trust are the two feet of those that walk with God
To walk with God as one of the first Disciples of Jesus was a challenge in a different way. They saw the Lord Jesus right before their eyes. It wasn’t long though, there came a time the mindset changed. They had to relate to Him differently.
The voice they heard with their ears now had to be heard through His Spirit and by words spoken that had been hidden in the heart. Walking in Faith to carry out their mission was going to have the hand of God involved in it. Courage and Trust were going to be the two feet of those that walk with God. To be a Doer instead of only just a Hearer meant a different walk that was going to require boldness. Now this is the same ground we must learn to walk as the original disciples did. Establishing in your heart once and for all time, that God is powerful and big enough for every circumstance is a mandate, not an option! You really can go no further in your walk of Faith with Power in your steps with out this being settled.
There is an exciting life full of corridors to walk through and goals, dreams and visions to find and experience ahead for those that are sold out and fully committed. The walk of a Christian follower of Christ is not for the faint of heart and timid uncommitted soul. None of us in the flesh are capable to make this challenge except for the Grace of the Living God!
He stands ready to empower and make perfect all our imperfections, and make strong all our weaknessess. A life of praise and thanksgiving is how we get guidence for the next move. Keepiing our eyes focused on Him, never waivering, is the only way to look past the circumstance and troubles ahead. Don’t try to change the whole world and lose your soul.
Don’t be concerned about promotion, be concerned about your brother. Overflow with the Love of God on someone every minuite of everyday with Love as your guide. God will deal with clearing the way for you.
2 Samuel 22:29-37 (The Message)
29-31 Suddenly, God, your light floods my path,
God drives out the darkness.
I smash the bands of marauders,
I vault the high fences.
What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.
32-46 Is there any god like God?
Are we not at bedrock?
Is not this the God who armed me well,
then aimed me in the right direction?
Now I run like a deer;
I’m king of the mountain.
He shows me how to fight;
I can bend a bronze bow!
You protect me with salvation-armor;
you touch me and I feel ten feet tall.
You cleared the ground under me
so my footing was firm.
When I chased my enemies I caught them;
I didn’t let go till they were dead men.
I nailed them; they were down for good;
then I walked all over them.
You armed me well for this fight;
you smashed the upstarts.
You made my enemies turn tail,
and I wiped out the haters.
They cried “uncle”
but Uncle didn’t come;
They yelled for God
and got no for an answer.
I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind.
I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.
You rescued me from a squabbling people;
you made me a leader of nations.
People I’d never heard of served me;
the moment they got wind of me they submitted.
They gave up; they came trembling from their hideouts.
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
The City About To Come
I did a short word study on ”sharing”. Then I read in Hebrews 13 about the act of sharing, and what I find is an unselfish act, not claiming privilege with an insider attitude. It is totally opposite. It takes a road of humbleness on the outside among the market place and common people.
The Upper Room Just as the sacrifices of atonement in old days where the blood sacrifice was not done in the temple, it was done outside the city gates. As did Jesus the Messiah, He died and gave His life outside the city, and shed His blood for all mankind. Let us take our place with Jesus, outside the walls of the church and temples of religion. Let us be the temple in the streets of the city and in the marketplace pouring out a sacrifice upon our lips of praise and thanksgiving for His Grace and Lovingkindness! I see this city with no walls of bondage and shackels of bitterness, preferring one another instead of self, meeting every need. A city of praise and of worship with no boundries too high to reach and no cause too great to meet. It will take great humility and great love to burst through boundries that have been set in the past. It will take greater hunger for righteousness than ever before, but Holy Spirit can and is changing the hearts of man. The shaking of the church is just as tremendous as the birth pains that the earth is showing forth in Japan, and the mindset is going to change just as how the tsunami vastly changed the complection of the land. Washing all the debree of religious mindsets clean and returning the heart of man to God.
The hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to the children.
The days ahead are not going to be easy, but they are going to be powerful and the Bride will arise in the street, and many will be saved!
Hebrews 13:15-16 (The Message)
Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.
16Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the stree2 Corinthians 5:5 (The Message)
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
He Whets Your Appetite
Once you have tasted the love of the Father, the compassion of the Son, and the touch of fire from the Holy Spirit, anything of this world is so trivial! It is understandable to hear someone call for Him to come soon to take them out from this turmoil and pain of the world. A little like getting only two licks from a double dip ice cream cone and giving away the rest.
Man, you had thoughts of finishing it all the way to the last morsel, but you saw that it would make someone else happy. If you like ice cream, you can relate, if you don’t, think up another senario. Might I just throw a curve into your religious mind? We should not want to check out until our race has run! Being with our Father for all eternity will be most awesome, but to finish our race of what we have been called to run should be intense enough to break the boredom of worldly deceptions. He gave the perfect example by sending Jesus to complete the task before Him completely, or we would be in sad hopelessness. Walking in Faith with the dynomite power of the Holy Spirit clearing the way for us and empowering us with supernatural dreams, visions, wisdom and all spiritual blessings should make us wake up with fire in our bones! I have a great idea, let us get down with the Message of the Kingdom and one day before you know it, He will come and you will get caught being a doer and not just a hearer! He will be so proud!
Come on Bride, Wake Wake Wake uuuuuuuuppppppppppp!
2 Corinthians 5:5 (The Message)
The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
Empty The Junk! Clean Your Vessel
We yearn and worship and cry out for more of His presence, saying all the while that we are tired of religion and old school churchy ways. God breezes through our midst and sometimes we don’t see Him coming or hear what He is trying to say to us. May it be that we are so consumer driven? We show up for the events and the mountain top moments of blessings, get lost in the moment then go down the road to the next big action going down?
