Journey in Christ

Ever Try Thinking For Yourself?

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ , , , , , , , , ,

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How well do we know our Bible?

After a certain number of years, we quickly understand why people who study the Bible and look at the Christian churches are confused. It’s easy to see the hypocrisy between what a Christ-Follower is to be like compared to a secular Christian.

When Martin Luther asserted the scriptures to the Catholic Church during the Reformation, he was only clarifying what the Universal Church believes versus what people have come to know through human appeal. The gospel of Jesus, the good news of the kingdom of God, and the message throughout scripture is a message of hope in a simplistic manner. For example, the message of salvation is through Jesus Christ. As Martin Luther demonstrated, salvation cannot be earned but is a gift from God. We as a people may read it in scriptures. We as a people may even understand it. But, do we as a people live it? It amazes many of us how so many denominations take such a simple message and add onto it. It’s almost like now the message is “Jesus Plus”. That is “Jesus Plus” how well one keeps the commandments. Or it’s “Jesus Plus” how much one serves. Or it’s “Jesus Plus” how much one attends church on a regular basis. Or it’s “Jesus Plus” how much money one donates. Or it’s “Jesus Plus” which church one attends. The list is endless.

So how well do we know our Bible?

Everything we need to know regarding salvation is easily understood from scriptures. The scriptures are clearly explained and repeated throughout the New Testament by various writers. On the other hand, there are scriptures that are not so clear. These are the scriptures where people have disagreed over the ages and new denominations are built because of it. But the simple truth is that if these issues where important for salvation, wouldn’t our loving Dad have clearly explained them to us. But no, He has allowed us to disagree, argue, and build walls over issues that are not important. Why? We don’t really know but wonder if He is trying to teach us how to live with the differences of people.  It’s easier to love someone who totally agrees with you on every issue. But, is it not harder when you disagree with a person’s opinion? And really, many of the differences are nothing more than people’s opinions on the interpretation of scriptures. We argue over these issues like salvation is really the result of a correct answer. Don’t be deluded.

Again, how well do we know our Bible?

The next time we read the Bible through its entirety, mark down all the scriptures that pertain to salvation. Keep these in front of you and never let any person or power take away your crown. Don’t let people tell you what scriptures are important. You read it and you with the Holy Spirit determine what scriptures you are willing to die for. Your eternity is at stake. Don’t be deluded. Don’t be captured by the delusions of others. You have the ability to determine yourself. Think for yourself. You have been given a wonderful mind, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to lead you into all the Truth. Remember always to A.S.K: Ask Him, Seek Him, Keep Knocking, and He will lead you. Don’t be deluded.

Again we ask.  How well do we know our Bible?

OUR PRAYER

PRAYER 1

Our Great Heavenly Dad, thank you for your supreme gift of salvation and the Bible.  Help us to study it. Help us to learn from it. Help us to develop a deeper, closer relationship with you through it. Help us to understand what you consider important and live our life accordingly. Let no one delude us or mislead us in your Word. But open our mind to understand your mind, open our eyes to see through your eyes, open our heart to feel with your heart. This is what we ask great Dad.  Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Coach, Consultant, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

What Else Is There?

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ , , , , , , , , , ,

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How often in our life have we felt like just quitting?  Just giving up whatever we were pursuing and calling it quits. In fact, maybe we even may have a bad habit of quitting whenever life just doesn’t work out the way we expect it to. Are we natural quitters? Or do we know when to quit?

We recall a friend who was taking his third class in graduate school when he decided to call it quits. At the time, he just needed a break from the academic routine and convince himself it was only going to be for the one semester.  He didn’t return until ten years later.

Yet, when it comes to walking with our Lord, where does one go after one decides to quit? Turn back to where? Stop moving forward? In fact, turning back is worst then just quitting. When one quits, one just stops moving forward. When one turns back. one is walking away from their destination leaving a larger distance between oneself and one’s goal.

If one decides to turn back, where will they go? After one has tasted the fruit of the Spirit, what compares?  After one experiences Grace and Freedom, does one revert to slavery? After building a relationship of Love and Trust with the Living Creator, is there anyone else who one could better depend on? After one’s eyes are open to understand God’s Plan for a new heaven and a new earth being occupied by eternal beings, who has the greater vision and power to accomplish it?

Satan believes his plan is better for mankind. Do we? The world’s systems believe their plan is better for us. Do we? At times, even our carnal nature temporarily convinces us that there is a better way. But do we really believe it afterwards?

