Bible Life Questions

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 Do Blessings Come To You?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions ,
               In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 NIV

relate 1

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!

Education or Indoctrination?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions , , ,
“Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.”  And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matt. 13:51-52 ESV.

educate 7

It is rare today to meet an educated person. Yes, many people have college degrees. Many people have access to the internet with its smorgasbord of information. But most people we meet are like Johnny One Notes.

They like to sing but only know one song and that song only has one key. They fall in love with it and fail to realize that each note on a music scale has a purpose. There is great variety and options when one becomes expose to the vast array of music sounds. But if the only experience one receives is playing one note, how will they ever experience the classical masterpieces of yesterday? How will they ever enjoy the new sounds that are waiting in the future? Yet if one hasn’t been exposed to the great variety of choices, one will never know.

This is true in music and it is true in education. Most college students will enter the world with ideological ideas centered around a humanistic approach with life. Their center of the universe is themselves. Their code of conduct is based on personal experience. They have been indoctrinated with a philosophy of business, science, and humanities that excludes a Creator God.

When God is removed from the picture, people are left to design their personal faith. Generally speaking, that faith is built on their perception of reality. Truth becomes subjective. The old traditional values that have proven themselves over time are totally discarded. Instead, “if it is new, it must be better” is the mantra of each new generation.

Rather than exercise wisdom gain through the understanding of sound knowledge, feelings rule. “If it feels good, than let’s do it” becomes the pervasive religion. Who cares about the consequences. Or better yet, “I’m different. That doesn’t apply to me.”

If one wants to truly experience a taste of God’s Kingdom today, one must be willing to accept and apply the proven traditions of yesterday along with the Spirit led revelations of today and tomorrow. Jesus is making everything new. Yet the timeline of history teaches us that there is nothing really new today compared with yesterday when it comes to human nature and man’s relationship with the great Designer of Life.

Maybe you think you are the person who will prove me wrong. But Truth will always prove to be true. Our perception may change, but reality remains the same. We need not fear something new. Instead, we need to broaden our horizon, acquire the necessary knowledge and wisdom, and diligently walk with the God who created education. He is the source of all knowledge. He knows what is good for us and what causes harm. Don’t be like most of the educated and uneducated people in today’s world: trying to make it on their own. Instead of being indoctrinated in today’s cultural bias, maybe it’s time to become truly educated. It begins at the feet of the Great Designer of 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

Does a Friend Need Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!