“SPEND - SPEND - SPEND”

ISAIAH 55:1-4

1 "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink, even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk, it's all free! 2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. 3 "Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. 4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations.

I cannot believe what Christmas is turning into. Stores were open on Thanksgiving Day, Decorations were up in October! All of this in an effort to entice us to spend, spend, and spend! Yet there are people spiritually thirsty and dying of spiritually malnutrition. Nothing offered on sale can ever compare to what God has to offer us. SALVATION! People are out there looking for happiness in things that will only be momentary. Things that loose value and cannot be taken to heaven!

This reminds me of a story about a very rich man who was about to die. Before his passing, he instructed his wife to take a great sum of money and to place it in a case. He then instructed her to place the case in the attic so that on his way to heaven he could take it with him. The man passed away. A few days later his wife went up to the attic and the case was still there. She then thought to herself that maybe she should have left it in the basement…

Brothers and Sisters do not put stock into what is temporary. Happiness, in every since of the word is dependent on external things that will not save you! Oh! But Jesus has something for you! The finest awaits you! And it is FREE! Please remember the reason for the season! If you are thirsty, come and drink, even if you do not have money! No need to spend, spend, and spend! What God has for you is FREE! Be blessed this week! Walk in your anointing! In Jesus’ name!

FAITH IT OUT UNTIL YOU FIGURE IT OUT! THEN SHOUT IT OUT!

Shabach Shalom!


By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2009 © TBMN, Inc.

“Truly Giving Thanks”

Monday, November 23, 2009

Colossians 3:17

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Truly Giving Thanks!

I hear people proclaim that they thank God for this and thank God for that and I often wonder do they really mean what they say? Do folk really thank God for waking up in the morning? Do folk truly thank God for use of their right mind? Do folk really praise Him they way he deserves to be praised? For me, I believe most people say it because it has become custom and ritual rather than meaningful. Evident by the way most folk who proclaim these things live their lives.

Actions speak louder than words! Folk say they thank God yet they do not live for him. For example, ever seen an award show and a popular performer receives a Grammy. They often begin their acceptance remarks by saying “First, I give honor to God.” But the recording and video they performed represented everything but God. If we are truly thankful to God for what he has given us then we must thank Him in everything that we do.

Do we fast? Hardly! Do we pray? Only when we want or need something! Do we reflect him? In secret! Do we give Him thanks in everything? In Church, perhaps… maybe! Brothers and Sisters it is all or nothing! No matter what we say, no matter what we do, it should a living testament of thanks to God with Jesus' name, power, and authority attached! This makes all of life our Worship and thanksgiving to God, everyday! There's no such thing as going to worship; if we live, if we talk, if we act as God is not a part of our everyday lives. Thanksgiving is Worship! Our everyday lives should be lived in Worship and in Thanksgiving and Praise! So how has your Worship been lately? Are you truly thankful?

In Jesus’ Name! Have a blessed week! AMEN Happy Thanksgiving! Shabach Shalom!

By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett

Copyright 2009 © TBMN, Inc.

“DIFFICULT AND HARD”

Monday, November 9, 2009

Hebrews 4:12:
'For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart'

Ever find that living as is Christian is difficult and hard. Reading and studying your bible is difficult and hard. Prayer is hard and boring. Fasting regularly is a discipline. Worship takes up time. And giving offerings may mean putting something off that you really want. Yes! The life we live for God is not always easy and it is most times it is difficult and hard. By we have it easy here in America. Try worshiping God in China, Iran, or even India for that matter and you will have a new appreciation for term difficult and hard.

Many people around the world risk their lives to worship and praise God. Many non-believers point to this as a reasoning for their beliefs but for me this is evidence that God’s word is true. Paul wrote about the persecution we would have to face as believers. Yes! Difficult and hard but worth the battle! When you choose to live for God and follow the teachings of Christ you must be prepared to give some things up. You will have to give some people up. Give your pride up! Give some pleasures up! Give some of your past up! And for some in the world give their lives up!

