Working for the Lord, not for human masters

Colossians 3:23-24 ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

The interaction with between men come from different walks of life ... vocation, families, occupation, addiction, debts etc.... He is to be used for God's Kingdom purpose. 

The spiritual man does things that appear to be contrary to reason. The closer, and cleaner in Christ the more our separation unto God the greater the mis-understandings we create. 

Patience is needed always. If we lean on personal feelings, or emotions and don't ask God for guidance, we make the wrong decision. 

1 Corinthians 2:15-16

¹⁵ The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject 

 to merely human judgments,¹⁶ for “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”^[a But  we have the mind of Christ.

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.                                             John 15:7

God is concerned about even the small things in our lives. Talk to Him about them.

Action Plan: Today I  will talk to God about every detail of my life and trust Him with the answers I find in His Word.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, that You care about my every need. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me Trust You to take care of every detail.

Men who have little strength

Revelation 3:8 - "Behold, I have set before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little strength, and have kept My Word and have not denied My name."

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The biblical promise of an open door which no one can shut sounds almost too good to be true. And yet this is exactly what is promised in Revelation 3:8. Wow! 

Does this mean God is promising me an open door to that better job or position I've been looking for?

Does it mean my practically non-existent love-life is about to open up in answer to my prayers?

Does it mean I can claim an entrance into any "closed door" in front of me?

Unfortunately, the answer to all these hypothetical questions is simply, No! The promise of an open door in Revelation 3:8 has nothing to do with better jobs or love-lives, etc. Now it may appear that the questions above contain overstated examples. It is a fact, however, that Revelation 3:8 has been wrongly applied to all kinds of "doors" by well-meaning Christians. This kind of improper application of Bible promises has left some believers disappointed when the "open doors" they claimed did not materialize. Well then, what is the open door that is promised in Revelation 3:8, and how should this definite promise be applied to growing Christians today?

One of the basic rules of applying any Scripture to ourselves is always to move from the question, "What did it mean then?" to the question, "How do we apply it now?" In other words, we cannot just jump into any promise of the Bible and indiscriminately apply it to any situation facing us today. We must first see from the Bible to whom the promise was originally made and under what exact conditions the promise was given. Then from that historical frame-work we can move to a well-grounded and properly "controlled" application for ourselves today.

The promise of the open door is contained in one of the letters addressed to the seven churches found in the second and third chapters of Revelation. These first century churches were located in the province of Asia (called Asia Minor today) of the Roman Empire. In the seven letters the Lord directly addressed these churches and spoke to them of their spiritual condition. He commended them for their good points and rebuked them for their shortcomings. He gave the promise of the open door to the church of Philadelphia. Although this church was just a small feeble church, they had kept the Lord's Word and they had not denied the Lord's name. They had been obedient to the Word of God in the face of increasing external pressures and persecutions from the pagan Roman world. And they had not been contaminated internally with the watered-down view of the work of Christ such as the early gnostics were propagating.

 On the basis of their faithfulness, the Lord promised the church of Philadelphia an open door of opportunity to advance God's kingdom.

I don't know all the historical details of how the church of Philadelphia took advantage of its God-given opportunity to witness to the surrounding pagan region. However, we do know that a vigorous Christian testimony continued at Philadelphia when the lights of many other early churches were snuffed out. 

Throughout Church history individual Christians, as well as whole congregations of God's people, have found conviction and strength in this portion of the Word of God. The promise of the open door has challenged many godly believers over the years to take advantage of the definite opportunities the Lord has given them to serve Him. This verse is the foundation of which CEO Ministries was founded on.

 God leads Christians to specific churches to learn about Jesus. In God's time they are to grow stronger, and get equipped to lovingly serve our Triune God for His Kingdom efforts. The members of the congregation are all part of the blessings of the open door that the Lord gave and continues to give His Church.

What about the personal application of the open door promise?

