Year: 2016

Is It a Relationship or Duty?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions
They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” Jn 8:19 NIV

relationship duty 1

Sometimes I wonder if we truly understand that Christianity is more about a relationship than just trying to live a good life. In Christ’s time as today, we have people who practice all the religious rituals, speak the religious talk, and perform religious work. Yet they do not know God.

Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, they knew their Scripture, but didn’t know it’s Author. They knew things about God, but didn’t know God. Jesus had to correct them.

When we look at Jesus, we see he is the perfect reflection of God. He knew the personal relationship He had with the Father and wasn’t bashful to express it.

There are many today who behave from a position of responsibility rather than from an abiding relationship. When you know you know, and you know God knows, and God knows you know, you know. Your response is from God’s love rather than from duty. You serve and submit yourself to His authority because of his love to you. You don’t serve others because it is the right thing to do. You don’t even serve others because it’s the human thing to do. Instead you serve others because God loves them like he loves you and wants His love to love others like you are loved. Service begins with God and ends with God.

relationship duty 2

Everything about life is a relational matter. We accept personal responsibility because we are loved and accountable to Him who loves us. Yet we serve because our relationship is built on trust and love. Because we have a relationship with the Creator of life, and the Creator of life either has or desires a deeper relationship with your neighbor, we greatly rejoice to share his relationship with others. Everything begins and ends with our relationship with Jesus. Our responsibility is simply built from that relationship.

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

Does a Friend need some Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Am I?

Dr. Mike Video

I don’t often do this, but came across this music video by Ms. Rachel Barrentine. She put into contemporary music the words and concepts that best explains where our true identity is found. I hope you enjoy the music and words as much as I did.

by Rachel Barrentine

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

Does a Friend need some Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!

What is Real Servant-Leadership?

Dr. Mike Business & Faith ,
       “But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” Luke 22:26 ESV.

servant 4

There was a time in the business world where organizational guru’s came out of the closet teaching that we need to become more like Jesus in our leadership role. Companies took the principle from Scripture and a new wave of management sprung forth. However, like many guru’s who have gone before they neglected to teach the entire subject. Instead of expounding on the entire subject matter of servant-leadership as practiced in God’s Kingdom, they took away the substance of leadership and left behind only the form.

The example of Jesus’ leadership style is a case of point. Yes, Jesus practiced what he preached. He came to serve others rather than to be served. His entire ministry was about teaching and serving those around him. However, he didn’t give people what they wanted solely because they asked.

Jesus admitted more than once that he could do nothing apart from God. That he did as his Father led him. He practiced servant-leadership by first finding out what his Father wanted done and doing it. In other words, servant-leadership apart from God is simply people pleasing. The works Jesus did he did through the power of the Holy Spirit. He was simply the conduit. He served others likewise because he was on a mission from his heavenly Dad.

Real servant-leadership is serving others with Jesus Christ. It is asking him for direction. It is seeking his Will on the matter. When we serve others without Christ’s input, we are simply in the people pleasing business. But are we pleasing Christ? Maybe Jesus has other plans for this person’s life? Maybe instead of serving the other person, we may be inhibiting the work of God and making it more difficult for the person in the long run. Maybe, we are manipulating the situation for our sake rather than allowing Jesus to truly invade the person’s life.

So next time you want to practice servant-leadership which is the way the Kingdom of God operates under, be sure you first have your King’s marching orders in place. Otherwise, you are not serving the person with Jesus. Instead you may be serving the person apart from God’s intention for him or her. Remember, Real Servant Leadership works. Just don’t throw away the baby with the bath water.

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

Does a Friend need some Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!