But I have found over the years that through the study of God’s word what once seemed difficult and hard before has become a normal functioning part of my life. Now not reading the bible daily is difficult and hard. Not having prayer is boring and hard. Fasting is a healthy choice and worship brings me joy! Jesus paid the price for our salvation. We can now come into the body of Christ by faith and there is nothing difficult and hard about that. The Word of God will begin to fulfill your day and living the Christian life becomes easy and exciting! To receive Him is to receive the Holy Spirit, and to receive the Spirit is to be born again! The New Birth comes through a clear understanding of the Word of God and it is fulfilling. In all that you do the word of God will be quick, and powerful, and sharper than a two edged sword! It will divide the asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and will be a discerner of your thoughts and intents from your heart, but never difficult or hard!

Do not be deceived by the world! There is peace, love, and joy in Christ! In Jesus’ Name! Have a blessed week! AMEN

Shabach Shalom!
Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett
TAKE IT BACK MINISTRIES, INC.

TRUST IN THE LORD

Monday, November 2, 2009

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Check out what this weeks scripture says… “Trust in the Lord with … “ALL” your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” In the midst of whatever you are going through are you trusting God with all your heart? Are you leaning not to your own understanding but his? We are so wrapped up in the economy of the world that we often forget to thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us. Much like the Israelites back in the day, we forget to acknowledge that all the blessings we have and all the opportunities we receive come because of his grace, love and mercy.

Things are rough for a lot of folk right now. People are desperate. What do you do when you loose your job, your money is funny, children acting a fool, and the doctors are not telling you anything good. Try this! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Then Faith It Out until You Figure It Out! Then Shout it Out!

In Jesus’ Name! Have a blessed week! AMEN

Shabach Shalom!


By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2009 © TBMN, Inc.

TASTE AND SEE

Monday, October 26, 2009

TAKE IT BACK MINISTRIES

Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett, Sr., D.D., P.C., D.M., Ph.D.

2323 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, IL 60064

Psalms 34:8

“O’ Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Last week while on my travels in Wisconsin, I stopped for gas and came across a pack of “Mary Jane” candy. I purchased the candy, filled my vehicle with gas and was on my way. After looking at the pack candy sitting next to me, I begin to get excited even before popping the first piece into my mouth. I unwrapped the first piece, remembering my childhood and the very first time I had one. The flavor of the candy was nice and smooth as the peanut butter, honey, and pinch of salt emulsified in my mouth. Childhood memories rushed to the forefront of my thoughts.

Then the spirit of the Lord spoke to me and this scripture came to mind. As I was enjoying my candy and memories of a great childhood, Oh, I can taste and see that the lord is good! I begin to go back in my childhood and see how God provided me refuge in Him. The sweet taste of his love, grace, and mercy began to over take me! I began to praise and worship God! For as long as I can remember, I have always talked with God. My family and friends use to think I was strange because I always seem to be talking to this imaginary friend. Having a better understanding of who God is and how He communicates with us. I know now that this friend was the Holy Ghost with me all of my life. I see God throughout my life. Through the trails! Through the pain! Through the strain. Through it all! O’ I taste and see that the Lord is good!

I encourage you this week, to go out and buy a pack of candy that you have not had in a while. While eating it look back on your life and see where God has carried you from! Celebrate and praise God for bringing you through. And if you are in the midst of a storm seek refuge in him, and praise God anyway! Many this morning have a taste in your heart. Your heart feels heavy! It has for a long time now! A lot of old hopes have dried up. Dreams have been on hold and almost died. You have been running into dead end streets again and again. Your life feels empty, unfulfilled, dissatisfied. Deep in your spirit you know there has to be something more to life. But everything that looks good is out of reach. No money. No strength. No motivation. But at least a you have a hunger! O’ I taste and see that the Lord is good! Come find refuge in him… The Lord says, you are the perfect candidate! This offer is for everyone who thirsts and has no money -- no resources, no bargaining position, no track record, no power, no prestige, no pull. God is inviting you this week to enjoy the banquet of salvation. O’ I taste and see that the Lord is good!

The word "good" means that what God offers is top quality; it's the best there is. So come! O’ Taste and see that the Lord is good! Be blessed in his refuge! Have a great week! In Jesus’ name! Shabach Shalom!

By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett, D.D., D.M., P.C., Ph.D.

WAKE UP

Monday, October 12, 2009

Acts 12:5-11

⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. ⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. ⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. ⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. ¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. ¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

I love this story in the bible. Peter was about to be put to death, chained to two men, and guarded by two others just outside his cell. And here was this brother asleep! He had that much trust in the Lord that he was getting his rest. Peter knew that God was going to take care of him. He knew that God had everything in control. So why should he be worrying about the things we have to face in our lives? When we are in trouble, or when we are going through some trial, or we are facing some seemingly impossible situation in our life, we should realize the fact that God has everything under control.

