Mike Fisk & Built with Grace

Press On!

February 17, 2020 in Uncategorized | Tags: changed lives, Christianity, forgiveness, Galatians 6:9, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, trust, victory | 2 comments

For those of us in the business of serving people we know all to well the meaning of the word ‘burnout’. Burnout is defined as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.”

Burnout is the culprit in the demise of many relationships from families to ministry to any other service related activity. It is , I believe, the reason many pastor families break up; the suicide rate is so high in the armed forces, and emergency personnel (police, fire, etc). Could it be a major contributing factor to substance abuse as well.

The Apostle Paul describes two types of people in Galatians six, those empowered by human emotions and those empowered by the Holy Spirit of the Living God. Living by the power of the Holy Spirit gives us two things (maybe more). One is the strength to do good when we are unappreciated and expectations exceed our ability to meet them. Secondly we live in the constant reminder that God will eventually reward us for our efforts.

Feel overwhelmed and under appreciated? Remember it’s not your strength or power, but God working through you. He’s never held us responsible for results, he only promises to reward our efforts in his time. Press on mighty warrior!

Grace Note 2.15.20

February 15, 2020 in Uncategorized | Tags: anxiety, fear, God, grace, guilt, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus Christ, Restoration | Leave a comment

Standing in the Gap

February 11, 2020 in Uncategorized | Tags: exodus 22:30, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, prayer, standing in the gap, unanswered prayer | 4 comments

Sometimes God calls us to stand in the gap between heaven and hell. He calls us to intercede for people. When he calls you to do that, you may have no idea how your prayers can affect those around you without their knowledge. But God calls us to be intercessors, not interrogators.

As you walk close to Jesus, from time to time, peoples names may come to mind. Or, you may see a post on social media asking for prayer. Do not pass up the opportunity to stand in the gap. You do not need to know the needs or the reasons.

You do not need to have fancy words or eloquence. You do not even need to know the person or validity of the request! Simply lift that name to Jesus and ask for God‘s intervention in their lives. Get in the habit of standing in the gap for others. You may never know until heaven the impact your prayers make in the lives of others.

It’s All About Love

February 7, 2020 in Uncategorized | Tags: 1 John 4:20, Christianity, compassion, forgiveness, God's love, grace, healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus Christ, love, mercy, relationship, Restoration, second chances | 2 comments

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about love and hate. It seems in many ways lately we have far more examples of hate than love. Love seems to be defined in some circles as a weak emotion, or as measured by what the object of our love can do for us. “How can you fill my desires?” “What will you do for me?” Far too often ‘love’ ends when needs aren’t met; opinions aren’t valued; desires fall short; dreams are shattered.

Especially for us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, love must always be defined by the perfect example of love, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

One of the most popular verses in the Bible is John 3:16, ““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

But we often overlook the very next verse, and to me this verse sets the stage for the previous verse and life in general. “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John‬ ‭3:17‬) Imagine that! NO condemnation! Paul writes the same thing in Romans, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans‬ ‭8:1‬)

That’s love! Being passionate about a relationship with someone who is, in every way, shape and form different than you with absolutely no chance to measure up to your standards.

Jesus calls us to love! Especially to love those who are brothers and sisters in the faith. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John‬ ‭13:34‬)‭

So how can we, as believers in Jesus do anything other than love? Recently I’ve seen so much hatred expressed on social media. Some has been by non-believers and that’s to be expected. But much Seems to be directed towards professing Christians who may read a different version of the Bible, attend a different denomination, or hold to different opinions on doctrine or theology.

Brothers and sisters. Let us not forget we are to shine the light and love of Jesus wherever we go! John puts it bluntly. If you don’t love, question who your God is.

You Gotta Start Small

January 31, 2020 in Uncategorized | Tags: forgiveness, God's love, God's Patience, grace, healing, Jesus Christ, Luke 16:10, Restoration, second chances | 2 comments

Few people that are successful started at the top. I have a friend who is a billionaire. He started by cutting and selling firewood. Now he owns 5 corporations and about 50 banks.

What’s true in the business world is true in life. You want to do great things for God? You want to see his power flow through you? You want to see victory over that habit? You want to get out of debt? You want to start eating healthy? These are all things we hope for.

I think the ‘trick’ is to start small. Too many times we try to change everything all at once. This leads to frustration, discouragement and eventually giving up trying all together. Take small steps. What sins are you holding on to that need to be brought before the power of all-mighty God? What attitudes are you justifying because you’ve been hurt too many times? Who do you need to forgive?

Choose one thing today that needs to to change. Take the first step. Tomorrow do it again. If you mess up don’t give up. Start over. Growth that lasts takes time and we serve a patient, loving and understanding God.