Chasing after God&#8217;s Presence

Chasing after God’s Presence

December 10, 2011 / admin / One comment

Chasing after God’s Presence

It is becoming popular to become a Christian and experiencing a freedom and expression of worship.

This generation of bold, radical ones sold out to God are the driving force of changing what the Body of Christ looks like today. It sure has a different flavor than what the decades before were reflecting with the starched shirt, coat and tie look of the American church used to be and still is to an extent. Don’t be offended if you are over 50 by my observations.

What I am witnessing is culture changers. They don’t care at all about materialistic possessions when choosing friends, who they hang with, or what building has the biggest steeple in the city. They are hungry for righteousness, repentence, relationship, love! This fatherless generation is running after love that cannot be taken away. They realize that the love of God through His son Jesus, NEVER FAILS! You see, He is chasing after them even harder and that is what is so supernatural and the reason why the church has been shaken.

It seems the same thing was happening to Jesus’ ministry while He was on the earth for His short span of time. There was a phenomina of breakthrough and culture shaking when He came on the scene, where ever He went. He just cared for the people, spoke the Truth in Love and people could not stay the same. The Truth spoken was straight from God, nothing hard to understand, just how to live the right way and how to treat others.

In the mighty Word of God in Matthew 5, Jesus saw how the crowds were forming and the hunger drove multitudes to gather to taste this good news. What did He do? He separated Himself and walked up a trail to the top of the mountain to seclusion. This seasoned, salty Lord of the disciples knew there must be balance. When He climbed and found this isolated hill. He took notice of the ones who climbed the mountain with Him.

I’m convinced that He knew while during the excitment of the experience, the disciples needed to be ready and grounded in their heart. He wanted them whole heartedly to chase after the Love of God, but not to forget character and how to walk in true freedom and with the Blessings of God. So what did He teach them on the hill,

He taught solid foundational, easy to understand attitudes to have in their life.

Always Chase after God, but never step away from His Principals.

Matthew 5

You’re Blessed

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

**This is the part where you must grab your bible and read. Mike

Mike D. Maxson

LIVING A LOVERS LIFE

October 30, 2011 / admin / No comments

LIVING A LOVERS LIFE

Philippians 1:9-11 (The Message)

9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect, (careful to consider all consequences) and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.

*Some of the fruits from the soul;
This being where your
Mind, Will, & Emotions are involved in the glory and praise of God

1. Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
2. Healing
3. Deliverance from torment of the mind
4. Freedom of worship
5. Walking in your destiny with fulfillment
6. Being in the presence of God
7. Peace of mind
8. The Favor of God working in your life
9. Knowing the will of God in your life

*Living with these fruits of the soul activated in your life
makes Jesus attractive to all. Instead of trying to attract
everyone to yourself, these fruits evident in your life
attracts them to Jesus. When this happens everyone around
participates in the Glory of God!

Mike D. Maxson

Who’s Looking?

October 2, 2011 / admin / No comments

Who’s Looking?

There is a vacuum we humans tend to operate in, Christians and non-Christians alike. Followers of Christ are supposed to emulate the character of the mentor, right? Many times you can make observations after hours and outside the doors and away from the steeple on the roof. What should these times in the market place reveal of the children of God? The way we present ourselves to friends, strangers, co-workers should matter. In Philippians 1:27 Paul is encouraging and exhorting the Christians he had ministered, to continue living in such a way to be a credit to the Message of Christ. He wanted their conduct to be the same whether he was with them or absent. Whether he ever came back to them or not or heard from a distance. So I present the same question before all who reads these words,

“Where is Holiness, where is Righteousness, where is your Hunger for the Gospel? Are you carrying it with you every waking hour, or just 2 to 3 hours a week during the designated day and time? Does it make everything in you rejoice, when a soul gets set free, or a lost one finally comes to the reality of salvation and God’s love?

In Philippians 2: 1-8 (read it)

Paul is not just speaking to those in that time and place, but Paul through the Holy Spirit is also instructing us today, for our benefit. God encourages us with Paul’s words. If we have gotten anything out of following Christ, if His love has actually made a difference in your life, be as one and agree with each other. Even though there were others taking advantage of Paul being in chains, they took the opportunity to elevate themselves while preaching the Gospel. Paul still just routed them on for the sake of Christ to be made known. He put himself aside and didn’t push his way to the top.

