BLCS Important Updates & Announcements

Vision Project Progress Report

We continue to make progress in the Vision Project. Last week, I received a special deal from HP for the computer I will be using in my home office (our next step in the project). This includes a 23" flat panel monitor. I saved over $400.00 on the computer with no payments for 90 days. I am confident that the Vision Project fund will be able to pay for this computer before the first payment is even due!

We are also learning new things about DVD production. We mailed out a "Thank You" copy of lesson one from the new Feasts series. One person reported problems, so we did some research to find a cure. The results were that we need to make sure we use DVD-R for production (instead of DVD+R), and that we needed to use a better grade of DVD stock than Memorex. We found Verbatim DVD-Rs for a better price than we were purchasing the Memorex brand. Verbatim are about the best brand on the market. This little problem allowed us to go from an economy brand to a premium brand and save on their cost! God is good.

As I am approaching some of the materials to teach them again for DVD, I will be adding new insights to them. In fact, after looking over "The Life of Faith" series, I feel that I need to completely rewrite the materials before teaching it again. God has been stressing in Mary and my hearts that too many Christians are living in vicarious faith. Someone else cannot walk in faith for you, it is a personal walk that only you can do. This theme and many Hebraic concepts will be worked into the new materials. I hope to start filming the new Life of Faith right after Winter Break.

Holy Fire – Strange Fire Seminar in Bronx, NY

I will be at Love Gospel Assembly on November 13 & 14 to teach a new series entitled "Holy Fire-Strange Fire." These six sessions will be life-changing for those that are hungry for more of God and have ears to hear. If you are in the New York area, I encourage you to come to these meetings.

Location:

Love Gospel Assembly

2323 Grand Concourse

Bronx, NY 10468

Contact Information:

Antioch School of Urban Ministry

2435 Grand Concourse

Bronx, NY 10468

718-295-6453

Cost: For College Credit – $100.00 | Audit – $50.00

Times:

Friday, November 13: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Saturday, November 14: 8:30am – 4:30pm

There will be a continental breakfast on Saturday morning. Lunch will be available at the seminar location for $5.00.

Audio Cassettes Are Being Discontinued

We have already shared with you in the past that audio cassettes are being phased out by most manufacturers. Therefore, we will be discontinuing them effective January 1, 2010.

We are running a sale on audio taped versions of our materials until the supplies we have run out. Any tape orders between now and January 1 will receive a 20% discount and free priority mail shipping! Just write "Discontinue Sale" on your order, take off 20% from the cost of the tape set and do not add shipping.

This will be a "first come, first serve" sale. As soon as our supplies are used are exhausted, the sale will end.

New Prices Set for Lectures

These new prices will not affect the cost current cost of MP3 lectures, but sets prices on CD and DVD media.

Effective January 1, 2010

· MP3 Lectures: $6.00 for each lecture in a series.

· CD Lectures: $7.00 for each lecture in a series.

· DVD Lectures: $8.00 for each lecture in a series.

This is far below the national norm for college/seminar level materials. BLCS remains a leader in Spirit-Filled training that this extremely affordable and transformational!

Biblical Life Mentor’s Tips

Lessons from the Day of Atonement

September 2009

by Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor, Educational Consultant & Biblical Life Mentor

Most of the Body of Christ has gone about their daily business without a clue of the biblical significance of the past few weeks. The centuries of manmade traditions have disenfranchised us from our rich Hebraic heritage and the biblical feasts that belong to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. These biblical feasts serve many purposes:

· They remind us of what God has done for us.

· They teach us more about what Jesus has done and will do in the future.

· They are cycles of God’s process of sanctification in the life of the believer.

· They are cycles of God’s process of positioning believers for greater blessing.

· They are God’s way of bringing us back into step with the Kingdom of God. (This one is especially needed in this day since everyone is in step with the current Babylonian system of the world!)

This Wednesday, we will begin filming a new series on “The Feasts of the LORD and Their Spiritual Significance in the Life of the Believer.” This new DVD series is designed to reintroduce believers in Messiah to His Feasts. As we prepare for His coming, we need to get back into the rhythm of His Kingdom; the Feasts play a vital role in our realignment.

Since we are in the middle of the Fall Feasts, I thought it would be a great opportunity to teach on several aspects of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kipper) and how it can apply to becoming more effective in your spiritual walk and ministry. This month’s Mentor Tip is about divine accountability and realignment.

