Life in Christ

Poor in Spirit

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms, Life in Christ , , ,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 ESV

poor spirit 1

Who are the poor in spirit?  Are we not taught to be rich in spirit? Isn’t those who have a positive attitude, an assurance of confidence, and strong self-esteem the model we are told to desire?  Is this not the spirit we are told will make us happy? Did Jesus get it all wrong?

Some people believe that if one is poor in material goods, than one is also poor in spirit? Is this true?  Others say that poor in spirit is simply humility in action. In Revelation 3:17 the writer addresses those in the church that have all the dressings of success but don’t realize that they are living in spiritual poverty.  Who then are the poor in spirit?

When one begins to walk with the Lord, one slowly begins to realize the vast difference between the teacher and student. One quickly attains that the Teacher is the Master and the student is the pupil. When the student compares oneself with the Teacher, one humbly acknowledges that they lack or fall far short of the many qualities related to holiness. When God’s love and grace is demonstrated into one’s life, one begins to realize how far below the measuring bar one sits.

One soon begins to pray and ask God for the fruit of His Spirit to grow within themselves. Yet even as the fruit begins to bloom in one’s life, one is always comparing themselves with Jesus. In that comparison one is always coming to the reality how poor one is when compared with the vast riches found in Christ.

When one compares themselves with their neighbor, one is easily blinded to their spiritual immaturity.  It is easy to feel or think one has arrived to the highest level of spiritual maturity when one compares the self with the devil. Yet when one compares themselves with the real measuring scale of Jesus Christ, one quickly repents and admits one’s state of poverty. It is only through the Spirit of Christ that one inherits the richness of His Kingdom. It is only through Christ, that one truly experiences the treasurers of the Kingdom of God.

So when one can honestly admit how poor they are when comparing themselves with Christ, and how needy they are for a living, deep  relationship with Christ, then one can also begin to experience the fruit of Kingdom living now and the hope of Kingdom living for eternity. It all begins when one realizes how poor they truly are when compared with the Incarnate Triune God.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

 

Inherit The Earth

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , ,
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 ESV

meek 1

How in the world are the meek going to inherit the earth? In our current system of governments, isn’t it the strong and powerful that conquer other lands? If you put a meek person up against a strong man, what is our perception on who is going to win the fight? So how does the meek inherit the earth?

To better understand the how, one needs to know the goal of salvation. The objective of salvation isn’t just to receive a ticket for eternal life. It involves so much more. God’s objective now is to restore creation back to his original intent which eventually leads to the climatic achievement when heaven and earth is finally and totally merged together in one new creation (Revelation 21-22).  All of this proposed before the foundation of the world and implemented through the new birth of Jesus Christ via a resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus began the new birth of a new humanity. This new creation involves the merging of the physical and spiritual. As Jesus was 100% human and 100% divine, he paved the way for others to follow him.  When we accept His authority in our lives, he births  us with a new Spirit. This spirit is the Holy Spirit that opens the way for us to have an adopted relationship with the living God.

Now as children of God, with our hearts being soften by the Spirit, the fruit of that Spirit becomes our DNA. Included within that DNA is the spirit of gentleness which is likewise translated in some Bible versions as meekness. So when Jesus said that those who are meek shall inherit the earth, he is casting the vision of the end time. He is highlighting the reward for those who follow him. For as we are now being trained as kings and priests of his domain (Rev 1:6, 5:10, 20:6), our inheritance is stored in heaven until the culmination of all things (Eph 1:10).

So yes the meek shall inherit the earth. Not because of our strength, smarts, or spirituality. But only because of Jesus Christ.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

God, Family, Character

Dr. Mike Life in Christ ,
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” Psalms 128:2

life liberty 1

Thanksgiving is one of the national holidays that I supremely enjoy. A time to give thanks to our Awesome Benefactor for the bountifulness of this great country.

To reflect on this unique country and its history makes one realize how blessed as a nation we truly are. From the pilgrims first settlement, to my parents immigrating after World War II, to the illegal aliens willing to risk their own lives to come to this country, makes one realize how special this nation truly has become. Yet we also cry inside as we watch this country throw out the baby with the bath water.

When you read the writings of many early American historians, you note at least three common characteristics most often expressed that made this country great: God, Family, and Character. This God of our early history wasn’t an idealistic idea, but a Providential Ruler. Thomas Jefferson, a deist, was even inspired to acknowledge that America’s independence from England was a right bestowed by this Creator when he framed the Declaration of Independence. This God was allowed to be involved in early governmental affairs. Today however, we disavow His involvement in public affairs and the price paid is becoming more costly each year.

In the early years of American life, family was the backbone of community success. Families would need labor to operate farms and therefore having one dozen children was not unusual but a necessity to assist with the chores. Families learned to depend on each other for survival and entertainment. Children learned practical survival skills that included hunting, farming, and Biblical common sense. Today, we don’t depend on family for such necessities of life. As a result the nuclear family is disappearing and the favorable fruit it produced is likewise dying. Instead of learning how to work-out problems between two people, we now exit the situation. We have placed our individual needs before others. Wonder why today’s younger generation has been labeled as the most narcissistic generation since the keeping of records?

Of course, it took work and sacrifice to build America into the economic powerhouse under the Providential Benefactor’s blessings within an idealistic land and climate. It wasn’t about seeking easy street. It was about discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and willing to risk everything for a better life. Why is it that families coming into this country with nothing leave an estate for their children that rivals wealthy people around the world? They know the sacrifice and hard work that is required to live a dream. Today we have raised a generation where many want the American dream, but lack the character to make it happen.

Jesus came so we may participate with Him in His new creation. A life of abundance. A life that is a transformation from the Old Human to a New Human. That new Human involves the development of godly character. The same character that God employs in His eternal travels through the universe. His goal is for you and I to fully realize what it means to be human in this life and the life to come. Apart from Him though, it cannot be done. So when you accept His authority in your life, allow His Spirit to lead you and influence you in your decisions and choices, you participate in a journey of transformation in Christ that leads to an enjoyable life now and for eternity.

That is why I am truly Thankful this time of year. It always reminds me that no matter what is going on around, God is Good. Family is Good. Godly Character is Good. And I enjoy the Good in Life.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.