What God promises, He will deliver! In Peter’s case it was probably good that he was asleep. It meant he was at peace with himself and the circumstances around him. But Peter was not asleep in then spirit. When we are asleep spiritually we are not conscious of God’s promises, nor do we acknowledge them. When we are asleep spiritually we have no communication with God and we are not aware that God is there to help us in time of trial and trouble. God sends his angles to tell us to WAKE UP! And most just turn over and ignore God’s call! Before Peter could be delivered from that prison, he first had to wake up, get his senses together, realize that the angel was there to give him instructions and lead him out. So we must wake up and realize that God is with us! He is standing ready to deliver us from whatever has you chained. It does not matter whether it is your health, your finances, your employment, your dependence, or your past! God is ready to set you free! WAKE UP!

Are you in a prison of doubt, fear, or anxiety? Then, Wake Up and take command of your morning! Take and possess your promise! God is standing ready to help you! Wake up this morning and seek what God has for you! In Jesus’ Name! Have a blessed week! AMEN

Shabach Shalom!

By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett

Copyright 2009 © TBMN, Inc.

“MEGA CHURCHES”

Monday, September 28, 2009

Matthew 23:37-39

³⁷ "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, ⁽⁾the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. ³⁸ "Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! ³⁹ "For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'"

A friend of mine posted a FACEBOOK blog blasting Mega Churches. It is funny to me how folk outside the church can tell folk inside the church what to do. As I was reading and studying Matthew 23 this morning, Jesus warned against much of what this brother is seeing in the church today, he may not be all wrong. Nonetheless, here is my private response to him…

Why is it that Bill Gates can have billions but a man or woman of God must be in the poor house? Folk do not have a problem with Microsoft getting bigger but God forbid if the church grows or gets bigger. Job was rich. Noah and Moses were loaded. Paul and John had money too. Not to mention King David and how about Joseph? They all had money and God blessed them. Just as he blesses every one of us. It is not the responsibility of the church to take care of people who are not taking care of their business, for whatever reason.

Additionally, people just do not support their church. I have had people tell me "Pastor I do not have money for the offering today." That is fine with me because there are times when I did not have it as well, but I know my reasons… Money mismanagement. If you are paying more on credit cards than you are giving to your church something is wrong. Here are folk telling me that they have no money for an offering with their hair and nails done, new suits on, large rims on their cars, and plans to go out and eat after church. I cannot judge any of that but I do observe and God sees all! God knows their heart.

I do not receive a salary from my church and I work. I have the things that I have because of my giving to the church, not taking out of the God’s Kingdom. My rewards await me in heaven! I live in the house I live in because I am a man of God and I deserve to be blessed. I drive the car I have because I am a man of God and I am blessed. I have my PhD because God blessed me with knowledge and wisdom and I deserve to be blessed. My wife left her job to stay home with our baby because God blessed with me the skills I have to do the work that I do. What God has for me is for me and what God has for others in the ministry it is for them. You are pointing out what the church is not doing but how about you? Are you giving, studying, praying, fasting, repenting, praising, confessing, witnessing, loving, and testifying to the best of what God would have you be? I know I am not... But I am working on getting there and cannot call anyone else out until God is done with me…

Finally, I need to correct you. Jesus was a radical and DID separate people, places, and things. (Read the book of Matthew Chapters 23-28) YES! Jesus was a radical and angered a great number of people. In fact he separated people all the time... Jews and Gentiles. Good people and evil people. The faithful and the lost... The dead and the alive. He most certainly divided people. He had many disciples, and divided them. He had the special 12, and then divided them and had an inner circle of 3. And when all the disciples went out into the lands guess what happened? All these different church groups were formed. Each formed at the death of Christ and birthed at His resurrection. Jesus said "Upon this rock I will build my church." And there was a man standing on that rock and Jesus was building the church in him... In us! My question to you is are you standing on that rock or throwing it? In Jesus’ Name! Have a blessed week! AMEN!

Shabach Shalom!

By: Pastor Dr. Michael L. Hargett

Copyright 2009 © TBMN, Inc.