Becoming One

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21 ESV

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In Jesus’ prayer after what scholars call his last supper he thanks his Father for being one with each other. In addition he asks His Father that his current and future disciples also  become one with Father God & Jesus.

What is so important about this request?

Simply this, Jesus shares with us his vision of the relationship he expects between the Triune God and us. His prayer is we walk in union, harmony, and agreement with the Triune God.

In fact, his example of Biblical marriage between a man and woman gives us a model to emulate. In marriage, the purpose is for two people to become one. A single entity with dual input.

Likewise in our relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit who lives in us, we have the privilege to walk in union with the Creator of life. Jesus’ desire is to make it so. Doesn’t God become more real when both you and Him are in agreement with purpose, meaning, and methodology?

Like a successful marriage were both give 100% of each other for the sake of the other, so is the same in our union with the Triune God. God is 100% committed and faithful in the relationship. The ultimate question: How about you & I?

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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You Are Unique

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalms 139:13-16 ESV

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Ever notice how the culture around us works hard to make everyone the same? The media through advertisement, news, and fantasy shows continue to sell their products without concern for godly impact.

The media preaches tolerance as long as it agrees with the (their) status quo. Students are taught to comply with standardized tests. If one drops out of school, then there must be something wrong with the person – not the institution. One mustn’t question those who have gone before us but simply accept the facts as given. When someone different appears on the scene, we either quickly agree (because it reflects our lifestyle) or disagree. The world’s culture teaches truth is personal and subjective with no absolutes. Yet the 1% who influence culture still live their life as if absolutes exist. A double standard?

God created you and me with an unique DNA. There are no two people alike in the world today. In fact, there is no one who ever lived under heaven with the same personality, DNA, and character combined in one person. You are unique.

So what are you going to do about it? Are you going to work hard to conform to what others dictate as normal? Are you going to go along with the status quo to be accepted even though deep inside something is telling you no? Are you going to live your life conformed into the image of some other person’s box? Or are you going to allow God’s Spirit to morph you into the Creator’s original purpose for your life?

You are unique in regards to talent, personality, and fortitude. God specially bestowed upon you His specific attributes. He wants you to enjoy life while you learn to love Him, others, and yourself. God is unique. His creation is unique. Therefore, you are also unique.

Don’t settle for less, the artificial, or forgery. Instead, seek Jesus Christ and ask Him to lead you to be YOU. The YOU God so uniquely designed in your mother’s womb when he chose which sperm and egg would unite to form you.

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 a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

God Loves YOU

“…for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me (Jesus) and have believed that I came from God.” John 16:27 ESV

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How do you know that God loves you? Is it, like the children’s Sunday school song, only because the Bible tells you so?

We have a man in our small group who enjoys sharing his walk with the Lord. He reminds us continually that he had no problem believing that God loves everyone at our table except him. That it took a crisis in his life where he came to realize that he only survived because of the grace of God. That God poured out his love to him through the people in his world. He came to realize how much God loves him by the fruit produced through the unconditional love of others.

How about you? Do you know God really, really loves YOU?

The above scripture is one of my favorites in regards to God’s love. It reminds me that God loves us not because of our talents, treasurers, or good works. He loves us because of Jesus Christ.

When we acknowledge, believe, and know that Jesus is the Messiah of the Bible, that he came from God on a mission of redemption, and our heartfelt, emotional focus is to immerse ourselves in him, he assures us that His Father loves us. These are Jesus’ words to us.

God loves YOU! He views us through the heart of Jesus. This is why Jesus is so important to us. Without him, we try to win God’s approval through our personal efforts. We are like the confused teenager trying to impress the girl he fantasizes over. The outcome though is childish and usually ends in embarrassment. Instead we need to realize the love that God has for Jesus is the same love he bestows on you and me.

So the next time you question God’s love for you, remember this scripture. And instead rejoice in our King and Savior.

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 a Friend…Share Today’s Message!