Bøker av Michael Christian Bell

Thought provoking insights, interesting sermon material, and inspiration for moments of doubt. Words of encouragement can lift one's spirit and reinforce purpose and vision, particularly encouragement that is backed up from the Word of God. He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that stores understanding shall find good - Proverbs 19:8.

The great king of Persia granted Haman the Agagite illustrious honors and commanded all peoples to bow down before Haman whenever he made a public appearance. Mordecai the Jew, refused to bow to an ancient enemy of his God and people, consequently, the offended Haman plotted a genocide against the Jews throughout the Persian empire, selecting the date for this act by the drawing of lots. The indifferent and trusting king approved Haman's treachery against the people of God. How can Mordecai and Esther save the people of God from this satanic attack?

This book encourages believers to activate their New Testament priesthoods by first understanding the difference between the Old Covenant teachings of tithing and the New Testament grace teaching that many churches fail to preach. Secondly, this book explains how believer's charitable works can increase exponentially and give fulfillment and purpose to their personal experience. It looks at how believers pay their tithes to the churches and almost directly afterwards, out in the community, needs arise but the believers cannot assist because their tithe to their churches has left them empty of financial resources. Basically, their priesthoods lack an essential resource - money. It is easy to say, "I will pray for you." But having hard cash on hand would assist more effectively than the promise of prayer. Too many believers are priests without resources. God blesses believers with income, but they delegate their hard earned money to another priest, and he or she gets the joy of choosing how to spend it; and it may not be for something that the believers approve of. Because believers are not obliged to tithe in the New Testament; that immediately releases substantial income for the believer to work with and it creates the means to establish a personal Joseph Storehouse resource. To the person who desires a greater fulfillment in the Kingdom service, as soon as you have even a little money to expend, you stand in a position of great strength and can bless someone in need.

Naomi was grateful that Ruth refused to desert her because she loved Ruth and she recalled when Mahlon, her first son, had brought Ruth to the family home; she knew then that Ruth was a God-send and a girl with a heart of gold. Naomi questioned in her mind about the randomness of events: was it by chance or was it predestined that Ruth, a foreigner, should become part of Naomi's family? Ah, it was all too deep for her. The beloved Ruth stumbled into the field of the wealthy landowner Boaz. He saw Ruth and she captured his heart.

Samson divinely received mighty power to assist the Israelites, but at the same time, he grappled with huge deficiencies and vulnerabilities. An irritating challenge that constantly tested him severely was the allure that Philistine women had upon him; they appealed and delighted him. Carnal appetite motivated him, got him into trouble, and exacerbated his sexual needs. His human nature with all of its complexities and frailties got in the way and distracted him from his commission.It seems that the mighty power that he exercised increased his testosterone, which created problems; his sexual needs drove him crazy.

Can't seem to pray? Maybe you are a person who considers prayer to be something that is out of your league?. Getting nowhere with your prayer-life? Do you find prayer to be all hard-work with no breakthrough? Your mind wanders when you pray? Actually - you find prayer boring? Or maybe it's a chore you feel you could do without, but you recognize the need to pray? I will teach you a way to pray that will both amaze you and enhance your spiritual life.. Your prayer-life will undergo a transformation from the ordinary to something extra-ordinary. The sublime beauty of praying and meditating in bed.

An inspirational and instructional Bible lesson about the life of Joseph the son of Jacob. This story is about the shaping of God's people and the developing of forgiveness, generosity, love, understanding, and leadership. Joseph, a type of Savior, sadly, but out of necessity, had to experience the full consequences of hatred and rejection from his jealous and cruel brothers.When Joseph saw the ten foreigners he recognized them instantly; a déjà-vu experience poignantly confronted him. Emotions engulfed his being as the profound dreams he had had as a young lad flooded back into his memory. The brothers didn't recognize him because in their minds Joseph existed only as a deep repressed memory. So Joseph kept his identity quiet and spoke officiously and suspiciously to them.

Jesus said: except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Want to be born again?Need to be born again?Don't understand how to be born again?This book explains both the experience of how a person is born again and the biblical teachings.

There is something unique and special about Isaac the man of peace, prayer, and meditation. Rebekah first saw him in a field meditating. She could see a special quality in him; but he was also a romantic and fell in love with Rebekah. She filled the gap left in his life when his mother died. Isaac loved family, his mother and father, and his sons. In contrast to others in the Bible, he only had one wife.

WisdomThe knowledge of wisdom shall be as honey unto your soul: when you find it there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not fail - Proverbs 24:14.Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your endeavors get understanding - Proverbs 4:7.The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way - Proverbs 14:8.How much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver - Proverbs 16:16.

Faith inspiration offers devotionals that are short, inspirational and brief statements, to challenge and cause Believers to meditate on the one thought while negotiating their busy schedules. As the scriptures says: a word spoken in due season, how good is it! - Proverbs 15:23. And... speak a word in season to him that is weary - Isaiah 50:4. Also, a word spoken at the right time is like apples of gold in pictures of silver - Proverbs 25:11. Finally, may this devotional book be like a merchant ship; she brings her food from afar (that is, from many different experiences) - Proverbs 31:14.