There are many aspects to the Fall Feasts (the Day of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles) that we could cover. The Fall Feasts are all about the second coming of Messiah and become a template to lie over the top of the Book of Revelation to see fully what God is showing us. Without the Fall Feasts’ template, the Book of Revelation is constantly being misinterpreted by believers. We will not be examining the Fall Feasts from an Eschatological view point, but one for daily living.

The Feast of Trumpets signifies a time of announcements from Heaven. It is a time designated by Almighty God when He speaks with greater clarity for the sake of His people. It also begins the countdown to the Day of Atonement called “The Ten Days of Awe.” During the Ten Days of Awe, God’s people spend a great amount of time examining their lives and hearts. They make sure that all relational accounts are settled between them and God as well as between them and their fellow man. There is also intense examination of what they have done with their lives since the last Day of Atonement.

The Fall Feasts teach us the importance of ownership. In fact, the Torah has a great deal to say about ownership of land and property. The concept of ownership is important because it reminds us that this world, our bodies and all other things are owned by a divine Creator, the God of Heaven and Earth. Since He owns this planet and all the people that dwell upon it, we must live our lives with the understanding that one day we will stand before Him to give an account of how we lived our lives and what we accomplished.

This year I have personally done that very thing. I have examined my past year, to include my accomplishments and my failings. During the Ten Days of Awe, I have been repenting, making plans, and making many adjustments. I did not accomplish as much as I wanted to this past year. There were places where I stumbled, dropped the ball or allowed other things to crowd out what was really important.

The Fall Feasts and the Day of Atonement were a type of “wake up” call to me. I have examined every weight that so easily besets me (Heb 12:1), examined what is most needful in my walk and ministry, and have determined to completely devote myself to those things alone.

Devote and devotion are very powerful words. Devote means “to commit to a particular purpose.” Devotion means to have “fervent dedication and loyalty” to something. This not only involves placing a great amount of time and energy into its accomplishment, but to remain loyal to it when distractions present themselves.

Here is what I am going to be devoted to this next year:

· Writing new courses, articles and books.

· Researching to ensure accuracy and integrity in all that I teach.

· Re-teaching every major course I have taught in the past for DVD.

To accomplish this, many things in my life that took the focus away from my pursuits of God are being set aside. The things of the flesh (to include most entertainment) are there to distract us from our purpose, to steal our time, and to steal our focus. I am sure Satan will also bring many opportunities that sound wonderful but are simply distractions. Everything must be weighed concerning what I must give an account to God for and what He has called me to devote myself to. I must then purpose in my heart to remain loyal to those things.

Bringing It Home for You

This time next year the Day of Atonement will roll around again. Will you be prepared to present your life before the judgment bar of God to give an answer for what you have done with those twelve months? Can you give an account for what God has called you to be devoted to so you can work in His fields of service?

It is time for you to take inventory. What has God instructed you to do? Categorize them to include: personal relationships, education, ministry direction, etc. Once you have the categories, examine this past year to see what distracted you or held you back. Make plans to remove those weights!

Now make a list of the things you must devote yourself to. Be specific, and write it with great clarity. This list becomes your litmus test for everything that comes into your life and even how you plan your day. Is it part of your devotion to the accomplishment of something that God has called you to, or is it a distraction to test your loyalty? You are the gatekeeper to your life. The Fall Feasts teach us that it is time to wake up and redeem the time. In fact, the Day of Trumpets is also called “The Awakening Blast.” Consider this your wake up call to enter into Kingdom living with devotion and purpose!

=======================

Copyright 2009 by Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

All Rights Reserved

Please share with all that hunger for more of God and His Word

=======================

Biblical Life Assembly P.O. Box 588 | Marshfield, MO 65706-0588 Phone: 417-859-0881 | Fax: 417-468-2037 Website: www.biblicallifeassembly.org

Biblical Life College & Seminary P.O. Box 588 | Marshfield, MO 65706-0588 Phone: 417-859-0881 | Fax: 417-468-2037 Website: www.biblical-life.com

Vision Project Update 09/18/2009

We have been making wonderful progress on the Biblical Life Vision Project. Before I share are progress, I want to thank our Biblical Life students, graduates and partners for all your help. I have been blessed and humbled by your response. This morning I received a phone call from a family in New York that have prepared a special room in their home to study the new DVD materials. They plan on inviting other believers in their area that are hungry for more of God and His Word to study with them. In my heart, I believe this will begin happening around the nation and the world.