After many of His disciples deserted Jesus because of His teachings (Jn 6:66), Jesus asked Peter if he likewise was turning back. But Peter replied where else is there to go; Jesus had the words of eternal life. Likewise, it is true today.

Of all the major religious movements that impacted mankind, only Christianity has a Founder that claimed to be God and offers Grace to the sinner. Truly unique. To be a follower of His is also truly unique. For in following Him, we acknowledge His lordship. His teachings, His authority, His government, and His involvement in our life until His return. Just like some people in His time thought He to be a crazy man possessed by demons, there are those today who think the same of us. So be it.

OUR PRAYER

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Our Eternal Almighty Dad, thank you for remembering that we are just humans. We are temporary beings with eternal goals. Apart from you we will never accomplish eternity. It is you who has given it to us via Jesus Christ as a gift. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

There are those who ridicule us for what we believe and how we live. If we are bringing any shame to you and your eternal name, please let us know and help us change it. If we are not living up to your glory, let us know and help us to repent.

Everything we desire is in you. Let us live our life in your glory and honor.  We may sometimes go overboard in our actions and preaching, but pray that you capture our results and words and plant them into the lives of others that need it. We all need you. Help us to live dependant on you. Help us to exercise the freedom you have given us for your glory. Let your freedom ring out loud for others to hear and experience.

Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Coach, Consultant, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

We Take Substance Over Form Any Day

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ , , , , , , ,

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Remember your early business career days, when the highest bidder would receive your services?  It didn’t matter what the job was all about.  It didn’t matter what the company was all about.  It didn’t matter what the product was all about.  The bottom line was money.  It probably took a few years and many experiences to learn that money isn’t what work is all about and it isn’t always greener on the other side.  It is using your God-given abilities and gifts to serve your fellow man.

But the reason we mention the above pertains to being lured away from your main purpose for living.  If your life is built on sand, your foundation is going to shift all the time.  If your life is built on rock, your foundation is going to remain stable all the time.  The sand of course is this world’s values.  The rock is Jesus Christ.

The world’s values are constantly changing.  Through the media, movies, books, and social organizations, the core values of life arc constantly being portrayed without a God-centered foundation.  One doesn’t always see the fruit of experience until they lived it.  But by then, it may be too late.  However with the Word, we have man’s experience living life with God and apart from God.  We have a solid core of values that have proven beneficial over time.  We have the lessons and experiences of many people who have tried it their way and suffered the consequences.  We also have those who lived by faith and died in the faith.  People don’t become martyrs unless the reward is greater than the cost.

When you are in possession of the great pearl of life, the fountain of eternity, the wisdom of the ages, the crown of crowns, and the joy of joys, you do not take it lightly.  You treasure what you have received.  You hold it close to your heart.  You protect it from all danger.  Yet you cannot hide it.  You freely received it and you freely give it away.  But only to those who know its value and worth.  Otherwise, it will be trampled underfoot and taken for granted.

The cost of discipleship is high.  But so is the reward.  The privilege and honor to serve the Living God on a one-to-one relationship is mentally staggering.  What does this world’s system have in comparison with being a disciple of His?  Many careers may look more appealing.  Many lifestyles may look more appealing.  Many avenues of life may look more appealing.  They may all have the outward image that glistens and shines from the outside, but none of them holds any real substance in comparison with a life in Christ.  Give us substance over form any day.

OUR PRAYER

PRAYER 1

Our Richly, Magnificent Dad, thank you for revealing your way of abundant living!  Your ways have always proven in the long run to be the way to live.  You are surely awesome.  Everything we do in you, we do thankfully, gratefully, and gracefully.

You have surrounded us with your treasures.  You have revealed to us your Son.  You have given to us a Comforter in the Holy Spirit.  You have surrounded us with your angels.  You have given us all the resources of the universe to pursue your kingdom.  You have always given us what we need to survive.  You are continually creating your masterpiece in us preparing us for all eternity.  You are truly awesome!

Help us always to focus on your character and Word in pursuit of our goals.  Let our actions and achievements bring you glory.  Even as the outer body slowly decays, continue to renew the inner man with your divine presence.  It is what we live for and wait for each day: to eventually be with you in your eternal home serving you and your world as you serve us.

Thank you Jesus for everything you made possible.  Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Coach, Consultant, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God