Jacob had the misfortune of being born the second twin which excluded him from the family Inheritance or Birthright. In those times it passed down to the firstborn male heir. The Birthright included astounding promises that could hardly be fathomed by human reasoning. Jacob grieved that he had missed out. If only he could change his destiny. But what role do women play in men's destinies? Rebekah, Jacob's mother, knew the secret to obtain the desired Birthright. Inspirational - Instructional - Profound

It is evident in the Genesis account that Abram had a religious encounter with a new Deity that became a life changing and revolutionary experience. So radical was the encounter that Abram even heard the voice of his new God and his message challenged Abram like never before. How long this new found relationship existed is curious, but his new God appeared to him and said, "Get out of your country and from your people and come into a land that I will show you." Thus the journey for Abram began.

You cannot please God without faith: anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and he rewards those who sincerely seek him - Hebrews 11:6. Where faith operates, God's power will soon be at work. Faith justifies, it makes us right in God's sight. When we believe in Jesus, our faith sets in motion the efficacy that results from his perfect shed blood. When a person believes in Christ, heaven and earth unite as one. Thus one takes courage because sins are dealt with and the joy of a cleansed heart begins to heal stress and toxins that wear down the body and make it sick. Faith has healing virtue. Faith reaches out to the unlovely and the unwanted sinner in his or her greatest need. The Christian pathway has plenty of troubles and tears that are inescapable, and sometimes the most important lessons and spiritual truths are gained as a result of failings. But many pains and pitfalls can be avoided in the Christian walk if wise advice is heeded. There's always something new to learn in the walk of faith. At some point in time Christians will encounter challenging situations where some, or all of the spiritual advice listed here will assist them in their walk of faith. Strength for the Christian Experience covers the following relevant topics: Have faith that God has forgiven you; Faith Defined; Utterly reject negative thoughts that accuse God; Stay focused on the New Testament; and, You cannot buy or earn salvation, ever! Also, Recognize and activate your priesthood; Don't ever think that you are the only one; Be the person God wants you to be; and, Get regular spiritual renewals. Take courage, God is on your side. Inspirational and Instructional.

When David triumphantly entered Jerusalem carrying the head of Goliath in his hand the inhabitants rejoiced in his victory and felt relief for Israel. A great victory on this scale over the Philistines in the Valley of Elah had not been witnessed since Samuel's time. The people clamored to know more about David and to catch a glimpse of the young hero who had captured the imagination of the nation. David rose from obscurity into the thoughts and hearts of the nation. His battle with Goliath ascended beyond what anyone dreamed likely. To add to that, he possessed handsome features, refined qualities, and musical skills. What more could any society desire than such a one as this; and they gushed over David with genuine admiration.

'I know all about the Bible!' Oh yea? How many times have I heard that before?So you think you know the Bible?Well how come there are religious institutions that have over fifteen hundred years of practical Christian history yet they still haven't figured out some of the basic Bible truths. The message of Jesus is simple enough - love your neighbor as yourself. But make no mistake, the Bible and its doctrines are very complex in detail.The Word of God encourages Christians to study and accurately interpret the word of truth. If we follow this instruction and make an effort to establish a solid foundation, our Christian experience will be strong; so when storms and trials shake our lives, our faith will never stagger because it is built on a rock of truth that endures. The Scripture tells us to move on from the elementary principles of Christ toward perfection - Hebrews 6.1-3. But before one can move on successfully, the elementary or foundational principles must be sturdy so that the building of faith can be completed. This study will cover some of the elementary principles mentioned in Hebrews six. This foundational course will benefit mature Christians by reinforcing their personal knowledge of the Word of God and by revealing a correct process and pattern for practical and theological growth. The chosen foundation subjects help to cement Christian learning and will be of valuable assistance for future Bible studies.

Guidance is one of the most important lessons in the Christian experience, and let's face it, many Christians are unable to discern the voice of the Lord and are unfamiliar with the term called 'the leading of the Spirit.' This is a growth issue. Some Believers grow slowly and some grow quickly. Some are ready for it, others are not yet there. Because pastors and modern day clergy have such a huge impact upon the guidance of Believers and their spiritual dispositions, I will explain the purpose of the ministry gifts and their human personalities. Remember, Christians must never exalt men to the status of sainthood and perfection. Every Believer is a unique priest and a saint in God's economy. However some men and women have great gifting's to build up and encourage the church.

It is true God could stop temptations that attack us, and it's also true God could halt suffering inflicted upon people. However, it would probably mean the end of the world because with sin loose on the earth there will always be suffering and misery. I suspect God has predestined people not yet born: if the world ends before they arrive, there will be many vacant spots in Heaven. Because God has chosen faith in Jesus as the vehicle for activating the salvation of men, it stands to reason faith needs testing otherwise it is hardly faith at all. Satan tempted Jesus to commit suicide by some delusional notion he had divine powers. Jesus knows how it feels when tempted with suicidal thoughts. In his weakened condition he remained focused."Don't put God to a foolish test!" he replied.Satan then took Jesus to the summit of a high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. Jesus probably saw great cities light up before him: Paris, New York, Las Vegas and Rome. Satan literally said: "Come on, you don't have to put yourself through the ordeal awaiting you. If you want all this I'll give it to you; you only need to kneel and worship me."Even at the point of passing out due to lack of food Jesus did not flinch. "Save yourself the trouble." Satan said inviting Jesus to take the easy way to gain back his creation - Matthew 4:10. "Get out of here Satan," Jesus commanded him. "The Scriptures say, 'Worship and obey the Lord God alone.'" Satan had to go... he had his chance... he failed. Jesus eclipsed the First-Adam and restored man's relationship to God. Adam broke the relationship by being unfaithful to God's word. Jesus proved utterly faithful to God's word.Devotional - Inspirational - Instructional