Year: 2015

Hope

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 ESV

hope 1

When times get challenging, when you are not sure which way to go, and you feel alone and misunderstood, praise God. You have come to the crossroads of hope.

Without pain, suffering, and misfortune, hope would only be a word. An illusion for the helpless. A battle cry for the defeated. Yet Paul writes that hope is the means of surviving the battlefields of life.

He points us to read Scripture for encouragement. To read how God intervenes in the lives of other believers. To discover the precepts and principles when applied opens the door of opportunity. For when we place our hope in Him, we discover the true meaning of love and faith.

He is faithful and demonstrates how every day. He also expresses love deeper than any person you and I will ever meet. When we place our hope in him, he opens his heart with us. He shares his abundance with us. He also disciplines us for our good. His behavior is a byproduct of his inherent love and faithfulness.

So when times get tough, don’t hope in solutions, money, or people. Instead, place your hope in him. To know him is more than knowing his hands and feet that provide for us. To hope in him is to know him; to know him is to hope in him. In Christ we have real, true hope (Hebrews 3:6).

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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!

Head Butts

Dr. Mike Business & Faith, Life in Christ , ,

 

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? Matthew 16:25 (MSG)

 head butt 2

How many of us spend the majority of our life butting our head against the wall until the light goes on?

We invest our time, energy, and resources in pursuit of relationships, fame, and fortune only to discover afterwards an emptiness in our soul. Then we seek more of the same thinking it isn’t enough; only to discover that wasn’t it either. Than we may go the other extreme and forgo everything; again only to discover that didn’t fill the cup either.

In my short life-time I have witnessed myself, friends and associates believe the “I am master of my own ship” motto. We made decisions that looked appetizing in the beginning but the returns bit us hard in the end.

What we all had in common was a strong focus on “self.” Everything we went after was because we wanted it and nobody could change our mind. We deserved it. We were willing to work hard for it. We made it our destiny.

The problem was we were following the wrong leader: ourselves. It wasn’t until we surrendered our life to the King of Kings that we fully understood what that meant. In short, it is refreshing knowing that I have a boss that cares about me and leads me through green pastures and fruitful fields. However, when I reject his leadership, he lets me experience the growing pains of doing it myself. I for one have come to truly appreciate His ways and am tired of doing it my way.

When we surrender to the King and learn the joy of serving others with Him for the sake of others and for His Kingdom, the rewards are more than money, fame, and worldly relationships can every bring. Blessed and happy is the man/woman who walks with the King! They shall enjoy His abundance (Jn. 10:10).

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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!

Imitators of God

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Eph 5:1

imitators 2

When you were a child and an adult asked you what did you want to be like when you grew up, how did you reply?

Did you say you wanted to be like your dad or mom? Or like your grandpa or grandma? Maybe you wanted to be like that sports star or rock star? Or maybe you were more mature than your peers and simply wanted to be yourself?

As children and even young adults we either intentionally or unintentionally look to imitate someone we want to be like.

In my life I had several mentors and role models who I patterned this life after. Most were a positive influence. Some not so. Yet the point is we mimic and learn from those we admire and associate with.

The same is true as disciples of Jesus. The more we study, walk with, and admire him, the more we imitate him. The more we imitate him, the closer our relationship becomes.

As he is one of three persons within the Triune God, the more we observe him, the more with see the Father who he represents. The more we see the Father and Son, the more closer we recognize the Holy Spirit. As we admire and worship the Triune God, the more we desire to imitate Him.

Though we are physically limited, he created us with certain attributes similar to His. So whatever we can grasp and understand, we can likewise intentionally imitate.

So I guess you can say that when I grow up I want to be more like my Heavenly Father, Son, and Spirit. How about you?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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!