Year: 2016

Are You Stealing From God?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions, Kingdom Paradigms
“You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 ESV.

steal 1

When Sin is only the breaking of a principle or rule, it makes the transaction non-personal. However, when Sin breaks into the life of another person, than it becomes a relational issue.  It wasn’t until I saw Sin as doing damage between God and people that I made the firm commitment to stop hurting others in my world.

More so, when I realized that Sin is stealing from God’s goodness, I shuttered in horror.

In addition, when I realized that Sin is also stealing from my mate and daughter and brothers and parents and friends, I quickly repented and cried out for help.

We do not want to hurt the ones we love. In fact, we want to honor them and bless them with everything good within our means. So when we “break” one of the commandments of God it is no longer me just trying to manage another item. Instead, I now realize we are hurting others who may not even know of the situation but are simply the victim of my poor choices.

How long do you think we can go on stealing from God and succeed in life?

How long do you think we can go on stealing from our love ones and succeed in life?

How long do you think we can go on stealing from others and succeed in life?

You may see Stealing as a short-term solution to your current problem. However the long term impact is always more costly. Instead, do the more honorable thing. Do what is right before God. The consequences of not respecting God’s will is more painful in the long term than the short term inconvenience you may have to suffer. Sin is never a good thing.  It always negatively impacts your life and the lives of others.  You may not see it immediately, but in hindsight, you will only wish you could replay the event over again. Therefore why not choose the more honorable path today?

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 Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!

Why God Allows Tribulations?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions, Life in Christ
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold… He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. Job 23: 10, 14 NIV.

tests 1Earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes are some of the natural disasters that keep recurring throughout the world. Terrorist attacks, gang rapes, and robbery is a daily feature in the news. Divorce, unemployment, and poverty are social ills that continue plague mankind. Cancer, heart attacks, and unknown diseases hit homes each day. Accidents, thievery, and conflict occurs within our communities. There is no escape from the many trials and tests that life throws our way. But why?

Some say it is because of sin. Others because of our stupidity. And others still because of time and chance. Whatever the reason, if God is sovereign then why does He allow us unwanted trials?

Could it be maybe that God allows challenges in our life so something more positive may come from it? When times become tough, how do we respond? Do we toughen ourselves up, pick up our bootstraps and keep plugging away? Or do we finally admit to ourselves that we can’t do it any longer? That we are at the end of our hope. Without a miracle, “we can’t make it” becomes the focus. Then what happens? Suddenly, or maybe even decades later, circumstances,  people, or events occur that change everything. You are out of the mess you were in, and you don’t even know how to explain it to others.

How else does one become closer to God except when the bad times roll through? Maybe this is too simple for most, but isn’t it the trials and tests that allow us to either walk with God or run away from Him? When we choose to lean on Him, does He take the opportunity to build the faith he has given us by fixing the situation? Doesn’t He use these circumstances to transform our hearts and minds to become more like Christ? Maybe everything is not yet perfectly like we would want it, but one has to admit, it is better than before.

Life constantly throws lemons at us so we can learn how to make lemonade. We learn to make lemonade by leaning and walking with our Father-Son-Spirit. That relationship becomes closer, deeper, and more impactful as a result of surrendering the self and allowing the Triune God to lead us through the difficult maze we are seeking to come out of. Life is more about strengthening the relationship between God and you, than our comfort, pleasure, and goals. We are all being prepared to lead and serve for eternity as His children in His Kingdom. Today’s challenges are tomorrows trophies.

This may not take the pain away from your current ordeal. But at least you now know there is a greater reason and purpose for transforming lemons into lemonade.  It’s not about the drink, but the relationship that grows from it.

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 Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!

 

How Many Words Does It Take?

Dr. Mike Business & Faith, Kingdom Paradigms , ,
The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man? Eccl 6:11 ESV.

words 2 words 1

 

How many words are enough?

Ever found yourself in a situation where you tried to talk yourself out of? Whether being pulled over by the police for speeding, or caught by your significant other with your hand in the cookie jar, we try to justify ourselves by heaping words upon words. How has that worked for you?

When you are trying to persuade someone to your way of thinking, do you continue to heap words upon words hoping that the person will collapse from the mere weight of them?

When you find yourself in a conversation when silence blasts loudly in your ear, do you have to open the mouth so noise comes out or can you refrain and enjoy the quietness for the moment?

Most of the time it is not how many words we convey that matters. What truly matters is if we care, are open to the other person’s point of view, and respect the person for their opinion. Many times by asking the key questions and listening will lead you to accomplish more than battling with a maze of words.

Ever notice in many of Jesus’ dialogue with others, he was short and direct to the point. He didn’t try to outweigh others with more words. Instead the few words used hit their mark and he allowed the Spirit to work within the life of the other.

The book of Proverbs also states several times that even the fool when silent looks wise.

So the next time you are tempted to out talk the other person, stop, listen, and choose your questions carefully. Totally understand their point of view before succinctly giving yours.

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 Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!