Because of your help, we have the following in place:

1. New computer for basic day-to-day operations of the ministry.

2. Updated software for operations.

3. New video camera for taping the new classes.

4. Video editing software.

I have spent the past two days collecting my notes to prepare for the first session that will start on September 30. Everyone is excited, both for the new classes to begin and the realization that they will be videotaped.

As we begin videotaping, the next two items that we will need are:

1. DVD Duplication Tower

I have found an outstanding unit available through National Audio Company in Springfield, MO. It will create 10 DVDs at a time and also has a 250 gig hard drive for quick production of the most used videos. It is also one of the most affordable units I have been able locate. Cost: $925.00 (with shipping from manufacturer).

2. Dedicated Computer for Audio/Video Editing & Production

I believe the same unit that we originally purchased through the Sam’s Club for our operations will serve perfectly for this project as well. A dedicated computer is necessary to ensure conflict issues do not arise between production software and our administrative operations software. Cost: $1,400.00.

Plans for Courses and Production

1. I have already outlined the three new courses that we will first develop for DVD. After these are complete, we will begin taping all of my previous courses for DVD. The three new studies are:

· The Feasts of the LORD & Their Spiritual Significance in the Life of the Believer

· The Sabbath: A Biblical Investigation

· Biblical Health & Healing

2. A gift to those that have helped. Once our first session the Feasts is edited and ready for production, we will be mailing out a copy to all that have contributed as a special "Thank You" and let you see firsthand how this project is going to bless the Body of Christ.

I cannot impress upon you just how important your prayers will be as we press forward in this project. As I begin teaching, your prayer cover will enable a new level of anointing to flow in the teachings. As a team, we will see bondages broken, lives transformed and the Bride of Christ prepared for her Lord’s return!

Biblical Life Vision Project Update

The last few weeks have been quite busy for us at Biblical Life.  Between processing enrollments and working on the Vision Project, we have had to burn the midnight oil a few times.  Because we have been so busy, we have not been able to develop new Mentor’s Tips this past month.  We hope to start them again in October.  Here is where we are on the Vision Project:

1.            Purchased first 64-bit desktop computer (3 more to go).  It has been programmed and is working perfectly.

2.            Updated the following programs used for the ministry:
               ACT! for 2010 (to operate the school database)
               Adobe Acrobat Pro V 9 (to create professional PDF files)
               Expression Web V 3.0 (to maintain our websites)
               Audition CS 3 (to create MP3 files and other audio recordings)

Our next step is to purchase the video camera we will use for videotaping our new classes.  We have settled in on the Sony HDR-WR500V.   We have found a site that sell the camera for $1,099.00.  We currently have $955.00 in the vision account.  We are believing God that we will be able to purchase the camera this week.

After the camera is purchased, our next goals will be editing software (Sony Vegas Pro 9 – $400.00 and a duplication tower to produce the DVDs – $1,100.00).

We plan on starting the new class on September 30 for taping.  The new series will be: The Feasts of the LORD and their spiritual significance in the life of the believer.  Preparing new course materials for DVD requires much more work than for audio recordings.  We are preparing both lecture notes and PowerPoint.  We know these new materials will be a blessing and all associated with Biblical Life will be proud of them!  Please keep these in video classes in your prayers!

May God bless you and the Holy Spirit commune with you as we approach the Fall Feasts!

Between Vision and Realization

by Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Proverbs 29:18a (KJV)
¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people perish . . .”

Over the past decade, many people have entered the dialogue of the need for vision and vision casting. I remember a time when few spoke of it, even fewer had it and no one realized the power of it. The paradigm has changed greatly within our leadership models; therefore, vision, vision casting, and mission statements are as common place as bibles in our churches.

One of the things that the Holy Spirit has impressed upon on me lately is that there is more to seeing a vision accomplished than having a vision and having faith. To be honest, getting the vision is the easy part. The hard part is the research, study, discipline and diligent effort that must be added to the vision to see it fulfilled. I believe part of the dilemma that many of us face is that we treat a vision for ministry from the LORD the same way we treat true prophetic words. Somehow we have the misconception that if they are from God, they will come to pass . . . almost effortlessly. We think, “Hey God is in it, so everything will go smoothly.” That sounds great until you read the Bible! I cannot find one individual, to include Jesus, for whom everything went smoothly or the vision came to pass easily! Actually the opposite is true. If they heard from God, the enemy was sure to resist their efforts. Faith is not “hoping” something will happen. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and working hard with God to MAKE things happen that are in-line with God’s will and purposes.

