Life in Christ

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

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Are We Worshiping God or Self?

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,

“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.

worship 4

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!

What New Creation?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions, Life in Christ

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV.

new creation 1

Do we understand what the new creation is all about? When we look at ourselves in the mirror of Jesus, do we recognize a new creation? How does the new creation come about?

Most of us don’t get into the details of life in Christ. We simply accept what we read or hear. However some of us want to know more. We desire to know the heart of God. We thirst to understand its purpose. We hunger for the wisdom to express God’s character wherever we go.

When Jesus Christ died, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, he became the first born of a new creation: the first man to morph into a heavenly being. His physical flesh changed into a spiritual entity. A person with the ability to eat physical food and also walk through physical doors. He was the first of many who are yet waiting for their resurrection.

Today we only capture a glimpse of that reality through marriage. The ordained marriage institute of man and woman pictures the relationship of a new creation. As Jesus mentioned in Scripture (Mt. 19:5), a man shall leave his parents and cling to his wife – where the two become one flesh. A healthy marriage is when both the man and woman live life sacrificing the self and giving 100% for the other with the purpose of creating a new entity: two people operating as one a new entity.

As we are included in Christ because of His new work for us, we join him in his new venture. For now, he has done and is doing his part. We are now simply learning to give 100% to him in response to his love for us. As we deny ourselves and allow him to bathe us with his Spirit, we participate in His new creation. The two of us are becoming one.

So now we can enjoy his life and participate with him as he shares his new life with us. Yes you are a new creation. You are no longer dead, but alive in Him: a new creation, tasting His fruit while waiting to be finally and fully revealed at your resurrection.

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!