Jesus was the same way, even though He had Deity and advantages, He laid them aside and took on the status of a slave to serve man with a humble heart.

So how real is your Messiah? Has He become as close as a friend, do you know His voice? Do you believe He is looking, watching and hearing all about your day? Do you believe He watches? If you didn’t believe that, but something in you says this must be right, then a transformation is on the horizon for you! It is time for us as individuals to usher in our captor. Captivate or hearts, Lord.

Mike D. Maxson

Hey Jude

September 13, 2011 / admin / One comment

Hey Jude

We are hearing alot about end times, the Bride of Christ, preparation for Kingdom living. Is there any common sense instruction for what the believer should be doing during these exciting times of God’s outpouring of His spirit? During this time of spiritual warfare and battle over mankind and his choices for living? Conviction’s run deep to choose to have nothing to do with the Christ crucified, or the choice to run deep with the Christ crucified. Sitting idol in the corner of gray matter, riding the fence, acting as if there is no choice to make, is really becoming evident. That fence has been torn down to the ground once and for all. Time is of the essence for all of mankind to see clearly.

In the next to last book of the Bible, right before the book of the Revelation, we are exhorted to GET IN SHAPE!

There are some disciplines and spiritual exercises we must work into our life, to carry out whatever mission, vision, ministry, purposes for which we have been created. We cannot carry out any of them without the power of the Holy Spirit guiding us into obedience. Does that stretch us and sometimes make us uncomfortable? It is the only way to establish firm spiritual muscle. Try these 7 powerful acts of obedience. Try one per day until it becomes supernaturally natural!

Keep on keepin’ on!

**1. Be purposeful by praying in the Holy Spirit to keep strong and build up your inner man.

2. Stay in the center of God’s love by adoring and reaching constantly for His presence and mercy.

3. Have a kind heart and gentle spirit toward those wavering in conviction.

4. Be available like a shepherds rod to snatch back the one who strays from the faith.

5. Be gentle and non-judgmental with the lost, but do not hold out on stating the truth of sin.

6. Gain strength of the faith by doing these things, and by doing them be able to stand firm and tall in His presence, more than able to give shouts of celebration.

7. Usher in the reverence for God to a dying and searching world, and set free the captives, by braking generations of bondage and chains of Godless mindsets.

Jude 1:20-25

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! 22 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. 23 Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. 24 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating– 25 to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time.

Yes.

Mike D. Maxson

Christian Jewelry Displaying Your Faith

June 3, 2011 / admin / No comments

Christian Jewelry Displaying Your Faith

Everyone wants to have something that they can identify with. Whether it is a favorite person, sport, or religion the choices are endless. Identification with one’s own Christianity has become one of the biggest reasons for people of all ages. Beyond a lifestyle of living by the Word of God people will often look for items that display their relationship with Jesus Christ as a way of demonstrating their loyalty and devotion. One way of doing this is by wearing Christian jewelry.

Christian Jewelry at True Believer

At True Believer we have an extensive collection of Christian Jewelry for Women and Men, including Purity Jewelry, True Love Waits (TLW), with many Scriptures and styled Purity Rings to choose from. Our top selling purity ring for girls, that have become an all-time favorite, is the Purity Princess Cut Ring. Princess Cut Rings by Spirit and Truth have a petite band princess cut ring set with 11 clear CZ stones covering 1/3 of the face.

Christian Jewelry is made in many different ways. Some are made from stainless steel to keep them from rusting and corroding so they can be enjoyed for years to come. Others are made from 14-Karat gold which gives a natural look to any piece. Some are made from silver which keeps its luster year after year.

Christian Jewelry for any Occasion

No matter what the occasion for displaying and wearing Christian Jewelry, it’s bound to present your identification with Christianity. Each piece comes in various sizes and shapes to appeal to the variety of taste that many people have. Make sure to spend the time looking at all the choices so that your needs are met in a special way. Christian jewelry is the perfect way to show and demonstrate the things and people that you hold dear in your life.