The Word tells us:

Ecclesiastes 5:3 (KJV)
³ For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.

Many times we see truths from God’s Word through the lens of our current focus. As our focus changes, new truths can explode into our hearts. The first time I read this verse (when my mental lens was focused on vision), it was like a slap in the face. Everyone is talking vision, but how many are rolling up their sleeves and making the vision a reality? Are we going to be speaking a lot of words or are we going to get down to business with our visions from the Throne of Grace?

We need to view vision the same way an architect does. He may “see” a beautiful and useful building in his heart, but he never stops there. He will do the research to find the right materials, follow all the proper codes, use the best materials and then begin to draft a step-by-step plan to bring his vision to life. Once the blueprint is completed, the real work begins. The proper foundations must be laid. Every detail, down to the smallest thing, is researched and implemented with great care and determination. Setbacks are expected, as with any great endeavor. The resolve is to place the “sweat-equity” into the project to make it a reality. A great builder will also insure safety and maintenance are clearly defined and enforced.

Any visionary or builder knows that it is the day-to-day operations that can make or break a project. Yet for many in ministry, we have forgotten this truth. Faith cannot replace daily discipline and determination. Faith must FUEL the daily discipline and determination!

Later on this week, I am going to be laying out a detailed plan to bring about a vision that God has given me for Biblical Life. The end result will not only be the expansion of the seminary, but taking the powerful truths that God has placed within my spirit outside the walls of the seminary and into the homes of anyone hungry for more of God and His Word. To do this, the vision must be cast. Not only must the vision be cast, but a detailed plan must be developed. Not only must a detailed plan be developed, but it must be communicated to others that can aid in its fulfillment. Then others can receive a blessing, too.

I also pray that as you read this upcoming “Vision Plan for the Next Level,” you will be able to glean ways to develop your own detailed plan to fulfill what God has called you to do. Here are some things I have learned from the Holy Spirit in regard to bringing a vision to pass:

• You cannot do it alone. I have tried for years – it doesn’t work! Many of you have been greatly blessed by the articles and Mentor’s Tips that I have been publishing this past year and a half. If it was not for the diligent proofreading of my wonderful wife (who was a professional secretary for the government for years), many of you would still be wondering what I was trying to say. Sometimes she files correspondence that I have sent out in a hurry, and she says, “You didn’t have me proof this, did you?” We work best together. It is always a team effort!

• You must become the example of excellence and determination for the vision God has given you. You set the standard for those that will join with you to see it come to pass.

• You must always share the credit for its success. Since you could not do it alone, you cannot receive the credit alone either.

• You must always bear the blame, if it does not succeed. Leadership does not pass the blame; it accepts it and then builds a bridge to success.

• You must daily fight to see each step established. One of the most powerful statements that I have ever read was in a book by Prophet John Mark Poole. He said that many times you will have to be involved in prophetic warfare to see the prophetic word come to pass. If it is that way with prophetic words, it will certainly be that way with bringing your vision to pass!

• You must seek the face of God for His blessing on those that come along side you to work. We always seem to ask God to bless the vision or project. If we do it right, it will be blessed! Part of doing it right is to seek Heaven’s blessing on those who stood by you.

• Once you arrive, you must work daily to maintain what God has entrusted to you. This truth is important. How can God expand your vision, if you are not maintaining it? It would be like trying to build a new wing onto a building that is falling apart. Stewardship is important in the Kingdom of God!

Do you have your vision? What’s your plan to see it fulfilled? Are you working your plan, and are you maturing as it is developed? Consistency is a vital part of maturing!

If you have let the vision lay dormant because of discouragement, it is time to pick it back up, dust it off, and develop your plan (daily working it with a new fervor and consistency)! You may be like the Jewish people returning from Babylon. They had to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem with a brick in one hand and a sword in the other – but when the walls were built, blessing came!

Don’t give up hope. Your blessing and the fulfillment of your vision are waiting for you. God is waiting to confirm the Word that He has released in your heart with signs, wonders and blessings!