This walking by Faith thing is serious and must take more commitment from us than ever explained to us. Or so it seems. Faith comes by hearing the Word (Jesus) of God, so it says. So hearing scripture, verbalizing scripture, believing scripture, reading scripture, singing scripture, painting scripture, meditating scripture. Every other creative way to get it in and hidden in your heart may be very important! So here we are, commited, fired up to a boiling point for the presence of God to become powerful witnesses. To the world, nations, our neighborhood streets while helping the homeless, widows, orphans, etc. We cry out for Justice and causes we stand and fight for.The things in this wicked world where turmoil and unrest are everywhere, tend to reveal our weakness. They become evident and accomplishments can go only so far by all efforts we can muster, but then we start to realize how powerless we are in our flesh. Even with the knowledge of the scriptures, it carries us by the hand only so far without the empowerment of God by the Holy Spirit.
The original disciples walked and talked face to face with Jesus and still did not get it. Jesus also told them to go to Jerusalem and wait until they were empowered. The neighborhoods and the nations and to the ends of the earth were going to require the hand of God.
After crying out for His presence for so long, don’t be so shocked that He stands ready to do just that. We need the power of God just as much now as we did when we first came to Him for salvation. Empty the junk! Make room! Clean your vessel!
Repentance, yes that John the Baptist proclamation to the world, still does us wonders! Lay some junk at the foot of the cross and make room for the power of God to fill you to overflowing. Then your witness will become a mighty powerful act of God in the earth. Then what follows your steps will not be a wake of destruction and weakness, it will be a mighty, lifegiving sign of a changed life. True change in a persons life will reflect where the change comes from, may it be for God or the devil. So today, if you want a for- real impact in your day to day walk of faith, be real with Him!
Get hooked up with the Family of God and learn what the true Bride of Christ has got going on. Get committed!
Blessings
Colossians 3:12-17 (The Message)
12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
Picture It, Then Go After It
Isn’t it amazing what an impact one verse of the Word of God can make on a single life? Anyone can read this just to be reading, but mixed with the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit. What comes from that is Freedom! You see there was a wall torn down, yes a veil was rent from top to bottom for people to enter into the Holy of Holy’s. A place where no man could enter without pure sacrifice before now has been laid open to you and I.
Once the only pure sacrifice was made, He gave all mercy and compassion for our way back into relationship with Him, like it was in the garden. It was not without a great price! Jesus showered mercy and grace down upon any and all who would choose to trust and believe in Him. He came down, layed down His diety to live in our stench and sweat as we do, and overcame all temptation and deception from Satan. What is amazing is He had to do it as we do or it would have been a counterfiet sacrifice. What I mean is, He did not claim privilage for being one with the Father. He walked and talked and went to the cross as flesh and blood like you and I. He claimed no privilage yet still Loved all the way through beatings with the cat of 9 tails , bled and was bruised for all of our iniquities. Compassion was released to us from His unselfish sacrifice and still He is rejected to this day. Talk about rejection! Yet, with open arms He is receiving His inheritence every time someone chooses to believe. We are His inheritence! All gifts are placed in a big basket for us to unwrap! Take them all, don’t leave one in the basket with your name on it. His Spirit will show you into all Truth and has many open doors for you to walk through.
Picture it and then go after it, He wants every good thing for you and stands ready to empower you to carry out your purpose. Don’t forget the Fire!
Ephesians 2:8 (Message)
8. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish!
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19
Don`t Worry Classic Christian T-shirt
He’s gonna be up all night anyway.
“In God I will praise His Word, In God I have put my Trust, I will not fear what flesh can do unto me”
Psalm 56:4
Product Information :
- Loose fitting, 6.1oz 100% cotton appealing to the traditional Christian t-shirt wearer.
- Contemporary designs with catchy/powerful Christian messages so you can share your faih.
- Fashion forward designs keep you looking fabulous in your Christian T-shirt.
- The right blends of Faith and fashion that reflects your unique style.
Don’t Hide From Me Now
If you ever have gotten in to a desperate circumstance or dire situation, you may have had emotions rise up in you to speak these words to God. I know I have been there a few times. Belief in God and walking in faith is challenging when faced with some things we cannot solve ourself. It is quite ok to talk to God like He is a close friend, for He is there at all times as the best friend we could have.
He loves to be that tight with us. Funny how we want to make sure He is there at our beck and call, suppose He feels the same?
Have you learned to be attentive to His voice when He calls out to you? The thing is, it is ok with Him that we rely and call out for Him anytime. He expects to be there for you, That is His character!
What a wonderful advocate, mighty warrior that comes running to us when we reach out for Him! Like the three that were thrown into the firey furnace, He not only gave them protection He walked in the fire with them. Not only kept them from being consumed, they’re clothes were not even charred or smelled of smoke. They would not bow to idol worship and were willing to face death if it was to be. It changed the emperors mindset and caused a change in the kingdom.
Run to the one who is always ready to give salvation and life. He stands ready to hear you beacon for His attention, for His attention is on you. Is your heart whispering “seek God “?
Psalms 27:6-9
6 God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I’m headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I’m singing God- songs;
I’m making music to GOD.
7 Listen, GOD, I’m calling at the top of my lungs:”Be good to me! Answer me!”
8 When my heart whispered,”Seek God,”
my whole being replied,”I’m seeking him!”
9 Don’t hide from me now!
You’ve always been right there for me;
don’t turn your back on me now.
Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me;
you’ve always kept the door open.
Mike D. Maxson
office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19




