Shaped By The WORD

Gratitude

Dr. Mike Shaped By The WORD , , , ,
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:26 NIV.

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A thankful heart is a repentant heart. A heart that recognizes who “GOD IS” and what He has done, is doing, and will do, is typically a mature person who recognizes reality. Yet, don’t we sometimes take God’s character and divine nature which overflows with abundance of grace for granted? How often do we take that which naturally and routinely occurs in our life as a mundane expectation? Don’t we simply expect the sun to rise each day, the rain to fall during the year, and food to be on the supermarket shelves when shopping?

When we safely walk our pets through the park, drive our cars on freeways and take trips across the country to visit our children and grandchildren, don’t we casually liken it as normal life?

When we connect with others through our Smartphone, Skype, and Email, “doesn’t everyone?”

What we do every day as normal and routine, don’t we most often take for granted?

However when something unexpectedly happens like a bomb exploding in a crowded restaurant, a natural fire that destroys our personal belongings, or an accident that takes away a love one, doesn’t our world shake? Isn’t it then we quickly realize we are not in control of “our world” even if we act as if we are?

When trials test us. When events hurt us. When expectations fail. Isn’t it comforting to have someone stronger, surer, and more supportive around us to lean on?

When trust is rewarded, when promises are kept, and hope comes real, do we give recognition to the One whose ultimate hand secured the outcome?

When our prayers are being answered, circumstances workout better than we could ever expect, and life is full of happiness and good cheer, do we thank the One who makes everything possible? Or do we pat ourselves on the back for another job well done?

How about taking a minute today and simply thank the Author of Life, Giver of Gifts, and Perfecter of Perfection?

He is working out His purpose today and has included you in the mix. He loves you more than you will ever know. He has gifted you with unique talent and abilities. He has invited you to partner with Him in the greatest adventure and love story that you will ever experience. His world of abundance is at your reach. He has more to give and more to share than you can ever imagine.

Otherwise, who do you thank when your world is more blessed than what you deserve?

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!

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How To Read The Bible For the First Time?

Dr. Mike Bible Life Questions, Shaped By The WORD , ,
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11 ESV.

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If you asked me today how to best read the Bible, my answer would be something like this:

First, read the book like any other story narrative. Start in the first book called Genesis and read right through until you finish the last book called Revelations. However read with only one question in mind: “How does God relate to humanity?” As you read, get to know God’s attributes, purposes, and mode of operation.  Don’t get stuck trying to understand anything else at this time but only focus on who “God IS.”

When you have finished, plan to reread the entire Bible one more time. This time though pay particular attention in how humanity responds to God. However this time read first the New Testament before the Old Testament. But again only study how mankind behaves before God. Don’t get sidetrack on anything else at this time.

After you have completed that assignment, then re-read the entire book from beginning through end with only one other question in mind: “How does this apply to me?” As you read you will become more aware of how God may be working with you. Some scripture may only make you yawn. Others you will find yourself strongly relating too. You will discover more about yourself as you focus on how God has worked with others and how others have responded to Him.

Only after going through the above exercise, I would than study one book at a time starting with the New Testament.  Read each book to discover the major theme, audience, and purpose behind the writing. You will not need any outside material to assist you. Instead, look for supporting points toward your main theme and outline it in your own words. This exercise will help you recognize when people take scripture out of context to make a personal point. When you recognize how that specific scripture supports the theme and answers the specific reason for the book, you will know probably just as much as any so-called Bible scholar.

You will find the Holy Spirit working with you as you discover more about God, humanity, and yourself in the process. It is a lifelong journey so don’t expect to understand everything you read at once. Through life’s divine appointments, listening to others, and walking in the Spirit, the Bible will become a relevant tool in your hand to decipher the season of life you are going through. When you look back, you will realize that the Bible is a living testament of 40 authors inspired by God so we may come to know Him more intimately as He reveals Himself through its pages. You will also come to recognize Him in the many daily routines and through life’s diverse moments.  It all happens as you lean on Him studying His expressed Word like those Jews who were considered more noble than those in Thessalonica.

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!

The Book That Understands You

Dr. Mike Shaped By The WORD , , , , ,
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 ESV

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Ever read a book that you couldn’t put down because it was like the author wrote it knowing everything there is about you? She knew what excited you. She took you from an emotional high to a painful low. She knew what got your goat. She knew how you thought. She knew what you would do next and deliberately turned the next chapter against your perceived ideas. Everything about you that you haven’t shared with another soul was being drawn out of you through the pages of the story.

Now some people may shy away from such a novel. Others would want to read the sequel and couldn’t wait until the story became a movie. Such a book would probably be a number one seller for years.

Some people may not be aware of it, but the Christian Bible has been a number one best seller each year it has been in print. It is a book that truly understands you and me. It has violence, sex, power, political intrigue, suspense, surprise outcomes, and other unbelievable results. It showcases romance, rags-to-riches stories, and the difference one person makes in the lives of others. It captures human nature at its finest and worst. It explains how you are wired and what can be done to transform it. It is a story with more plots than a graveyard.

You want to know why you behave the way you do? Read the book.
You want to better understand why others are the way they are? Read the book.
You want wisdom in dealing with the people in your world? Read the book.
You want your life to have greater adventure and excitement like the movies you enjoy? Read the book.
You want to develop a relationship with someone who understands you better than anyone else? Read the book.

As you read the book you discover more about its invisible Author. You come to know the people who He associates with; the people who are drawn to him. As you read the book, you begin to better understand yourself, your motives, and your potential. You learn better ways to relate with others. You become more like the heroes written in the book. You understand their pain and joy because you share in the same venues.

The more you read, the more you begin to realize the book truly understands you better than anything you ever read before. Then you begin to realize it is so because its prime Author created you and wants to have an ongoing, long term, intimate relationship with you. It begins when you read the book!

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