Life in Christ

Pray For What?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions, Jesus Apprentice, Journey in Christ, Life in Christ
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Mt. 6:7 ESV.

heart

“The best prayers are short and to the point.” Those are the words from one of my early mentors. Somewhere between then and a few years later, that advice was forgotten. I came to the point where I would pray, and pray, and pray, and pray heaping empty phrases on top of one another. Then one day a revelation.

God knows what we need before I even made the request. So why do we think with many more words we can manipulate God to grant us our wishes?

Don’t even go there.

Instead, pray like Jesus did. Pray for the Father’s heart.

God can do more and better than you and I anyway. When we realize that Jesus is our intercessor (Heb. 7:25) and perfects our prayers to our Heavenly Father, why heap more and more empty words on top of the other. Instead, ask your Heavenly Father in your own simple words. Jesus will improve them. And the Holy Spirit will likewise share in the process to make them more effective.

Remember, it is not about you or me. It is about the Triune God. Pray seeking His heart in all matters. In the process you will come to know God more abundantly, and you will experience his Will; which is even better than what you asked in the first place.

So what to pray for? How about His Heart on the matter.

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 some Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!

Who is Our #1 Enemy?

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,

 

“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” I Corinthians 15:26 ESV.

risen 1

When Jesus Christ arose from the pits of the grave, he accomplished several key strategic moves for the battle over planet earth. He defeated Satan and in return took back the earthly domain from mankind’s thorn in the flesh. He fulfilled the requirements of the Jewish Law and in the process rip the curtain that hung between God and humanity restoring direct relationship between each. He also defeated death being raised by His Father as a new creation: flesh and spirit united as one eternal being.

This Easter season also reminds us who is humanity’s #1 common enemy. Whether we are believers or non-believers, male or female, rich or poor, saints or sinners, democrats or republicans, Paul writes that the last enemy that Christ will place under his authority is death.

Physical death lays at the end of life’s journey. No matter how many toys we accumulate, friends we have, children we raise, businesses we develop, money we earn, recognition we receive, and awards we are given, death comes to all.

Yet we can rejoice knowing that God in Christ broke the chains of sin’s domain and restored our fellowship with the Creator of heaven and earth. That in Christ we have died with him and in Christ we have already arisen to a new life. That in Christ our eternal home awaits us. That Christ died for all humanity so that all humanity may also live with him. On that day after our last physical breath, like Christ, we will commit our spirit into the Father’s hand and await for the time of full restoration when all who have died will be resurrected unto a new world. When the age of man will be behind us and the new age of the spirit/human will travel throughout the universe on missions representing our King.

Jesus described our future home as a large mansion with many rooms; John describes one city with gold streets; and Paul concludes that this perishable body must put on the imperishable and then death will be swallowed up in victory (I Corinthians 15:35-58).

So knowing the love, grace, and peace we have in Christ, let’s celebrate Easter and everyday as we calmly walk in Christ towards victory over the #1 enemy of mankind.

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 some Encouragement…Share Today’s Message!

 

It’s Not About Us

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,

 

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV.

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Sometimes sermons sound like an info commercial to join a church. There are ministers that communicate a silent message that you are missing out on everything God has for you unless you become a member of their faith community.

One of those Ya-Ha revelation moments came when I realized God’s plan is not and was not and will not be centered around me.

The book of Colossians and Ephesians make mention that His plan of salvation, His Kingdom, and all of creation was built by and for Jesus Christ. He is the central figure of life. God calls people throughout history to join Him in His plan for mankind. As we align our goals, ambitions, and vocational ministries around His Purpose, we quickly learn and experience the joy of working along and in partnership with the Creator of the Universe.

For our scientific community, it may be shocking. For our non-believers, they struggle with the relevancy of faith. However for those who have surrendered to Lord Jesus, they understand better than most. They gladly serve their King. They seek to expand His Kingdom. They want everyone to enjoy the riches that they have received from heaven’s basket of life. They want God’s love to preeminent their relationships. They want to introduce everyone to their King. They cannot stop speaking about the freedom, gifts, and treasurers of heaven that is now available to everyone on earth.

Yes, God has a purpose for you. But that purpose is His for you; not yours for Him. His purpose slowly becomes your reality as you obey your King’s commands. He will show you through the people you meet, serve, and love. You will experience heaven’s riches; not by chasing after them, but by deeply pursuing an intimate relationship with the person who is the center of life: Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the central core of life. He gives you meaning, purpose, and significance. Not by pursuing yours, but by pursuing HIS.

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

Encourage your Friends…Share Today’s Message!