Is it valid for individual growing Christians to claim this promise today and look for the open doors that God has personally given them? Yes! But remember that it is a door of opportunity to serve the Lord, not a guarantee of a better job or love-life or whatever. The open door is a God-given opportunity for you personally to advance His Kingdom in your early life as a Christian. 

Leaving room for God's grace talk to your Pastor and together talk about if God is calling you into the full-time ministry. All roads don't lead to being a called worker. Ask your Pastor:

Q) How do I get equipped for God's Kingdom purpose while working a full-time job?

Q) Is there a Bible study that will help me become a godly father to my children?

Q) Is there a small group that can assist me to be a godly husband obedient to God's Word?

Your door of opportunity right now may be the un-glamorous one-on-one campus or office faith-sharing that is open before you. Your open door may be the opportunity to evangelize, starting with your own family. 

Combat discontentment

A Passionate Life Before God.



It is God’s heart desire to manifest His awesome presence as glory among His people. Throughout Scripture and  history, God’s manifest presence and spiritual fullness are always the sources of powerful blessing, sweeping evangelism through God's Holy Spirit.

It is by God’s awesome mercy that He raises up a standard and restraining evil forces. Indeed, it is “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6) 

Through His people, God desires to touch the whole earth. No doubt, it greatly disappoints and saddens God’s heart when His people do not hunger and seek for more of a one on one relationship through Christ. A lack of hunger and active seeking says we are content to continue religious activities and studies without much effort or passion. Sadly, many today have substituted the one hour weekly worship service as "seeking God." Leaving room for God's grace and work most modern saints know far too little about the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, many Christians live a life unbalanced, and unbiblical.   



The Old Testament story of David—a boy who by faith, courage, and divine appointment was thrust into the kingship of Israel. He was king, warrior, psalmist, prophet, and one who foreshadowed the coming of Christ. And he was flawed. But the Book of Acts describes David as “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22). 

Although David was flawed, he lived a passionate life of trusting, seeking, and worshiping God.


1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 6; 11:1–12:14; Psalm 51



    • A Man's World: 

—What would it look like to be a person “after God’s own heart”?
—In what ways does David’s life point us to Christ?

    • A Man's Word

—Teaching point one: A life lived before God includes passionate trust.
—Teaching point two: A life lived before God involves passionate seeking.
—Teaching point three: A life lived before God involves passionate worship.

    • A Man's Work: Action Point - Express your passionate heart toward God.
           A) A life lived before God includes passionate trust. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all  
                 your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,  
                and he will make  your paths straight.


           B) A life lived before God involves passionate seeking. The Old Testament and New Testament 
              words for "seek" to seek the face of God; to desire ; to examine or explore ; to seek earnestly  
              ; to diligently search for ; to wish for ;  to crave ; to investigate ; to pursue.

            Only God can touch our hearts and give us the desire to seek and to know Him, and to want His will & plans & ways above our own: Intimacy with God and the fullest possible 

fellowship and partnership with Him comes as you desire and seek to know Him & 

His plans and will and His ways. Prayer and spending time with God is all about desire & 

passion for God ; it is not a "religious" discipline in your Christian walk.

"I will give them a heart to know me."   - Jeremiah 24:7
" O Lord, God of our fathers, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements, and decrees..."   - I Chronicles 29:18-19

"For it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose."  - Phil. 2:13

       C)  A life lived before God involves passionate worship. The word passionate expresses an intense 
             desire, an ardent spirit, strong feelings, and the sense of heightened importance. 

Through the personal practice of Passionate Worship, we learn to love God in return. Followers of Christ develop patterns of listening to God, allowing God to shape our hearts and minds through prayer, personal devotion, and community worship. We love God.

.  

Back To Jesus

Back To Jesus

The Bible tells us of a very special story. In Luke 15 we read the parable of The Prodigal Son. It is so special ... While the son was in the far off land his father waited patiently for him to come home. This is Jesus' call for those who are lost. 

Right now regardless of what you have done, your life circumstances, or if haven't been to church in a while, Jesus open invitation is for you. His open arms of grace and love invites you to give Him all your burdens, and rest in His caring arms. 