If you are looking for Purity Rings for Girls, Christian Rings or any other Christian Jewelry for yourself or a young woman in your life, True Believer has it, for both Guys and Girls, and Purity Ring sets for couples that pledge to live a life of Purity together! Browse our store and find the perfect selection of Christian jewelry, Christian Rings, and Purity rings for Girls.

God’s Master Stroke

May 15, 2011 / admin / 11 comments

Do we analyze and get it figured out one time in our life and then just back off and coast into heaven. Slide in on home plate with greasy grace? Some times when I look inward, I see the same thing as when I look around me. Complacency, apathy and status quo is the order of the day when busyness sets in. Well, those were things of the life of the past, not today, thank you very much! Time is of the essence, for the day of the Lord has come and there is revival going on right here in my soul! It is not that someone has convinced me with intellect and a silver tongue message from the pulpit, or reasoning. Sometime everyone must come to the end of self and turn to go with the flow of the world or drop all which the strong man holds against us. Seeing destiny when breaking free from idols is an invigorating liberation of the soul man! Tasting a spoonful of the goodness of God gets in your blood, and it makes you never want to be held back again. There is chain breaking power in the name of Jesus. Something about His name, resonates all the way through the marrow of my bones to vibrate all things that are wicked and are not of Him out from what is God’s. He died for all the wake of destruction behind me, (iniquities). He was beaten and bruised for them all, making a spectacle of all works of the devil on behalf of all who would choose to follow Him and believe.

When that end comes for you, your hearts whispers, “seek God”. Then like David, our whole being feels like shouting,

“Don’t hide from me now God”. It is ok to approach Him with desparation, He can handle it. He is jealous for your whole heart to be focused and determined. Find your true self and surround yourself with true followers of Christ, participating in honest Prayer & Thanksgiving & Worship to God. Then you will not fall again into the darkness and destruction of your soul. The Masters Stroke of Freedom is for me and you, for liberation and freedom from captivity.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (The Message)

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.

3-5I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God’s power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.

The Upper Room

Mike D. Maxson

24 Hours Before and After

May 5, 2011 / admin / 9 comments

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.

The Upper Room

Mike D. Maxson

Message of A Gospel Lifestyle

May 1, 2011 / admin / 2 comments

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.

The Upper Room

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

April 20, 2011 / admin / No comments

How many times have you read or corporately repeated the Lord’s Prayer? For many of you, I suppose hundreds of times.

The Upper Room

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

April 13, 2011 / admin / No comments

How many times have you read or corporately repeated the Lord’s Prayer? For many of you, I suppose hundreds of times.

The Upper Room

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

Iron Cross Collection

April 9, 2011 / admin / No comments

Fashionable Christian Iron Cross Necklaces for Guys at True Believer Shirts. We cary a large selection of Christian Jewelry, and Men’s Iron Cross necklaces. it’s a high polish Solid Stainless Steel cross with ebony or silver middle. It’s another cool way for you to show your commitment and love for Jesus Christ.

Iron Cross Collection

truebelievershirts.com

Being a Member of the Commonwealth

April 8, 2011 / admin / 3 comments

*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”)

The Upper Room

Mike D. Maxson

office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19

What are you Known For?

March 29, 2011 / admin / No comments

When you think about the old saying, “your actions speak louder than words”, it is so very revealing to our character.

The Upper Room

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”.

In other words, choose Him as your dwelling place, and He will draw near to you, Quickly!

The world and the church both have a high divorce rate, maybe the church even higher, so maybe we have become such a desinsitized society to Godly character, that we need to have some restoration and rebuilding done in our own lives.

There are exciting things waitng for us to do, even if we think there is no hope. I say without hope there is no life.

Isaiah 58: 9-12

A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places

9-12″If you get rid of unfair practices,

quit blaming victims,

quit gossiping about other people’s sins,

If you are generous with the hungry

and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,

Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,

your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.

I will always show you where to go.

I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—

firm muscles, strong bones.

You’ll be like a well-watered garden,

a gurgling spring that never runs dry.

You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,

rebuild the foundations from out of your past.

You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,

restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,

make the community livable again.

Mike D. Maxson

office@theoverflowchurch.com
208.180.128.19