Year: 2015

Live Like Larry

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“…keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Philippians 3:17 ESV

Larry

Larry passed away several months ago. Cancer caught up with him in his mid-seventies. He didn’t survive the surgery. He is now with his Lord.

I knew Larry for a couple of years. We shared the same table at our Tuesday morning small group. His life is like many of us. We could write a book or do a movie about him and it would probably be a top seller. He served in the arm forces; was a successful general contractor, and with his bride raised a couple of daughters. But more importantly, his testimony was written in his actions each and every day.

He walk the talk. He didn’t surrender to our Lord until about a year after he joined our small group. He was then baptized and enthusiastically put his faith into action wherever he went.

He wasn’t born with a glib to speak. He was introverted. But volunteered to lead and preach in a small venue for senior citizens of an independent living community. I’m sure it made him feel younger. But more importantly, his congregation loved him and he them.

He wasn’t highly educated in a formal setting. But had more common sense than most. He couldn’t read enough about Jesus, His Kingdom, and the power of the Holy Spirit. And whenever something he read moved him, he would make copies and share it with whomever he met. He wasn’t bashful.

He loved to pick up the check at restaurants without any fanfare or recognition. He simply enjoyed making people happy without having to be noticed.

He would volunteer without being asked to help someone who needed carpentry work done.

He knew his limitations yet didn’t let that get into his way. He simply trusted Jesus.

Paul wrote in Philippians that we need to keep our eyes on those who truly live out their faith. Therefore, one of the men in our small group had these buttons made with the caption “Live Like Larry.” It’s our way to pay tribute to a man who walk the talk. How many Larry’s do you know?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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A Special Relationship

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , ,
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” Romans 8:15 ESV

father 1

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews (3:1-6) compares Moses with Jesus. He states that Jesus is greater than Moses as the builder of a house is greater than the building itself. That Moses was a servant in God’s house but Jesus is a Son in God’s House. The Son holds a greater position and relationship with the owner than a servant. What does this mean for you and I?

Sometimes we walk through life’s journey as an outside servant simply doing our job rather than a child of God enjoying the fruit of our relationship with Father God. As a brother (HB. 2:11) and friend (Jn. 15:15) of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of a special relationship with the King of heaven and earth. Yes we are Christ’s servant at heart. However, we are also adopted children within the heavenly family business. Because of the grace of God, we have been given an unique role on the planet earth (Hebrews 2:5-9).

So when dealing with life’s struggles, maybe it’s time to change our worldview. Instead of approaching the situation as a victim, what if we face the dilemma as that special son or daughter of the King? When trials or tests come, what if we thank God for allowing you to move through it leaning on Him and learn more about who God is and your role in life? In other words, when life hands you a lemon, maybe it’s time to learn how to make lemonade.

Instead of playing the religious guru, maybe it’s time to walk this life like an apprentice of Jesus. How? Maybe we need to take each step more gratefully, speak each word more compassionately, and work more joyously for the sake of others and His Kingdom than for ourselves.It may seem too easy, but in the eyes of God it brings a smile. Like a cherished Father/child relationship.

Isn’t life more grand when your beloved Daddy owns the business?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Find a Mentor

Dr. Mike Business & Faith, Jesus Apprentice , , ,
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 ESV

mentorship 2

In a conversation with several business men and women, the question was asked “what is the one thing you would do differently if you could relive life over again in the business world?”   My reply startled some of the them and made others quickly reevaluate their situation. For my answer was simple; “to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead in all my business undertakings.”

Even though I surrendered to Lord Jesus at 17 years of age, my understanding of how business, ministry, and faith integrated was almost non-existent.  I did not understand how my “business life” could be a ministry that glorifies God and serves others for the common good. At the time church pastors were not teaching about it and there were very few resources that addressed the idea. It has taken many years, much prayer, and sacrificial work searching to discover how this integration works. I often consider that if I had a mentor, how different things might have been.

That is why I now encourage men and women today to diligently seek-out spiritual business mentors willing to coach them on how to fully integrate all aspects of life that leads to the most adventurous journey rooted in Jesus Christ. Ask your pastor to refer someone. Ask someone in your congregation that you know is both success in business and has a heart for God. There are many who talk about faith in business, but there are few in comparison who “walk the talk.”

When you find that mentor, you will find an advisor and a spiritual guide who will assist you through the many challenges and opportunities that will come before you. They are not to make your decisions for you. They are there as a sounding board because they have already gone through the battlefield of spiritual warfare in the marketplace. You will find a mentor will increase your learning curve and move you faster toward achieving your dreams while staying true to God’s purpose for your life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!