Reach out to Him: 

Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner...Amen.

The Sweet Gospel message of Christ.

Jesus did something really special for each of us. He was beaten bloody, died on a cross to take the place of our sin, rose three days later and ascended into heaven sitting at the right hand of God our Heavenly Father. 

This incredible message has two main uses. The first is for internal purposes—for you personally. It’s for comfort for your own heart, for instruction and encouragement within your family, and for spiritual strength in your congregation. 

The second use for this incredible rescue story is to provide you, your family, with its message for external purposes—evangelism. God has placed you in a context where you have relationships with people who still walk in darkness. Only those who hear the message and believe it will receive its wonderful blessings.

Benefits of a regular, study

You are invited to share in all the benefits of a regular, study of God's Word. The Word of God can benefit us in more ways than we can possibly imagine. “The Word of God is alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). What’s so great about the Bible is it’s not just some ordinary book, but the living Word — inspired by God almighty. It is literally “God breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). It will do for you what no other book or anything else can.You can make the commitment to Christ to engage the Bible on a regular basis. 

We must read the Bible. “Blessed is he that reads” (Revelations 1:3). 

We must listen to the Word being taught and preached. Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

We must be doers of the Word. “Blessed is he that reads and they that hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3). In order to have the Word of God be of full benefit in our lives we have to put it into practice. 

We must meditate on the Word. We are to make the Word of God our meditation day and night (Psalms 1:2-3 and Joshua 1:8). The only meditation we are encouraged to do is on God and His Word. 

We must memorize the Word.  “Thy word have I hid in mine heart” (Psalms 119:11); “I have written unto you young men because you are strong and the Word of God abides in you” (1 John 2:14); “If you abide in me and my words abide in you” (John 15:7). 

We must use the Word. The bible likens itself to a sword (Hebrews 4:12 and Ephesians 6:17). It is part of the armor of God.

1)Make God's Word a regular part of your day. Partner up with a fellow brother in the faith via calls, texts 

   or emails. This is a simple, a great way to help you stay engaged in the Bible each day. 

Readings for the Week of Pentecost 15

M       Mark 1:40-45

          Isaiah 40:25-31

T        1 Timothy 1:12-17

          1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

W       2 Corinthians 9:10-15

          1 Chronicles 17:16-27

TH      1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

          2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

F        Philippians 1:12-18

          Mark 14:3-9

S        Philippians 1:19-26

          Revelation 4:1-11

Men,

Welcome to the ninth annual CEO Ministries Fearless Faith Mens workshop. 


Who are you, and why are you here? 

It seems so many guys want that answered as no one has ever told them. That is the job of a father, but today many otherwise good men do not seem to have fathers. Far too many of our brothers live day to day by accident, and have no real spiritual objectives in their lives. 

WHO ARE YOU? 
When asked WHO ARE YOU??, A Christian with a Fearless Faith might answer - I Am A Mighty Man Of God, bought by the blood shed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I Am motivated by God's Holy Spirit to Fight And Resist Evil Wherever I Find It, or it finds me. 

This answer demonstrates a confidence in Christ, and communicates a simple matter of clarity of mission and purity of focus. To serve our Triune God with distinction, you must serve with your heart and your mind....all of it.

The next question may be WHAT DO YOU WANT?

A common secular man may ask for a Plasma TV, or to do something be fuel his shallow, lost, confused spirit?  


The Spiritual man may ask HOW CAN I GLORIFY GOD TODAY? 


Do not fall to the lie brothers...embrace the Lion's ferocity. And if you are skilled and you are strong, never forget that it is by His hand that you are these things. Being proud of what God has called you to do is one thing...being lazy and arrogant is quite another.

Psalm 144;1 ¹ Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Those are the answers of a clear mind, a clear mission and a pure focus. If that is you wake up! Snap out of the mundane, and laziness of the modern age and awake to your Christian Fearless Faith