Are We Worshiping God or Self?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”  Romans 12:1 NIV.

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Do we really know how to worship?

Last Sunday while praising God through song, I stopped for a moment to analyze the words coming from my mouth. Suddenly I stopped singing and began to question my heart. Did I truly believe what I was saying?

The song we were singing was more about praising us than him. The name of the song really doesn’t matter, for I am sure the person who wrote it was truly expressing what was in their heart. But for me, it was like thanking God ONLY because of what was in it for me.

As a disciple of His, we crucified the self years ago. Yes, it arises occasionally to cause mischief, but most of the time it is dead. As a dead man walking in Christ, it is no longer about me, but HIM.

The words of the song though was about 80% me and 20% God. Is that worship? Or is that simply praising Him for what he has done for us?

Do we worship God because what is in it for me or do we worship God because of who He IS?

When the three men during Daniel’s time chose the furnace rather than bow to an image, they chose to worship God whether or not they survived the ordeal.

When the apostle Paul chose to go to Jerusalem even though the prophet told him his life would be in extreme danger and hardship, Paul chose to face death rather than the easy way out.

On the other hand, when Lucifer saw how beautiful he was made, he chose to worship himself rather than God. He allowed pride to gain access into his being and now lives under the condemned name of Satan.

Sorry, worship is not about you or me. In fact, worship is not even what God has done for you. Instead, worship is simply acknowledging Him for solely Who He IS while we function in life as His living sacrifice.

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 Do Blessings Come To You?

               In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 NIV

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Ever notice how God’s blessings come through relationships? The riches He shares with us are typically presented to us via people. If it weren’t people, how many of us would truly experience the vast array of God’s love-based arsenal?

Whether we are speaking about the relationship built within the bonds of marriage  and family, or the network operating within the business or social community, people are the means that God shares his attributes and wealth. Likewise, God works with people to disciple us, discipline us, and uplift us. He inspires people to share their personal wealth with us. He encourages people to reach out and support you & I during times of pain. He brings people into our circle to help us along the way.

When Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelite’s out of Egypt, He brought Aaron along to assist him. When Ruth and Naomi found themselves without husbands and children, God brought them to a land to meet kinsman Boaz. When Saul became Paul in his early conversion, believers were unsure of his faith, so God brought Barnabas to him.

Throughout life, whether you lean on God or not, he brings people into your world at a time when you need help.

So cherish those around you. Greet everyone you meet as a brother or sister in Christ. Learn to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in your life. You may find yourself one day being a conduit for the living God as He blesses others through you.

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!

What Makes Sin Ugly?

“Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” JN. 8:34 ESV.

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Sin destroys life. It prevents a person to fully experience their human potential. It causes dysfunctional relationships. It leads to a darken path that makes a mess along the way for others to cleanup. Sin produces war, crime, and murder.
It costs substantially more in the long run. It may look and even be pleasant for the short term, but it’s venom is poisonous. In many cases, it is a slippery slope without a soft bottom.

The quicker one can identify and nip it at the bud, the quicker one will experience a fuller, enriched life.

Yes sin is more than just an attitude or behavior. It is open rebellion against the Creator who designed us for a personal relationship with Him.

So if you don’t know what sin is, take a concordance of the Bible and see what it truly says about it. You may be pleasantly surprise when you separate the opinions of others with the facts from the Book. When you do, you will appreciate God’s love, grace, and mercy more than ever before.

In addition you will discover a way of life that movies can never capture. A life of real Shalom.

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!