Life in Christ

Imitators of God

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Eph 5:1

imitators 2

When you were a child and an adult asked you what did you want to be like when you grew up, how did you reply?

Did you say you wanted to be like your dad or mom? Or like your grandpa or grandma? Maybe you wanted to be like that sports star or rock star? Or maybe you were more mature than your peers and simply wanted to be yourself?

As children and even young adults we either intentionally or unintentionally look to imitate someone we want to be like.

In my life I had several mentors and role models who I patterned this life after. Most were a positive influence. Some not so. Yet the point is we mimic and learn from those we admire and associate with.

The same is true as disciples of Jesus. The more we study, walk with, and admire him, the more we imitate him. The more we imitate him, the closer our relationship becomes.

As he is one of three persons within the Triune God, the more we observe him, the more with see the Father who he represents. The more we see the Father and Son, the more closer we recognize the Holy Spirit. As we admire and worship the Triune God, the more we desire to imitate Him.

Though we are physically limited, he created us with certain attributes similar to His. So whatever we can grasp and understand, we can likewise intentionally imitate.

So I guess you can say that when I grow up I want to be more like my Heavenly Father, Son, and Spirit. How about you?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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 a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Sufficiency in Christ

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“I (Jesus) can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” John 5:30 ESV

sufficiency 1

Many of us either intentionally or wishfully want to be self-sufficient. We desire to depend on no one for anything. If we had our way, we would be self-fulfilled financially, relationally, and spiritually without relying on anyone but our self. To be financially, relationally, and spiritually secured without having to work-out the emotional and irrational issues between people, some would say, would be a relief. In fact, their conclusion is that this would be a wonderful world if we could just get what we want without all of life’s soap opera drama.

This leads me to our first parents. Some believe that Adam & Eve’s sin was the desire to be self-sufficient. Their desire was to be like God, dependent on no one but themselves. Hasn’t humanity been in the same mindset since?

How do you think God designed us to be? To be SELF-sufficient or GOD-sufficient? SELF-fulfilled or GOD-fulfilled? SELF-esteemed or GOD-esteemed? SELF-loved or GOD-loved?

If Jesus’ himself said that he could do nothing apart from his Father God, what about us?

Are we more capable than Jesus? I think not. Maybe it’s time to change our viewpoint and seek out how to live life from a Christ-centered perspective. Or is that just a little too radical for some of us?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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 a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

More Prayer, Greater Opportunities, Better Choices

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms, Life in Christ , , ,
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,” Philippians 1:9 NIV

PRAY 34

Want to improve your love life? Your career? Your financial house?

Pray!

Prayer is the means we commune with the Great Designer. The same Being who is Love, who enjoys work, and knows our basic necessities as a human being.

His desire is to share His life in you, with you, and through you. But he is respective of your boundaries. He will not force you to comply with his desires. Rather he wants you to willfully choose to be in a meaningful relationship with Him.

Prayer is the means he designed for that purpose. It is heaven’s cell phone.
You have direct contact with your heavenly Dad who wants his children to succeed in life.

It doesn’t take a college degree, an introduction by a high ranking official, or a specific position for him to hear you. It only takes a willing heart. A heart that wants to be in a relationship. A heart that wants to learn and grow in the relationship.

As you venture into the area of prayer, you will discover a new addiction. One that helps you view life through the same eyes of the Man-God that walked the earth 2,000 years ago. You will begin to see opportunities that weren’t there before. You will make choices with a more long-term horizon. You will experience the joy of walking in the presence of your heavenly Dad.

It happens when you live a prayer-full life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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